Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The EEA Civil Society Fund Small Grants Call provides up to €25,000 to civil society organisations in Slovakia working on democracy, social inclusion, and media integrity. With a total fund of €990,000 and a rolling application process, it supports advocacy, anti-disinformation efforts, and community engagement initiatives. Eligible applicants are independent, non-profit civil society organisations based in Slovakia.
Overview of the Programme
The EEA Civil Society Fund Small Grants Call supports civil society organisations (CSOs) in Slovakia to strengthen democratic values, social cohesion, and inclusive development.
The programme responds to:
- Declining trust in democratic institutions
- Rising polarization and misinformation
- Social inequality and exclusion
- Regional impacts of geopolitical conflicts
It aims to build democratic resilience through active civil society engagement.
Core Objectives of the Programme
Key Goals
- Strengthen democracy and rule of law
- Promote transparency and accountability
- Enhance social inclusion and equal opportunities
- Support independent media and fact-checking
- Foster community cohesion and civic participation
Key Focus Areas
1. Civil Society Strengthening
- Capacity building for CSOs
- Advocacy and watchdog activities
- Public policy engagement and legislative analysis
2. Governance and Accountability
- Transparency in public administration
- Monitoring government actions
- Promoting accountability mechanisms
3. Media Integrity and Information Literacy
- Combating disinformation and misinformation
- Supporting independent journalism
- Fact-checking initiatives
- Improving media literacy among citizens
4. Social Inclusion and Equality
- Addressing discrimination and inequality
- Supporting marginalized groups:
- Roma communities
- Women
- LGBTIQ+ individuals
5. Refugee Integration and Solidarity
- Supporting integration of refugees
- Promoting cooperation between migrants and host communities
6. Community Engagement
- Grassroots initiatives for social cohesion
- Dialogue and participation activities
Funding Details
Total Fund Size
- €990,000
Maximum Grant per Project
- Up to €25,000
Application Type
- Rolling basis (open continuously)
Project Expectations
Funded projects should:
- Deliver measurable social impact
- Promote inclusion and equal opportunities
- Strengthen democratic participation
- Address misinformation and public discourse challenges
- Foster collaboration between communities
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Slovakia
Required Characteristics
Organizations must be:
- Non-profit
- Independent from government and political control
- Voluntary or membership-based
- Not driven by commercial interests
- Not distributing profits to members or boards
Ineligible Applicants
The following are not eligible:
- Political parties
- Government-controlled entities
- Religious institutions
- Trade associations
- Profit-distributing cooperatives
- Commercial organisations
Compliance and Safeguarding Requirements
Applicants must:
- Sign a Declaration of Honour
- Follow safeguarding policies for vulnerable persons and children
- Ensure ethical and responsible project implementation
How It Works / Application Process
Step 1: Identify a Key Issue
Focus on:
- Democracy, inclusion, or media integrity
- Local or national challenges
Step 2: Design the Project
Include:
- Clear objectives and outcomes
- Target groups (e.g., marginalized communities, youth, refugees)
- Activities aligned with focus areas
Step 3: Prepare Budget
- Ensure cost-effectiveness
- Align with maximum grant (€25,000)
Step 4: Submit Application
- Apply anytime during the rolling call
- Provide organizational and project details
Step 5: Implementation and Reporting
- Deliver activities as planned
- Monitor impact and outcomes
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding and reporting standards
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lack of clear alignment with democracy or inclusion goals
- Weak or unclear project outcomes
- Ignoring misinformation or media literacy aspects
- Applying as an ineligible organization
- Missing safeguarding commitments
- Poorly justified budget
Why This Programme Matters
This funding call is critical because it:
- Strengthens democratic institutions and civic participation
- Supports independent journalism and truth-based reporting
- Promotes inclusion and equal rights
- Addresses misinformation and polarization
- Encourages solidarity and social cohesion
- Empowers civil society to respond to regional challenges
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the EEA Civil Society Fund Small Grants Call?
It is a funding program supporting civil society organisations in Slovakia working on democracy, inclusion, and media integrity.
2. How much funding can I apply for?
Up to €25,000 per project.
3. Who can apply?
Independent, non-profit civil society organisations based in Slovakia.
4. What topics are supported?
Advocacy, governance, media integrity, social inclusion, refugee integration, and anti-disinformation initiatives.
5. Is there a deadline?
No fixed deadline—applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
6. Are government or political organisations eligible?
No, only independent civil society organisations can apply.
7. Are safeguarding measures required?
Yes, applicants must commit to protecting vulnerable persons and children.
Conclusion
The EEA Civil Society Fund Small Grants Call offers a strategic opportunity for Slovak civil society organisations to strengthen democracy, combat misinformation, and promote inclusion. With flexible funding and a rolling application process, it enables impactful, community-driven initiatives that address some of the most pressing social and political challenges in Slovakia.
For more information, visit EEA Civil Society Fund.