This marks another key milestone in the implementation of the EEA Civil Society Fund, the largest-ever commitment by the three donor countries to civil society in Europe. The fund amounts to €327 million for the 2021–2028 funding period.
Last year, The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights reported that “(...) attacks by third parties and excessive state interference – in particular against the rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly and expression – continue to threaten the space for civil society [in Europe]."
In a time when Europe’s values are under pressure, disinformation spreads, and our security is being tested, the EEA Civil Society Fund is not just timely – it is essential.
Kristīne Zonberga, Civic – Alliance Latvia director
Civil society organisations are indispensable actors championing rights, promoting inclusion, and empowering communities – particularly those most at risk of marginalisation. The EEA Civil Society Fund helps to ensure that these efforts are maintained and bolstered.
Following an open tender process and a careful assessment of the submitted proposals, the following consortia have been selected to serve as Fund Operators:
- Estonia: Led by Open Estonia Foundation, together with Network of Estonian Non-profit Organisations.
- Greece: Led by Bodossaki Foundation together with SolidarityNow.
- Latvia: Led by Civic – Alliance Latvia, together with Latvian Rural Forum.
- Lithuania: Led by Open Lithuania Foundation, together with the OSFL Projektai (OSFLP) and National Non-Governmental Development Cooperation Organisations’ Platform (Lithuanian NGDO Platform)
- Portugal: Led by Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, together with Bissaya Barreto Foundation.
Enduring commitment
The EEA Civil Society Fund reflects Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway’s enduring commitment to democratic values. It is more than a financial support; it is a strategic investment in Europe’s democratic future and in human rights. It includes priorities on civic engagement, advocacy, anti-discrimination, gender equality, LGBTIQ+ rights, just climate action, and safeguarding information integrity. These will help civic actors respond to today’s most pressing challenges.
The Fund’s design was importantly informed by a three-month consultation process, which included 13 national events and engaged over 600 stakeholders. These dialogues ensured that the EEA Civil Society Fund reflects the realities and priorities of local civil society actors and the communities they serve.
Participants called for more sustainable and flexible funding models, simplified administrative procedures, and tailored capacity-building. They also highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration and peer learning across sectors. In response, the EEA Civil Society Fund places strong emphasis on long-term support, organisational development, inclusive participation, regional cooperation, and strategic partnerships.
Areas of support
The EEA Civil Society Fund will support the following areas:
- 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.
In addition, country specific focus areas will be addressed.
Four of the countries, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania and Portugal, will work for inclusion and empowerment of refugees and migrants.
Moreover, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, will address challenges arising from the invasion of Ukraine, in addition to intercultural, interethnic, and/or interreligious understanding or dialogue and inclusion.
Greece and Portugal will counter gender-based violence. Furthermore, Greece will promote the inclusion and empowerment of Roma, including support for Roma-led organisations and Roma women and girls, with a minimum of 10% of the programme allocation.
The Fund Operators
The Fund Operator will be responsible for managing the EEA Civil Society Fund in their country. They contribute to the Civil Society Fund objective through open calls for proposals, selecting and contracting projects, providing capacity-building support, and other activities.
Estonia
A vibrant civil society is essential to a healthy democracy. The Civil Society Fund strengthens participation, protects fundamental freedoms, and ensures that diverse voices in Estonia are heard. It is an investment in the values that keep our society open, inclusive, and resilient.
Mall Hellam, Open Estonia Foundation Executive Director
Greece
The launch of the new EEA Civil Society Fund in Greece marks an important step towards a more dynamic, inclusive, and resilient civil society. Guided by a shared belief in the power of civil society to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, the Bodossaki Foundation and SolidarityNow — as Fund Operator, with the support of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA Grants — look forward to strengthening organisations working towards these goals and to fostering a vibrant civil society that stands at the heart of democracy and social progress.
Dr. Jennifer Clarke, Bodossaki Foundation Director of Programmes & Grants
Latvia
In a time when Europe’s values are under pressure, disinformation spreads, and our security is being tested, the Civil Society Fund is not just timely – it is essential. It gives strength to those who choose to act: to build trust, defend truth, and uphold the values that unite us. This fund will invest in the resilience of our people, our communities, and the future of Latvia’s democracy.
Kristīne Zonberga, Civic – Alliance Latvia Director
Lithuania
Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, we – together with our peers in the region – face the sobering reality of growing polarization and a manipulated information ecosystem. As a result, the erosion of the public sphere weakens institutions and places democracy at risk. In this context, support from the EEA Civil Society Fund in Lithuania is indispensable and highly valuable. It empowers civil society to counter disinformation, strengthen media literacy, uphold human rights, foster dialogue, and build the institutional capacity for resilient, climate-smart democracy.
Sandra Adomavičiūtė, Open Lithuania Foundation Director
Portugal
With great enthusiasm, we look ahead to the launch of the new Civil Society Fund, through the joint effort of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the Bissaya Barreto Foundation, to strengthen citizenship, human rights, and democracy in Portugal. This is the time for civil society to act and build a more participatory and inclusive future.
Pedro Calado, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Democracy and Civil Society Program Director