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Funding available for CSOs as Actors of Good Governance and Development in Sierra Leone

Deadline: 10-Feb-2026

The European Commission is inviting grant applications to strengthen Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Sierra Leone, with a strong focus on good governance, youth and women’s leadership, and environmental sustainability. With a total budget of €4.7 million, the programme supports plastic waste management, organic waste value chains, and youth participation in EU development cooperation.

The European Commission has launched a major funding opportunity to strengthen the role of local Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) as key actors in good governance, sustainable development, and policy engagement in Sierra Leone.

This programme prioritises women-led and youth-led CSOs, aiming to improve their capacity, visibility, and influence in decision-making processes while delivering tangible environmental and social impact at the country level.

Programme Objectives

The programme seeks to:

  • Strengthen CSOs’ participation in policy dialogue and decision-making

  • Improve the enabling environment for civil society in Sierra Leone

  • Promote inclusive governance with strong youth and women’s leadership

  • Support sustainable environmental and economic development

  • Increase citizen engagement in EU-supported development initiatives

Who Can Apply?

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a legal, non-profit organisation

  • Be established in Sierra Leone or an EU Member State

  • Be directly responsible for project design and implementation

Eligible Organisation Types

  • Local and national CSOs

  • Women-led organisations

  • Youth-led organisations

  • Environmental and development-focused NGOs

  • International organisations (under specific eligibility conditions)

For certain funding lots, partnerships with local organisations are required to ensure strong community engagement and local ownership.

Priority Focus Areas (Funding Lots)

The programme is structured around three thematic funding lots, each addressing a specific development priority.

Lot I: Plastic Waste Management and Green Jobs

This lot focuses on addressing plastic pollution while creating sustainable livelihoods.

Supported activities include:

  • Prevention, collection, sorting, and recycling of plastic waste

  • Partnerships between CSOs and private sector actors

  • Development of circular economy solutions

  • Creation of green jobs for youth and women

This lot encourages innovative collaboration between civil society and businesses to tackle environmental challenges.

Lot II: Organic Waste Value Chains

This lot supports sustainable solutions for organic waste management.

Key areas of support include:

  • Production of compost, biogas, and organic fertilisers

  • Development of organic waste value chains

  • Engagement of youth-led enterprises

  • Collaboration with private sector actors

The goal is to promote environmentally sound waste management while supporting income generation and local enterprise development.

Lot III: Youth Sounding Board

Lot III focuses on youth participation in governance and development cooperation.

Key objectives include:

  • Establishing a Youth Sounding Board

  • Giving young people a platform to influence EU development initiatives

  • Making EU cooperation more participatory, inclusive, and youth-responsive

  • Strengthening youth engagement in policy dialogue

This lot ensures that young voices shape development priorities and implementation.

Budget Overview

The total indicative budget for the programme is €4,702,000.

Budget Allocation by Lot

  • Lot I: €2,101,000

  • Lot II: €2,101,000

  • Lot III: €500,000

Grant Size by Lot

  • Lot I and Lot II:

    • Minimum: €1,800,000

    • Maximum: €2,101,000

  • Lot III:

    • Minimum: €300,000

    • Maximum: €500,000

Project Duration

Project duration varies by funding lot:

  • Lots I and II: 36 to 60 months

  • Lot III: 18 to 24 months

Applicants should ensure proposed activities align with the required implementation period.

How the Programme Works

  1. CSOs submit grant applications under one of the three lots

  2. Applications are assessed based on relevance, capacity, and impact

  3. Selected organisations implement projects in collaboration with partners

  4. Activities strengthen governance, environmental sustainability, and participation

  5. Results contribute to national development and EU cooperation objectives

Why This Opportunity Matters

This programme is significant because it:

  • Strengthens local CSOs as actors of good governance

  • Prioritises women’s and youth leadership

  • Addresses critical environmental challenges

  • Creates green jobs and sustainable value chains

  • Enhances citizen participation in development policy

  • Builds long-term civil society capacity in Sierra Leone

By combining governance, environmental action, and inclusion, the programme delivers integrated and sustainable impact.

Tips for Strong Applications

Applicants are encouraged to:

  • Clearly align proposals with the specific objectives of the chosen lot

  • Demonstrate strong involvement of youth and women

  • Build credible partnerships with local and private sector actors

  • Show realistic budgets and implementation plans

  • Highlight long-term environmental and social benefits

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying for multiple lots without clear differentiation

  • Weak local partnerships or limited community engagement

  • Overly broad project objectives without measurable outcomes

  • Insufficient focus on youth or women’s leadership

  • Misalignment between budget, activities, and duration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where will the projects be implemented?

All projects must be implemented in Sierra Leone.

Are women-led and youth-led CSOs prioritised?

Yes. Special support is provided to women’s and youth-led CSOs to strengthen capacity and impact.

Can EU-based organisations apply?

Yes. Organisations established in EU Member States are eligible, subject to conditions.

Is private sector involvement required?

Private sector partnerships are strongly encouraged, especially in Lots I and II.

Can international organisations apply?

Yes, international organisations may apply under specific eligibility rules.

What is the maximum grant amount?

The maximum grant is €2,101,000 for Lots I and II, and €500,000 for Lot III.

How long can projects run?

Projects can run for 18–60 months, depending on the selected lot.

Conclusion

The European Commission CSO grant programme in Sierra Leone offers a powerful opportunity for civil society to drive governance reform, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development. By prioritising youth and women’s leadership and investing in innovative waste management and participation mechanisms, the programme empowers CSOs to shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and participatory future for Sierra Leone.

For more information, visit European Commission.