Advancing Earthquake Preparedness and Resilience Through Collaboration (Portugal)

The Portugal + Prepared Initiative, launched by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, provides grants of up to €250,000 to support projects that strengthen earthquake preparedness and resilience in Portugal. The initiative funds research, public awareness, capacity building, policy development, and innovative pilot projects that connect science, communication, and public action to create a more informed and resilient society.

What is the Portugal + Prepared Initiative?

The Portugal + Prepared Initiative is a funding programme established by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation to improve earthquake preparedness and resilience across Portugal.

The initiative promotes collaboration between academia, civil society organisations, public authorities, and policymakers to develop practical solutions that reduce seismic risk and improve public preparedness. It encourages evidence-based projects that combine scientific knowledge with effective communication and community engagement.

By supporting innovative approaches to earthquake resilience, the programme aims to strengthen national preparedness and improve the ability of communities and institutions to respond to future seismic events.

Programme Objectives

The Portugal + Prepared Initiative seeks to:

• Strengthen earthquake preparedness across Portugal.
• Improve public understanding of seismic hazards and earthquake risks.
• Promote collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and civil society.
• Encourage evidence-based public policies on disaster preparedness.
• Build stronger community resilience through education and awareness.
• Improve preparedness among families, schools, organisations, and local communities.
• Support innovative approaches that contribute to long-term seismic resilience.

Funding Available

Successful applicants may receive grants of up to €250,000.

Grant Details

• Maximum funding available: €250,000
• Funding includes applicable taxes and associated project costs.
• Maximum project duration: 18 months
• Project proposals must not exceed 12 pages, excluding annexes.

Funding should be requested only for activities directly related to the implementation of the proposed project.

Focus Areas

Projects should contribute to strengthening earthquake preparedness through one or more of the following areas.

Knowledge and Public Policy

Projects may:

• Generate scientific evidence on seismic risk.
• Support policy development.
• Improve decision-making related to earthquake preparedness.
• Strengthen collaboration between researchers and policymakers.

Capacity Building and Awareness Raising

Eligible activities include:

• Public education campaigns.
• Community awareness initiatives.
• Professional training programmes.
• Educational resources.
• Public communication strategies.
• Workshops and seminars.

Pilot and Demonstration Projects

Applicants may propose innovative initiatives that:

• Test new preparedness approaches.
• Demonstrate practical resilience solutions.
• Develop scalable preparedness models.
• Improve community readiness for earthquakes.

What Types of Activities Can Be Supported?

Examples of eligible activities include:

• Scientific research related to earthquake preparedness.
• Public awareness campaigns.
• Risk communication initiatives.
• Educational programmes.
• Community engagement activities.
• Professional training.
• Development of preparedness tools and resources.
• Pilot projects demonstrating innovative resilience solutions.
• Policy research and recommendations.
• Collaboration between scientific institutions and public authorities.

Projects should clearly demonstrate how proposed activities contribute to improving earthquake preparedness and resilience.

Why This Initiative Matters

Portugal remains vulnerable to seismic events, making earthquake preparedness an important national priority.

The Portugal + Prepared Initiative supports projects that:

• Increase public understanding of earthquake risks.
• Improve emergency preparedness.
• Encourage evidence-based policymaking.
• Build stronger collaboration between science and society.
• Enhance resilience within schools, communities, and organisations.
• Promote long-term disaster risk reduction.

By combining research, communication, and public engagement, the programme helps create safer and more resilient communities.

Who is Eligible?

Applications must be submitted by a single coordinating organisation with recognised scientific and technical expertise in earthquakes and seismic risk.

Eligible coordinating organisations should:

• Possess recognised expertise in earthquake science or seismic risk.
• Demonstrate the capacity to manage complex projects.
• Lead project implementation and coordination.
• Take overall responsibility for project delivery and reporting.

Consortium Applications

The coordinating organisation may establish a consortium with other organisations.

Potential partners may include:

• Universities.
• Research institutions.
• Civil society organisations.
• Public authorities.
• Technical organisations.
• Other relevant stakeholders.

Although partnerships are encouraged, the coordinating organisation remains fully responsible for:

• Strategic leadership.
• Partnership coordination.
• Financial management.
• Overall project implementation.

How to Apply

Applicants should carefully follow the application process outlined by the programme.

Step 1: Register

Register the coordinating organisation through the designated application platform.

Step 2: Verify Eligibility

Review the programme regulations to ensure the organisation and proposed project meet all eligibility requirements.

Step 3: Prepare the Proposal

Develop a project proposal that clearly explains:

• Project objectives.
• Activities.
• Methodology.
• Expected outcomes.
• Partnership arrangements.
• Budget.
• Project timeline.

The proposal must not exceed 12 pages, excluding annexes.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Fill in all mandatory sections of the application form and provide accurate organisational information.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

Submit all required documentation specified in the programme regulations.

Supporting documents should be complete and accurate.

Step 6: Submit the Application

After reviewing the application, submit it through the online system before the deadline.

Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

Tips for a Strong Application

Competitive proposals generally:

• Demonstrate strong scientific expertise.
• Present clear and achievable objectives.
• Show measurable community impact.
• Include practical and innovative solutions.
• Explain how research will influence public policy or preparedness.
• Build meaningful partnerships across sectors.
• Include realistic budgets and implementation plans.
• Demonstrate long-term sustainability beyond the funding period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting proposals longer than the permitted page limit.
• Providing unclear project objectives.
• Weak links between research and practical outcomes.
• Insufficient evidence of scientific expertise.
• Unrealistic budgets or timelines.
• Incomplete supporting documentation.
• Poorly defined partnership roles.
• Failing to demonstrate community or policy impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Portugal + Prepared Initiative?

It is a grant programme funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation to support projects that strengthen earthquake preparedness and resilience across Portugal through research, communication, education, and public policy.

How much funding is available?

Projects may receive funding of up to €250,000, including taxes and associated project costs.

How long can funded projects last?

Projects may be implemented over a maximum period of 18 months.

Who can apply?

Applications must be submitted by a coordinating organisation with recognised scientific and technical expertise in earthquakes and seismic risk. The coordinating organisation may lead a consortium of partner organisations.

What kinds of projects are eligible?

Eligible projects include research, public awareness campaigns, education and training programmes, policy initiatives, pilot projects, and innovative approaches that strengthen earthquake preparedness and resilience.

Can organisations apply as a consortium?

Yes. Consortium applications are encouraged, but one coordinating organisation must take overall responsibility for project management, implementation, and reporting.

What should applicants include in the proposal?

Applications should include clear objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, implementation plans, budgets, partnership arrangements, and all required supporting documentation in accordance with the programme regulations.

Conclusion

The Portugal + Prepared Initiative offers a significant opportunity for organisations with expertise in earthquake science and disaster resilience to develop innovative projects that improve preparedness across Portugal. By supporting collaboration between researchers, civil society, and policymakers, the initiative aims to strengthen public awareness, improve policy development, and build more resilient communities capable of responding effectively to future seismic events.