Council of Europe Civil Society Grants 2027: Apply for Up to €20,000 to Strengthen Democracy and Civic Engagement Across Europe

<p>The <strong>Council of Europe Civil Society Grants 2027</strong> offer an important funding opportunity for eligible civil society organisations working to strengthen democracy, protect civic space, and promote meaningful engagement between civil society and the Council of Europe.</p> <p>Launched on 9 November 2026 by the Council of Europe&#8217;s Democratic Institutions and Civil Society Division, the call for proposals will provide <strong>up to three grants, each worth a maximum of €20,000</strong>, to support projects implemented between February and October 2027.</p> <p>The funding is intended to co-finance initiatives that increase public understanding of Council of Europe standards on democracy and civic space, strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations to apply these standards in advocacy and monitoring, and raise awareness of opportunities for civil society participation in the Council of Europe&#8217;s work.</p> <p>The initiative places particular emphasis on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting civic participation, and supporting cooperation among civil society organisations across Council of Europe member states. Eligible projects must involve organisations from at least four member states and demonstrate balanced geographical and gender representation.</p> <p>Civil society organisations with relevant experience, established legal status, and proven expertise or cooperation with the Council of Europe are encouraged to examine the application requirements and prepare their proposals before the deadline.</p> <p><strong>The application deadline is 2 December 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).</strong></p> <h2>1. Overview of the Council of Europe Civil Society Grants 2027</h2> <p>The Council of Europe is launching this grant programme to strengthen democracy and support civil society organisations in engaging with the organisation&#8217;s work, standards, and mechanisms.</p> <p>The call is being managed through the Council of Europe&#8217;s Democratic Institutions and Civil Society Division. It recognises that civil society organisations play an important role in democratic societies by informing citizens, monitoring democratic practices, advocating for human rights and civic freedoms, and facilitating dialogue between communities and public institutions.</p> <p>Through this funding opportunity, the Council of Europe intends to support projects that help civil society organisations understand and apply its democratic standards while increasing public awareness of the mechanisms available for civil society engagement.</p> <p>A total of <strong>up to three grants</strong> will be awarded, with each grant providing a maximum of <strong>€20,000</strong>. The grants will co-finance eligible projects running from February to October 2027.</p> <p>This means the programme is designed to support a limited number of carefully selected projects rather than provide funding to every organisation that applies. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposals clearly address the objectives of the call and satisfy all eligibility requirements.</p> <h3>Key opportunity details</h3> <table style="width: 1036px;"> <tbody> <tr> <th style="width: 345.111px;">Opportunity detail</th> <th style="width: 676.222px;">Information</th> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 345.111px;">Opportunity</td> <td style="width: 676.222px;">Council of Europe Civil Society Grants 2027</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 345.111px;">Organiser</td> <td style="width: 676.222px;">Council of Europe</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 345.111px;">Responsible division</td> <td style="width: 676.222px;">Democratic Institutions and Civil Society Division</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 345.111px;">Total number of grants</td> <td style="width: 676.222px;">Up to three</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 345.111px;">Maximum grant amount</td> <td style="width: 676.222px;">€20,000 per grant</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 345.111px;">Funding arrangement</td> <td style="width: 676.222px;">Co-funding</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 345.111px;">Project implementation period</td> <td style="width: 676.222px;">February to October 2027</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 345.111px;">Main beneficiaries</td> <td style="width: 676.222px;">Civil society organisations and the public</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 345.111px;">Geographic eligibility</td> <td style="width: 676.222px;">Council of Europe member states</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 345.111px;">Partnership requirement</td> <td style="width: 676.222px;">Projects must involve organisations from at least four member states</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 345.111px;">Representation requirement</td> <td style="width: 676.222px;">Balanced geographical and gender representation</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 345.111px;">Application deadline</td> <td style="width: 676.222px;"><strong>2 December 2026, 23:59 CET</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 345.111px;">Deadline for questions</td> <td style="width: 676.222px;"><strong>22 November 2026</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 345.111px;">Application method</td> <td style="width: 676.222px;">Electronic submission using the official application form and estimated budget template</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>2. Objectives of the Council of Europe Civil Society Grants</h2> <p>The central purpose of the grant programme is to strengthen democracy and support civil society organisations to engage more effectively with the Council of Europe.