Deadline: 12-Sep-2025
The Demos programme stands as a welcoming space for civil society organisations across the Nordics to forge new connections and strengthen their collective voice.
It offers a chance for associations, charities, unions, faith communities and other nonprofit groups to come together and stimulate change through collaboration, dialogue, and creative networking.
At its core, the programme supports projects that encourage meetings, exchanges, and cooperative events—whether through conferences, collaborative workshops, staff visits, shared resources, or knowledge‑sharing initiatives. It’s designed to help participants expand their networks, learn from diverse peers, and explore new forms of working together.
Funding through Demos can reach up to EUR 50,000 per project, providing a solid foundation to bring ideas to life. However, at least 15% of the total project budget must come from other sources. This ensures that applicants also demonstrate commitment and support from outside the programme itself.
Nordic co-operation funding, such as from the Nordic Council of Ministers or other regional cultural bodies, cannot exceed 85% of the project’s overall budget. This distinction excludes bilateral or national funds, which are not considered pan-Nordic for the purposes of Demos funding calculations.
This is not a grant for routine organisational costs or commercial ventures, but rather for shared ventures that begin at least ten weeks after the application deadline and can stretch over the following two years. It invites partners to dream beyond borders
To qualify, applicants need to be nonprofit civil society organisations based in the Nordic countries, and each project must include participation from at least three different Nordic countries. The voices and experiences of the region should weave together, transcending national boundaries to foster deeper understanding and connection.
The programme puts a premium on long‑term collaboration, Nordic added value, and contributions to the vision of a more sustainable and integrated region by 2030. Projects are encouraged to reflect a commitment to sustainable development, gender equality, and the perspectives of young people and children, allowing these values to flow naturally through every aspect of their work.
What emerges through this opportunity is a nurturing space—where Nordic civil society organisations can nurture alliances, learn across borders, and amplify their collective impact. In embracing this potential, participants help shape a dynamic and integrated region, guided by shared values and mutual learning.
For more information, visit Nordic Culture Point.
