Call for Combating Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination (Romania)

The Promoting Diversity, Equality and Combating Gender-Based Violence Grant Programme supports civil society organizations in Romania working to advance human rights, gender equality, diversity, and social justice. The programme provides grants ranging from €100,000 to €350,000 for projects addressing discrimination, gender-based violence, LGBTIQ+ rights, sexual and reproductive health rights, and the empowerment of underserved communities.

The initiative strengthens the role of civil society organizations in protecting human rights, reducing structural inequalities, and promoting inclusive communities through a human rights-based approach.

Overview of the Promoting Diversity, Equality and Combating Gender-Based Violence Programme

The Promoting Diversity, Equality and Combating Gender-Based Violence call invites eligible non-governmental and non-profit organizations in Romania to implement projects that promote equality, protect human rights, and address gender-based violence.

The programme focuses on supporting communities affected by discrimination, marginalisation, and persistent rights violations linked to historical exclusion and socio-economic inequalities.

It aims to strengthen civil society organizations as key actors in advancing human rights, equality, and social justice.

Objectives of the Grant Programme

The main objective of this funding opportunity is to promote inclusive societies where all individuals can enjoy equal rights and protection.

The programme supports projects that:

Promote diversity and equality
Prevent and combat gender-based violence
Strengthen human rights protection
Reduce discrimination and marginalisation
Support LGBTIQ+ rights and inclusion
Advance sexual and reproductive health and rights
Strengthen civil society advocacy capacity
Improve access to justice and legal protection
Promote a sustainable human rights-based culture

Key Focus Areas

Promoting Gender Equality and Human Rights

The programme supports initiatives that advance gender equality and protect fundamental rights.

Projects may focus on:

Gender equality awareness
Equal opportunities
Women’s rights protection
Addressing gender discrimination
Supporting marginalized groups

Preventing and Combating Gender-Based Violence

The programme supports actions aimed at preventing and responding to gender-based violence.

Supported activities may include:

Awareness campaigns
Survivor support services
Prevention programmes
Community education
Advocacy for stronger protection systems

Projects should contribute to reducing violence and improving access to support mechanisms.

Supporting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

The programme recognizes sexual and reproductive health and rights as essential human rights.

Projects may address:

Awareness of reproductive rights
Access to information and services
Advocacy initiatives
Reducing barriers faced by vulnerable groups

Promoting LGBTIQ+ Rights and Inclusion

The programme supports initiatives that combat discrimination against LGBTIQ+ persons.

Activities may include:

Anti-discrimination campaigns
Community support programmes
Human rights education
Advocacy and policy engagement

Strengthening Civil Society Organizations

The programme aims to increase the capacity of civil society organizations to protect and promote human rights.

Supported activities may include:

Advocacy training
Human rights monitoring
Policy engagement
Research and documentation
Community outreach

Addressing Structural Discrimination and Marginalisation

The programme focuses on communities facing:

Persistent rights violations
Historical exclusion
Social inequalities
Limited access to legal remedies
Institutional barriers

Projects should develop solutions that address root causes of discrimination.

Promoting Environmental Human Rights Awareness

The programme also supports awareness and policy engagement related to the human right to a:

Clean environment
Healthy environment
Sustainable environment

Projects may strengthen public understanding and advocacy around environmental rights.

Why This Programme Matters

Discrimination and gender-based violence continue to create barriers for many communities.

This programme helps by:

Supporting vulnerable groups
Strengthening equality and inclusion
Improving protection against violence
Increasing awareness of human rights
Supporting civil society advocacy
Encouraging institutional accountability

By empowering civil society organizations, the programme contributes to stronger human rights protection systems.

Funding Details

Total Available Funding

The total funding available under this call is:

€4,478,018

Grant Amounts

Available funding per project:

Minimum grant amount: €100,000
Maximum grant amount: €350,000

Project Duration

Projects must follow the duration requirements based on grant category.

Medium Grants

Duration: 24 to 36 months

Large Grants

Duration: 36 to 48 months

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include legally established non-governmental and non-profit organizations operating in Romania.

