Networking Grants for EaP CSOs to Support Regional Collaboration

The Transatlantic Foundation, in partnership with the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation, offers networking grants of EUR 30,000 to civil society organizations (CSOs) in Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries. The grants support regional collaboration, network-building, and cross-border projects that strengthen democracy, civic engagement, human rights, media integrity, and rule of law. Funding covers projects up to 12 months, enabling CSOs to build sustainable partnerships and amplify their collective impact.

What Are the Networking Grants?

These grants are designed to empower CSOs in EaP countries to develop and strengthen regional networks. By facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange, the programme aims to enhance civil society’s capacity to address shared challenges and opportunities.

Key objectives include:

• Establishing new networks or reinforcing existing partnerships

• Organizing conferences, workshops, and online events for CSO collaboration

• Sharing best practices and innovative approaches to common regional issues

• Promoting advocacy initiatives to amplify the collective voice of civil society

• Supporting activities focused on democracy, civic engagement, human rights, media, transparency, disinformation/misinformation, and rule of law

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be CSOs from EaP countries, including:

• Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine

• Organisations must be registered and active in an EaP country where possible

• Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to lead a regional networking or cooperation project

• Projects must include participation from at least three EaP countries

• Applicants must show a clear funding need with a plan to strengthen networks or create new collaborations

Funding Details

• Grant amount: EUR 30,000 per project

• Maximum project duration: 12 months

• Covers logistical and content-related costs for activities such as:

  • Conferences and workshops

  • Online meetings and virtual collaboration platforms

  • Exchange visits and knowledge-sharing initiatives

  • Advocacy campaigns supporting regional cooperation

How to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility

   • Ensure the organization is a registered CSO in an EaP country

   • Secure participation from at least two other CSOs in different EaP countries

2. Define the Project Scope

   • Identify regional challenges your network will address

   • Plan collaboration activities, including conferences, workshops, and digital engagement

3. Develop a Budget and Timeline

   • Outline expenses for logistics, content, and networking activities

   • Clearly show how the EUR 30,000 grant will be allocated over the 12-month period

4. Prepare Supporting Documents

   • Registration documents, proof of active operations, and partnership letters

   • Project description, objectives, expected outcomes, and sustainability plan

5. Submit Application

   • Follow submission instructions provided by the Transatlantic Foundation/Black Sea Trust

   • Ensure all documentation is complete and submitted before the deadline

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to include participants from at least three EaP countries

• Submitting a project that lacks a clear regional networking component

• Overlooking the need to justify funding and demonstrate organizational capacity

• Missing required registration or partnership documentation

• Proposing activities outside the 12-month timeframe

Why It Matters

These grants help CSOs:

• Build sustainable regional networks capable of addressing complex challenges

• Strengthen democracy, civic engagement, and human rights in EaP countries

• Amplify their collective advocacy and influence policy at regional levels

• Share innovative practices and learn from cross-border cooperation

FAQs

1. How much funding is available per project?

Each project may receive up to EUR 30,000.

2. How long can projects last?

Projects may run for up to 12 months.

3. Which countries are eligible?

Applicants must be CSOs from Eastern Partnership countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine.

4. How many countries must participate in a project?

At least three different EaP countries must be involved.

5. What types of activities are eligible?

Conferences, workshops, online platforms, exchanges, advocacy campaigns, and other collaborative initiatives promoting regional cooperation.

6. Can new or unregistered organizations apply?

Preference is for registered and active CSOs, but eligibility may depend on demonstrated capacity to lead regional projects.

7. What does the grant cover?

Logistical and content-related costs for regional networking activities.

Conclusion

The Transatlantic Foundation and Black Sea Trust networking grants empower civil society organisations across EaP countries to build strong, collaborative networks. By supporting regional partnerships and shared initiatives, these grants enhance democracy, civic engagement, human rights, and rule of law, while creating sustainable platforms for CSOs to collectively address pressing regional challenges.