</p> <p>The funding will co-finance projects addressing three main objectives.</p> <h3>A. Inform Civil Society and the Public About Democratic Standards</h3> <p>One of the programme&#8217;s priorities is to improve awareness and understanding of Council of Europe standards on democracy and civic space.</p> <p>Civil society organisations are often responsible for communicating democratic principles to citizens, community groups, policymakers, and other stakeholders. However, the effectiveness of this work depends partly on whether organisations and members of the public understand the standards, principles, and mechanisms that underpin democratic governance.</p> <p>The grants will therefore support projects that explain these standards and make them more accessible to civil society and the wider public.</p> <p>Particular attention is given to the <strong>Reykjavik Principles for Democracy</strong>, which are among the standards identified in the call.</p> <p>Projects under this objective may focus on helping civil society organisations and citizens understand democratic principles and their relevance to civic participation, institutional accountability, and the protection of civic space.</p> <p>Applicants should consult the official call for proposals for the precise scope of activities and expected results.</p> <h3>B. Strengthen Civil Society Capacity for Advocacy, Monitoring, and Dialogue</h3> <p>The second objective is to strengthen the ability of civil society organisations to apply Council of Europe standards in their work.</p> <p>Understanding democratic standards is important, but organisations must also be able to use them in practical ways.</p> <p>The programme therefore seeks to support projects that build civil society capacity in three interconnected areas:</p> <p><strong>Advocacy:</strong> Helping civil society organisations use relevant democratic standards to communicate concerns, promote reforms, engage decision-makers, and advance democratic principles.</p> <p><strong>Monitoring:</strong> Strengthening the ability of organisations to observe, assess, and report on issues relating to democracy and civic space.</p> <p><strong>Dialogue:</strong> Supporting constructive engagement between civil society organisations and relevant institutions or stakeholders.</p> <p>Through these activities, the grants aim to help civil society organisations move beyond awareness-raising and develop the capacity to apply democratic standards in their practical work.</p> <h3>C. Raise Awareness of Council of Europe Mechanisms and Opportunities for Civil Society Engagement</h3> <p>The third objective is to increase awareness of the mechanisms and opportunities through which civil society organisations can engage with the Council of Europe.</p> <p>The Council of Europe provides different avenues for civil society participation in discussions and activities connected to its work. However, organisations may not always be familiar with these mechanisms or understand how they can participate effectively.</p> <p>The grants will therefore support projects that explain available engagement opportunities and help civil society organisations understand how to interact with the Council of Europe.</p> <p>This objective is particularly relevant to organisations seeking to strengthen their institutional relationships, contribute to democratic discussions, and participate more actively in relevant Council of Europe processes.</p> <h2>3. Understanding the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy</h2> <p>The call specifically identifies the <strong>Reykjavik Principles for Democracy</strong> as an important reference for projects seeking to inform civil society and the public about Council of Europe standards.</p> <p>These principles provide a framework for understanding and promoting democracy and democratic governance.</p> <p>For organisations preparing proposals, this is an important area to examine because the call seeks projects that communicate Council of Europe standards rather than simply conduct general civic education activities without a clear connection to the programme&#8217;s objectives.</p> <p>Applicants should consider how their proposed activities can make democratic standards more understandable and applicable to the organisations and communities they work with.</p> <p>Possible approaches may include:</p> <ul> <li>Developing accessible educational resources about democratic standards.</li> <li>Organising public information and awareness activities.</li> <li>Facilitating discussions about democracy and civic space.</li> <li>Supporting civil society organisations to understand relevant democratic principles.</li> <li>Promoting knowledge-sharing about the application of these standards.</li> </ul> <p>These are illustrative approaches based on the objectives of the call, not a confirmed list of separately eligible activities. Applicants should consult the official call documentation for the detailed requirements.