*** Please note that this is a private invitation, please do not publish it on social media, websites, or other public sources. ***
Call for applications for Georgian civil society organisations and Independent Media working to protect human rights and promote democratic values.
Who can apply?
Registered or unregistered civil society organisations, including NGOs, media outlets, initiative groups, social entrepreneurship groups, cultural/creative organisations, etc. based in Georgia or outside its borders but focused on beneficiaries within the country are eligible to apply. The applicant organisation/initiative group/media must be able to provide services and carry out activities that promote democracy and human rights in Georgia. This call is addressed to applicants who have been directly affected by restrictive legal measures and human rights violations in Georgia and need support.
Applications submitted by political, religious organisations will not be considered. Applications from media or individuals of other nationalities, as well as from state-affiliated or state-controlled media, coworking spaces, or individuals employed by such entities, are not eligible.
Applications from regional organisations, media or initiative groups are strongly encouraged as well as the central and regional partnerships.
What does this support include?
Funding may be used to support the organisation’s core operations and/or organisational development and capacity strengthening. The following list provides examples of eligible costs and activities and is non-exhaustive:
- Core organisational support: Support to cover essential costs that enable the organisation to continue its work and reach its beneficiaries, including office rent and utilities, staff salaries, essential equipment, consultants’ and professional fees, digitalisation and digital tools, communication and content production costs, and other necessary operational expenses.
- Organisational development and capacity strengthening: Support to strengthen the organisation’s internal capacities, effectiveness, sustainability and resilience. This may include, among other things:
- participation in relevant conferences, workshops, trainings, networking events and other professional events, including related travel and accommodation costs;
- peer-to-peer exchanges, study visits and learning opportunities with other civil society organisations including those outside the country;
- engagement of external experts, consultants, coaches or mentors to support organisational development, strategic planning, management, fundraising, communications, digitalisation, financial management, legal matters or other specific organisational needs;
- purchase of essential equipment, software or digital tools needed to strengthen the organisation’s capacity and improve the delivery of its work;
- staff wellbeing and organisational resilience measures, including psychological support, counselling, stress management, burnout prevention and other initiatives aimed at promoting the psychological health and wellbeing of the team;
- internal training, capacity-building sessions and knowledge-sharing activities for staff and volunteers;
- development or improvement of internal policies, procedures, systems and tools that contribute to better organisational management and sustainability.
- Activities related to human rights and democratic values: Support for activities implemented by the organisation to protect human rights and/or promote democratic values, including psychological and legal support for the organisation’s target groups and team; trainings and awareness-raising activities; events and public discussions; content production and publications; advocacy; strategic planning; monitoring and documentation of human rights violations; hotlines and call centres; and other activities contributing to the organisation’s mission and objectives.
Organisations can apply for grants with a budget of up to €16,000. The duration of project support is between 3 and 8 months. All projects should be completed by 30 June 2027 at the latest.
What are the selection criteria?
- Be a civil society organisation (NGO, media outlet, social enterprise, cultural/creative organisation, initiative group, etc.).
- Proven experience in promoting or producing content related to democracy, human rights, freedom of speech, or freedom of information in Georgia for at least one year; this will be demonstrated by references and/or your recommendations, links to the published materials in media. If your organisation is relocated, experience prior to relocation will be considered.
- The application is complete.
- The project meets the clearly defined needs of the target group.
- The project objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART).
- The project results can be realistically achieved using the proposed methodology and planned activities and are measured by relevant indicators.
- The budget is clear, well-founded and cost-effective.
- The impact of the proposed project is sustainable.
Please note that although the maximum grant amount is EUR 16,000, as part of the selection process, the organization reserves the right to revise the proposed budget and adjust it in close collaboration with the selected applicants.
Confidentiality
We understand the risks faced by applicants working in restrictive environments. Our organisation has a long history of working with beneficiaries and partners in the region. We use secure file management systems and secure communication channels to ensure the confidentiality of your application and any associated information.
All personal data submitted will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws and used solely for the purposes of grant administration.
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, every month, until all funds are spent.