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Call for Applications: Organizational Support Program 2026 (Turkey)

Deadline: 25-Mar-2026

EuroMed Rights and the Human Rights Joint Platform (İHOP) have launched the Organizational Support Programme under the EU-funded project “Empowering Civil Society to Fight Impunity.” The programme provides €2,500 financial support to 12 human rights organizations in Turkey, focusing on security, accountability, and protection of fundamental freedoms, particularly outside major metropolitan cities. Eligible organizations can apply to strengthen their capacity and sustain human rights activities in a challenging political environment.

About the Programme

The Organizational Support Programme is part of the EU-funded initiative “Empowering Civil Society to Fight Impunity.” It aims to strengthen the sustainability and operational capacity of human rights organizations in Turkey by providing targeted financial support. The focus areas include:

  • Personal security and protection of human rights defenders

  • Combatting impunity, torture, and ill-treatment

  • Accountability mechanisms and rule of law

  • Monitoring and documenting violations of freedom of expression, association, and assembly

  • Gender equality and prison-related human rights issues

The programme is designed as small-scale financial support, ensuring organizations can continue essential human rights work in a challenging environment.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • Based outside major metropolitan cities, including Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara

  • Legal entities such as associations or foundations with legal personality

  • In exceptional cases, natural persons may apply in collaboration with an eligible organization due to the restrictive political context

  • Organizations that received funding in the first round of the programme are not eligible for the second round

What Activities Are Supported?

The programme supports capacity-building, monitoring, research, and advocacy initiatives, including:

  • Training sessions, panels, and workshops for organizational strengthening

  • Monitoring and documentation of human rights violations, including related training

  • Awareness-raising and visibility activities to inform communities

  • Strengthening local civil society networks and promoting solidarity among human rights actors

  • Field and desk research with publication of findings

  • Trial observation and related reporting activities

How to Apply

Organizations must submit a letter of no more than two pages containing the following:

  • Organization name, main contact person, and general contact information

  • Website or social media channels (if available)

  • City and country of operation

  • Location of the proposed activity

  • Thematic focus of the activity

  • Brief description of the proposed activity including:

    • Target group

    • Objectives and expected outcomes

    • Justification of the organization’s capacity to implement the activity

Application Process

  1. Initial Assessment: An external consultant experienced in the Turkish local context and civil society will assess all applications.

  2. Shortlisting: 15–20 organizations will be shortlisted based on relevance, geographic location, and compliance with application criteria.

  3. Interview Stage: Shortlisted organizations will be invited for an interview to discuss the proposed activities.

  4. Final Selection: 12 organizations will be selected and notified via email.

Why It Matters

This programme is essential for sustaining human rights work in regions with limited civil society support. It ensures:

  • Continuous monitoring and documentation of human rights violations

  • Capacity-building for local organizations facing political and operational challenges

  • Strengthened networks and solidarity among human rights actors in Turkey

Common Tips for Applicants

  • Clearly define the target group and expected outcomes

  • Demonstrate the organization’s capacity to implement the proposed activity

  • Ensure the activity aligns with one of the specified thematic areas

  • Include all requested contact and organizational information in the application

  • Focus on geographic areas outside major cities for eligibility

FAQ

1. How much funding does each organization receive? Each selected organization will receive €2,500.
2. Can organizations in Istanbul, Izmir, or Ankara apply? No, the programme targets organizations outside major metropolitan cities.
3. Are natural persons eligible to apply? Yes, but only in collaboration with an eligible organization.
4. How long should the application letter be? The application letter must be no longer than two pages.
5. How many organizations will be selected? 12 organizations will receive funding.
6. What happens after shortlisting? Shortlisted organizations will be invited for an interview to finalize selection.
7. Can organizations funded in the first round apply again? No, they are ineligible for the second round.

Conclusion

The Organizational Support Programme by EuroMed Rights and İHOP provides a crucial opportunity for human rights organizations in Turkey to sustain and strengthen their activities. By supporting small-scale initiatives in monitoring, advocacy, and capacity-building, the programme helps organizations navigate challenges, protect human rights, and promote accountability in local communities.

For more information, visit EuroMed Rights.