Project Grants to Strengthen Civil Society and Democracy (Slovakia)

Deadline: 31-May-2026

The EEA Civil Society Fund in Slovakia has launched Open Call No. 2 for Project Grants to support Slovak civil society organisations (CSOs) working on democracy, human rights, social inclusion, media literacy, refugee integration, gender equality, LGBTIQ+ rights, Roma inclusion, and climate action. The call offers €50,000 to €80,000 per project, with a total budget of €3,380,000, and is open to registered non-profit CSOs based in Slovakia.

Overview

The EEA Civil Society Fund Slovakia Open Call No. 2 invites eligible non-profit civil society organisations in Slovakia to apply for project grants that strengthen democratic values, rule of law, human rights, inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

This call is designed to support advocacy, watchdog work, policy engagement, public education, anti-disinformation efforts, and civil society capacity building in response to both long-term structural challenges and current social issues.

It is a strong fit for rights-based CSOs, democracy and governance organisations, media literacy groups, Roma-led initiatives, gender equality advocates, and climate and environmental civil society actors.

Quick Facts

• Program Name: EEA Civil Society Fund Slovakia – Open Call No. 2 for Project Grants
• Country: Slovakia
• Total Funding Available: €3,380,000
• Grant Size: €50,000 to €80,000
• Who Can Apply: Registered non-profit CSOs based in Slovakia
• Lead Programme Manager: Ekopolis Foundation
• Consortium Partners: Open Society Foundation Bratislava (OSF) and Carpathian Foundation (CF)
• Core Themes: Democracy, rule of law, human rights, inclusion, media literacy, climate action, gender equality

Purpose of the Call

The call aims to build a vibrant, resilient, and independent civil society sector in Slovakia.

Its main purpose is to help CSOs:

• Protect and promote democracy
• Strengthen the rule of law
• Defend human rights
• Respond to social and political polarisation
• Support inclusion of marginalised groups
• Improve information integrity
• Advance climate and environmental justice

The programme also supports stronger civil society participation in public decision-making and encourages cooperation at bilateral and regional levels.

Priority Areas Supported

This call supports a broad set of thematic areas. Strong proposals should clearly align with at least one of these priorities.

Democracy, Rule of Law, and Public Accountability

Projects may focus on:

• Strengthening democratic institutions
• Protecting the rule of law
• Advocacy and watchdog activities
• Public policy engagement
• Expert legislative analysis
• Strategic communication
• Data-driven civic work
• Promoting transparency in public administration

Refugee Integration and Social Cohesion

The call gives attention to emerging social challenges, especially related to the integration of refugees affected by the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Relevant activities may include:

• Refugee and migrant inclusion
• Equal opportunities
• Community solidarity
• Social cohesion between refugees and host communities
• Countering xenophobia and exclusion

Independent Journalism, Fact-Checking, and Media Literacy

Projects can support:

• Independent journalism
• Fact-checking initiatives
• Media literacy education
• Countering disinformation
• Building critically informed and resilient communities

Inclusion of Marginalised Groups

The call addresses structural discrimination affecting:

• Roma communities
• Women
• LGBTIQ+ people
• Persons with disabilities
• Other marginalised groups

Special attention is given to:

• Roma inclusion
• Roma-led initiatives
• Empowerment and participation of excluded communities

Gender Equality, SRHR, and LGBTIQ+ Rights

Supported work may include:

• Gender equality advocacy
• Prevention of gender-based violence
• Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
• LGBTIQ+ rights
• Public education
• Access to services
• Strategic litigation
• Countering stereotypes and polarisation

Climate Action and Just Green Transition

Projects are also encouraged in:

• Climate action
• Environmental protection
• Just green transition
• Civic participation in environmental decision-making
• Cooperation between civil society, public authorities, and stakeholders

Who Manages the Fund?

The EEA Civil Society Fund in Slovakia is managed by a consortium of three organisations:

• Ekopolis Foundation (lead partner)
• Open Society Foundation Bratislava (OSF)
• Carpathian Foundation (CF)

Ekopolis Foundation is the lead partner responsible for overall programme management.

Who Is Eligible?

The call is open to registered non-profit civil society organisations based in Slovakia.