</p> <p>Further information about the principles is available through the Council of Europe&#8217;s official resource:</p> <p><strong>Reykjavik Principles for Democracy:</strong><br /> <strong><a href="https://www.coe.int/en/web/steering-committee-on-democracy/10-principles-for-democracy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.coe.int/en/web/steering-committee-on-democracy/10-principles-for-democracy</a></strong></p> <h2>4. Who Can Apply for the Council of Europe Civil Society Grants?</h2> <p>The opportunity is specifically intended for <strong>legally constituted civil society organisations located in Council of Europe member states</strong>.</p> <p>Unlike individual scholarships or fellowships, this programme does not invite individuals to apply for personal funding. Applications must come from eligible organisations that can demonstrate the required institutional experience and expertise.</p> <p>According to the announcement, eligible applicants must satisfy the following conditions.</p> <h3>A. Legal Constitution in a Council of Europe Member State</h3> <p>The applicant must be a legally constituted civil society organisation in a Council of Europe member state.</p> <p>This means the organisation must have formal legal recognition or registration under the relevant national framework.</p> <p>Organisations should be prepared to demonstrate their legal status through the documentation required in the official application form and call for proposals.</p> <p>An informal group or an individual applying without an eligible organisational structure should not assume that they qualify.</p> <h3>B. At Least Five Years of Relevant Experience</h3> <p>Eligible organisations must have at least <strong>five years of relevant experience</strong>.</p> <p>This requirement indicates that the programme is seeking established civil society organisations with a demonstrated record of working in areas relevant to the grant objectives.</p> <p>Applicants should be able to explain their previous activities and show how their experience relates to strengthening democracy, civic space, civil society participation, advocacy, monitoring, dialogue, or engagement with the Council of Europe.</p> <p>The announcement does not provide a detailed breakdown of how the five years must be calculated. Applicants should therefore consult the official call documentation for the precise interpretation and evidence required.</p> <h3>C. Proven Expertise or Cooperation With the Council of Europe</h3> <p>Applicants must also demonstrate proven expertise or cooperation with the Council of Europe.</p> <p>This is an important eligibility consideration.</p> <p>The requirement suggests that organisations should be able to demonstrate relevant knowledge, experience, or an established record of engagement connected to the Council of Europe&#8217;s work.</p> <p>Applicants should clearly present their relevant expertise or previous cooperation in their application rather than assume that general civil society experience alone will satisfy this condition.</p> <h3>D. Projects Must Involve Organisations From at Least Four Member States</h3> <p>The programme requires projects to involve organisations from a minimum of <strong>four Council of Europe member states</strong>.</p> <p>This means applicants must develop projects with a cross-country dimension rather than submit proposals focused exclusively on an organisation&#8217;s activities in one country.</p> <p>The requirement is intended to encourage cooperation, exchange of experience, and broader engagement among civil society organisations across the Council of Europe membership.</p> <p>Applicants should identify their participating organisations and explain their respective roles in the proposed project.</p> <p>The announcement does not specify whether the lead applicant is required to be based in one particular member state or provide a detailed definition of the partnership structure. These details should be checked in the official call for proposals.</p> <h3>E. Balanced Geographical and Gender Representation</h3> <p>Projects must promote balanced geographical and gender representation.</p> <p>This is an important consideration when building partnerships and designing project activities.</p> <p>Applicants should consider how their participating organisations represent different geographical areas within the Council of Europe member states and how gender balance will be reflected in project participation and implementation.</p> <p>The announcement does not provide a specific numerical gender quota or a prescribed geographical distribution. Applicants should consult the official call documentation for any additional guidance.</p> <h2>5. Project Partnership and Geographical Requirements</h2> <p>One of the most important features of the Council of Europe Civil Society Grants 2027 is the requirement for projects to involve organisations from at least four member states.</p> <p>This makes the programme particularly relevant to civil society networks, coalitions, and organisations with established regional or international partnerships.</p> <p>A project partnership should demonstrate how participating organisations will work together to achieve the objectives of the call.