Request for Proposals: EU-funded Fellowship Programme

Deadline: 30-Dec-2025

The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Facility Fellowship Programme supports individuals from Eastern Partnership countries to drive positive societal change through community engagement and civic digital innovation. Fellows receive up to €5,000 for six-month projects focused on civil society resilience, open data, participatory governance, and social justice.

Programme Overview

The Fellowship Programme aims to strengthen civil society resilience by supporting innovative initiatives that foster democratic values, public trust, and sustainable development. It offers two distinct streams:

1. Community Engagement Fellowships – Focused on local evidence collection, policy engagement, organisational capacity building, accountability, and inter-CSO collaboration.

2. Civic Digital Fellowships – Focused on improving open data quality, developing digital tools for transparency, and expanding civic-tech solutions addressing community needs.

Objectives and Focus Areas

• Promote innovative civic solutions and standalone scientific instruments

• Strengthen governance, financial sustainability, and institutional resilience

• Advance rule of law, security, environmental and climate resilience

• Support inclusive digitalisation, participatory decision-making, and social justice

• Encourage civil society actors to counter disinformation, reduce social divides, and enhance collaboration

Who is Eligible?

• Nationals of Eastern Partnership countries

• Minimum age: 18 years

• First-time participants in this Fellowship Programme

• Demonstrated experience in civil society, civic-tech, or community-focused initiatives

• Minimum B1 level of English proficiency

Funding and Support

• Average grant: €5,000 per Fellow

• Project duration: up to 6 months (May–October 2026)

• Eligible expenses: travel, accommodation, mentorship, communication efforts, operational costs

• Ineligible expenses: equipment purchases, personal fees

• Additional benefits: access to e-learning, capacity-building workshops, networking events, and collaboration opportunities with partners across the EU and Eastern Partnership countries

How It Works

1. Stage 1 – Concept Note Submission:

   • Outline project idea, objectives, and expected impact

   • Shortlisted candidates move to Stage 2

2. Stage 2 – Full Application (Incubation Stage):

   • Develop a detailed project plan, timeline, and budget

   • Include a communication strategy and supporting documents:

     • Proof of citizenship

     • Recommendation letters

     • Gantt chart or project schedule

   • Submit through the official application portal

3. Evaluation Process:

   • Applications reviewed by a Selection Committee for eligibility, project quality, and alignment with programme objectives

   • Additional scoring for contributions to civil society resilience

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly align your project with civil society resilience and EU–Eastern Partnership priorities

• Ensure a realistic timeline and budget for the six-month period

• Highlight measurable outcomes and impact on communities or institutions

• Include strong recommendation letters that demonstrate your experience and capacity to implement the project

Key Dates

• Concept Note Submission: Check official portal for opening date

• Full Application Stage: For shortlisted candidates after incubation

• Announcement of Successful Fellows: April 2026

• Project Implementation: May–October 2026

FAQ

1. Who can apply for this Fellowship?
   Nationals of Eastern Partnership countries, 18 years or older, with civil society or civic-tech experience.

2. What are the two Fellowship streams?

   • Community Engagement: Local evidence, policy engagement, CSO collaboration

   • Civic Digital: Open data, civic-tech tools, transparency initiatives

3. What funding is provided?
   Up to €5,000 per Fellow to cover eligible project-related expenses.

4. How long does the Fellowship last?
   Six months, with project implementation from May to October 2026.

5. Can equipment or personal fees be funded?
   No, these expenses are not eligible.

6. What is required for the full application?
   Detailed project plan, timeline, budget, communication strategy, recommendation letters, proof of citizenship, and a Gantt chart.

7. When will successful applicants be notified?
   In April 2026.

Conclusion

The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Facility Fellowship Programme provides a unique opportunity for individuals to strengthen civil society, develop innovative civic solutions, and promote participatory governance. With financial support, mentorship, and capacity-building resources, Fellows can contribute meaningfully to community resilience, social justice, and sustainable development in the region.

For more information, visit EaP Civil Society.