Eligible Legal Forms

Eligible applicants include:

• Civic associations
• Foundations
• Non-profit organisations providing public-beneficial services
• Non-investment funds
• Associations of legal entities
• Slovak Red Cross

Core Eligibility Conditions

Applicants must:

• Be registered in Slovakia
• Be a non-profit CSO
• Be independent from:
  • Government
  • Political parties
  • Commercial interests
  • Profit distribution
• Respect principles of:
  • Human dignity
  • Democracy
  • Equality
  • Human rights

Faith-Based Organisations

Faith-based organisations may apply, but only if:

• Their project activities do not promote religious doctrine
• Their activities do not involve proselytism

Funding Amount

The call provides:

• Total fund available: €3,380,000
• Minimum grant: €50,000
• Maximum grant: €80,000

This makes it suitable for mid-sized civil society projects with clear public value and structured implementation plans.

Why This Call Matters

This is an important funding opportunity because it supports independent civic space in a time of rising pressure on democracy, public trust, and social cohesion.

It is especially relevant for organisations working on:

• Anti-corruption and accountability
• Human rights protection
• Refugee integration
• Anti-disinformation and media literacy
• Inclusion of Roma and other marginalised groups
• Gender equality and LGBTIQ+ rights
• Climate justice and public participation

The call also values organizational capacity and a stronger enabling environment for civil society.

How to Apply

While the full application steps are not provided in the text, applicants should prepare for a standard structured grant process.

Step 1: Confirm Legal Eligibility

Make sure your organisation:

• Is a registered non-profit CSO in Slovakia
• Fits one of the eligible legal forms
• Meets independence and human rights principles

Step 2: Choose a Clear Thematic Priority

Select one strong project focus, such as:

• Rule of law and transparency
• Refugee integration
• Media literacy and fact-checking
• Roma inclusion
• Gender equality or SRHR
• LGBTIQ+ rights
• Climate action and green transition

Step 3: Build a Strong Problem Statement

Clearly explain:

• What issue you are addressing
• Why it matters now in Slovakia
• Which communities are affected
• What gap your project fills

Step 4: Design a Practical CSO-Led Project

Your proposal should include:

• Objectives
• Activities
• Advocacy or service model
• Community engagement approach
• Indicators and expected results
• Budget between €50,000–€80,000

Step 5: Show Rights-Based and Public Benefit Impact

Strong proposals should demonstrate:

• Clear public value
• Human rights alignment
• Inclusion and anti-discrimination impact
• Civic participation or policy relevance
• Long-term value for civil society

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without meeting CSO legal eligibility
• Proposing a budget outside €50,000–€80,000
• Submitting a project that is too broad or covers too many themes
• Weak explanation of target groups or public benefit
• Failing to show independence from political or commercial interests
• Using faith-based activities that could be seen as proselytising
• Not connecting activities to measurable outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the EEA Civil Society Fund Slovakia Open Call No. 2?

It is a project grant call for civil society organisations in Slovakia to support work on democracy, human rights, inclusion, media literacy, and environmental sustainability.

2. How much funding is available?

A total of €3,380,000 is available, with individual grants ranging from €50,000 to €80,000.

3. Who can apply?

Registered non-profit CSOs based in Slovakia can apply, including civic associations, foundations, non-profit service providers, non-investment funds, associations of legal entities, and the Slovak Red Cross.

4. Are faith-based organisations eligible?

Yes, but only if the project does not promote religious doctrine or involve proselytism.

5. What types of projects are supported?

Projects in areas such as:

• Rule of law and democratic institutions
• Refugee integration
• Independent journalism and fact-checking
• Media literacy
• Roma inclusion
• Gender equality and SRHR
• LGBTIQ+ rights
• Climate action and environmental protection

6. Does the call support Roma-led initiatives?

Yes. The call places special emphasis on inclusion and empowerment of Roma-led initiatives.

7. Who manages the fund?

The fund is managed by Ekopolis Foundation, Open Society Foundation Bratislava, and Carpathian Foundation, with Ekopolis Foundation as the lead partner.

Final Takeaway

The EEA Civil Society Fund Slovakia Open Call No. 2 is a major opportunity for Slovak non-profit CSOs working on democracy, human rights, inclusion, media resilience, and climate justice.

With grants of €50,000 to €80,000 and a strong focus on rights-based, evidence-driven, and socially impactful work, this call is especially relevant for organisations ready to deliver structured projects that strengthen civil society and protect democratic values in Slovakia.

For more information, visit EEA Civil Society Fund.