Deadline: 30-Nov-2025

APCOM’s Rapid Response Fund provides urgent, confidential, and effective support to LGBTQI+ activists and human rights defenders at risk in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Asia-Pacific. The fund offers relocation, legal aid, psychological care, and essential assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals targeted due to their advocacy or visibility in LGBTQI+ spaces.

Overview

The APCOM Rapid Response Fund is designed to deliver immediate and critical support to individuals facing threats because of their LGBTQI+ or human rights work. It aims to protect activists and defenders who are at risk due to advocacy, outreach, or visibility in their communities, offering resources for relocation, safety, and well-being. The fund prioritizes confidentiality and rapid response to emergencies.

Key Objectives:

• Provide urgent assistance to LGBTQI+ activists and human rights defenders at risk

• Support relocation and emergency interventions for safety

• Offer psychological counseling and essential legal aid

• Protect individuals working in both formal and informal LGBTQI+ spaces, including criminalized environments

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Actively engaged in LGBTQI+ or human rights work

• Face an immediate safety threat due to their activism or visibility

• The risk or incident must have occurred in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, or Asia-Pacific

• Individuals may operate in registered organizations, community groups, or informal collectives

Who Can Apply:

• LGBTQI+ activists and human rights defenders

• Community leaders in formal or informal networks

• Individuals at risk due to their work in environments where LGBTQI+ activism may be criminalized

Types of Support Provided

1. Relocation Assistance – travel, visas, temporary housing, and essential goods

2. Psychological Support – counseling services to address trauma and stress

3. Legal Assistance – guidance, representation, or protection against threats

4. Emergency Essentials – medicines and other urgent necessities for personal safety

Application Process

1. Submit an application detailing the risk and immediate need

2. The Case Review Committee evaluates submissions based on relevance, urgency, and risk context

3. Applicants are notified of approval or rejection within five business days

4. The fund is available until November 30, 2025, or until resources are fully utilized

Tips for Applicants:

• Clearly describe the nature of the threat and urgency of support needed

• Include relevant documentation or evidence to demonstrate risk, if possible

• Apply promptly due to the limited availability of funds

FAQ

Q1: Who is eligible for the Rapid Response Fund?
A1: LGBTQI+ activists, human rights defenders, and community leaders at immediate risk in EECA or Asia-Pacific regions, regardless of organizational registration.

Q2: What types of support does the fund provide?
A2: Relocation assistance, psychological care, legal aid, and essential emergency support.

Q3: How quickly will applications be reviewed?
A3: Applicants receive a decision within five business days of submission.

Q4: Can informal activists or unregistered individuals apply?
A4: Yes, the fund supports individuals working in informal or criminalized environments.

Q5: What is the deadline for applications?
A5: The application period is open until November 30, 2025, or until funds are fully used.

Q6: Is confidentiality ensured?
A6: Yes, the fund maintains strict confidentiality to protect applicants’ safety.

Why It Matters

The APCOM Rapid Response Fund is a crucial lifeline for LGBTQI+ activists and human rights defenders facing imminent threats. By providing emergency relocation, legal support, and psychological care, the fund helps ensure the safety, well-being, and continued advocacy of individuals who champion human rights in challenging and high-risk environments.

For more information, visit APCOM.