Deadline: 5-Aug-25
The Euro-Mediterranean Foundation of Support to Human Rights Defenders is now accepting applications for its Standard Grants program. This initiative is designed to provide flexible financial support to regional, national, and local human rights organizations, institutes, and individual defenders working to promote, protect, and monitor the observance of human rights across the South-Mediterranean region.
Applicants may request funding of up to EUR 40,000, with most grants typically ranging between EUR 5,000 and EUR 30,000. The duration of the grant-supported projects must be between 12 to 18 months.
This funding opportunity is aimed at civil society actors who operate peacefully, whether as individuals or in groups, to promote and uphold universal human rights. All applicants must provide documentation of their actions and performance. Eligible applicants include individuals, unregistered groups, and formally registered organizations who are engaged in promoting civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights in line with international human rights conventions. The Foundation also supports natural persons, legally registered entities, and, under certain conditions, for-profit entities carrying out non-commercial rights-based activities.
Particular consideration is given to initiatives that promote equality and support vulnerable groups, such as those in geographically remote regions, migrants, minorities, LGBTQI individuals, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Applicants are expected to follow detailed guidelines when submitting their proposals. This includes providing an introduction with the name of the organization or entity, the country of origin, the country of residence (if different), and a primary contact person.
The legal profile of the applicant must include a description of the organization’s or entity’s background, how and when it was established or registered, its structure and leadership, and the qualifications of its leadership team. The proportion of women in leadership should be indicated, and a brief summary of past activities must be included. If relevant, the applicant should also describe any security measures in place to protect employees, partners, and operations.
The financial profile should provide figures on total revenue and expenditures for the previous year, an annual provisional budget for the year of application, and a complete list of past and current donors. If the organization has experienced funding difficulties, this should be explained in detail.
The request for funding must include a description of the operating context and the specific challenges the proposed project aims to address. Applicants should state whether the funding sought is for core operations or a specific project or activity, along with clear objectives, expected results, and a budget outlining the costs involved. The proposal should also describe the expected duration of the requested support.
Applicants must explain how the proposed project complements existing initiatives implemented by other NGOs in the region and highlight any innovative aspects. An assessment of both programmatic and financial sustainability should be included, particularly with regard to the organization’s ability to continue the work after the grant period ends. If the same proposal has been submitted to other potential donors, the applicant must disclose the donor’s name, the amount requested, and the outcomes of those efforts.
Lastly, all applications must include a list of human rights organizations and institutions the applicant is currently working or collaborating with, both domestically and internationally. At least two references or contact persons familiar with the applicant’s work must also be provided for verification and recommendation purposes.
For more information, visit EMHRF.