Call for proposals for civil society organisations active on protecting and promoting Union values: call to intermediaries (giving financial support to third parties)

This program provides funding to civil society organizations (CSOs) in EU Member States that act as intermediaries. These intermediaries are tasked with strengthening the capacity of other CSOs at local, regional, and national levels, particularly those that are small, remote, or rural-based. The overall goal is to protect and promote fundamental rights and EU values.

The program funds initiatives that include both direct financial support and capacity building for civil society organizations. Eligible activities must align with the CERV programme's broader objectives of promoting fundamental rights, democracy, and the rule of law. While there is no fixed budget split, financial support to third parties should be a significant component. Activities undertaken by third parties are not limited to watchdog or advocacy work; other relevant and innovative actions are encouraged.

This funding program is provided as a grant, with a substantial total budget of EUR 74.5 million. All projects under this call will receive a reimbursement of 90% of their eligible costs, requiring a 10% co-financing contribution from beneficiaries. While no specific project duration is defined, the overall timeline from call publication to grant agreement signature provides a framework for planning.

Applicants and beneficiaries must adhere to specific administrative, ethical, and financial conditions to ensure compliance and effective program implementation. Key requirements include robust conflict of interest prevention, managing reputational risks associated with third-party grantees, and integrating gender equality considerations into project design and reporting.

The application process for this call has concluded, with proposals submitted by the deadline of 7 March 2024. Evaluation results were expected in August/September 2024, with grant agreements signed between September and December 2024. The selection process involves a thorough evaluation of proposals against established criteria.

The CERV-2024-CITIZENS-VALUES program operates under a robust legal framework, drawing its authority from the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme established for 2021-2027 and guided by specific work programs and financial regulations.