</p> <p>For example, a proposal could bring together civil society organisations from four or more member states to develop shared educational resources on democratic standards, strengthen monitoring capacity, or improve awareness of Council of Europe engagement mechanisms.</p> <p>However, the exact project design must be consistent with the official call for proposals.</p> <h3>Important partnership considerations</h3> <p>Organisations preparing applications should consider the following:</p> <ol start="1"> <li><strong>Identify suitable partners:</strong> Select civil society organisations that have relevant experience and can contribute meaningfully to the proposed project.</li> <li><strong>Confirm geographical representation:</strong> Ensure that the partnership includes organisations from at least four Council of Europe member states.</li> <li><strong>Clarify partner responsibilities:</strong> Explain the role each organisation will play in planning, implementing, and monitoring the project.</li> <li><strong>Consider gender representation:</strong> Demonstrate how the project will promote balanced gender representation.</li> <li><strong>Demonstrate collective expertise:</strong> Explain how the combined experience of the participating organisations will help achieve the project&#8217;s objectives.</li> <li><strong>Establish a clear project purpose:</strong> Ensure that the partnership is built around a coherent project that directly addresses the objectives of the grant.</li> </ol> <p>The programme is not simply looking for organisations to list several partners. The proposed collaboration should contribute meaningfully to the project&#8217;s activities and expected results.</p> <h2>6. Grant Amount and Project Implementation Period</h2> <p>The Council of Europe will award <strong>up to three grants</strong>, with each grant worth a maximum of <strong>€20,000</strong>.</p> <p>The funding will be provided as co-financing for eligible projects.</p> <p>This means the grant is intended to contribute towards the costs of implementing the proposed activities. Applicants should review the official call and budget template carefully to understand the financial requirements and any co-financing conditions.</p> <h3>Key funding information</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Maximum amount per grant:</strong> €20,000.</li> <li><strong>Number of grants:</strong> Up to three.</li> <li><strong>Funding purpose:</strong> Co-financing eligible civil society projects.</li> <li><strong>Project implementation period:</strong> February to October 2027.</li> </ul> <h3>Project duration</h3> <p>The projects supported through this call are expected to run from February to October 2027.</p> <p>Applicants should therefore develop realistic project schedules that fit within this implementation period.</p> <p>The proposed activities should be sufficiently focused to achieve meaningful results within the available timeframe.</p> <p>Organisations should also ensure that their estimated budgets are consistent with their proposed activities and implementation plans.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> The announcement provides a maximum grant amount but does not specify the exact co-financing percentage, minimum contribution from applicants, or detailed eligible and ineligible expenditure categories. Applicants must consult the official call for proposals, estimated budget template, and draft Grant Agreement for these details.</p> <h2>7. How to Prepare a Competitive Civil Society Grant Proposal</h2> <p>Organisations interested in applying should ensure that their proposals respond directly to the objectives and eligibility requirements of the programme.</p> <p>The following considerations can help applicants prepare a clear and relevant submission.</p> <h3>1. Demonstrate a Clear Connection to Democracy and Civic Space</h3> <p>The proposed project should have a direct relationship with the Council of Europe&#8217;s objectives on democracy and civic space.</p> <p>Applicants should explain the issue they intend to address and demonstrate how the project will contribute to informing the public, strengthening civil society capacity, or increasing engagement with the Council of Europe.</p> <p>A proposal that discusses civil society development in general without establishing this connection may not adequately respond to the call.</p> <h3>2. Explain How the Project Will Apply Council of Europe Standards</h3> <p>Applicants should identify the relevant Council of Europe standards that inform their project.</p> <p>Where appropriate, proposals should explain how the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy or other relevant standards will be communicated, applied, or used in advocacy, monitoring, and dialogue.</p> <h3>3. Demonstrate the Organisation&#8217;s Experience</h3> <p>The applicant must meet the minimum five-year relevant experience requirement.</p> <p>Organisations should clearly explain their background, previous activities, expertise, and any relevant cooperation with the Council of Europe.</p> <p>The proposal should make it easy for assessors to understand why the organisation is qualified to implement the project.</p> <h3>4. Establish a Strong Partnership Across at Least Four Member States</h3> <p>The project must involve organisations from at least four Council of Europe member states.</p> <p>Applicants should identify their partners, explain their contributions, and demonstrate how the collaboration will strengthen the project&#8217;s geographical reach and effectiveness.