Humanitarian organizations can access a range of international funding opportunities through European Union programmes. The European Commission notes that around 80% of EU funding sources for NGOs are managed directly by EU countries, while the remaining funding is managed by the European Commission or other EU bodies.
Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Funding
NGOs working on humanitarian assistance and civil protection can seek funding through the European Commission’s humanitarian aid and civil protection department, ECHO. This is one of the most directly relevant EU funding channels for organizations responding to humanitarian needs.
Potential areas can include humanitarian response, emergency assistance and civil protection activities, depending on the specific funding call and eligibility requirements.
International Development Funding
NGOs can also access funding through many of the thematic and regional programmes managed by the European Commission’s international cooperation and development department, INTPA.
Organizations working on development and humanitarian issues should therefore monitor both regional and thematic calls rather than relying on a single funding programme.
Social Inclusion and Gender Equality
NGOs focused on social inclusion, gender equality and equal opportunities may be eligible for support through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). These funds are managed by authorities in individual EU countries or regions.
This can be particularly relevant for organizations implementing programmes around:
- Social inclusion
- Gender equality
- Equal opportunities
- Community development
Citizenship, Equality, Rights and Values
The Citizenship, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme supports initiatives that protect and promote EU rights and values while contributing to open, democratic, equal and inclusive societies.
Humanitarian and civil-society organizations working on rights-based initiatives may therefore find relevant opportunities under this programme.
Horizon Europe Research Funding
NGOs can also participate in Horizon Europe, the European Union’s main research funding programme. It supports research projects across numerous fields and can involve organizations and individuals working on eligible projects.
This may be particularly useful for humanitarian organizations conducting research, developing innovative solutions or participating in collaborative research projects.
Creative Europe
Organizations working at the intersection of humanitarian action, culture and media can also explore Creative Europe. Its Culture strand supports areas including cooperation projects, literary translation, networks and platforms, while its MEDIA strand supports the audiovisual and film sectors, including training and development.
Transport, Energy and ICT Funding
Some areas of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) are open to NGOs. The programme supports projects connected with transport, energy and ICT, with relevant strands managed by European executive agencies.
Humanitarian organizations involved in technology, energy access, digital infrastructure or related projects may therefore want to monitor relevant CEF calls.
LIFE Programme
The European Commission also highlights the LIFE programme, which provides grants for a variety of projects. According to the source, any public or private legal entity registered in the EU can submit a proposal.
Organizations should carefully check the eligibility rules for each individual call before investing time in an application.
Where Humanitarian Organizations Should Look
The European Commission recommends that NGOs monitor relevant calls because additional funding opportunities may arise beyond the programmes listed on its general NGO funding page. The Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) regularly publishes calls for proposals and tenders.
When preparing an application, humanitarian groups should check:
- Whether their organization is eligible.
- Whether the project location is eligible.
- Whether their proposed activities match the funder’s priorities.
- Whether partnership requirements apply.
- The required application documents.
- The specific deadline for the call.
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