Deadline: 08-Feb-2026

The Sustainable, Influential and Inclusive Civil Society Project offers sub-grants to strengthen civil society organizations in Armenia as resilient, independent, and credible actors in democratic governance and community empowerment. The programme combines financial support with structured capacity development to promote long-term organizational sustainability and stronger civic engagement in Armenia’s regions.

Sustainable, Influential and Inclusive Civil Society Sub-Grants in Armenia

Programme Overview

The Sustainable, Influential and Inclusive Civil Society Project has launched an open call for sub-grants to support civil society organizations (CSOs) in Armenia. The programme aims to strengthen CSOs as independent, resilient, and credible contributors to democratic governance, policy development, and community empowerment at the regional level.

Project Background and Implementing Partners

The project is supported by the European Union and implemented by the Foundation for the Development of Democracy, Man in Need NGO, and the Bun Scientific and Cultural Foundation. It is designed to reinforce Armenia’s civil society ecosystem by supporting organizations that operate independently, engage communities, and contribute to democratic processes and local development.

Key Objectives and Focus Areas

The programme focuses on strengthening civil society through both financial support and long-term capacity development. Core objectives include:

• Strengthening the role of civil society in democratic governance and policy development

• Enhancing community empowerment and regional civic engagement

• Supporting long-term organizational sustainability of CSOs

• Improving internal systems, governance, and strategic planning

• Increasing transparency, accountability, and public visibility of CSO activities

Priority themes and approaches include participatory self-assessment, peer learning, collaborative initiatives, and community-focused programme implementation across Armenia’s regions.

Financial Support to Third Parties

A central component of the project is Financial Support to Third Parties, which provides sub-grants to civil society organizations operating in ten regions of Armenia outside Yerevan. These sub-grants support mission-driven programmes while simultaneously strengthening internal organizational capacities.

Sub-Grant Schemes and Funding Amounts

Sub-grants are provided under two schemes. Applications are currently open under Scheme 1.
Scheme 1 provides funding ranging from AMD 8,500,000 to AMD 15,000,000 per organization.
A total of 20 civil society organizations will be selected at this stage.
Selected organizations under Scheme 1 may later participate in Scheme 2, an innovation-focused, competition-based funding mechanism designed to increase visibility, promote transparency, and highlight community challenges through public and jury evaluation.

Capacity Development and Organizational Strengthening

Beyond financial assistance, the programme places strong emphasis on structured capacity development over an approximately two-and-a-half-year period. This process is led by Man in Need NGO in collaboration with partner organizations and includes:

• Participatory self-assessment using the Organizational Capacity Assessment Tool

• Development of tailored organizational development action plans

• Targeted support to address identified institutional gaps

• Peer learning events and mutual learning visits

• Collaborative initiatives and scenario planning workshops

A final self-assessment at the end of the project will document progress, learning outcomes, and institutional growth achieved through the process.

Why This Programme Matters

Civil society plays a critical role in democratic governance, community resilience, and inclusive development. This programme strengthens CSOs not only through funding, but also by building internal systems, leadership capacity, and long-term sustainability. By focusing on regions outside Yerevan, the initiative supports balanced civic development and stronger community-level participation across Armenia.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a civil society organization registered in Armenia

• Operate in communities outside Yerevan

• Have been registered between 6 months and 5 years prior to application

• Implement projects aligned with their organizational mission

• Commit to long-term capacity development and participatory self-assessment

Project Duration and Timeline

Proposed projects must have a duration of at least 18 months and no more than 30 months.
Contract signing for selected organizations is scheduled for March 2026.
Capacity development activities will continue throughout the full project period.

How to Apply

Organizations should follow these steps:

1. Confirm eligibility based on registration status, location, and operational history.

2. Design a mission-driven project aligned with community needs and organizational priorities.

3. Prepare an application that integrates both programme implementation and internal capacity development.

4. Demonstrate commitment to participatory self-assessment and peer learning.

5. Submit the application according to the official call guidelines and deadlines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing short-term projects that do not support long-term sustainability

• Weak alignment between project activities and organizational mission

• Insufficient focus on internal capacity development

• Limited community engagement or regional relevance

• Unrealistic timelines or budgets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main goal of this sub-grant programme?

The goal is to strengthen civil society organizations in Armenia as resilient, independent, and credible actors in democratic governance and community empowerment.

2. How much funding is available under Scheme 1?

Funding ranges from AMD 8,500,000 to AMD 15,000,000 per selected organization.

3. Who can apply for these sub-grants?

Civil society organizations registered in Armenia, operating outside Yerevan, and registered between 6 months and 5 years ago.

4. How many organizations will be selected?

A total of 20 organizations will be supported under Scheme 1.

5. What is the role of capacity development in the programme?

Capacity development is a core component and includes self-assessment, action planning, peer learning, and targeted organizational support.

6. What is Scheme 2?

Scheme 2 is a competition-based funding mechanism that provides additional support through public and jury evaluation to increase visibility and transparency.

7. When will selected organizations sign contracts?

Contracts are expected to be signed in March 2026.

Conclusion

The Sustainable, Influential and Inclusive Civil Society Project offers a comprehensive opportunity for Armenian civil society organizations to grow stronger, more sustainable, and more influential. By combining meaningful financial support with long-term capacity development, the programme reinforces civil society’s role in democratic governance, regional development, and community empowerment across Armenia.

For more information, visit People in Need Armenia.