Deadline: 6 March 2015
The Open Society Foundation is currently seeking applications from civil society organizations active in European countries for projects aiming to respond to a particular threat and seeking to build on more general opportunities for further progress. This call for proposals is based on findings that emerged from a comprehensive needs assessment conducted with LGBTI and SRR activists in Europe jointly supported by the Open Society Initiative for Europe, the Open Society Human Rights Initiative, and the Arcus Foundation.
The foundation provides funding to civil society groups to engage at the international, regional and national levels through a combination of advocacy, monitoring, documentation, legal advocacy, litigation, and campaigning to ensure that people can exercise their rights in the communities where they live. Foundation’s Human Rights Initiative supports advocates in developing regions around the world to promote justice, equality, and participation of all.
Applications can be submitted for projects lasting up to 24 months. The average grant will be in the range of $30,000 to $100,000
Focus Region/Countries
Europe- Russia, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Netherland, Belgium, Greece, Czech republic, Portugal, Hungary, Sweden, Belarus, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Serbia, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Croatia, Moldova, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Lithuania, Albania, Macedonia, Slovenia, Latvia, Kosovo, Estonia, Cyprus, Montenegro, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland, United Kingdom, Andorra, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Aland Islands (Finland), Norway and Vatican City.
Focus Areas: LGBTI rights and sexual reproductive rights
Project Priorities
These may include, but are not limited to, the following types of projects:
- Research and advocacy projects, e.g., allies, the opposition, decision-makers, those who are directly affected by the threat or opportunity—about the particular issue, based on which concrete advocacy or campaigning efforts can be designed.
- Campaigning and mobilization projects, where the objective is to reach out to a particular group of people—allies, supporters and those who are directly affected by the threat or opportunity—and mobilize them in innovative ways, or on a much larger scale than previous efforts, to take action to counter the arguments and mobilization efforts of conservative religious or other right-wing movements. Projects that expose the corruption and hypocrisy of the opposition, public awareness–raising campaigns, social media campaigns, etc.
- Engaging in dialogue with religious actors, opinion leaders other key stakeholders, where the objective is to build contacts and alliances with faith communities and others interested in supporting equality. This can include efforts to raise the visibility of LGBTI or SRR leaders who are active in their faith communities and can help shift the narrative on these issues. A range of activities, from efforts for mutual sensitization to supporting the voices of progressive faith leaders, can be included, as long as the project has a clear output.
- Joint projects that build solidarity networks between LGBTI rights and reproductive rights advocates are welcome.
- Projects that focus on a particular threat or opportunity in a given country will be prioritized.
Eligibility Criteria
- Civil society organizations working in Europe (Council of Europe countries) are eligible to apply.
- Coalitions of NGOs are also encouraged to apply.
- Applicant’s project must rely on innovative methodologies and social media campaigning tools.
- Applications for stand-alone trainings and conferences, service provision, or individual academic study/research/travel are not eligible.
How to Apply?
- Concept papers outlining the main objectives and activities in two to three pages must be submitted via email.
- Successful applicants will be notified by March 31, 2015, and may be requested to present a full application.
For more information about these grants, visit Open Society Grants.
