Strengthening Czech civil society

The signing ceremony of grant agreements with non-governmental organisations awarded funding under the third call for proposals for the Czech NGO fund took place in Prague on 30 June.

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Through the Czech NGO fund, the EEA and Norway Grants provide financial support to NGOs running projects focusing on human rights and multiculturalism, support to disadvantaged children and young people, and environmental protection.

A total of 44 projects receive support through the third call of proposals, 5 of which will be carried out in cooperation with Norwegian partners. More than €1,9 million in grants were awarded to these projects. Since the fund’s start in 2006, 181 projects have been awarded altogether €9,3 million in support.

Examples of projects supported under the third call for proposals include initiatives aimed at protecting the legal rights of rape victims, social inclusion of the Roma, raising the quality of life of children in institutional care, and encouraging sustainable development of the Morava river basin.

Hana Šilhánová of the Czech Civil Society Development Foundation stated that there has been significant interest for the fund, as Czech non-profit organisations face difficulties securing funding due to the ongoing financial crisis.