Uudised

NGO Fund in Estonia is opening its first call for proposals

laine uudised-laine
24. Sep 2012

Open Estonia Foundation is announcing the first open call for proposals of the NGO Fund.

Public benefit NGOs are invited to participate in the call for projects focusing on two outcomes:

  •         Democratic values, including human rights promoted
  •         Advocacy and watchdog role developed

Altogether 725 000 euros are allocated for the first call for projects and proposals are to be submitted no later than November 25, by 4 PM. In addition, NGOs which have already discussed a project idea with a partner from Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein are welcome to apply for seed-money for developing a bilateral cooperation project, the deadline being October 1st.

"NGO sector in Estonia has been waiting for the day of opening the calls of the NGO Fund and project ideas for increasing social capital and empowering civic activism in Estonian society have already been discussed in networks," stated Maris Jõgeva, coordinator of the NGO Fund.    

Terms for applying, eligibility criteria, forms and guidelines and other relevant information is available at the web-site of Open Estonia Foundation: www.oef.org.ee/EMP in English and www.oef.org.ee/norra in Estonian.  Call for small scale capacity building projects will be announced in October.

NGO Fund is a programme area within the EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014, funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway earmarked to foster an enabling environment for the sector, strengthen its capacity and enhance its contribution to social justice, democracy and sustainable development. Fund Operator of the NGO Fund in Estonia isOpen Estonia Foundation and the total budget of the programme is 2,3 mil euros. NGO Fund in Estonia was launched in June, 2012.  

Through the EEA Grants and Norway Grants, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway contribute to reducing social and economic disparities and to strengthening bilateral relations with the beneficiary countries in Europe. The three countries cooperate closely with the EU through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA). For the period 2009-14, the EEA Grants and Norway Grants amount to €1.79 billion. Norway contributes around 97% of the total funding. Grants are available for NGOs, research and academic institutions, and the public and private sectors in the 12 newest EU member states, Greece, Portugal and Spain. There is broad cooperation with donor state entities, and activities may be implemented until 2016. Key areas of support are environmental protection and climate change, research and scholarships, civil society, health and children, gender equality, justice and cultural heritage.

Additional information:
Maris Jõgeva
NGO Fund coordinator
maris@oef.org.ee  
+372 615 5700