Open Call No. 2 for Project Grants
These links open the Programme Operator's own site.
About this call
This call addresses several key themes covered by the EEA Civil Society Fund in Slovakia, as highlighted below: To respond to weakening rule of law, growing polarization, and a decline of trust in democratic institutions and independent media. The call therefore seeks to create space for strengthening the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), 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. To respond 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, refugees and host communities, while also addressing disinformation and strengthening social cohesion. To support independent journalism, fact-checking, and media literacy—helping to foster a resilient society capable of critically engaging with information and safeguarding democratic public discourse. To address persistent inequalities and structural discrimination faced by Roma communities, women, LGBTIQ+ people, persons with disabilities, and other groups that are marginalised, as well as the uneven access to rights, services, and decision-making processes across society. Particular attention is given to the inclusion and empowerment of Roma, including support for Roma-led organisations, community organising, advocacy, and participatory approaches that strengthen Roma voices in public and political life. The Fund Operator acknowledges that some Roma groups (Roma women and girls, Roma LGBTQI+ people, Roma people with disabilities, etc.) may face overlapping barriers further exacerbating inequalities and their access to rights, services and decision-making. To address gender inequality, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and the protection of LGBTIQ+ rights, supporting initiatives that combine advocacy, public education, access to services5, strategic litigation, and efforts to counter harmful stereotypes and polarisation. Finally, to support climate action, environmental protection, and a just green transition, recognising the close link between environmental sustainability, social justice, and democratic participation. Projects are encouraged to promote public engagement in environmental decision-making, strengthen civic oversight of climate and environmental policies, and foster cooperation between civil society, public authorities, and other stakeholders.
Who can apply
All eligible applicants must abide by the common values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, and comply with the fundamental rights and obligations enshrined in relevant instruments and standards. The applicant is the entity responsible for the overall initiation, preparation and implementation of the project (the project promoter). 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 activities, and the organisation does not pursue the commercial or professional interests of its members. This definition therefore excludes trade- and professional chambers and 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. More specifically, 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. 213/1997 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.