Open Call: Support to Civil Society Organisations – Liberia

The European Commission is accepting grant applications to support Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in enhancing capacities, promoting good governance, and fostering sustainable development under the Global Gateway approach. Two grant lots are available: Lot 1 focuses on environmental sustainability, climate action, and green growth, while Lot 2 targets financial and democratic governance, transparency, and accountability. Grants range from EUR 1,100,000 to EUR 1,175,000 per lot, with a total indicative budget of EUR 2,350,000.

Overview of the Call for Proposals

This call aims to strengthen CSOs’ role as independent actors of development, governance, and policy monitoring. It promotes capacity building, good governance, and sustainable development aligned with the European Commission’s Global Gateway strategy.

Key objectives include:

• Enhancing organizational capacities of CSOs

• Promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity

• Supporting environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, and green growth

• Fostering dialogue between civil society, public authorities, private sector, and TVET institutions

• Strengthening CSO networks and umbrella organizations

Grant Structure: Two Lots

Lot 1: CSOs in MIP Priorities – Environmental and Green Governance

Focus areas include:

• Strengthening CSO capacities in environmental sustainability and climate change

• Promoting inclusive green governance and green growth

• Supporting job creation in sustainable sectors

• Enabling CSOs to engage in policy advocacy and implementation

Lot 2: CSOs in Financial and Democratic Governance

Focus areas include:

• Enhancing transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures

• Promoting CSO-led dialogue with authorities, private sector, and business associations

• Monitoring policy implementation and public service delivery

• Building CSOs’ expertise in governance and democratic processes

Funding Information

• Total indicative budget: EUR 2,350,000

• Each lot allocated: EUR 1,175,000

• Grant amounts per lot: Minimum EUR 1,100,000 – Maximum EUR 1,175,000

• Grant types: Cost reimbursement or financing not linked to costs

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Lead applicants (primary CSO managing the project)

• Co-applicants (partners contributing to project implementation)

• Affiliated entities (organizations legally linked to lead/co-applicants)

Eligibility criteria cover:

• Organizational status and legal recognition

• Relevance and quality of proposed actions

• Acceptable costs and results conditions for the grant

Applicants must demonstrate capacity to implement large-scale projects and manage significant EU funding.

Expected Outcomes

Projects are expected to deliver:

• Stronger CSO organizational capacities and governance structures

• Enhanced transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance

• Improved public policy implementation and monitoring

• Increased dialogue and collaboration between civil society, authorities, and private sector actors

• Greater CSO independence and influence in development and governance processes

• Positive environmental, social, and economic impacts aligned with green growth and climate objectives

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Identify Eligible CSO Partnerships

• Determine lead applicant, co-applicants, and affiliated entities

• Ensure alignment with lot-specific priorities

Step 2: Develop a Comprehensive Proposal

Include:

• Project objectives and alignment with lot priorities

• Activities and implementation plan

• Expected results and measurable outcomes

• Budget breakdown and financing plan

• Capacity demonstration of lead and partner organizations

Step 3: Check Compliance with Eligibility Criteria

• Legal status of all participating organizations

• Appropriate cost structure

• Alignment with European Commission funding rules

Step 4: Submit Proposal

• Follow the official submission procedure

• Ensure timely submission and completeness of required documentation

Step 5: Evaluation and Selection

Applications will be evaluated on:

• Relevance to lot-specific priorities

• Organizational and technical capacity

• Feasibility and sustainability of proposed activities

• Expected impact on governance, social inclusion, or environmental sustainability

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals that do not match lot priorities

• Failing to demonstrate CSO capacity for large-scale project management

• Incomplete or incorrect budget proposals

• Ignoring eligibility rules for applicants or actions

• Lack of measurable outcomes or sustainability plan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the two lots under this call?

Lot 1: CSOs in environmental sustainability, climate action, and green growth
Lot 2: CSOs in financial and democratic governance, transparency, and accountability

2. How much funding is available per grant?

Grants range from EUR 1,100,000 to EUR 1,175,000 per lot.

3. Who is eligible to apply?

Lead applicants, co-applicants, and affiliated entities meeting organizational and legal requirements.

4. Can multiple organizations apply together?

Yes, consortia including lead applicants, co-applicants, and affiliated entities are allowed.

5. What is the total indicative budget for this call?

EUR 2,350,000, equally divided between the two lots.

6. What types of grants are offered?

Cost reimbursement or financing not linked to costs.

7. What are key evaluation criteria?

Relevance to lot priorities, organizational capacity, feasibility, sustainability, and expected impact.

Conclusion

This European Commission call offers substantial funding to CSOs to strengthen governance, sustainability, and capacity under the Global Gateway approach. By targeting environmental and financial governance priorities, the programme enables CSOs to become independent development actors, improve transparency, and drive sustainable growth. Eligible organizations should prepare detailed, compliant proposals aligned with lot-specific objectives to secure funding.