4 December 2024 – Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway launched the New Civil Society Fund through the EEA and Norway Grants to strengthen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across Europe. The fund will focus even more on the core mission of advancing democratic values and processes in the EU, as well as the development and sustainability of civil society organisations.
The EEA Civil Society Fund seeks to empower civil society organisations across Europe by providing targeted support to those advocating for democratic values, civic participation, and human rights.
The fund will focus on areas essential for the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and human rights. These include:
- 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.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Donor States and the EU to defend democratic values and uphold principles enshrined in the EU Treaty and Charter of Fundamental Rights. Civil society organizations will play a crucial role in addressing disinformation, hate speech, and threats to independent media.
Civil society organisations supported by the fund will work with diverse target groups, including women, youth, minorities, migrants, refugees, LGBTIQ+ people, and Roma communities. The fund will ensure that these groups, especially those in underserved geographic areas, are actively involved in democratic processes, focussing on advocacy, civic engagement, and policy development to amplify their voices in shaping public policy. By empowering marginalized groups and fostering partnerships, the fund seeks to build a resilient civil society capable of safeguarding democracy and promoting social justice across Europe.
Read more about the new Civil Society Fund HERE.
Call for Fund Operators to manage the EEA Civil Society Fund
The EEA and Norway Grants are seeking Fund Operators to manage the newly launched EEA Civil Society Fund in each Beneficiary State. Eligible applicants include civil society organisations and private institutions with proven expertise in these areas. Applicants must be independent of local, regional, and central government, as well as political parties and religious institutions.
Read more on how to apply HERE.
National Stakeholder Consultations and Information Sessions
In addition, between December 2024 and March 2025, the Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) is organising national stakeholder consultations for the new EEA Civil Society Fund and information sessions for potential bidders for the role of the Fund Operator.
Read more about the national stakeholder consultations and information sessions HERE.