Poland has the largest of all the EEA Grants-financed NGO programmes with an allocation of €37 million. The Stefan Batory Foundation in partnership with the Polish Children and Youth Foundation has opened the first call for proposals under the programme called 'Citizens for Democracy'.
Civil society organisations allow citizens to come together to act collectively and participate in the development of their own communities and countries. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play a vital role in mobilising citizens, tackling social issues and holding the state accountable.
In Poland, while there have been positive developments within civil society in recent years, challenges still exist. The NGO programme provides an important source of funding to help strengthen the capacity of the sector, enabling NGOs to continue their vital role in pushing for more social justice, more tolerance and greater engagement of citizens in public life.
What activities are supported?
There are two open calls at this stage (more will follow at a later date).
1. €9.5 million is available for ‘thematic’ projects. Grants are available for projects in the following areas:
- Civic participation– engagement of citizens in public life, increasing participation in public policy and decision making
- Public scrutiny– improvement of good governance and transparency
- Combating discrimination– promotion and protection of human rights, fighting homophobia, racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism etc.
- Counteracting exclusion– support for vulnerable groups
- Children and youth– education of children and young people on human rights and civic participation, fighting marginalisation of young people
2. €6.2 million is available for ‘systemic’ projects. Grants are available for projects which will help to strengthen the framework of the NGO sector.
Who can apply for funding?
Grants are available for NGOs registered in Poland, in particular foundations and associations. Polish organisations may apply for grants either individually or as lead partner in a joint application with other entities or groups from:
Poland, the three donor countries (Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway), any of the 14 other EEA/Norway Grants beneficiary countries (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain), countries outside the European Economic Area which border Poland (Belarus, Ukraine, Russia) or with intergovernmental organisations.
Are there any partnership opportunities?
Partnerships between Polish and NGOs in the three donor countries in the projects are encouraged. Seed money is available to help Polish NGOs or organisations from Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway (NGOs, public or private entities) establish contacts and develop joint proposals.
How to apply?
Interested in applying? You can find out all the information you need and download the application pack from the programme’s website
The deadline for applications (of these first calls) in the initial phase is 15 October 2013 at 12:00 (CET) for thematic projects and 15 November 2013 at 12:00 (CET) for systemic projects.
A programme team is available to respond to any questions you may have about eligibility, how to apply and the selection process. Send your questions to ngofund@batory.org.pl. The team is also organising a open day for applicants in September. Check the programme website for details.
More information
- Programme website
- Programme Operator - Stefan Batory Foundation
- Polish NGO Programme Summary