Please note that this is a closed invitation. You can send it to your trusted partners and colleagues, but do not post it on social media, websites, or other open channels.
Call for applications from Russian civil society organisations (CSOs)* working in the field of human rights and democracy in the Russian Federation, with a special focus on those targeting particularly vulnerable groups and/or promoting democratic values and civic engagement.
Who can apply?
This call is addressed to those who have been directly affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, or restrictive legal measures and human rights violations in Russia, and need support to continue their work. They can be registered or unregistered civil society organisations, including NGOs, initiative groups, social entrepreneurship groups, cultural/creative organisations, etc. Entities based in the Russian Federation, or abroad but targeting beneficiaries within the country, are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a proven experience of at least one year in carrying out activities that contribute to the promotion of democracy and human rights in Russia, and should employ a permanent team of at least 3 full-time employees.
Applications from political or religious organisations will not be considered.
Organisations that have already received support from our organisation for capacity development cannot apply.
Organizational capacity development approach
This call is aimed at CSOs or initiative groups interested in receiving personalized support to develop their capacity or adapt to new circumstances (relocation, funding reduction, security threats...), in line with our 3-step Organisational Capacity Assessment (OCA) methodology:
1. Assessment phase: the assessment of organisational capacity is carried out by experts in the form of interviews with key team members in the following areas of the organisation's activities:
- Leadership & management
- Mission & strategy
- Human resources management
- Finance & administration
- Communication & advocacy
- Monitoring & evaluation
- Project management
- Fundraising & financial sustainability
- Other relevant needs
2. Joint discussion of the assessment results, and development of a plan based on the submitted application.
3. Expert support for the implementation of the organisational capacity development plan.
What can the support for capacity development include?
Among other things:
- Trainings, internal mentoring, and consulting tailored to the needs of the organisation (financial, HR, and organisational management, fundraising and proposal writing, reporting, grant management, digital and physical security, media literacy, psychosocial and anti-burnout counseling, etc.)
- Conducting strategic planning, risk assessment and mitigation, defining the vision and mission of the organisation.
- Configuring and creating new internal procedures, tools and/or policies. Updating internal procedures and policies to meet new realities.
- Making improvements to the organisation of services provided to the community.
- Developing practical skills for access to international and regional human rights mechanisms, and interaction with the international community.
- Other needs identified through the Organisational Capacity Assessment.
The maximum budget amount for organisational capacity development grants is €60 000.
The duration of the project can be from 12 to 24 months.
What are the selection criteria?
- Proven experience in promoting democracy, human rights, freedom of speech and freedom of information in the Russian Federation for at least one year; to be confirmed by links and/or recommendations. Experience before the relocation of the organization, and/or under a different name, will be taken into consideration.
- Demonstrated willingness to participate in the capacity assessment phase of the project, as well as motivation and willingness to engage in long-term support.
- Highlight of clear areas for improvement or capacity development.
- Precise vision of how the requested support will contribute to strengthening the capacity of the organisation.
- Clear, well justified, and cost-effective budget.
- Potential for sustainability of the organisation beyond the project support period.
- Priority will be given to applications from organisations and initiative groups located inside the Russian Federation. -
The deadline for submission of your application is 31.12.2025.
You will be notified of the results of the selection no later than 6 weeks after the submission deadlines. Up to 5 applicants will be supported.
*Definition:
- Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Civil society refers to all forms of social action carried out by individuals or groups that are not affiliated with or governed by the state. Our definition includes legally registered CSOs, as well as informal initiatives and groups.