Call for Applications: Fellowships Without Borders 2026

The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Facility (EaP CSF) has launched the second call for the 2026 Civil Society Fellows programme to support individuals working for social change through civic engagement, cross-border cooperation, and innovative solutions. Selected fellows will receive approximately €5,000 in financial support to implement projects focused on community engagement, digital innovation, accountability, environmental resilience, and social justice across the Eastern Partnership region.

Programme Overview

The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellows Programme 2026 supports individuals who are actively contributing to positive social change and strengthening civic participation in their communities.

The programme helps civil society actors improve their ability to:

• Work with communities.
• Engage with public authorities.
• Support democratic reforms.
• Develop innovative solutions.
• Build regional cooperation.
• Promote social justice and inclusion.

The fellowship encourages collaboration, knowledge exchange, and solidarity among civil society professionals across the Eastern Partnership region.

Programme Objectives

The fellowship aims to strengthen civil society contributions in key development areas, including:

• Building a resilient, sustainable, and integrated economy.
• Strengthening accountability, rule of law, and security.
• Supporting environmental and climate resilience.
• Promoting inclusive digital transformation.
• Encouraging participatory decision-making.
• Advancing social justice and community empowerment.

About the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Facility

The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Facility supports civil society development across the Eastern Partnership region.

The fellowship programme provides individuals with:

• Financial support.
• Learning opportunities.
• Mentorship.
• Regional networking.
• Cross-border cooperation opportunities.

The initiative helps civil society representatives develop practical solutions to local and regional challenges.

Types of Fellowships Available

The programme offers two fellowship categories:

Community Engagement Fellowship

This fellowship supports individuals working directly with communities and civil society organisations.

Supported activities may include:

• Collecting and analysing local evidence.
• Supporting community research.
• Participating in policymaking processes.
• Monitoring public administration.
• Improving accountability of civil society organisations.
• Providing mentoring and training.
• Strengthening cooperation between civil society groups.

The fellowship is designed for individuals working on community development, advocacy, governance, and social change initiatives.

Civic Digital Fellowship

This fellowship supports individuals using technology to address community needs.

Activities may include:

• Promoting open data and transparency.
• Improving data quality and accessibility.
• Developing civic technology solutions.
• Expanding existing digital initiatives.
• Supporting digital advocacy campaigns.
• Building digital skills among users and communities.

The fellowship encourages the use of technology to improve public participation and strengthen civic engagement.

Funding Support

Selected fellows will receive average financial support of:

• €5,000 per fellowship project

The funding can support approved project activities, including:

• Project implementation costs.
• Travel and accommodation expenses.
• Communication and visibility activities.
• Mentor services.
• Overhead costs up to 10% of the total project budget.
• Bank transfer charges.
• Consular fees where applicable.
• Insurance costs where relevant.

Expenses Not Covered

Funding cannot be used for:

• Salaries or fees for fellows.
• Payments to a fellow’s workplace supervisor.
• Purchase of equipment.

Equipment rental may be allowed if it is clearly justified and necessary for project implementation.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an individual applicant (natural person).
• Be a national of one of the following countries:
  • Armenia.
  • Azerbaijan.
  • Belarus.
  • Georgia.
  • Moldova.
  • Ukraine.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have not previously received support through the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship Programme.

Applicants must also demonstrate:

• Experience in civil society activities, community engagement, or civic technology.
• Minimum B1 level English language ability.
• Relevant language skills for the proposed project location.
• Commitment to completing the proposed fellowship activities.

Additional Requirements by Fellowship Type

Community Engagement Fellowship Applicants

Applicants must provide:

• A recommendation letter from a relevant civil society organisation or community organisation.

Civic Digital Fellowship Applicants

Applicants must provide:

• A recommendation letter from a recognised IT professional or relevant technology expert.

Priority Areas

Projects should contribute to one or more of the following areas:

Economic Resilience

Supporting:

• Sustainable economic development.
• Community-based economic initiatives.
• Inclusive growth.

Accountability and Rule of Law

Supporting:

• Transparency.
• Public oversight.
• Democratic governance.
• Institutional accountability.

Environmental and Climate Resilience

Supporting:

• Climate action.
• Environmental awareness.
• Sustainable community practices.

Digital Transformation

Supporting:

• Digital inclusion.
• Civic technology.
• Responsible technology use.
• Open data initiatives.

Participatory Decision-Making

Supporting:

• Community participation.
• Social justice.
• Inclusive policymaking.

How the Fellowship Works

The fellowship process includes:

1. Individual applicants submit project proposals.
2. Applications are reviewed based on eligibility and project relevance.
3. Selected fellows receive financial support and programme guidance.
4. Fellows implement approved activities.
5. Fellows participate in learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
6. Results and experiences are shared with the wider civil society community.

How to Apply

Applicants should:

1. Select the appropriate fellowship category.
2. Develop a project idea aligned with programme priorities.
3. Demonstrate relevant experience and community impact.
4. Prepare required recommendation letters.
5. Show language skills and commitment to implementation.
6. Submit the application according to programme requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without relevant civil society or digital experience.
• Choosing a fellowship category that does not match their work.
• Submitting unclear project objectives.
• Failing to provide recommendation letters.
• Including ineligible expenses in the budget.
• Proposing projects without clear community impact.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Clearly explaining the community problem being addressed.
• Showing previous experience and achievements.
• Demonstrating how the project creates measurable impact.
• Connecting activities with Eastern Partnership priorities.
• Including realistic timelines and budgets.
• Highlighting collaboration opportunities.

Expected Outcomes

The fellowship programme is expected to support:

• Stronger civil society networks.
• Increased civic participation.
• More effective community initiatives.
• Improved digital solutions for public needs.
• Greater cooperation across Eastern Partnership countries.
• More inclusive and accountable societies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellows Programme?

It is a fellowship programme supporting individuals who work on social change, civic engagement, and community development across the Eastern Partnership region.

How much funding do selected fellows receive?

Selected fellows receive average financial support of approximately €5,000 for approved fellowship activities.

Who can apply for the fellowship?

Individuals who are nationals of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, or Ukraine and meet the eligibility requirements can apply.

What are the two fellowship categories?

The programme offers Community Engagement Fellowships and Civic Digital Fellowships.

Can organisations apply for this fellowship?

No. The programme is designed for individual applicants rather than organisations.

Can previous fellowship recipients apply again?

No. Applicants who have previously received support through the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship Programme are not eligible.

What types of activities can funding support?

Funding can support project activities, travel, communication, mentoring, and approved implementation costs but cannot cover fellow salaries or equipment purchases.

Conclusion

The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellows 2026 programme provides an opportunity for individuals to strengthen their role in creating social change through community action, digital innovation, and civic engagement. By supporting emerging civil society leaders with funding, mentorship, and regional cooperation opportunities, the programme aims to build stronger, more inclusive, and resilient communities across the Eastern Partnership region.