Funding for democracy projects in Poland

The Polish NGO fund has released its last open call for projects in the area of Democracy and Civil Society. Applications can be submitted until 29 April 2009.

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The aim of the "Democracy and Civil Society" component of the €41.5 million Polish NGO Fund is to increase knowledge and respect of the rule of law, citizens' rights and responsibilities and promote gender equality.

In this fifth and last round of NGO grants, €1.7 million will be provided to activities that engage civil society organisations and citizens in public life, including their involvement in public scrutiny of state and local government institutions. Priority will be given to activities that strengthen the capacity of NGOs, which have a major impact on the quality and sustainability of democracy and human rights.

NGOs can apply for grants to support their institutional development or opt for implementing small-scale projects. Grants ranging from 5,000 euro to 15,000 euro are available for capacity building initiatives, while democracy projects can be supported with between €50,000 and €150,000 in grants. The co-financing requirement for project assistance has been set at a minimum 10%. Projects may be implemented in cooperation with a European partner.

Further information about the open call is available on the website of the Co-operation Fund Foundation, coordinating the fund.