Intercity Network Development Grant Programme (Turkey)

Deadline: 14-Apr-2026

The Intercity Network Development Grant Program provides up to €30,000 to support collaborative, rights-based cultural and social projects across multiple cities in Turkey. It focuses on diversity, inclusion, and intercity networking among civil society organizations.

Overview

The Intercity Network Development Grant Program supports collaboration, dialogue, and networking among civil society actors across cities in Turkey.

The programme is designed to decentralize cultural and social initiatives by encouraging partnerships beyond major metropolitan centers and fostering inclusive, rights-based engagement across regions.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Promote intercity collaboration and exchange
• Strengthen civil society networks across Turkey
• Support diversity and inclusion across communities
• Encourage rights-based approaches in cultural and social projects
• Build sustainable, long-term partnerships

Key Focus Areas

Projects must align with one or more of the following themes:

Social and Rights-Based Themes

• Gender equality
• LGBTQ+ rights
• Human rights and freedom of expression
• Social cohesion and inclusion
• Children’s rights
• Diversity across ethnic, religious, and linguistic groups

Programme and Activity Types

Eligible project formats include:

• Exchange programmes and mobility initiatives
• Visiting artist programmes
• Conference and dialogue series
• Intercity training programmes
• Inter-institutional network development
• Exhibitions and cultural collaborations

Funding Details

• Maximum grant: €30,000
• Project duration: Up to 12 months
• Funding scope: Supports multi-city collaborative activities and network-building efforts

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Civil society organizations (CSOs) with legal status, including:
  • Associations
  • Foundations
  • Cooperatives

Mandatory Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of operational experience
• Applicants must be based in Turkey
• Projects must be implemented within Turkey
• Projects must involve activities in more than one city

Special Geographic Condition

For applicants based in:

• Istanbul
• Ankara
• Izmir

Participants must include individuals or organizations from other cities to ensure geographic diversity and inclusion.

Project Partnership Structure

Roles in the Project

• Applicant: Leads the project and manages implementation
• Co-applicants:
  • Actively involved in design and execution
  • Share responsibilities and budget
• Contributors:
  • Support specific components or activities

Requirements

• Clear definition of roles and responsibilities
• Transparent budget allocation among partners
• Mandatory declaration forms for all parties via the application portal

Why This Programme Matters

This programme is important because it:

• Reduces concentration of opportunities in major cities
• Promotes inclusive participation across regions
• Strengthens collaboration among diverse communities
• Supports rights-based cultural and social initiatives
• Builds sustainable national networks

It enables organizations to co-create solutions that address social challenges while fostering unity and diversity.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Confirm Eligibility
   Ensure your organization meets legal status and experience requirements
2. Build an Intercity Partnership

• Identify co-applicants and contributors
• Include partners from multiple cities

3. Design the Project
   Clearly define:

• Objectives and themes
• Activities across cities
• Expected outcomes and impact
• Collaboration model

4. Prepare Documentation
   Include:

• Organizational details
• Partner roles and agreements
• Budget breakdown
• Declaration forms

5. Submit Application
   Apply through the official programme portal
6. Selection Process
   Projects are evaluated based on:

• Relevance to themes
• Strength of collaboration
• Geographic diversity
• Feasibility and impact

Key Tips for Applicants

• Prioritize strong intercity collaboration
• Ensure meaningful participation from different regions
• Align clearly with rights-based themes
• Build sustainable partnerships beyond the project period
• Provide a clear and realistic budget

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposals limited to a single city
• Weak or unclear partnership structures
• Lack of geographic diversity
• अस्पष्ट roles and responsibilities
• Overly ambitious projects without feasibility

FAQs

1. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to €30,000 per project.

2. Who can apply?

Civil society organizations in Turkey with at least 5 years of experience.

3. Are partnerships required?

Yes, projects must involve multiple cities and collaborative partners.

4. Can organizations from major cities apply?

Yes, but they must include participants from other cities.

5. What is the project duration?

Up to 12 months.

6. What types of projects are supported?

Cultural, social, and rights-based intercity initiatives such as exchanges, training, and exhibitions.

7. Are international organizations eligible?

No, projects and applicants must be based in Turkey.

Conclusion

The Intercity Network Development Grant Program is a powerful initiative to strengthen collaboration and inclusivity across Turkey.

By supporting multi-city partnerships and rights-based approaches, it enables civil society organizations to build sustainable networks and address key social challenges through collective action.

For more information, visit Culture Civic: Arts and Culture Support Program.