Switzerland supports civil society in Romania: The Civic Engagement Programme launches its first funding window
Switzerland and Romania are continuing their partnership to reduce economic and social disparities within the EU as part of the second Swiss Contribution under the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme.
Based on the bilateral framework agreement signed in December 2022 between both countries, Switzerland has allocated over CHF 221,5 million (Swiss francs) to Romania – equivalent to more than 1 billion RON – to support 11 programmes (support measures) to be implemented by 2029.
The Civic Engagement Programme is one of these 11 funded thematic programmes. Its aim is to strengthen the civic space in Romania and to encourage citizens to actively participate in public life and democratic processes.
”"We believe that informed and engaged citizens are the strongest foundation for a functioning democracy and for the stable development of a country. Through the Civic Engagement Programme, Switzerland supports Romania in building a culture of transparency and participation - one in which citizens take an active role in public life and contribute to reforms and systemic social changes."
said Giacomo SolariHead of Swiss Contribution Office (SCO) and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in Romania.
”"In the current context of regional challenges, a strong civil society is a shield against democratic backsliding. The Civic Engagement Program is designed to address this need by equipping citizens with the tools to demand transparency from institutions, hold decision-makers accountable, and actively participate in public life."
added Ionuț SibianExecutive Director of the Civil Society Development Foundation.
The Civic Engagement Programme is fully funded by the Swiss Government and implemented by a consortium appointed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), consisting of the Civil Society Development Foundation (CSDF), in partnership with the Romanian Environmental Partnership Foundation (REPF), and KEK-CDC.
What is the Civic Engagement Programme about ?
The Civic Engagement Programme provides funding through two windows for non-governmental and non-profit organizations from Romania, aimed at supporting initiatives in key areas essential to building a fair and democratic society. The total funding allocation for the two windows is CHF 14 million.
1st window provides large grants, through pre-defined projects delivering impact at the national and/or regional level in the following areas: fight against discrimination and social exclusion, protection of biodiversity and environmental rights, promoting media transparency and investigative journalism, and supporting victims of violence (including trafficking in human beings, gender based violence, violence against children, etc.).
2nd window provides small grants for local-level initiatives focused on advocacy efforts, increasing citizen participation, and empowering vulnerable groups.
Launch of the 1st window – Grants for national impact projects with an integrated approach
The Civic Engagement Programme announces the launch of its first funding window, with a total budget allocation of CHF 7 million for pre-defined projects.
1st window grants target experienced non-governmental and non-profit organizations with the capacity to implement large-scale initiatives at the national and/or regional level. The goal of this call is to support projects that address systemic issues and contribute to enhancing civic participation.
The predefined Thematic Areas supported under 1st window include:
- Fight against discrimination and social exclusion (total budget: CHF 2,500,000)
- Protection of biodiversity and environmental rights (total budget: CHF 1,800,000)
- Media transparency and investigative journalism (total budget: CHF 1,000,000)
- Assistance to victims of violence – Trafficking in Human Beings, Gender Based Violence, violence against children, etc. (total budget: CHF 1,700,000)
Grants awarded under the 1st window will range between CHF 500,000 and CHF 1,500,000, with an implementation period of 24 to 32 months.
The application will follow a two-stage procedure:
- Stage 1: Submission of the Concept Note
- Stage 2: Development of the Full Proposal – only for projects selected in Stage 1
Interested organizations are encouraged to consult the Guidelines for Applicants and visit www.elvetiaromania.ro for more details.
About the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme
The Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme (SRCP) is part of the second Swiss Contribution to selected EU member states and aims to improve the quality of life in Romania, while also strengthening or building new partnerships between Romanian and Swiss public institutions and private organizations.
The framework agreement, signed in December 2022 between the two governments, provides for the implementation of 11 thematic programmes addressing Romania’s priority needs and drawing on Switzerland’s expertise in key areas such as: economic growth and social dialogue, migration management and public safety, environmental protection, strengthening social systems, as well as civic engagement and transparency.
Switzerland’s financial contribution amounts to CHF 221,5 million, with funded programmes to be implemented by the end of 2029.
Media Contacts
- Irina Bejan, Programme Director, Civil Society Development Foundation | irina.bejan@fdsc.ro | +40 757 579 183
- Natalia Șeremet, Communications Coordinator, Civil Society Development Foundation | natalia.seremet@fdsc.ro | +40 755 832 698
The Civic Engagement Programme is funded by the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme and is managed by a consortium consisting of
The Civic Engagement Programme is funded by the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme and is managed by a consortium consisting of
Website developed within the Civic Engagement Programme, supported by the Swiss Contribution to reduce economic and social disparities in the EU. The content of this website does not necessarily reflect the official position of the Swiss government.
Website developed within the Civic Engagement Programme, supported by the Swiss Contribution to reduce economic and social disparities in the EU. The content of this website does not necessarily reflect the official position of the Swiss government.
