CFAs: Call No.1 for Small Grants (Slovakia)

Call No. 1 for Small Grants under the EEA Civil Society Fund supports Slovak civil society organizations working to protect democratic values, transparency, and social cohesion. Grants of up to EUR 25,000 are available for projects lasting 1 to 12 months, awarded on a rolling basis. The funding prioritizes advocacy, watchdog activities, media literacy, refugee integration, and responses to disinformation and democratic backsliding.

What Is Call No. 1 for Small Grants?

Call No. 1 is part of the EEA Civil Society Fund in Slovakia. It aims to strengthen civil society organizations (CSOs) in addressing democratic challenges, social polarization, and declining trust in institutions.

The programme operates under the EEA and Norway Grants framework, funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

Its broader goal is to reduce social and economic disparities across the European Economic Area while reinforcing shared democratic values.

Core Objectives of the Grant

The call supports projects that:

• Protect public interest

• Promote democratic values

• Strengthen rule of law

• Increase transparency in public administration

• Hold public institutions accountable

• Strengthen independent journalism

• Counter disinformation

• Promote social inclusion and refugee integration

The initiative responds to:

• Democratic backsliding

• Rising polarization

• Weakening trust in institutions

• Consequences of Russian aggression against Ukraine

• Social fragmentation and misinformation

Key Thematic Areas

Democratic Governance and Accountability

Projects may focus on:

• Advocacy and watchdog activities

• Monitoring public authorities

• Legislative analysis and policy expertise

• Strategic communication campaigns

• Data-driven public oversight

• Transparency and anti-corruption initiatives

Media and Information Integrity

Supported activities include:

• Fact-checking initiatives

• Media literacy programs

• Counter-disinformation campaigns

• Support for independent journalism

• Public awareness efforts on critical thinking

Social Inclusion and Refugee Integration

Projects may address:

• Refugee integration

• Equal opportunities

• Social solidarity between migrants and host communities

• Community-building initiatives

• Strengthening social cohesion

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must meet all criteria below.

Organizational Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a non-profit civil society organization established in Slovakia

• Operate independently from government, political parties, and commercial entities

• Be voluntary and non-commercial in purpose

• Reinvest any revenue into their mission

• Not distribute profits

Project Duration

• Minimum duration: 1 month

• Maximum duration: 12 months

Grant Amount

• Maximum grant per project: EUR 25,000

Application Timeline

• Open on a rolling basis (applications accepted continuously until funds are exhausted)

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following entities are excluded:

• Religious institutions

• Political parties

• Social partners

• Profit-distributing cooperatives

• Informal groups

Faith-based organizations may apply only if:

• Their activities do not promote religious doctrine

• They do not engage in proselytism

• They comply with democratic and human rights principles

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

Eligible projects must contribute to:

• Stronger democratic processes

• Transparent governance

• Active public participation

• Improved media resilience

• Social solidarity and inclusion

Projects should combine practical activities with strategic impact. Examples include:

• Public monitoring platforms

• Legal analysis of draft legislation

• Community workshops on media literacy

• Data-driven public accountability campaigns

• Refugee support and integration initiatives

How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization meets:

• Non-profit status

• Slovak registration

• Independence from political and commercial actors

Step 2: Define Clear Project Objectives

Your proposal should:

• Address a specific democratic or social challenge

• Define measurable outcomes

• Demonstrate public benefit

• Show strategic relevance

Step 3: Develop a Realistic Budget

The budget must:

• Not exceed EUR 25,000

• Align clearly with project activities

• Demonstrate financial feasibility

• Reflect cost-effectiveness

Step 4: Structure the Timeline

Projects must run between 1 and 12 months. Clearly outline:

• Activity phases

• Milestones

• Expected deliverables

Step 5: Submit Application (Rolling Basis)

Submit the completed application through the official portal. Applications are reviewed continuously.

Why This Fund Matters

Strengthens Democratic Institutions

The fund empowers civil society to serve as watchdogs and advocates for transparency.

Counters Disinformation

By supporting media literacy and fact-checking, it strengthens societal resilience against misinformation.

Promotes Social Cohesion

It addresses refugee integration and social fragmentation.

Reinforces European Democratic Values

The initiative upholds principles of democracy, rule of law, equality, and human rights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as an informal group

• Submitting profit-oriented project proposals

• Failing to demonstrate independence from political actors

• Proposing activities unrelated to democratic or social challenges

• Submitting vague budgets without clear cost justification

• Ignoring measurable impact indicators

Strong applications clearly connect project activities to democratic strengthening and social inclusion outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for this grant?

Non-profit civil society organizations legally established in Slovakia and operating independently from government and commercial entities.

2. What is the maximum funding available?

The maximum grant amount is EUR 25,000 per project.

3. How long can projects run?

Projects can last between 1 and 12 months.

4. Is the call open internationally?

No. Only organizations established in Slovakia are eligible.

5. Are religious organizations eligible?

Religious institutions are generally excluded. Faith-based organizations may apply only if they do not promote religious doctrine and comply with programme principles.

6. Is there a fixed deadline?

No. The call is open on a rolling basis.

7. What types of activities are prioritized?

Advocacy, watchdog initiatives, media literacy, fact-checking, legislative analysis, refugee integration, and transparency efforts.

Conclusion

Call No. 1 for Small Grants under the EEA Civil Society Fund offers strategic support to Slovak civil society organizations working to defend democratic values and strengthen social cohesion. With grants up to EUR 25,000 and flexible 1–12 month project durations, the program enables practical, high-impact initiatives that promote accountability, transparency, media resilience, and inclusive communities.

Eligible organizations are encouraged to develop focused, measurable, and strategically aligned proposals that contribute to a stronger and more resilient democratic society in Slovakia.