Deadline: 29-Jul-25
A new funding opportunity is now available to support civil society organizations across the Pacific Island Countries. This initiative aims to empower civil society to actively participate in governance, advocate for human rights, influence policymaking, and hold governments accountable for their commitments to citizens and communities.
The main goal of the program is to build the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the region. This includes enhancing their ability to implement projects, conduct policy analysis, and monitor government programs. It also encourages collaboration between CSOs and public authorities, helping to ensure civil society has a voice in national and local decision-making processes.
This call aligns with several global development goals, including eradicating poverty, achieving gender equality, promoting decent work and economic growth, ensuring clean water and sanitation, reducing inequalities, tackling climate change, and building peaceful, just, and inclusive institutions.
One of the key priorities is to support local communities in adapting to climate change. CSOs are encouraged to develop projects that strengthen local resilience, protect natural resources through sustainable agricultural practices, and respond to the negative human rights impacts of environmental degradation and extractive industries. These efforts are intended to connect national climate strategies with grassroots actions that serve the most vulnerable populations.
Another area of focus is economic empowerment and gender equality. Proposals can include initiatives that stimulate local economic growth, reduce poverty, create jobs, and encourage gender-balanced development. Projects can also explore the potential of creative and cultural industries as a means to foster innovation and sustainability.
Democracy and civic engagement are also at the heart of this program. Civil society groups are encouraged to monitor state institutions, advocate for transparent public policies, and defend media freedom. They may also address restrictions on civil society, raise awareness around disinformation, and support access to accurate information, especially for youth and marginalized communities.
A total budget of EUR 3,886,751 is available through this call. For Fiji and Samoa (Lot 1), grants will range between EUR 400,000 and EUR 600,000, with a maximum total of EUR 1.2 million allocated. For Solomon Islands, Tonga, FSM, RMI, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Palau, Nauru, and Niue (Lot 2), grants will range from EUR 250,000 to EUR 500,000, with a maximum of EUR 2,686,751 available.
Eligible applicants must be legally registered, non-profit organizations. This includes non-governmental organizations, public sector operators, local authorities, or international inter-governmental bodies. All applicants must meet the criteria outlined in the EU Financial Regulation and be capable of implementing activities in the target countries.
This funding presents an important opportunity for civil society to strengthen its role in shaping development, advancing equity, and safeguarding democratic values in the Pacific.
For more information, visit European Commission.
