Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
The EEA Civil Society Fund’s Project Grants on Systemic Change support long-term initiatives in the Czech Republic that strengthen democracy, human rights, and civil society resilience. Grants range from €100,000 to €200,000 for 36-month projects focused on systemic policy, legal, and institutional change. The programme prioritises structural reforms, civic participation, and support for marginalised groups including Roma, LGBTIQ+ communities, women, and people affected by displacement.
What is the Systemic Change Grant Programme?
The EEA Civil Society Fund – Project Grants on Systemic Change is a long-term funding initiative designed to support structural improvements in democratic governance, human rights protection, and civil society development.
Unlike short-term project funding, this programme focuses on:
- Systemic and legislative reform
- Long-term civic and democratic impact
- Strengthening civil society institutions
- Improving cooperation between stakeholders
- Building resilient democratic systems
It operates within the Czech Republic under the EEA Civil Society Fund framework.
Core Purpose of the Programme
The programme aims to respond to key democratic and societal challenges, including:
- Growing political and social polarization
- Declining trust in public institutions
- Shrinking civic space
- Social exclusion and inequality
- Barriers to democratic participation
It supports initiatives that create structural and long-lasting change rather than temporary interventions.
Key Focus Areas
Democracy and Rule of Law
- Strengthening democratic institutions
- Supporting rule of law and accountability
- Increasing civic participation in governance
Civil Society Participation
- Expanding CSO involvement in policymaking
- Strengthening advocacy and civic engagement
- Building cooperation between civil society and public authorities
Human Rights and Social Justice
- Anti-discrimination initiatives
- Protection of fundamental rights
- Support for vulnerable communities
Gender Equality and Inclusion
- Gender equality initiatives
- Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
- LGBTIQ+ rights protection
- Prevention of gender-based violence
Climate and Environmental Action
- Climate transition initiatives
- Environmental protection
- Just green transition policies
Roma Inclusion and Empowerment
- Support for Roma-led organisations
- Empowerment of Roma communities
- Focus on Roma women and girls
- Addressing systemic discrimination
Ukraine-Related Challenges
Funding Details
- Total programme budget: €1,600,000
- Grant size per project: €100,000–€200,000
- Project duration: 36 months (3 years)
- Co-financing: Not required
- Geographic scope: Czech Republic
Programme Approach: Systemic Change
This funding is designed to support deep structural transformation, including:
- Policy reform and legislative change
- Strategic litigation and legal advocacy
- Evidence-based policymaking
- Institutional strengthening
- Cross-sector collaboration
It prioritises long-term solutions over short-term service delivery.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet ALL conditions:
Legal Status
- Non-profit civil society organisations
Independence Requirement
- Must be independent from:
- Government bodies
- Political parties
- Public institutions
- Commercial organisations
Registration Requirement
- Minimum 2 years of registration history in the Czech Republic
Eligible Organisation Types
- Associations
- Registered institutes
- Public benefit corporations
- Foundations and endowment funds
- Interest associations of legal entities
- Religious organisation-linked legal entities (meeting eligibility criteria)
What the Programme Supports
Eligible systemic change initiatives may include:
- Policy advocacy and reform initiatives
- Strategic litigation cases
- Evidence-based research for policy change
- Anti-discrimination frameworks and campaigns
- Civic participation strengthening mechanisms
- Coalition-building between CSOs and institutions
- Long-term human rights protection systems
Why This Programme Matters
This funding is critical because it:
- Supports structural democratic reform
- Strengthens civil society influence in policymaking
- Protects vulnerable and marginalised communities
- Improves accountability in governance systems
- Builds long-term institutional resilience
- Encourages evidence-based legislative change
It addresses root causes of inequality rather than short-term symptoms.
Priority Beneficiary Groups
The programme prioritises support for:
- Roma communities, including Roma women and girls
- LGBTIQ+ individuals
- Women and gender-based violence survivors
- People displaced from Ukraine
- Other socially excluded or marginalised groups
How the Programme Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Identify Systemic Issue
- Define a structural problem in democracy or human rights
- Ensure relevance to policy or institutional change
Step 2: Design Long-Term Strategy
Include:
- Policy or legal change objectives
- Multi-year roadmap (36 months)
- Stakeholder engagement plan
- Advocacy or litigation approach
Step 3: Confirm Eligibility
- CSO legal status in Czech Republic
- At least 2 years of registration
- Independence from state and political entities
Step 4: Develop Application
- Detailed systemic change proposal
- Evidence base and justification
- Budget plan (€100,000–€200,000)
- Partnership strategy
Step 5: Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed on:
- Systemic impact potential
- Strength of evidence and methodology
- Contribution to democratic governance
- Inclusion of marginalised groups
- Feasibility of long-term change
- Cross-sector collaboration capacity
Step 6: Implementation
- Funding awarded for 36 months
- Monitoring and reporting required
- Collaboration with stakeholders encouraged
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting short-term or service-based projects
- Weak policy or systemic change focus
- Lack of evidence-based approach
- Missing eligibility requirements (registration history or independence)
- Underestimating 36-month project scope
- Limited stakeholder engagement strategy
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on structural or legislative change
- Build strong evidence-based arguments
- Include clear policy impact pathways
- Design multi-stakeholder collaboration models
- Prioritise marginalised communities meaningfully
- Ensure realistic 3-year implementation planning
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the funding amount?
Between €100,000 and €200,000 per project.
2. What is the project duration?
36 months (3 years).
3. Is co-financing required?
No, co-financing is not required.
4. Who can apply?
Non-profit civil society organisations in the Czech Republic with at least 2 years of registration.
5. What is the main goal of the programme?
To support systemic, policy, and legislative change for democracy and human rights.
6. Which groups are prioritised?
Roma communities, LGBTIQ+ people, women, and displaced people from Ukraine.
7. What type of change is expected?
Long-term structural change, not short-term project outcomes.
Conclusion
The EEA Civil Society Fund’s Project Grants on Systemic Change provide substantial long-term funding to strengthen democracy, human rights, and civil society in the Czech Republic. By investing €100,000–€200,000 per project over three years, the programme supports deep systemic reforms, policy advocacy, and structural change that empower civil society and protect marginalised communities.
For more information, visit EEA Civil Society Fund.