Our goal

A vibrant and resilient civil society that protects and promotes democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

Rationale for the support

A healthy democracy relies on a vibrant and resilient civil society that gives a voice to citizens and holds governments accountable. Civil society organisations play a vital role in protecting and promoting democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, as well as in countering discrimination. They contribute to reducing social and economic disparities by fostering informed public debate, taking part in policymaking, building social trust, and strengthening the participation of all, including minorities and groups that are marginalised, in democratic processes and civic activities. For the European green transition, civil society can advocate for systemic change.

Civil society organisations may lack the capacity to fulfil their role effectively. Additionally, civil society in Europe faces increasing challenges, such as restrictive regulatory environments, limited access to resources, intimidation and harassment, and obstacles to participation in decision-making. The digital transformation of civic space offers unprecedented opportunities but also poses challenges to civil society. These challenges threaten the ability of civil society to fulfil its mission. Civil society’s role and engagement of citizens remain critical in protecting the values of the EU and citizen participation as enshrined in Articles 2 and 11 of the Treaty of the EU and in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
 

Areas of support

  • Democratic values, civic engagement, information integrity and media literacy.
  • Civil society participation in democratic processes.
  • Human rights, anti-discrimination, and social justice.
  • Gender equality, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, and LGBTIQ+ rights.
  • Climate action, environmental protection, and a just green transition.
  • Organisational development and an enabling environment for civil society.

How the objective will be addressed

The objective of the fund will be achieved by supporting civil society organisations involved in advocacy, monitoring, strategic litigation, civic education, and citizen engagement, training and capacity building, as well as research and analysis to inform policy making. The supported activities will contribute to the areas of support and to connected themes such as a stronger rule of law culture, reduced disinformation and hate speech, healthier information spaces, access to information, media pluralism and stronger independent media, a more participatory local democracy, good governance, and an inclusive approach to policy development.

The fund will place a strong focus on developing the capacities and resilience of civil society organisations and the sector. Civil society organisations and other civic actors will be equipped with new skills to engage volunteers, diversify funding, connect with target groups, enhance their transparency and accountability, and communicate in complex operating environments.

In addition, the fund will support civil society in defending civic space, ensuring an enabling environment for civil society and advocating for better legislation and practices for civic participation.

Independent Fund Operators in each Beneficiary State will manage the programmes and ensure they remain accessible and respond to national needs. A transnational component will foster European-level learning and networking of civil society organisations.
 

Key actors and beneficiaries

Civil society organisations in the Beneficiary States, working at the grassroots, local, national, or regional levels, are the main actors in achieving the fund’s objective. Social movements, informal groups, local community leaders, and human rights defenders are some of the most important partners for civil society organisations and may facilitate the engagement of specific target groups.

Public sector entities, private companies, and entities from the Donor States can also contribute to civil society activities through partnerships with civil society organisations.

European networks and think tanks may provide support for advocacy initiatives and knowledge exchange that strengthens civil society.

In addition to supporting civil society organisations directly, the fund will benefit diverse target groups, including women, youth, minorities, groups that are marginalised, LGBTIQ+ people, migrants and refugees, and Roma people.