EEA Grants invest 2,3 million euros in Estonian civil society

On Tuesday,  19th of June, Open Estonia Foundation launched the NGO Fund of EEA Grants in Tallinn, Estonia.

First open calls for proposals of the NGO Fund, initiated by Norway, Island and Liechtenstein, will be announced in September, with deadlines for submitting proposals set for November. Open Estonia Foundation serves as a fund operator until the end of the programming period in 2016.

New programming period of the NGO Fund in Estonia focuses on three challenges in civil society:

–  the role of NGOs in fostering democratic values

–  advocacy and watchdog role of civil society organisations

–  capacity building of NGOs

Programme contributes to multicultural dialogue and integration of national minorities as well capacity building of NGOs targeting children and youth. Bilateral cooperation is emphasized.

Total  amount of funding for the NGO fund is 2,300,000 euros.

„There are numbers of active and capable NGOs in Estonia. And even the smallest and local ones have ambition to dream, initiate, involve and cooperate for a better society and open policymaking. We do believe that grants of NGO Fund contribute to the self-reliance and development opportunities of civil society organisations in Estonia,“ stated Mall Hellam, Executive Director of the Open Estonia Foundation. 

More information about the NGO Fund, projects and terms for applying can be found at the web-page of Open Estonia Foundation www.oef.org.ee

Last period of the NGO Fund of EEA and Norway Grants was concluded in 2011. Norway, Island and Liechtenstein contributed more than 2,1 milion euros for supporting  NGOs’ role in democracy and civil society development, environment and sustainable development, social integration and regional development. Altogether 190 projects were supported. 

Additional information:

Maris Jõgeva
NGO Fund coordinator
maris@oef.org.ee
+372 5342 1726

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