Currently available funding
There are currently no calls for proposal.
Programme Summary
Why is the programme needed? Civil society’s impact on governance and society in Cyprus is assessed to be rather weak. The engagement of the general public in civil society activities is most common through membership-based organisations,such as trade unions and professional organisations. Advocacy groups promoting broad public interests, such as environment, health, gender, peace and education are relatively weaker since organisations active in these fields are generally new. There is a need to professionalise the sector and strengthen its role by supporting projects aimed at social justice, promoting democracy and reconciliation. This need is particularly important in the current situation of economic and financial crisis and the actual decrease in funding to NGOs. What will the programme achieve and who are the beneficiaries? The NGO programme supports the sector by strengthening its capacity. The programme pays special attention to the core areas of support by funding projects proposed by NGOs in the fields of democracy, human rights, anti-discrimination, good governance and transparency, participatory democracy, combating racism and xenophobia, social inequalities, poverty and exclusion, including in rural areas, gender equality and gender-based violence). Furthermore, activities targeting youth and children and activities within the environmental field are supported. The Programme also promotes reconciliation by supporting bi-communal projects. How will it be achieved? Projects focus on 1) welfare and basic services to defined target groups,2) promotion of democratic values and 3) capacity building with a view to professionalise the sector and increase its capacity for fund-raising and advocacy. How will bilateral relations be strengthened? Approximately €20,000is set aside as a fund to facilitate bilateral cooperation. Suggested activities are aimed at ensuring development of sustainable and strategic partnerships at programme level and establishing closer ties between Cypriot and Donor state NGOs. What are the partnership opportunities? The Programme contributes to strengthening cooperation with the Donor states and other beneficiary states at programme and project level through bilateral activities and complementary actions. Annual events for sharing good practices on partnership development are planned as well as the development of a special database of contacts with partners from Donor states that shall be available on the Programme website. The Programme Operator works with the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the Icelandic Human Rights Centre to facilitate building bilateral contacts. Who can apply for funding under this programme? Eligible applicants are NGOs established in the Republic of Cyprus. NGOs registered in the North of the Island are eligible as partners. Religious institutions and political parties are not considered NGOs.End-beneficiaries of projects are wider groups in society ranging from the general public to civil servants, disadvantaged groups and media. Bi-communal cooperation is promoted. Children and youth are also targeted. There will be one open call.
