Deadline: 17-Jul-2026
The Transatlantic Foundation (TF), in cooperation with the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation program of the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF), has launched a call for proposals to support civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) region. The program provides funding to help organizations strengthen resilience, improve operational sustainability, and adapt to current and future challenges.
Selected organizations can receive a grant of EUR 7,000 to support strategic investments in areas such as staff well-being, digital security, IT infrastructure, legal support, communication, and other essential organizational needs.
Overview of the Civil Society Resilience Grants Program
The Civil Society Resilience Grants program is designed to help Eastern Partnership civil society organizations develop stronger internal systems and maintain their operations during challenging circumstances.
The initiative focuses on long-term organizational resilience rather than short-term project activities. It supports investments that are often not covered through traditional project-based funding.
The grants aim to help CSOs:
- Strengthen internal capacity
- Improve operational security
- Build sustainable systems
- Protect staff and organizational assets
- Maintain continuous civic activities
Purpose of the Grant Program
The main goal of the program is to provide strategic support that helps civil society organizations remain effective, secure, and sustainable.
The grants support organizations in addressing challenges such as:
- Operational risks
- Security concerns
- Digital threats
- Limited infrastructure
- Organizational capacity gaps
- Changing political and social environments
By investing in organizational resilience, CSOs can better continue their work and respond to emerging challenges.
Areas of Support
The funding can be used for different types of resilience-building activities and investments.
Eligible support areas include:
Staff Security and Well-Being
Organizations may use funding to improve the safety, protection, and well-being of their teams.
Possible activities include:
- Staff security measures
- Safety-related resources
- Well-being initiatives
- Support systems for employees and volunteers
Digital Security and IT Equipment
The grants can support improvements to digital infrastructure and technology needs.
Examples include:
- Digital security measures
- IT equipment
- Technology upgrades
- Protection of organizational data and systems
Expert Consultants
Organizations may seek external expertise to strengthen their operations.
Support may include:
- Strategic consulting
- Organizational development expertise
- Technical advice
- Specialized professional services
Legal Support
Funding may help organizations address legal and compliance-related needs.
Examples include:
- Legal consultations
- Regulatory guidance
- Organizational legal protection
Communication and Visibility
Organizations may invest in improving communication systems and public outreach.
Possible activities include:
- Communication strategies
- Public engagement tools
- Organizational visibility improvements
Grant Amount and Project Duration
Under this call:
- Grant amount per organization: EUR 7,000
- Maximum project duration: Five months
The funding is intended for targeted investments that create lasting improvements in organizational resilience.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The grant program is open to civil society organizations that have a connection to the Eastern Partnership region.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be registered in an Eastern Partnership country, or
- Demonstrate an operational connection to an Eastern Partnership country
The organization must also demonstrate:
- A clear need for the proposed funding
- How the investment will improve organizational resilience
- How the support will strengthen long-term sustainability
Eligible Eastern Partnership Countries
The Eastern Partnership region includes:
Organizations working with or connected to these countries may be eligible if they meet the program requirements.
How to Apply for the Resilience Grant
Organizations interested in applying should prepare a proposal explaining their resilience needs and how the funding will strengthen their operations.
Step 1: Identify Organizational Challenges
Applicants should assess areas where additional investment is needed, such as:
- Security
- Digital infrastructure
- Staff protection
- Legal support
- Communication systems
- Operational capacity
Step 2: Develop a Funding Proposal
The proposal should clearly explain:
- The organization’s current situation
- The challenges it faces
- The requested support
- How the funding will improve resilience
- The expected long-term impact
Step 3: Demonstrate Organizational Connection
Applicants must provide information showing their link to the Eastern Partnership region through:
- Registration in an EaP country, or
- Active operations connected to an EaP country
Step 4: Submit the Application
Applicants should ensure that all required information is complete and clearly demonstrates the importance of the proposed investment.
Why This Grant Program Matters
Civil society organizations often face challenges that affect their ability to operate effectively, including security risks, digital threats, resource limitations, and changing operating environments.
This resilience grant program provides flexible support that allows organizations to invest in critical infrastructure and systems.
The funding helps CSOs:
- Improve organizational stability
- Protect staff and resources
- Strengthen digital capacity
- Maintain important civic activities
- Prepare for future challenges
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
Focusing Only on Short-Term Activities
Applicants should avoid presenting the grant as support for temporary activities only.
The proposal should show how the investment creates long-term organizational improvements.
Not Clearly Explaining the Need
Organizations should provide specific information about:
- Current challenges
- Existing risks
- Why the investment is necessary
Proposing Activities Without Long-Term Impact
Applications should demonstrate how the funding will strengthen resilience beyond the five-month project period.
Missing the Eastern Partnership Connection
Applicants must clearly explain their operational or organizational connection to an Eastern Partnership country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Transatlantic Foundation Resilience Grant?
The Transatlantic Foundation Resilience Grant supports Eastern Partnership civil society organizations by funding strategic investments that improve organizational security, sustainability, and long-term resilience.
How much funding can organizations receive?
Each selected organization will receive a grant of EUR 7,000.
How long can supported projects last?
Projects supported under this grant program can have a maximum duration of five months.
What types of costs can the grant cover?
The grant can support resilience-related investments, including staff security and well-being, digital security, IT equipment, expert consultants, legal support, communication, and other operational needs.
Who can apply for the grant?
Civil society organizations that are registered in an Eastern Partnership country or have an operational connection to an Eastern Partnership country can apply.
What must applicants demonstrate?
Applicants must demonstrate a clear need for funding and explain how the proposed investment will strengthen their organization’s resilience and sustainability.
Why are these grants different from regular project funding?
These grants focus on strategic organizational investments that are often not eligible under standard project funding. They support infrastructure and systems needed for long-term operational stability.
Conclusion
The Transatlantic Foundation Civil Society Resilience Grants provide flexible support to help Eastern Partnership organizations strengthen their foundations and continue their work in challenging environments.
By investing in security, digital capacity, expertise, communication, and organizational systems, the program helps civil society organizations become more sustainable, adaptable, and prepared for future challenges.
For more information, visit German Marshall Fund.