Request for Applications: zivik Funding Programme

The zivik Funding Programme provides grants of up to €400,000 to support civil society organizations working on crisis prevention, conflict management, peacebuilding, democracy-building, and youth participation in conflict-affected regions worldwide. In addition to funding, the programme offers project guidance, networking opportunities, and evaluation support to strengthen sustainable peace initiatives.

About the zivik Funding Programme

The zivik Funding Programme supports non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that contribute to preventing violent conflict, promoting peace, strengthening democratic systems, and building resilient societies in regions affected by crises and instability.

The programme recognizes the important role of civil society in complementing government efforts by bringing local knowledge, community engagement, and innovative approaches to peacebuilding. Besides financial assistance, it provides technical advice, networking opportunities, and project evaluation support to improve the long-term impact of funded initiatives.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Prevent crises and violent conflicts.
• Strengthen conflict management and stabilization efforts.
• Promote sustainable peacebuilding.
• Support democracy-building initiatives.
• Strengthen local peacebuilding capacities.
• Increase youth participation in peace and security.
• Encourage collaboration among civil society organizations.
• Improve project learning and long-term impact.

Focus Areas

The programme supports projects related to:

• Crisis prevention.
• Conflict management.
• Stabilization.
• Peacebuilding.
• Democracy-building.
• Local capacity development.
• Youth, Peace and Security.
• Civil society strengthening.
• Community resilience.
• Conflict prevention.

Funding Information

• Maximum Grant Amount: €400,000

The requested funding must not exceed €400,000 per project.

In addition to financial support, successful applicants receive:

• Project implementation guidance.
• Technical advice.
• Networking opportunities.
• Project evaluation and impact assessment support.
• Knowledge-sharing with civil society partners and experts.

Priority Geographic Regions

The programme gives priority to projects operating in:

• Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA).
• Southeastern Europe.
• Ukraine.
• Belarus.
• South Caucasus.
• Latin America and the Caribbean (through the Unidas Women’s Network).

Projects from other regions may also be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Thematic Priority: UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security

The programme strongly supports projects aligned with the five pillars of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security.

These pillars include:

Participation

• Increasing meaningful participation of young people in political, social, and community decision-making.

Protection

• Protecting young people from violence, abuse, and human rights violations.

Prevention

• Preventing conflict through education, dialogue, inclusion, and social integration.

Partnerships

• Building partnerships between youth organizations, civil society, governments, and international stakeholders.

Disengagement and Reintegration

• Supporting the reintegration of young people returning from armed groups or conflict situations into peaceful communities.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• State-registered non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Local civil society organizations.
• Organizations implementing peacebuilding projects.
• Organizations working in crisis-affected and conflict-affected regions.
• Organizations strengthening local capacities for crisis prevention and stabilization.

Applicants should demonstrate experience in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, or related areas.

Why This Programme Matters

Conflict-affected communities require locally led solutions that build trust, strengthen institutions, and promote lasting peace.

The zivik Funding Programme helps organizations:

• Strengthen community resilience.
• Prevent violent conflict.
• Promote democratic participation.
• Empower young peacebuilders.
• Improve cooperation among civil society actors.
• Build sustainable peace through locally driven initiatives.
• Strengthen long-term conflict prevention efforts.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization:

• Is a legally registered NGO or eligible civil society organization.
• Operates within an eligible region.
• Has experience in peacebuilding or crisis prevention.

Step 2: Develop Your Project

Prepare a proposal outlining:

• The conflict or crisis being addressed.
• Project objectives.
• Planned activities.
• Expected outcomes.
• Community engagement strategy.
• Sustainability plan.

Step 3: Align with Programme Priorities

Demonstrate how your project contributes to:

• Crisis prevention.
• Peacebuilding.
• Local capacity strengthening.
• Democracy-building.
• Youth participation.
• The objectives of UNSCR 2250, where applicable.

Step 4: Prepare Your Budget

Include:

• Eligible project costs.
• Total funding requested (not exceeding €400,000).
• A clear justification for all budget items.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Complete the application process and submit all required documents before the programme deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Demonstrate strong local partnerships.
• Clearly explain the conflict context.
• Show measurable peacebuilding outcomes.
• Include meaningful participation of local communities.
• Integrate youth engagement where appropriate.
• Present a realistic implementation plan.
• Explain how project results will continue beyond the funding period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Submitting projects outside the programme’s thematic priorities.
• Requesting funding above €400,000.
• Providing unclear project objectives.
• Failing to demonstrate local community involvement.
• Ignoring sustainability planning.
• Presenting unrealistic budgets or timelines.
• Not explaining how project outcomes will be measured.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the zivik Funding Programme?

The programme provides financial and technical support to civil society organizations implementing projects focused on peacebuilding, crisis prevention, conflict management, democracy-building, and stabilization in conflict-affected regions.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request up to €400,000 per project.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include state-registered NGOs, local civil society organizations, and organizations working in crisis prevention, peacebuilding, and stabilization.

Which regions are prioritized?

Priority is given to projects in:

• Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA).
• Southeastern Europe.
• Ukraine.
• Belarus.
• South Caucasus.
• Latin America and the Caribbean (through the Unidas Women’s Network).

What types of projects are supported?

Projects focusing on crisis prevention, conflict management, peacebuilding, democracy-building, youth participation, and strengthening local peacebuilding capacities are eligible.

Does the programme provide support beyond funding?

Yes. Successful applicants receive technical advice, project implementation support, networking opportunities, and assistance with project evaluation and impact assessment.

What is the significance of UNSCR 2250?

The programme encourages projects aligned with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, which promotes youth participation, protection, conflict prevention, partnerships, and reintegration in peacebuilding processes.

Conclusion

The zivik Funding Programme offers an important opportunity for civil society organizations working in conflict-affected regions to strengthen peacebuilding, crisis prevention, and democratic resilience.

With grants of up to €400,000, combined with expert guidance, networking opportunities, and evaluation support, the programme empowers organizations to deliver sustainable, locally driven solutions that foster peace, stability, and inclusive development across some of the world’s most fragile regions.