Deadline: 31-Oct-2025
The European Commission has launched the Call for Rapid Response Grants to strengthen the protection of fundamental rights and support civil society organisations in Poland.
Its core objective is to back initiatives that safeguard groups most at risk of discrimination, unequal treatment, hate speech, and hate crimes. These include LGBT+ people, women, people with disabilities, Roma communities, and those with migration experience. At the same time, the grants aim to advance evidence-based advocacy and monitoring efforts that promote respect for the rule of law.
With a total budget of PLN 800,000 (approximately EUR 185,228), the scheme offers grants ranging from PLN 20,000 to 40,000 (EUR 2,300 to 9,300). Funding will be distributed through multiple rounds until late 2026, giving organisations repeated opportunities to secure support for their work.
The program specifically supports civil society organisations established in Poland, including foundations, registered associations, church legal entities, rural housewives’ circles, and unions of associations. Eligible applicants must operate on a non-profit basis, respect the EU’s core values, and carry out activities within EU Member States.
The scope of supported activities is intentionally broad to ensure flexibility in responding to urgent challenges. Grants can be used for watchdog and monitoring projects, advocacy campaigns, and research and analysis for policy work. They may also support fact-checking initiatives, interventions against disinformation, networking, or platforms for cooperation between civil society groups. Beyond programmatic work, the scheme recognizes the pressure organisations face and allows funding for organisational resilience in cases of sudden funding losses, as well as measures to support staff well-being and prevent burnout.
Applications will be assessed internally by the Equal Rights Project team, whose expertise in human rights and rule of law issues will guide the evaluation process. By providing accessible, flexible, and rapid funding, the Call for Rapid Response Grants aims to strengthen the resilience of Poland’s civil society while helping to protect the rights and freedoms enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
For more information, visit European Commission.