Eligible organizations include:

Associations established in Romania
Foundations established in Romania
Federations established in Romania
Foreign legal entities recognized and operating in Romania according to relevant legislation
The National Red Cross Society in Romania
Romanian Red Cross structures with legal personality

Applicants should have relevant experience in areas such as:

Human rights
Gender equality
Anti-discrimination
Social justice
Community empowerment
Advocacy

Eligible Project Activities

Projects supported under this programme may include:

Equality and Inclusion Activities

Diversity promotion campaigns
Anti-discrimination initiatives
Community awareness programmes
Equality education activities

Gender-Based Violence Prevention Activities

Violence prevention campaigns
Support services for survivors
Training programmes
Community interventions

Human Rights Advocacy Activities

Policy recommendations
Human rights monitoring
Legal awareness programmes
Civil society engagement

LGBTIQ+ Rights Activities

Inclusion initiatives
Awareness campaigns
Protection of LGBTIQ+ rights
Anti-discrimination actions

Capacity-Building Activities

Training for civil society organizations
Advocacy development
Networking activities
Institutional strengthening

Human Rights-Based Approach Requirements

Applicants are encouraged to integrate human rights principles throughout every stage of project development.

Projects should consider:

Project Planning

Identifying rights-related challenges
Understanding beneficiary needs
Ensuring inclusion and participation

Project Implementation

Protecting dignity and equality
Involving affected communities
Ensuring non-discrimination

Project Evaluation

Measuring human rights impact
Assessing improvements for beneficiaries
Documenting outcomes and lessons learned

How to Apply

Organizations interested in applying should follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should verify that they:

Are legally registered in Romania
Operate as a non-governmental and non-profit organization
Have relevant experience in human rights or equality-related work

Step 2: Identify the Target Issue and Community

Applicants should clearly define:

The discrimination or inequality challenge
Target beneficiary groups
Community needs
Expected social impact

Step 3: Develop a Project Proposal

The proposal should include:

Project objectives
Planned activities
Implementation timeline
Expected results
Budget plan
Sustainability strategy

Step 4: Demonstrate Long-Term Impact

Strong applications should explain:

How communities will benefit
How discrimination barriers will be reduced
How project results will continue after funding ends

Step 5: Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted according to the official programme requirements and guidelines.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Clearly explain the human rights issue being addressed
Include affected communities in project planning
Provide measurable outcomes
Demonstrate advocacy experience
Highlight partnerships and collaboration
Show how the project supports equality and inclusion

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting projects without a clear human rights focus
Failing to identify beneficiary groups
Using broad objectives without measurable results
Ignoring gender equality considerations
Not explaining sustainability plans
Overlooking community participation

Expected Impact of Funded Projects

Successful projects are expected to contribute to:

Reduced discrimination and inequality
Stronger protection of human rights
Increased gender equality
Better prevention of gender-based violence
Improved inclusion of LGBTIQ+ communities
Stronger civil society organizations
Increased public awareness of rights

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Promoting Diversity, Equality and Combating Gender-Based Violence programme?

It is a grant programme supporting Romanian civil society organizations working on human rights, equality, diversity, and prevention of gender-based violence.

Who can apply for this grant?

Eligible applicants include non-governmental and non-profit organizations legally established in Romania, including associations, foundations, federations, and eligible Red Cross organizations.

How much funding is available?

Projects can receive grants between €100,000 and €350,000.

What is the total programme budget?

The total available funding is €4,478,018.

How long can funded projects last?

Medium Grant projects can last 24–36 months, while Large Grant projects can last 36–48 months.

What issues does the programme support?

The programme supports gender equality, LGBTIQ+ rights, sexual and reproductive health rights, anti-discrimination, human rights advocacy, and combating gender-based violence.

Why does the programme focus on civil society organizations?

Civil society organizations play an important role in protecting human rights, supporting communities, monitoring violations, and advocating for systemic improvements.

Conclusion

The Promoting Diversity, Equality and Combating Gender-Based Violence Grant Programme provides significant funding opportunities for Romanian civil society organizations working to create more equal, inclusive, and rights-based communities.

With more than €4.4 million in available funding, the programme supports long-term initiatives that address discrimination, prevent gender-based violence, strengthen equality, and empower marginalized communities through human rights-based solutions.