Deadline: 08-Jun-2026
The Lesbian Economic Power (EU) 2026 programme aims to improve the long-term economic resilience and autonomy of lesbian organisations and communities across the EU.
The programme focuses on:
- Economic independence and financial security
- Labour market inclusion and access
- Workplace equality and non-discrimination
- Reducing structural barriers to employment
- Organisational sustainability and resilience
- Innovative and diversified funding and business models
It supports initiatives that strengthen both individual livelihoods and the long-term capacity of lesbian-led organisations.
Funding Details
- Total budget: €350,000
- Grant size: €5,000 to €20,000 per project
- Co-funding: Not required (100% project costs covered)
- Funding year: 2026
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Full member organisations of EuroCentralAsian Lesbian Community (EL*C)
- Legally registered NGOs
- Non-profit civil society organisations
- Organisations based in EU Member States (including overseas territories)
Priority Focus Areas
Economic Empowerment and Employment
- Labour market access for lesbians
- Career counselling and job placement support
- Vocational training and workforce development
- Employer sensitisation and inclusion training
Entrepreneurship and Business Development
- Support for lesbian-led enterprises
- Business planning and feasibility studies
- Financial and strategic resource mobilisation
- Entrepreneurial skills development
Skills and Capacity Building
- Digital skills and digital inclusion
- Skills recognition and certification support
- Mentorship and peer networking systems
- Workforce readiness programmes
Structural Inclusion and Equality
- Addressing workplace discrimination
- Promoting equal employment opportunities
- Supporting sustainable employment pathways
- Reducing systemic barriers in labour markets
Innovation and Partnerships
- Pilot projects for economic inclusion
- Public and private sector collaborations
- Innovative employment support models
- Community-based economic resilience initiatives
Eligible Activities
Projects may include:
- Vocational training workshops adapted to local labour markets
- Job placement and career counselling services
- Mentorship and peer-support networks
- Entrepreneurship and startup support programmes
- Employer engagement and inclusion training
- Digital inclusion initiatives
- Feasibility studies and business planning support
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form
- Detailed project budget
- Signed declaration of honour
Applications that do not meet eligibility criteria will be notified within two weeks after the deadline.
Selection Criteria (Implied Priorities)
Strong applications typically demonstrate:
- Clear economic empowerment impact
- Strong organisational capacity
- Practical labour market relevance
- Sustainability beyond funding period
- Strong inclusion and equality outcomes
- Well-defined implementation plan
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without EL*C full membership
- Weak linkage to economic empowerment goals
- Missing budget or declaration documents
- Overly broad or non-operational project design
- Lack of labour market relevance or outcomes
FAQ
Who is funding the programme?
The EuroCentralAsian Lesbian Community (EL*C).
What is the total funding available?
€350,000 across multiple grants in 2026.
What is the grant size?
Between €5,000 and €20,000 per project.
Is co-funding required?
No, EL*C covers 100% of project costs.
Who can apply?
Full member lesbian-led NGOs and civil society organisations registered in EU Member States.
What types of projects are supported?
Employment support, entrepreneurship, skills training, digital inclusion, and economic empowerment initiatives.
Conclusion
The EuroCentralAsian Lesbian Community Lesbian Economic Power (EU) 2026 programme provides targeted financial support to strengthen economic inclusion, employment access, and organisational sustainability for lesbian communities across the EU. By funding training, entrepreneurship, and structural inclusion initiatives, the programme aims to build long-term economic resilience and equality-driven development.
For more information, visit EuroCentralAsian Lesbian Community.