The NGO Fund has been set up to support Lithuania`s NGOs by developing their institutional capacity, with the overall objective of strengthening the democratic and civil society and reinforce the NGO sector in Lithuania. Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway are supporting the fund with €5 million, while the Lithuanian government is contributing with 10 percent co-financing to the €5.5 million NGO fund.
Grants ranging from €10,000 to €100,000 will be awarded to Lithuanian NGO projects within the priority sectors for Sustainable development and Strengthening of the democracy and civil society.
The following focus areas have been detailed:
I. Sustainable development:
- Protection of the environment and environmental education;
- Better protection of the biodiversity;
- Combination of the protection of cultural heritage and the community development;
- Support of sustainable regional/local development;
- Reduction of social exclusions in the society;
- Development of social services;
- Strengthening the role of the education and science. u0009
II. Strengthening of the democracy and civil society:
- Development of local and international cooperation, promoting the cooperation of NGOs in the creation of networks and coalitions with the governmental institutions, and the cooperation in the European level;
- Protection of human rights/equal rights;
- Strengthening of Lithuanian non-governmental organisations` institutional capacities. u0009
Within the priorities, the following activities can be supported: research, trainings, conferences, seminars and other events (including practical activities), public information, programmes and training of community members, NGOs` institutional reinforcement, partnership building and exchange of good practices, and international cooperation.
Eligible applicants are Lithuania`s non-governmental, non-profit organizations, such as associations, public institutions (except the ones established by governmental institutions), charity and support funds, constituted as legal entities in the Lithuania and operating in the public interest. An eligible project partner must be a legal entity registered in the European Economic Area.
Duration of the projects shall not exceed 12 months.
Updated information on the NGO Fund and the ongoing call for applications is available on the website www.nvoprojektai.lt.
In early April, a series of ten regional information meetings will be held in Lithuania, organised by the Focal Point and the NGO Fund secretariat. There will be held at least one meeting in each Lithuanian county.
For further information, please contact Kari Ertresvåg, Information Officer, Financial Mechanism Office, tel. no: +32 (0)2 211 1892, kari.ertresvag@efta.int.