Main funding opportunities
Approximately 80% of EU funding sources for NGOs are managed by EU countries themselves. Each country provides detailed information about funding and application procedures on the websites of the managing authorities. The rest are managed by the Commission or other EU bodies.
Social inclusion, gender equality and equal opportunities
NGOs working in these fields may benefit from European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) support. These funds are managed by the managing authorities in an EU region or country.
Culture and media
The Creative Europe programme supports initiatives related to the European audiovisual, cultural and creative sector. The programme consists of two sub-programmes: Culture and MEDIA.
The Culture sub-programme opportunities cover a diverse range of schemes: cooperation projects, literary translation, networks and platforms, while the MEDIA sub-programme provides financial support to help the EU film and audiovisual industries develop, distribute and promote their work. It also funds training and film development schemes.
The Creative Europe programme is managed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).
Foster citizenship and civic participation
The Citizenship, Equality, Rights and Values programme (CERV) aims to protect and promote Union rights and values as enshrined in the EU Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. It will contribute to sustain and further develop open, rights-based, democratic, equal and inclusive societies based on the rule of law.. The programme is also managed by EACEA.
Research and innovation
NGOs can apply for projects under Horizon Europe, the EU's principal funding programme for research. It supports research projects in numerous fields, carried out by organisations or individuals.
Development and humanitarian aid
NGOs can get funding under most of the thematic or regional programmes managed by the Commission’s department dealing with international cooperation and development (INTPA).
NGOs are also eligible for funding for humanitarian aid and civil protection activities through the Commission’s department dealing with humanitarian aid and civil protection (ECHO).
Transport, energy and ICT
Some funding areas of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme, which finances projects related to energy, transport and ICT, are open to NGOs. The CEF strands are managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA).
Other funding opportunities
Please note there may be other opportunities not mentioned here that may arise in which NGOs may be eligible to participate. Check the list of calls.
- The Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) regularly publishes open calls for proposals and tender
- Grants are available under the LIFE programme for a variety of projects. Any public or private legal entity registered in the EU can submit a proposal