Following the announcement of the operators of the Civil Society Fund in Slovakia and Poland, this marks another key milestone in the implementation of the fund, the largest-ever commitment by the three donor countries to civil society in Europe.
The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights reported last year that “(...) attacks by third parties and excessive state interference – in particular against the rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly and expression – continue to threaten the space for civil society [in Europe]."
In these difficult times, civil society organisations are indispensable actors championing rights, promoting inclusion, and empowering communities, particularly those most at risk of marginalisation. Through its support, the Civil Society Fund helps sustain and bolster these endeavours.
Following a competitive tender process and a careful evaluation of the submitted proposals, the following consortia have been selected to serve as Fund Operators:
- Croatia: Led by Community Foundation Slagalica, in partnership with Solidarna Foundation and the Association for Civil Society Development SMART
- Czechia: Led by Nadace Open Society Praha (OSF Prague), in partnership with Výbor dobré vůle – Nadace Olgy Havlové / Committee of Good Will – Olga Havel Foundation
- Hungary: Led by Ökotárs - Hungarian Environmental Partnership Foundation, in partnership with the Autonómia Foundation and the Carpathian Foundation Hungary
- Slovenia: Led by CNVOS – Centre for Information Service, Co-operation and Development of NGOs, in partnership with Institute PIP – Legal and Information Centre Maribor and Institute Good Society
With the selection of Fund Operators in four additional countries, we take another important step in our shared effort to strengthen civil society across Europe. Together with the Donor States, we have worked to lay a solid foundation for the new funding period—so that support can reach civil society organisations swiftly and with purpose. Our efforts build on the common values at the heart of the EEA and Norway Grants and EU cooperation—democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law—ensuring that civil society can continue to play its vital role across Europe. Ragna Fidjestøl, Managing Director of the EEA and Norway Grants
Ragna Fidjestøl, Managing Director of the EEA and Norway Grants.
Enduring commitment
The Civil Society Fund reflects this belief as well as the donors’ enduring commitment to democratic values. It is more than a financial support; it is a strategic investment in Europe’s democratic future and in human rights. It includes priorities on civic engagement, anti-discrimination, gender equality, LGBTIQ+ rights, just climate action, and safeguarding information integrity, ensuring that civic actors can respond to today’s most pressing challenges.
The Fund’s design was importantly informed by a three-month consultation process, which included 13 national events and engaged over 600 stakeholders. These dialogues ensured that the Fund reflects the realities and priorities of local civil society actors and the communities they serve. Participants consistently called for more sustainable and flexible funding models, simplified administrative procedures, and tailored capacity-building. They also highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration and peer learning across sectors. In response, the Fund places strong emphasis on long-term support, organisational development, inclusive participation, regional cooperation, and strategic partnerships.
Areas of support
The Civil Society Fund will address the following areas of support:
- Democratic values, civic engagement, information integrity and media literacy.
- Civil society participation in democratic processes.
- Human rights, anti-discrimination, and social justice.
- Gender equality, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, and LGBTIQ+ rights.
- Climate action, environmental protection, and a just green transition.
- Organisational development and an enabling environment for civil society.
In addition, Croatia, Czechia, and Hungary will address further country specific focus areas. All three countries will work for inclusion and empowerment of Roma, including support for Roma-led organisations and Roma women and girls.
In Croatia, the programme will also cover inclusion and empowerment of refugees and migrants, and intercultural, interethnic, and/or interreligious understanding or dialogue and inclusion.
In Czechia and Hungary, the Civil Society Fund will also respond to challenges arising from the invasion of Ukraine, and counter gender-based violence.
As programme development begins in Croatia, Czechia, Hungary and Slovenia, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, through the EEA and Norway Grants, reaffirm their commitment to civil society as a cornerstone of democratic resilience. Fund Operators for other Beneficiary States will be announced in the coming months, continuing this shared European effort to protect civic space and uphold democratic values.
The Civil Society Fund is a vital catalyst for Croatia’s civil society, enabling active citizens and organisations, including those in local communities and minority groups, to safeguard democracy, human rights, and equality. It allows us to build stronger, more resilient communities, prepared to meet the challenges of the future. Jelena-Gordana Zloić, Director for Community Foundation Slagalica
Aida Riđanović, SOLIDARNA Foundation, Jelena-Gordana Zloić, Community Foundation Slagalica and Slađana Novota, Association SMART. Photo: Karla Pudar.
Community Foundation Slagalica
The civic society in the Czech Republic urgently requires and deserves flexible, multi-annual funding and a genuine, partnership-based approach from donors to fulfill its vital mission in upholding an inclusive, and democratic society.
Today, this vital support arrives with the Civic Fund and the Consortium of Open Society Fund Prague and the Committee of Good Will. Martina Břeňová, Executive Director at Open Society Fund Prague
Monika Granja, director of the Committee of Good Will, Barbora Hořavová, COO OSF Prague, Martina Břeňová, director of OSF Prague and Helena Ganická, EEA and Norway Grants Adviser, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Prague. Photo: OSF Prague.
Hungarian civil society organisations have ben working under increasing pressure for a decade with further escalations experienced recently. They have been waiting for a piece of good news for long time, and the Civil Society Fund is just that: a chance for starved and harrassed organisations to continue their much-needed work for democracy, rights and the public good in Hungary. Vera Mora, Director of Ökotárs-Hungarian Environmental Partnership Foundation, on behalf of the consortium.
The consortium members from the three organisations. Photo: Carpathian Foundation.
Ökotárs-Hungarian Environmental Partnership Foundation
Much like in other countries of the global West, democracy and the rule of law are increasingly under threat in Slovenia. Unfortunately, public support for right-wing populism and authoritarian figures is gradually but steadily growing. In this context, the Civil Society Fund (CSF) plays a vital role as a safeguard. It contributes to the development of a vibrant and resilient civil society, capable of actively defending democratic values and human rights.
With support from the CSF's predecessor -the Active Citizens Fund - Slovenian civil society organisations have already fought many important battles against autocratic tendencies. Given the current national and global challenges, the CSF’s role will be just as crucial - if not even more so - in the years to come. Goran Forbici, Director, CNVOS - Centre for information service, co-operation and development of NGOs
Active Citizens Fund project Joined In The Park. Photo: Zala Simčič.
CNVOS - Centre for information service, co-operation and development of NGOs