New Democracy Fund for Regional Armenian Civil Society, Youth, and Media Projects

Deadline: 11-Feb-2026

The New Democracy Fund offers grants ranging from EUR 13,000 to 53,500 to support civil society organisations, youth groups, and independent media outside Yerevan. The program aims to strengthen democratic participation, promote fact-based information, and maintain political neutrality ahead of Armenia’s June 2026 parliamentary elections.

Overview

The New Democracy Fund provides targeted support for civil society actors in Armenia’s regions outside Yerevan. The initiative focuses on enhancing democratic engagement, civic participation, and access to reliable information, especially in the lead-up to the parliamentary elections scheduled for June 2026. Funding is strictly non-partisan and sensitive to the local political context.

Focus Areas and Objectives

Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that:

• Strengthen democratic participation in regional communities

• Improve access to fact-based and independent information

• Support youth engagement and civic networks

• Empower civil society organisations, independent media, and professional associations

• Promote regional development and knowledge-sharing initiatives

Funding Details

• Grant Range: EUR 13,000–53,500 (or DKK 100,000–400,000)

• Budget Requirements: Budgets must be realistic, proportionate to the organisation’s capacity, and feasible within the short pre-election timeframe

• Eligible Costs: Project activities that support civic engagement, media literacy, youth programs, information dissemination, or regional democratic initiatives

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Civil society organisations and community-based initiatives based in Armenia

• Independent media and journalist groups

• Youth organisations and informal civic networks

• Cultural, educational, and knowledge institutions

• Professional associations and labour-related civil society actors
  Applicants must satisfy at least one of the following:

• Be legally registered and based in Armenia

• Be based outside Armenia but demonstrate clear, ongoing engagement with beneficiaries in Armenia’s regions outside Yerevan

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Prepare Proposal: Define objectives, expected outcomes, activities, and budget aligned with the short pre-election timeframe

2. Budget Planning: Ensure proposed costs are proportionate, realistic, and feasible

3. Submission: Applications must demonstrate alignment with non-partisan, democratic, and civic engagement priorities

4. Review and Selection: Projects are evaluated for relevance, feasibility, impact, and alignment with democratic participation goals

5. Grant Award: Selected projects receive funding within the EUR 13,000–53,500 range

6. Implementation: Projects should be executed in regional areas outside Yerevan with measurable impact on local communities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects centered in Yerevan rather than regional areas

• Proposing budgets unrealistic for organisational capacity or timeframe

• Failing to demonstrate clear engagement with local beneficiaries

• Submitting partisan or politically biased initiatives

• Ignoring short pre-election time constraints

Why This Grant Matters

• Enhances democratic participation and civic engagement in Armenia’s regions

• Supports fact-based information dissemination during critical electoral periods

• Empowers youth and regional civil society actors

• Strengthens the capacity of independent media and community organisations

• Encourages non-partisan, accountable, and locally relevant interventions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Civil society organisations, youth groups, independent media, cultural and educational institutions, and professional associations with regional engagement outside Yerevan.
2. What is the grant range? EUR 13,000–53,500 (DKK 100,000–400,000).
3. Are projects in Yerevan eligible? No, funding targets regional areas outside Yerevan.
4. Can organisations based outside Armenia apply? Yes, if they demonstrate clear and ongoing engagement with beneficiaries in Armenia.
5. What activities are eligible? Civic engagement, youth programs, independent media, information dissemination, and democratic participation initiatives.
6. Is political neutrality required? Yes, all projects must be strictly non-partisan.
7. How should budgets be prepared? Budgets must be realistic, proportionate to organisational capacity, and achievable within the pre-election timeframe.

Conclusion

The New Democracy Fund strengthens regional civil society, youth engagement, and independent media in Armenia by providing financial support for non-partisan, democratic initiatives. By promoting fact-based information and civic participation, the fund empowers communities outside Yerevan to engage meaningfully in the June 2026 parliamentary elections and beyond.

For more information, visit New Democracy Fund.