EEFD Funding Grant

EEFD Funding Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: European Endowment for Democracy
Amount: Up to €60,000
Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Summary

The European Endowment for Democracy (EED) funds civil society organizations, pro-democracy movements, and independent media to promote democracy in the European Neighbourhood and beyond. Established in 2013, EED supports those with limited access to funding, adapts to local contexts, and responds quickly to emergency requests. With a focus on various thematic areas such as anti-corruption, media independence, and civic participation, EED plays a vital role in fostering democratic values and human rights.

Overview

Background The European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is an independent, grant-making organisation, established in 2013 by the European Union (EU) and EU member states as an autonomous International Trust Fund to foster democracy in the European Neighbourhood (Eastern Partnership – EaP – and Middle East and North Africa – MENA), the Western Balkans, and beyond. EED supports civil society organisations, pro-democracy movements, civic and political activists, and independent media platforms and journalists working towards a pluralistic, democratic political system. These can also include newly created or non-registered organisations, informal platforms, youth groups and individuals. In particular, EED supports those who cannot be supported by other donors and existing EU instruments. Support is contingent on adherence to democratic values, respect for human rights and observance of principles of non-violence. EED was established by the EU and EU member states as an independent, complementary mechanism to provide fast and flexible technical and financial support to democratisation and human rights promotion in the European Neighbourhood. Thematic Areas EED’s mandate is to “foster and encourage democratisation and deep and sustainable democracy” in countries facing democratic transitions or democracy deficits in the European Neighbourhood region and beyond. EED adds value by funding individuals and groups with limited or no access to other donor funding, by funding operational costs or other costs not covered by other donors, or activists with no previous experience of grants. EED is frequently a lifeline to organisations working during times of turmoil or when facing severe repression. EED adapts support to respond to local realities and is demand-driven and flexible. It can support individuals and non-registered groups and grant emergency funding requests, often within days. EED is open to new and innovative ideas and responds in a dynamic way to requests for support to develop democracy. Although most initiatives fall into eight thematic areas of support, EED welcomes creative proposals that approach democracy through different lenses.Anti-corruption and public accountability Anti-corruption And Public Accountability Recognizing that corruption is a major barrier to advancing democracy, EED supports activists that tackle graft and promote public accountability and citizen oversight in governance at all levels. EED builds capacities of citizens and supports grassroots, independent voices to push for accountable governments, expose corrupt practices and develop anti-corruption strategies. EED also adds value by funding new activists and groups with limited or no access to other donor funding – whether due to restrictive legal environments, government repression, security concerns or political sensitivities. Independent and Social Media Platforms EED supports local media - including bloggers, digital platforms, satirists and other innovative news and information outlets - to grow as independent and quality communication channels as a mechanism to ensure media pluralism and access to independent and alternative information. EED can provide funding to a wide range of initiatives to help sustain and develop independent news outlets, assist journalists and media outlets operating in repressive environments, or support start-up outlets. In this way, EED works to strengthen media pluralism and improve access to credible news and critical comment to people denied reliable information. Approximately one-third of EED’s funding portfolio is media-related. EED particularly aims to fill gaps in areas not supported by other donors. EED also contributes to enhancing media credibility and balance in the Eastern Partnership countries and beyond, by strengthening the independent Russian language media offer in the region. Civic activism and participation By enabling fledgling, grassroots and innovative forms of civil participation, EED bolsters community development and facilitates people to contribute and influence their community and society. EED supports civic activism in a flexible manner by adapting to local needs and rapidly changing contexts. EED seeks primarily to support groups and activists unable, or without the capacity or necessary experience, to access other democracy support programmes, but with a guiding principle of investing in transformational ideas and the people behind them. Support includes very different types of grants ranging from strengthening engagement of youth in political processes to a civic platform that provide input on reform agendas. Initiatives promoting civic activism and participation represent around one-third of EED’s funding portfolio. Human Rights Activism and Monitoring Supporting human rights activists based on the needs on the ground, particularly in repressive environments where other donors have difficulty operating, constitutes a major part of the EED portfolio. EED works to ensure that the voices of campaigners, community activists, lawyers, journalists and other human rights defenders are heard and not marginalised. Numerous initiatives fostering human rights advocacy, education and awareness, research and monitoring have benefited from EED’s coaching and grants. Women’s civic and political participation Driving change to ensure that women play a full role in the democratic process is a significant part of EED’s work and a cross-cutting issue that is taken into account across all initiatives. EED is strongly committed to developing gender equality in democracy building and sponsors a large number of organisations that address women’s issues. EED funds female leaders, activists and organisations to advance political participation of women, empower women in democratic decision-making, tackle discrimination, and raise awareness of issues such as exploitation and violence against women. Around one-quarter of all EED funded initiatives include a specific component related to gender. Inclusive Society, Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity Discrimination and exclusion on the grounds of sexual orientation and/or gender identity (SOGI) is a violation of human rights but unfortunately a reality in many countries. This is in some places reinforced by legislation that restrict, harass or outright prohibit groups working on SOGI issues. EED’s discreet support is crucial in such cases. EED supports numerous initiatives in the field that seek to raise awareness of SOGI issues and empower activists to raise awareness in their communities about both the rights and violations of rights of LGBTI persons, counter widespread misconceptions and help promote inclusion. Arts and culture Art and cultural activities can provide an unconventional, yet effective vehicle for democratic change. EED assists individuals or initiatives that use traditional or innovative artistic expression to promote democratic values and freedom of expression. Support includes a range of initiatives from a platform for artists and intellectuals to promote freedom of speech, to theatre groups and cultural hubs for marginalised youth groups. By stepping in when other international donors are unable to do so, EED assists activists to engage in civic participation through cultural activities. Youth Providing young people with the tools and knowledge to engage in civic activism and create a better future for themselves and their countries is an important aspect of EED support and a cross-cutting issue that is taken into account across all initiatives. Youth-centred civic engagement initiatives include a range of innovative, catalytic and start-up projects ranging from training for young people as effective leaders and opening space for youth empowerment and democratic governance, to tackling political disaffection and promoting inclusion through sports and culture. Funding Range EED does not have a formal funding range. We generally receive requests for support between € 10,000 and € 50,000, but have also provided grants both below and above that range. On average, our support is between € 40,000 and € 60,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. EED supports civil society organisations, movements, independent media, and individual activists working towards a pluralistic democratic political system.