Deadline: 26-Jun-25
The European Commission has launched a call for proposals to support Slovenian and Croatian CSOs’ impact-oriented programme development and upgrade for enhanced protection of EU values and to support Slovenian and Croatian CSOs’ thematic resource centres that will build capacities of CSOs in three programme priority areas (democracy, human rights, climate change), while offering them extensive capacity building support.
The specific objective of this call is to support Slovenian and Croatian civil society organisations in implementing programmes aimed at strengthening the fundamental values of the European Union and improving the quality of life in local communities. The call will support initiatives with the potential for long-term impact, systemic change, and capacity-building of key actors, particularly in the context of the protection of human rights, equality, the rule of law, democracy, and freedom of expression.
Funding Information
- Total funding available: €2,520,000,00
- Duration:
- LOT 1: 18-24 months (with the possibility of 3-month non-cost extension)
- LOT 2: 24 months (with the possibility of 3-month non-cost extension)
Expected Outcomes
- LOT 1: (Support to civil society organisations’ programmes): This group of support aims to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of civil society organisations in Croatia and Slovenia that are actively promoting and protecting fundamental EU values. Supported programmes are expected to result in strengthened watchdog and advocacy roles of CSOs, improved organisational resilience, and increased collaboration with institutions, media, and citizens. In particular, programmes should contribute to better protection of human rights, democracy, the rule of law, freedom of expression, and equality in local communities. Through long-term programme-based work, organisations will be better equipped to engage in public debate, influence public policy, and build partnerships that ensure broader social impact and systemic change.
- LOT 2: (Support to thematic resource centres): This group of support is intended to strengthen thematic resource centres that will serve as capacity-building and knowledge hubs for smaller CSOs working in the fields of democracy, human rights, and climate action. These centres are expected to provide specialised support, facilitate peer learning and mentoring, and contribute to the development of evidence-based advocacy and public engagement tools. Over time, resource centres should contribute to the increased visibility and relevance of civil society in the priority areas, foster cross-sector collaboration, and create a supportive ecosystem for the development of civic initiatives.
Eligible Activities
- LOT 1: upgrade of existing activities (new approaches, methods, tools, defined objectives, etc.) in:
- Evidence-based lobbying/advocacy to influence policy and decision making processes, including revision/updating/ adoption of policies and legislation;
- Civic mobilisation;
- Civic education, including street work (no material or other damage may be caused);
- Awareness raising and outreach of EU rights and values (including street campaigning, use of digital tools);
- Campaigns, communication and public information;
- Provision of free advice, watchdog and monitoring activities on EU policies and rights and values.
- LOT 2:
- Mentoring, job-shadowing, coaching;
- Trainings;
- P2P and mutual learning activities;
- Following, analysing and sharing international and national political, legislative and judicial practices;
- Sharing of good national and international practices.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible organisations should be established in Slovenia or Croatia.
- All eligible applicants and partners must respect the fundamental rights and values on which the EU is founded.
Application Requirements
- A complete application includes:
- A fully completed application form LOT 1 or LOT 2 (Word),
- A fully completed financial plan (Excel),
- A completed form with applicant and project details (Excel),
- A scanned, signed, and stamped Applicant’s Statement (in .pdf format),
- A scanned valid statute or founding act of the applicant, if the document is not available in a publicly accessible national electronic registry (in .pdf format).
For more information, visit European Commission.