Deadline: 20-Dec-2025

The Minority Rights Group invites Egyptian organizations to submit proposals for cultural advocacy projects that amplify the rights, voices, and experiences of religious, ethnic, and gender minorities. Grants of up to €7,000 support inclusive storytelling, creative media, exhibitions, performances, and campaigns that foster social cohesion, address discrimination, and promote diversity. Projects must conclude by 15 June 2026 and prioritize ethical, safe, and accessible methods.

H1: Minority Rights Group Egypt – Cultural Advocacy Grant Opportunity

The Minority Rights Group is offering targeted funding to Egyptian civil society organizations and initiatives to design and implement cultural advocacy projects that highlight and protect minority rights. This program is part of the Strengthening Minority Voices Programme (2023–2026), which supports inclusive advocacy, strengthens activists’ resilience, and promotes collaboration between minority and majority groups.

H2: Key Objectives of the Grant

• Amplify minority voices through artistic and cultural expression.

• Promote inclusive narratives and public understanding of minority experiences.

• Encourage creative media campaigns such as:

  • Podcasts and storytelling series

  • Photo and video projects

  • Exhibitions and live performances

  • Memory-work and documentation linked to advocacy

  • Theatrical or street theatre activities to foster dialogue

• Ensure projects follow ethical and safe design principles, including:

  • Strong justification and methodology

  • Monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) plans

  • Risk assessment and mitigation

  • Sustainability planning

  • Integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion

H2: Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Egypt-based organizations or initiatives in cultural fields: music, theatre, film, stage arts, cultural heritage, media, and creative industries.

• Women-led, minority-led, or disability-inclusive groups.

• Initiatives that involve LGBTQIA+ persons in decision-making roles.

Ineligible applicants or projects:

• Organizations outside Egypt

• Pure service-delivery projects

• Profit-making events

• Proposals unrelated to minority rights

• Activities posing risks that cannot be mitigated

H2: Grant Details

• Total Budget:

  • €7,000 for organizations

  • €4,000 for small groups/initiatives

• Number of Grants: 3 grants available, including at least one reserved for a small group

• Project Duration: Up to 6 months

• Project Deadline: Must conclude before 15 June 2026

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Highlight minority lived experiences

• Foster collaboration between minority and non-minority groups

• Address hate speech or discrimination through storytelling or podcasts

H2: How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Prepare your proposal:

   • Define project logic, rationale, and methodology

   • Identify target groups and expected outcomes

   • Include safeguarding, ethical storytelling, and accessibility measures

   • Outline digital and physical security protocols

   • Include a feasible MEAL plan

2. Budget planning:

   • Submit realistic budgets for activities, materials, and personnel

   • Ensure expenses align with the project’s goals and scope

3. Submission:

   • Complete the required application form

   • Include your budget in Arabic or English

   • Submit via the designated online platform

4. Review and selection:

   • Applications are evaluated based on clarity, impact, innovation, and inclusivity

   • Projects emphasizing collaboration, minority advocacy, and addressing discrimination are prioritized

H2: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects outside Egypt

• Proposals lacking clear methodology or measurable outcomes

• Ignoring risk mitigation and safeguarding protocols

• Overlooking accessibility or DEI principles

• Exceeding the maximum grant amount or misaligned budgets

H2: FAQ

Q1: Can international NGOs based outside Egypt apply? No. Only Egypt-based organizations or initiatives are eligible.
Q2: Are individual applicants accepted? No. Only formal initiatives, groups, or organizations can apply.
Q3: What types of activities are supported? Storytelling, media campaigns, exhibitions, performances, memory-work, and theatre activities that amplify minority voices.
Q4: What is the maximum funding available? €7,000 for organizations and €4,000 for small initiatives.
Q5: How long can projects run? Up to 6 months, concluding before 15 June 2026.
Q6: Are online campaigns eligible? Yes, as long as they meet ethical, safeguarding, and accessibility standards.
Q7: Can the grant cover profit-making events or commercial activities? No, only non-profit, advocacy-focused projects are eligible.

H2: Why This Grant Matters

This initiative empowers minority communities in Egypt by:

• Strengthening their cultural representation and social visibility

• Promoting inclusive narratives to reduce discrimination and hate speech

• Supporting sustainable, ethical, and impactful advocacy projects

• Encouraging collaboration between minority and majority civil society groups

H2: Conclusion

The Minority Rights Group’s 2026 Cultural Advocacy Grant provides a unique opportunity for Egyptian organizations and initiatives to amplify minority voices through creative, ethical, and impactful projects. By supporting storytelling, media, performances, and community engagement, the program strengthens inclusive advocacy, social cohesion, and minority empowerment. Eligible applicants should act promptly, adhere to ethical and accessibility standards, and submit proposals through the official online platform before the 15 June 2026 deadline.

For more information, visit Minority Rights Group.