Call No. 1 for Small Grants
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About this call
Notice regarding continuous application submission: Following the deadline of the 3rd round (September 30, 2026), the evaluation of the submitted project proposals is currently underway. The call remains open for the submission of new applications. However, please note that if the total financial allocation of the fund is exhausted after the evaluation of the 3rd round, the call will be closed. In such an event, applications received after September 30, 2026, may be rejected on formal grounds (due to a lack of available funds). Slovak society today is experiencing a weakening of the rule of law, growing polarization, and a decline in trust in democratic institutions and independent media. Therefore in this call, open on a rolling basis, EEA Civil Society Fund seeks to create space for strengthening the role of civil society organizations, which play a crucial role in protecting the public interest, holding power to account, and promoting democratic values. It supports their advocacy and watchdog activities, engagement in public policy-making, and expert analysis of legislation, with an emphasis on strategic communication, data-driven work, and increasing the transparency of public administration. The call also responds to emerging social challenges, particularly the consequences of Russian aggression against Ukraine and the integration of refugees into Slovak society. Supported projects will contribute to equal opportunities, social inclusion, and the building of solidarity between migrants and host communities, while also addressing disinformation and strengthening social cohesion. At the same time, the call focuses on supporting independent journalism, fact-checking, and media literacy - helping to foster a resilient society capable of critically engaging with information and safeguarding democratic public discourse. Finally, the call recognizes the persistent inequalities and discrimination faced by Roma communities, women, LGBTIQ+ people, and other marginalised groups. Support is directed toward organizations working to eliminate these barriers through advocacy, legal assistance, and community-based initiatives. The overall aim of the call is to contribute to a more just, inclusive, and democratic society founded on equality, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. Detailed information on the focus and conditions is provided in the text of the call.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are CSOs that are established in Slovakia and fall within the following definition: A non-profit voluntary organisation with a non-commercial purpose, independent of local, regional and central government, public entities, political parties and commercial organisations. Religious institutions and political parties, social partners or profit-distributing cooperatives are not eligible applicants. Eligible candidates must meet the following general conditions: Are non-profit, being organisations that have not been created nor operate to generate personal profit. Although it may have paid staff and may engage in revenue-generating activities, it does not distribute profits to its members nor to its board. Where revenue-generating activities are undertaken, these do not represent the purpose of the non-profit organisation, but are a means to support its mission and values; Have members who do not have any direct commercial interest in the outcome of the work of the organisation or of its commercial activities, and the organisation does not pursue the commercial or professional interests of its members. This definition therefore excludes trade- and professional associations, where the aims and purposes of the association is to further the specific interests of its members only; Are voluntary in nature, formed voluntarily by groups or individuals, and where the organisation is membership based, membership is not compulsory for any group or individual. Any applicant must agree to the principles and procedures of the Programme’s Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Persons and Children under the EEA Civil Society Fund Slovakia and commit to complying with them by signing the Declaration of Honour when submitting the application. Legally, eligible applicants must be registered in Slovakia under one of the following legislative acts: Civic Association according to the Act No. 83/1990 Coll. on the Association of Citizens; Foundation according to the Act No. 34/2002 Coll. on Foundations; Non-profit Organisation Providing Public Beneficial Services according to the Act No. 83/1990 Coll. Non-investment Fund according to the Act No. 34/2002 Coll. on Non-investment Funds; Non-profit Organisation according to the Act No. 116/85 Coll. on terms for activities of organisations with international aspect; Association of Legal Entities under the Act no. 40/1964 Coll. - Civil Code; Slovak Red Cross under the Act no. 460/2007 Coll. on the Slovak Red Cross. Religious institutions and political parties, social partners, profit-distributing cooperatives or informal groups are not eligible applicants. Faith-based organisations are eligible if they meet the principles identified above and if the funded activities do not directly or indirectly promote a religious doctrine, mission or proselytism related to the beliefs of a particular faith.