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Nordic Fund for Advancing Gender Equality and Structural Change

Deadline: 07-Apr-2026

The Nordic Gender Equality Fund, managed by NIKK for the Nordic Council of Ministers, provides funding for collaborative initiatives that advance gender equality across the Nordic region. Eligible projects must involve at least three organisations from three Nordic countries and can request funding from DKK 50,000 to DKK 500,000. The fund supports initiatives addressing structural inequalities, discrimination, gender-based violence, and social, economic, and health disparities.

Overview

The Nordic Gender Equality Fund promotes collaboration among Nordic countries to strengthen gender equality and counteract regression or push-back against equality efforts. The fund addresses systemic disparities in:

  • Access to power and influence

  • Education, employment, and income

  • Career advancement and pay equity

  • Exposure to violence and health inequalities

It also supports projects that respond to the rising polarization around gender equality within the Nordic region and globally.

The fund encourages initiatives that safeguard achievements in gender equality and drive further progress through cross-border collaboration.

Objectives of the Fund

The main goals of the fund are to:

  • Stimulate Nordic collaboration on gender equality issues

  • Address structural inequalities between women and men

  • Promote knowledge exchange and innovation

  • Build Nordic networks and partnerships for long-term impact

Eligibility Criteria

Geographic and Organisational Requirements

  • Projects must involve at least three organisations from at least three different Nordic countries.

  • Eligible countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland.

  • Organisations can include:

    • Voluntary and not-for-profit organisations

    • Stakeholder organisations and networks

    • Government agencies and public sector entities

    • Municipalities and regions

    • Universities and research institutes

    • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Project Scope

  • Projects should address structural gender inequalities in social, economic, or political spheres.

  • Initiatives can focus on:

    • Education and employment disparities

    • Gender-based violence prevention

    • Health inequality reduction

    • Knowledge generation and experience exchange

    • Network building across Nordic countries

Funding Details

  • Funding range: DKK 50,000 – DKK 500,000 per project

  • Funding is granted for cross-border collaborative initiatives that contribute to long-term gender equality impact.

  • NIKK manages the call for proposals, application assessment, and follow-up on project results on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

  • Ensure the project involves at least three organisations from three Nordic countries.

  • Verify that all participating organisations are eligible under the fund’s criteria.

Step 2: Prepare Application

  • Include a project description, objectives, expected outcomes, and budget plan.

  • Demonstrate the collaborative nature and added value of cross-border cooperation.

Step 3: Submit Application

  • Submit according to the deadlines announced by NIKK.

  • Ensure all required documentation is included.

Step 4: Project Assessment

  • Applications are evaluated based on relevance, impact, cross-border collaboration, innovation, and feasibility.

Step 5: Follow-Up

  • Funded projects are monitored, and outcomes are reported to NIKK.

  • Lessons learned are shared to strengthen Nordic gender equality initiatives.

Why This Fund Matters

  • Addresses persistent gender inequalities in social, economic, and political systems.

  • Encourages cross-border knowledge exchange and network building.

  • Supports sustainable, innovative solutions for structural gender disparities.

  • Strengthens collaboration among Nordic organisations and stakeholders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Involving fewer than three organisations or countries

  • Submitting incomplete documentation

  • Failing to demonstrate collaborative impact

  • Proposing projects outside the thematic scope of gender equality

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Nordic Gender Equality Fund?

Voluntary organisations, not-for-profits, networks, government agencies, municipalities, universities, research institutes, and SMEs from Nordic countries.

2. How many organisations must be involved in a project?

At least three organisations from three different Nordic countries.

3. What is the funding range?

Projects can request between DKK 50,000 and DKK 500,000.

4. What types of projects are eligible?

Projects addressing structural gender inequalities, gender-based violence, economic or health disparities, or promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration.

5. Which countries are eligible?

Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland.

6. Who manages the fund?

NIKK administers the fund on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

7. Can private sector entities apply?

Yes, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can participate as part of collaborative projects.

Conclusion

The Nordic Gender Equality Fund provides vital resources to support collaborative initiatives that advance gender equality across the Nordic region. By funding projects that promote structural change, knowledge exchange, and cross-border collaboration, the fund strengthens the capacity of organisations to drive meaningful and sustainable progress toward gender equality.

Applicants should ensure their projects are collaborative, innovative, and aligned with the fund’s thematic priorities to maximize their chances of success.

For more information, visit NIKK.