</p> <h3>5. Promote Balanced Geographical and Gender Representation</h3> <p>The proposal should explain how the project will promote geographical and gender balance.</p> <p>This should be considered during partnership development and project planning rather than treated as an issue to address only after the proposal has been prepared.</p> <h3>6. Prepare a Realistic Budget</h3> <p>Applicants must use the official estimated budget template.</p> <p>The budget should correspond to the activities and implementation period described in the project proposal.</p> <p>Organisations should carefully examine the funding conditions and draft Grant Agreement to understand the financial responsibilities associated with receiving the grant.</p> <h3>7. Follow the Official Application Instructions</h3> <p>The Council of Europe requires electronic submission using the official application form and budget template.</p> <p>Applicants should ensure that they use the correct documents, complete all required sections, and submit their applications before the stated deadline.</p> <h2>8. Application Process: How to Apply</h2> <p>Interested civil society organisations should follow the official application process and prepare the required documents.</p> <p>The Council of Europe has provided a call for proposals, an application form, an estimated budget template, and a draft Grant Agreement.</p> <p>These documents are essential for understanding the requirements and preparing a complete application.</p> <h3>Step 1: Read the Official Call for Proposals</h3> <p>Begin by downloading and reviewing the official call for proposals.</p> <p>This document should be treated as the main reference for the funding opportunity because it contains the detailed requirements governing the application process.</p> <p>Pay particular attention to:</p> <ul> <li>Applicant eligibility.</li> <li>Project objectives and scope.</li> <li>Partnership requirements.</li> <li>Funding conditions.</li> <li>Project implementation period.</li> <li>Application instructions.</li> <li>Required supporting documents.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Official Call for Proposals:</strong><br /> <a href="https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-call-for-proposals-en/48802eb50f" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-call-for-proposals-en/48802eb50f</strong></a></p> <h3>Step 2: Complete the Official Application Form</h3> <p>Applicants must use Appendix I, which contains the official application form.</p> <p>The form should be completed in accordance with the instructions provided by the Council of Europe.</p> <p>Organisations should ensure that the information supplied accurately reflects their legal status, experience, project objectives, partnerships, and proposed activities.</p> <p><strong>Appendix I – Application Form:</strong><br /> <strong><a href="https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-appendix-i-to-application-form-en/native/48802eb50e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-appendix-i-to-application-form-en/native/48802eb50e</a></strong></p> <h3>Step 3: Prepare the Estimated Project Budget</h3> <p>Applicants must also complete Appendix II, the estimated budget template.</p> <p>The budget should reflect the proposed activities and the financial requirements of the project.</p> <p>Organisations should ensure that their estimates are realistic and consistent with the project implementation period of February to October 2027.</p> <p><strong>Appendix II – Estimated Budget:</strong><br /> <strong><a href="https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-g17-2-c-appendix-ii-estimated-budget-en/native/48802eb510" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-g17-2-c-appendix-ii-estimated-budget-en/native/48802eb510</a></strong></p> <h3>Step 4: Review the Draft Grant Agreement</h3> <p>Appendix III contains the Grant Agreement template.</p> <p>Applicants should review this document to understand the terms and conditions associated with receiving and implementing the grant.</p> <p>This is particularly important for organisations that need to plan their financial management, project responsibilities, and compliance arrangements.</p> <p><strong>Appendix III – Grant Agreement:</strong><br /> <strong><a href="https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-appendix-iii-grant-agreement-template-en/native/48802eb511" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-appendix-iii-grant-agreement-template-en/native/48802eb511</a></strong></p> <h3>Step 5: Submit the Application Electronically</h3> <p>Once the required documents have been completed, applicants must submit their applications electronically using the official application process.</p> <p><strong>Application deadline: 2 December 2026 at 23:59 CET.</strong></p> <p>Applicants should avoid waiting until the final hours to submit their documents. Preparing the application and budget in advance will allow sufficient time to review the information and address any missing details.</p> <p>The announcement does not provide a separate submission email address or a detailed electronic submission procedure. Applicants should follow the instructions in the official call for proposals.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.coe.int/en/web/civil-society/-/council-of-europe-launches-grants-for-civil-society-organisations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Start Your Application HERE</a></h3> <h2>9. Important Application Dates and Deadlines</h2> <p>Applicants should take note of the following dates when preparing their submissions.