Deadline: 02-Feb-2026
The EQUALS Project, implemented by UNDP Albania with support from the Austrian Development Cooperation, offers grants of up to 2,500,000 ALL to Albanian civil society organisations to improve equal and quality access to free legal aid. The call prioritises vulnerable groups and women through comprehensive, gender-sensitive, and survivor-centred legal aid services delivered in coordination with public institutions.
The Enhanced Quality Legal Aid Services (EQUALS) Project is a targeted funding opportunity for Albanian civil society organisations (CSOs) to strengthen access to free legal aid for vulnerable communities, with a strong focus on women and marginalised groups.
Implemented by UNDP Albania and supported by the Austrian Development Cooperation, the call seeks practical, coordinated, and sustainable interventions that remove barriers to justice and promote equality and human rights.
What Is the EQUALS Project Call?
The EQUALS Project Call invites eligible Albanian NGOs to design and implement projects that enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of legal aid services.
Funded projects are expected to deliver comprehensive legal aid while building institutional partnerships, improving CSO capacity, and expanding awareness of rights and remedies among disadvantaged groups.
Core Objectives and Priority Areas
The call focuses on strengthening Albania’s legal aid ecosystem through integrated, rights-based approaches.
Priority Objectives
• Improve access to free legal aid for vulnerable groups and women
• Promote equality, human rights, and non-discrimination
• Strengthen CSO capacity to deliver comprehensive legal aid services
• Build sustainable partnerships with legal professionals and public institutions
• Increase awareness of legal rights and available remedies
• Deliver gender-sensitive and survivor-centred legal aid
• Expand digital access to legal aid and legal education
• Build long-term capacity through training and engagement
Proposals should clearly align with one or more of these objectives.
What Activities Can Be Supported?
Supported projects must directly address barriers to justice and provide end-to-end legal aid services.
Eligible Interventions Include
• Legal information and rights awareness activities
• Legal counselling and case assessment
• Legal representation and court support
• Referral and follow-up services
• Gender-sensitive and survivor-centred legal aid
• Digital legal aid platforms or tools
• Legal education for vulnerable communities
• Capacity building for CSOs, legal professionals, and community actors
Projects should demonstrate how services will be accessible, coordinated, and responsive to local needs.
Target Groups
Projects are encouraged to prioritise groups facing heightened barriers to justice.
Priority Beneficiaries
• Women survivors of violence
• Roma and Egyptian women
• Women with disabilities
• Individuals in remote or low-income communities
• Other vulnerable and marginalised populations
Strong justification should be provided for the selected target groups.
Institutional Coordination and Partnerships
Effective coordination is a core requirement of the call.
Expected Partnerships
• Municipal and local government bodies
• Police and law enforcement agencies
• Healthcare providers
• Social services and protection units
• Legal professionals and bar associations
Applicants should clearly describe referral pathways and collaborative mechanisms.
Grant Amount and Project Duration
Funding Details
• Maximum grant amount: 2,500,000 Albanian Lekë (ALL)
• Funding type: One-time grant
• Maximum project duration: 12 months
• Extensions: Possible based on performance, impact, and local demand
• Follow-on funding: Not expected
Budgets must be realistic and aligned with proposed activities.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is limited to registered Albanian civil society organisations with relevant experience.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be:
• Non-profit organisations registered in Albania
• CSOs with proven experience in legal aid, legal education, or human rights support
• Organisations with operational and financial capacity to manage grant funds
Required Documentation
Applicants must submit:
• Legal registration documents
• Tax registration certificate
• Proof of a bank account in Albanian Lekë
• Organisational profile and experience
• Relevant staff credentials and qualifications
Incomplete documentation may result in disqualification.
Why This Call Matters
The EQUALS Project addresses systemic gaps in access to justice, particularly for women and marginalised communities.
Key Impact Areas
• Reduces legal and institutional barriers for vulnerable groups
• Strengthens survivor-centred and gender-sensitive legal aid
• Improves coordination across justice, social, and health systems
• Builds sustainable CSO and community capacity
• Promotes equality, accountability, and human rights protection
By strengthening local actors, the project creates lasting improvements in legal aid delivery.
How It Works
The call supports CSO-led projects that deliver direct services while strengthening systems and partnerships.
How Projects Are Expected to Function
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Identify priority vulnerable groups and legal needs
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Design comprehensive legal aid interventions
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Establish coordination with local institutions
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Deliver legal aid services and awareness activities
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Monitor cases, referrals, and outcomes
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Document impact and lessons learned
Projects should demonstrate both immediate service delivery and longer-term capacity building.
How to Apply
Applicants are responsible for preparing and submitting a complete proposal package.
Step-by-Step Application Guidance
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Confirm organisational eligibility and registration status
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Identify target groups and justice barriers
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Design activities aligned with EQUALS objectives
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Prepare a clear implementation plan and budget
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Compile all required legal and organisational documents
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Submit the proposal according to UNDP guidelines
Applicants should ensure clarity, feasibility, and alignment with project priorities.
Tips for a Strong Application
• Clearly define the legal needs of target groups
• Demonstrate experience in legal aid or human rights work
• Show strong institutional partnerships and referral systems
• Integrate gender-sensitive and survivor-centred approaches
• Include realistic budgets and timelines
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Proposing activities unrelated to legal aid
• Weak coordination with public institutions
• Insufficient focus on vulnerable women
• Incomplete organisational documentation
• Overambitious plans exceeding the 12-month timeframe
Avoiding these issues will strengthen proposal competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the EQUALS Project grant?
Registered Albanian non-profit organisations with experience in legal aid, legal education, or human rights support.
What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to 2,500,000 Albanian Lekë per project.
How long can projects run?
Projects may run for up to 12 months, with possible extensions based on performance.
Is follow-on funding available?
No. The grant is a one-time funding opportunity.
Which groups should projects prioritise?
Women survivors of violence, Roma and Egyptian women, women with disabilities, and people in remote or low-income areas.
Are digital legal aid activities eligible?
Yes. Expanding digital access to legal aid and legal education is a priority area.
Is coordination with local institutions required?
Yes. Strong coordination with municipalities, police, healthcare, and social services is expected.
Conclusion
The EQUALS Project grant call offers Albanian civil society organisations a significant opportunity to strengthen free legal aid services for vulnerable groups and women.
By funding comprehensive, coordinated, and gender-sensitive interventions, UNDP Albania and the Austrian Development Cooperation aim to reduce barriers to justice, promote equality, and build sustainable legal aid systems that respond to community needs.
For more information, visit UNDP.