Open Call: Project Grants for Civil Society Organisations (Turkey)

The Consulate General of Sweden in Istanbul has opened the 2027 Project Grant call for civil society organisations in Türkiye. The programme supports projects that strengthen democracy, human rights, freedom of expression, rule of law, gender equality, and civic participation.

Eligible organisations can apply for support for initiatives that promote democratic development, legal rights, media freedom, youth participation, gender equality, and cooperation between civil society actors across Türkiye.

Overview

The Sweden Türkiye Civil Society Grants 2027 programme provides financial support to civil society organisations working to advance democratic values and human rights.

The initiative is implemented by the Consulate General of Sweden in Istanbul and supports partnerships between Sweden and Türkiye through civil society cooperation.

Since 2001, Sweden has provided project-based grants to strengthen dialogue, institutional cooperation, and social development initiatives in Türkiye.

Grant Snapshot

• Programme: Sweden Türkiye Civil Society Project Grants 2027
• Funding Organisation: Consulate General of Sweden in Istanbul
• Country Focus: Türkiye
• Grant Type: Project Funding
• Eligible Applicants: Civil Society Organisations
• Focus Areas: Democracy, human rights, rule of law, gender equality, civic participation
• Applicant Type: Non-profit organisations and institutions
• Individuals Eligible: No
• For-Profit Companies Eligible: No

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to strengthen democratic development and support organisations working for inclusive and sustainable social change.

Key objectives include:

• Supporting democratic institutions
• Protecting human rights and freedoms
• Strengthening civil society participation
• Promoting gender equality
• Improving access to justice
• Supporting public dialogue
• Encouraging cooperation between sectors and institutions

Priority Areas

Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom

Projects may support initiatives that strengthen free and independent information systems.

Possible activities include:

• Protecting freedom of expression
• Supporting independent media
• Improving access to reliable information
• Countering disinformation
• Promoting media literacy

Projects addressing misinformation and information integrity are encouraged.

Youth Democratic Participation

The programme supports projects that increase young people’s involvement in democratic processes.

Activities may include:

• Youth civic engagement
• Leadership development
• Participation in decision-making
• Democratic education
• Youth-led initiatives

The goal is to strengthen the role of young people in public life.

Human Rights and Access to Justice

Projects may focus on improving awareness and protection of human rights.

Eligible activities may include:

• Human rights education
• Legal awareness programmes
• Access to justice initiatives
• Use of legal mechanisms
• Rights-based advocacy

Projects should help communities better understand and exercise their rights.

Gender Equality and Combating Gender-Based Violence

The programme prioritizes initiatives that address discrimination and violence based on gender.

Projects may support:

• Prevention of gender-based violence
• Support systems for survivors
• Gender equality advocacy
• Women’s empowerment
• Anti-discrimination efforts

Applicants should integrate gender equality throughout project design and implementation.

Trade and Development Cooperation

The programme encourages projects that create connections between economic cooperation and sustainable development.

Possible approaches include:

• Inclusive economic development
• Responsible business practices
• Social impact partnerships
• Cooperation between civil society and economic actors

Who Is Eligible?

The call is open to legally registered civil society organisations in Türkiye.

Eligible applicants include:

Civil Society Organisations

Examples include:

• Non-governmental organisations
• Associations
• Foundations

Research and Policy Organisations

Eligible applicants may include:

• Think tanks
• Research institutions

Labour and Professional Organisations

Examples include:

• Trade unions
• Professional organisations

Academic Institutions

Eligible applicants include:

• Universities
• Higher education institutions

Applicants must have legal registration and the capacity to manage project activities.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants cannot apply:

• Individuals
• Private companies
• For-profit organisations

The programme is designed specifically for non-profit civil society initiatives.

Strategic Alignment

Projects should align with Sweden’s international cooperation priorities.

The programme is guided by:

• Sweden’s reform cooperation strategy for Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, and Türkiye 2026–2030
• Development assistance for a new era – freedom, empowerment and sustainable growth

Projects should contribute to long-term democratic and social development.

Preferred Project Characteristics

The programme encourages projects that:

• Operate across multiple regions of Türkiye
• Build partnerships between institutions
• Create public dialogue platforms
• Strengthen civil society networks
• Include collaboration between sectors
• Receive co-funding from other donors

Partnership-based approaches are strongly encouraged.

Gender Equality Requirements

Applicants are expected to integrate gender equality into their organisation and projects.

This includes:

Organisational Practices

Organisations should consider:

• Equal participation
• Inclusive decision-making
• Gender-sensitive policies

Project Activities

Projects should include:

• Gender-responsive planning
• Equal access opportunities
• Consideration of different needs

Gender equality should not be treated as a separate activity but incorporated throughout implementation.

Anti-Corruption Requirements

Applicants must include anti-corruption principles in their organisational practices.

This may involve:

• Transparent financial management
• Accountability systems
• Ethical procedures
• Risk management measures

Strong governance practices are expected.

How to Apply

Step 1: Identify the Problem

Applicants should define:

• Social or democratic challenge
• Target groups
• Local context

Step 2: Design the Project

Develop a proposal explaining:

• Objectives
• Activities
• Expected results
• Timeline
• Sustainability approach

Step 3: Align With Priority Areas

Ensure the project contributes to at least one priority:

• Freedom of expression
• Youth participation
• Human rights
• Gender equality
• Rule of law
• Trade and development cooperation

Step 4: Prepare Implementation Plans

Include:

• Project partners
• Roles and responsibilities
• Monitoring approach
• Budget plan

Step 5: Submit Proposal

Applicants should follow the official submission requirements provided by the Consulate General of Sweden in Istanbul.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Clearly explain the democratic or human rights challenge
• Demonstrate local community impact
• Include measurable outcomes
• Integrate gender equality throughout the project
• Show strong organisational capacity
• Build partnerships with other institutions
• Include sustainability plans
• Address transparency and anti-corruption measures

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as an ineligible organisation
• Submitting projects unrelated to priority areas
• Treating gender equality as a separate activity only
• Weak explanation of expected impact
• Missing partnership opportunities
• Poor budgeting
• Lack of sustainability planning

Why This Grant Matters

Strengthens Civil Society

The programme helps civil society organisations develop stronger roles in democratic processes.

Supports Human Rights Protection

Funding enables organisations to promote rights, justice, and equality.

Encourages Public Dialogue

Projects create opportunities for communities and institutions to engage in constructive discussions.

Promotes Inclusive Development

By focusing on gender equality and participation, the programme supports more inclusive social progress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Sweden Türkiye Civil Society Grant?

It is a project funding programme supporting civil society organisations working on democracy, human rights, and equality issues in Türkiye.

Who can apply?

Registered civil society organisations, foundations, associations, think tanks, trade unions, and universities can apply.

Can individuals apply?

No. Individuals are not eligible applicants.

Can companies apply?

No. For-profit companies cannot apply.

What topics are prioritised?

Priority areas include media freedom, freedom of expression, youth participation, human rights, access to justice, gender equality, and development cooperation.

Is gender equality required?

Yes. Applicants must integrate gender equality into organisational practices and project activities.

Are partnerships encouraged?

Yes. Projects involving cooperation between institutions, sectors, and regions are encouraged.

Conclusion

The Sweden Türkiye Civil Society Grants 2027 provide an important opportunity for civil society organisations to support democratic development, human rights, gender equality, and social inclusion.

Through project-based funding and partnerships, the programme aims to strengthen civil society, encourage public dialogue, and support long-term reforms across Türkiye. Organizations working on rights-based and community-focused initiatives are encouraged to apply.