</p> <table style="width: 722px;"> <tbody> <tr> <th style="width: 191.083px;">Date</th> <th style="width: 516.25px;">Activity</th> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 191.083px;">9 November 2026</td> <td style="width: 516.25px;">Council of Europe announces the grant opportunity</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 191.083px;">22 November 2026</td> <td style="width: 516.25px;">Deadline for submitting questions about the call</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 191.083px;">2 December 2026</td> <td style="width: 516.25px;">Application submission deadline</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 191.083px;">February 2027</td> <td style="width: 516.25px;">Expected start of funded projects</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 191.083px;">October 2027</td> <td style="width: 516.25px;">Expected end of funded projects</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h3>Deadline for submitting questions</h3> <p>Organisations seeking clarification about the opportunity can contact the Democratic Institutions and Civil Society Division by email.</p> <p><strong>Email:</strong> <a href="mailto:NGO-Unit@coe.int" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NGO-Unit@coe.int</strong></a></p> <p><strong>Deadline for questions:</strong> 22 November 2026.</p> <p>The announcement specifies that questions should be submitted by this date. Organisations should therefore review the call documents early and seek clarification before the questions deadline.</p> <h3>Final application deadline</h3> <p><strong>2 December 2026 at 23:59 CET.</strong></p> <p>All applications must be submitted electronically using the official application form and estimated budget template.</p> <p>Organisations should pay close attention to the time zone and ensure that their submissions are completed before the deadline.</p> <h2>10. Official Resources and Useful Links</h2> <p>The Council of Europe has made several documents available to guide applicants through the process.</p> <p>The following are the key resources to consult:</p> <table style="height: 312px;"> <tbody> <tr style="height: 24px;"> <th style="height: 24px; width: 210.056px;">Resource</th> <th style="height: 24px; width: 361.667px;">Purpose</th> <th style="height: 24px; width: 570.278px;">Link</th> </tr> <tr style="height: 48px;"> <td style="height: 48px; width: 210.056px;">Call for Proposals</td> <td style="height: 48px; width: 361.667px;">Main document explaining the grant opportunity and requirements</td> <td style="height: 48px; width: 570.278px;"><a href="https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-call-for-proposals-en/48802eb50f" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-call-for-proposals-en/48802eb50f</strong></a></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 48px;"> <td style="height: 48px; width: 210.056px;">Appendix I – Application Form</td> <td style="height: 48px; width: 361.667px;">Official form for submitting the project application</td> <td style="height: 48px; width: 570.278px;"><a href="https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-appendix-i-to-application-form-en/native/48802eb50e" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-appendix-i-to-application-form-en/native/48802eb50e</strong></a></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 48px;"> <td style="height: 48px; width: 210.056px;">Appendix II – Estimated Budget</td> <td style="height: 48px; width: 361.667px;">Template for preparing the proposed project budget</td> <td style="height: 48px; width: 570.278px;"><a href="https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-g17-2-c-appendix-ii-estimated-budget-en/native/48802eb510" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-g17-2-c-appendix-ii-estimated-budget-en/native/48802eb510</strong></a></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 48px;"> <td style="height: 48px; width: 210.056px;">Appendix III – Grant Agreement</td> <td style="height: 48px; width: 361.667px;">Draft agreement outlining grant conditions</td> <td style="height: 48px; width: 570.278px;"><a href="https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-appendix-iii-grant-agreement-template-en/native/48802eb511" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>https://rm.coe.int/cso-grant-2027-appendix-iii-grant-agreement-template-en/native/48802eb511</strong></a></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 48px;"> <td style="height: 48px; width: 210.056px;">Reykjavik Principles for Democracy</td> <td style="height: 48px; width: 361.667px;">Council of Europe resource on democratic principles</td> <td style="height: 48px; width: 570.278px;"><a href="https://www.coe.int/en/web/steering-committee-on-democracy/10-principles-for-democracy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>https://www.coe.int/en/web/steering-committee-on-democracy/10-principles-for-democracy</strong></a></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 48px;"> <td style="height: 48px; width: 210.056px;">Council of Europe Civil Society Portal</td> <td style="height: 48px; width: 361.667px;">Information about the Council of Europe&#8217;s work with civil society</td> <td style="height: 48px; width: 570.278px;"><a href="https://www.coe.int/en/web/civil-society" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>https://www.coe.int/en/web/civil-society</strong></a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>For questions about the call:</p> <p><strong>Democratic Institutions and Civil Society Division</strong><br /> <strong>Email:</strong> <a href="mailto:NGO-Unit@coe.int" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NGO-Unit@coe.int</strong></a><br /> <strong>Questions deadline:</strong> 22 November 2026.