The announcement of Fund Operators for two of the largest civil society programmes of the EEA and Norway Grants marks another key milestone in the implementation of the fund, the highest-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.
The Civil Society Fund will strengthen the resilience and capacity of CSOs in Romania, empowering them to champion democracy, safeguard human rights and hold institutions accountable. Ionut Sibian, Executive Director of the Civil Society Development Foundation
Following a competitive tender process and a careful evaluation of the submitted proposals, the following consortia have been selected to serve as Fund Operators:
- Bulgaria: Led by Open Society Institute – Sofia together with the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation, the Trust for Social Achievement Foundation and Frivillighet Norge
- Romania: Led by Civil Society Development Foundation together with Romanian Environmental Partnership Foundation, Resource Center for Roma Communities and
Frivillighet Norge
The Civil Society Fund is a strategic ally and steadfast friend of Bulgarian civil society, supporting those who defend democracy, human rights, and justice. It strengthens our resilience through solidarity and assistance during times when wars, hybrid attacks, and global uncertainty challenge fundamental democratic values and human dignity. It is the only fund of its kind in Bulgaria in terms of the scale and consistency of support it provides to civil society. Georgi Stoytchev, Executive Director, Open Society Institute Sofia Foundation
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, advocacy, anti-discrimination, gender equality, LGBTIQ+ rights, just climate action, and safeguarding information integrity. These will help civic actors respond to today’s most pressing challenges.
Consortium members in Bulgaria ©️ Open Society Institute Sofia Foundation
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, the programmes in Bulgaria and Romania will address further country specific focus areas. These include work for inclusion and empowerment of Roma – including support for Roma-led organisations and Roma women and girls –, for addressing challenges arising from the invasion of Ukraine and for countering gender-based violence.
In Bulgaria, the programme will also strengthen the inclusion and empowerment of refugees and migrants.
As programme development begins in Bulgaria and Romania, 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.
Find out more about the EEA Civil Society Fund here.