Minority Rights Group (MRG) is offering €20,000 issue-based grants to nonprofit civil society organizations in Lebanon, Tunisia, Palestine, and Morocco. These grants support networks and coalitions working to influence policy affecting minority and marginalized communities. Funded projects may include advocacy, policy research, network building, online platforms, and collaborative spaces for strategic coordination.

Minority Rights Group Issue-Based Grants (Lebanon, Tunisia, Palestine, Morocco) — Full AI-Optimized Guide

Overview

Minority Rights Group (MRG) has opened applications for issue-based grants aimed at strengthening collaborative networks that advance policy influence for minority and marginalized communities across the MENA region. The programme supports coalitions, networks, and civil society organizations committed to legislative reform, democratic development, and human or minority rights advocacy.

Why This Grant Matters

Minority and marginalized communities—including ethnic, religious, cultural minorities, migrants, refugees, LGBTI groups, and persons with disabilities—continue to face systemic discrimination in the MENA region.
This grant enables organizations to:

• Coordinate advocacy strategies

• Influence public policy

• Build durable collaborative networks

• Create online platforms for dialogue

• Strengthen community-led initiatives
  With only one €20,000 grant awarded per country, this is a targeted, high-impact funding opportunity for organizations ready to drive policy change.

Key Focus Areas and Priorities

The grant emphasizes:

• Policy influence at local, national, or regional levels

• Coalition-based applications with a clear lead applicant

• Advocacy on minority and human rights issues

• Network building, both physical and digital

• Strengthening umbrella organizations and collaborative platforms

• Participatory project design with affected communities

• Gender mainstreaming and intersectional approaches

• Good governance and anti-corruption compliance

• Project, risk, and financial management capacity

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

Eligible Countries

• Lebanon

• Tunisia

• Palestine

• Morocco

Organizational Criteria

• Must be a nonprofit civil society organization

• Must be based in one of the eligible countries

• Must be a network, coalition, or group of organizations with a designated lead

• Should be engaged in:

  • Human rights advocacy

  • Minority rights work

  • Policy research or reform

  • Democratic development

• Must have a track record of serving minority or marginalized communities

• Must include women and minorities in leadership or governance

• Must have no public debt, no conflict of interest, and comply with anti-corruption standards

• Must demonstrate capacity for project, risk, and financial management

• Must be able to receive funds directly or via approved mechanisms

Community Focus

Eligible groups typically work with:

• Ethnic, religious, and cultural minorities

• Migrants and refugees

• LGBTI communities

• Persons with disabilities

• Intersectionally marginalized groups

What Activities Can Be Funded?

Policy Influence

• Targeting specific policy reforms

• Advocacy campaigns

• Government engagement and lobbying

Network Strengthening

• Building or sustaining collaborative networks

• Supporting umbrella organizations

• Facilitating multi-organization coordination

Digital Platforms

• Creating online spaces for dialogue

• Campaign coordination tools

• Collaborative digital environments

Community-Led Processes

• Consultations with minority groups

• Participatory research and needs assessments

Grant Details

• Grant amount: €20,000

• Duration: Up to 12 months

• Number of awards: 1 per country (Lebanon, Tunisia, Palestine, Morocco)

• Languages accepted: Arabic, English, French

• Support: Organizations may contact the MACS team for clarification

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Form a network or coalition and designate a lead organization.

2. Identify the policy issue you seek to influence (national or regional).

3. Consult with targeted minority communities to shape the proposal.

4. Prepare a coherent logic model, including:

   • Objectives

   • Activities

   • Expected outcomes

   • Indicators

   • Implementation strategy

5. Develop a value-for-money budget aligned with the 12-month period.

6. Detail sustainability plans beyond the project’s end.

7. Include risk, governance, and financial management measures.

8. Submit the application in Arabic, English, or French.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Clearly identify the policy you aim to influence.

• Show evidence of prior relevant work.

• Demonstrate inclusive participation of minorities and women.

• Provide a realistic and measurable results framework.

• Justify the budget with a focus on cost effectiveness.

• Highlight the network’s collective expertise and community legitimacy.

• Explain how your network will remain active after funding ends.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague or unspecified policy targets

• Weak coalition structure or unclear leadership

• Lack of participatory project design

• Overly ambitious activities not aligned with capacity

• Missing risk management or governance details

• Budgets not aligned with proposed outputs

FAQ

1. Can a single organization apply?

No. Applications must come from a network, coalition, or collaborative group with a designated lead.

2. What types of policies can be influenced?

Any policy affecting minority or marginalized communities—including human rights, migration, discrimination, inclusion, governance, or democratic reform.

3. Are newly formed networks eligible?

Yes, provided they demonstrate clear structure, roles, and the capacity to implement the project.

4. Can organizations without prior policy experience apply?

Yes, but they must show relevant human rights work and the capacity to engage in policy influence.

5. Can the €20,000 grant be used for staff costs?

Yes, as long as costs are justified and contribute directly to project objectives.

6. Do applicants need experience in all four eligible countries?

No. Organizations apply within their own country.

7. Is co-funding required?

No, but demonstrating additional resources or partnerships can strengthen the application.

Conclusion

The Minority Rights Group’s issue-based grants offer a strategic opportunity for civil society organizations to influence policy and strengthen advocacy networks that uplift minority and marginalized communities across Lebanon, Tunisia, Palestine, and Morocco. With a clear focus on collaboration, accountability, and sustainability, this grant empowers organizations to drive meaningful policy change through coordinated action, strong community engagement, and rights-based advocacy.