</p> <h2>11. Frequently Asked Questions About the Council of Europe Civil Society Grants 2027</h2> <h3>1. What is the Council of Europe Civil Society Grants 2027?</h3> <p>It is a funding opportunity launched by the Council of Europe&#8217;s Democratic Institutions and Civil Society Division to strengthen democracy and support civil society organisations in engaging with the Council of Europe.</p> <h3>2. How much funding is available?</h3> <p>The Council of Europe is offering up to three grants, each worth a maximum of €20,000.</p> <h3>3. How long will the funded projects run?</h3> <p>Projects are expected to run from February to October 2027.</p> <h3>4. Who is eligible to apply?</h3> <p>Legally constituted civil society organisations in Council of Europe member states with at least five years of relevant experience and proven expertise or cooperation with the Council of Europe.</p> <h3>5. Can an individual apply?</h3> <p>The announcement identifies civil society organisations as eligible applicants. It does not present this as an individual funding opportunity.</p> <h3>6. Can an organisation apply without partners?</h3> <p>Projects must involve organisations from at least four Council of Europe member states. An organisation planning to apply should therefore establish the required cross-country collaboration.</p> <h3>7. Are organisations required to demonstrate gender balance?</h3> <p>Yes. Projects must promote balanced geographical and gender representation.</p> <h3>8. What types of projects will be supported?</h3> <p>The grants will co-finance projects that:</p> <ul> <li>Inform civil society and the public about Council of Europe standards on democracy and civic space.</li> <li>Strengthen civil society capacity to apply those standards in advocacy, monitoring, and dialogue.</li> <li>Raise awareness of Council of Europe mechanisms and opportunities for civil society engagement.</li> </ul> <h3>9. What is the application deadline?</h3> <p>Applications must be submitted electronically by <strong>2 December 2026 at 23:59 CET</strong>.</p> <h3>10. When is the deadline for submitting questions?</h3> <p>Questions must be sent to the Democratic Institutions and Civil Society Division by <strong>22 November 2026</strong>.</p> <h3>11. Where can applicants find the application documents?</h3> <p>The official call for proposals, application form, estimated budget template, and draft Grant Agreement are available through the links provided in the application resources section above.</p> <p><a href="https://www.coe.int/en/web/civil-society/-/council-of-europe-launches-grants-for-civil-society-organisations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Learn More HERE</strong></a></p> <h2>Conclusion</h2> <p>The <strong>Council of Europe Civil Society Grants 2027</strong> provide an important opportunity for established civil society organisations to secure financial support for projects that strengthen democracy, promote civic space, and improve engagement between civil society and the Council of Europe.</p> <p>With grants of up to €20,000 available for a maximum of three projects, the programme will support initiatives that inform the public about democratic standards, strengthen civil society capacity for advocacy and monitoring, and raise awareness of opportunities for institutional engagement.</p> <p>The opportunity is particularly relevant to legally constituted civil society organisations in Council of Europe member states that have at least five years of relevant experience, proven expertise or cooperation with the Council of Europe, and the ability to work with organisations from at least four member states.</p> <p>Organisations interested in applying should begin by reviewing the official call for proposals, identifying suitable partners, preparing their project plans, and completing the required application and budget templates.</p> <p>With the application deadline set for <strong>2 December 2026 at 23:59 CET</strong>, interested organisations should begin their preparations as soon as possible.</p> <p>By supporting collaboration, democratic awareness, and stronger civil society participation, this initiative seeks to contribute to a more informed, inclusive, and resilient democratic environment across Europe.</p> <p><strong>Explore more global <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=grant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grant</a> and <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=Europe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European</a> opportunities on OFY.</strong></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/11/13/european-youth-foundation-eyf-grants-2026-funding-support-for-youth-organisations-across-europe/">Council of Europe Civil Society Grants 2027: Apply for Up to €20,000 to Strengthen Democracy and Civic Engagement Across Europe</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>