Deadline: 30-Dec-2025
The European Commission is offering EUR 5.5 million in grants to Palestinian civil society organizations to protect human rights, reinforce democratic governance, and expand civic space. Two funding lots target (1) civil society capacity and civic freedoms and (2) human rights and democracy initiatives, supporting projects with cross-cutting principles like gender equality and inclusivity.
Overview
The European Commission call for proposals supports Palestinian civil society organizations in promoting democratic principles, protecting human rights, and strengthening organizational capacity in governance and development. The initiative is designed to empower local actors to defend fundamental freedoms, engage in public policy processes, and foster accountability in increasingly constrained civic spaces.
The programme is divided into two funding lots, each targeting distinct priorities and impact areas:
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Lot 1: Civil Society Capacity and Civic Space
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Lot 2: Human Rights and Democracy
Lot 1: Civil Society Capacity and Civic Space
Lot 1 focuses on reinforcing the ability of civil society organizations to operate effectively in restrictive environments. Key objectives include:
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Safeguarding civic freedoms and fundamental rights
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Strengthening organizational preparedness for restrictive conditions
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Enhancing civil society engagement in national policy dialogue
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Deepening involvement in development planning and advocacy coordination
Grant range: EUR 500,000 – 1,000,000
Total Lot 1 allocation: EUR 3,500,000
Projects must clearly address at least one defined priority and demonstrate contextual relevance to challenges faced by Palestinian civil society.
Lot 2: Human Rights and Democracy
Lot 2 supports initiatives that protect vulnerable populations and promote accountability. Focus areas include:
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Preventing human rights violations
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Documenting abuses and reinforcing oversight
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Supporting women, youth, children, and persons with disabilities
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Promoting awareness of international humanitarian law obligations
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Building safer environments for at-risk communities
Grant range: EUR 450,000 – 750,000
Total Lot 2 allocation: EUR 2,000,000
Projects are expected to create measurable improvements in public awareness, accountability, and protection mechanisms.
Cross-Cutting Principles
Applicants are encouraged to integrate cross-cutting approaches, including:
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Gender equality and inclusivity
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Environmental considerations
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Meaningful participation of marginalized groups
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Use of Financial Support to Third Parties to extend project reach
Eligibility Criteria
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Non-profit legal entities established in Palestine for at least three years
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Eligible organizations include:
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Civil society organizations and community-based groups
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Faith-based organizations and charitable societies
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Non-profit universities and research institutions
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Networks of civil society actors
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Lead applicants must implement projects directly and may collaborate with co-applicants or affiliated entities with formal structural links
Funding Details
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Total funding: EUR 5,500,000
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Lot 1: EUR 3,500,000
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Lot 2: EUR 2,000,000
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Grants are subject to reallocation if proposal quality or quantity is insufficient
How to Apply / How it Works
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Identify Lot: Determine which funding lot aligns with your project’s focus.
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Prepare Proposal: Develop a detailed plan with objectives, target populations, expected outcomes, and cross-cutting principles.
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Submit Application: Follow European Commission submission guidelines within the open call period.
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Partnerships: Clearly define roles for lead and co-applicants or affiliated entities.
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Evaluation: Proposals assessed based on relevance, feasibility, impact potential, and adherence to funding priorities.
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Implementation: Successful applicants implement projects and monitor outcomes, using Financial Support to Third Parties if applicable.
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Reporting: Submit progress and final reports to demonstrate accountability and impact.
Why It Matters
This call strengthens democratic governance and human rights protections in Palestine by:
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Empowering civil society to navigate restrictive environments
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Protecting vulnerable groups from rights violations
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Enhancing public participation and policy influence
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Reinforcing accountability and transparent governance mechanisms
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting proposals without clear alignment to Lot priorities
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Overlooking cross-cutting principles like gender equality or inclusivity
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Failing to demonstrate organizational capacity or past experience
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Including entities ineligible under the structural linkage requirement
FAQ
Q1: Who can apply for funding?
A: Non-profit legal entities established in Palestine for at least three years, including CSOs, faith-based groups, non-profit universities, research institutions, and networks.
Q2: What types of projects are eligible?
A: Lot 1 focuses on civic space and civil society capacity; Lot 2 focuses on human rights, democracy, and protection of vulnerable groups.
Q3: Can organizations partner with others?
A: Yes, lead applicants may work with co-applicants or affiliated entities with formal structural links.
Q4: How much funding is available per project?
A: Lot 1: EUR 500,000–1,000,000; Lot 2: EUR 450,000–750,000.
Q5: Can the grant be used for operational costs outside project scope?
A: No, funds must directly support project objectives in civic space or human rights.
Q6: Are there gender or inclusivity requirements?
A: Projects are encouraged to integrate gender equality, inclusivity, and participation of marginalized groups.
Q7: What is Financial Support to Third Parties?
A: A method to extend funding to grassroots actors or sub-projects to increase reach and impact.
Conclusion
This European Commission initiative provides a strategic opportunity for Palestinian civil society to strengthen democratic governance, protect human rights, and expand civic space. By supporting well-designed, contextually relevant projects, the programme fosters inclusive, accountable, and sustainable societal development in Palestine.
For more information, visit European Commission.
