The European Civic Forum is constantly working to improve its support to local organisations and movements, especially within its membership.
That’s why we established the European Civic Micro-Grants, a re-granting mechanism for member organisations, through its operating grant from the CERV programme. This is an instrument of micro-financial support to civic groups, local initiatives, and movements in the European Union. The aim is to provide a flexible response and to strengthen capacity of member organisations in responding to societal and political challenges, but also build and sustain constituencies and engage in European network building and policies.
We are happy to introduce the results of this year’s call!
1.Novact
Budget: €10,000
Project Summary:
The project addresses the rise of authoritarianism in Europe by establishing The Nonviolent Factory (TNF), a Human Rights Defenders Academy in Barcelona. TNF connects and resources various groups such as movement-builders, frontline communities, and democracy advocates across Europe and the Mediterranean. The project focuses on enhancing skills and knowledge in nonviolent action, addressing mass surveillance, and defending civic spaces. It prioritises intersectional organizations, women, LGBTIQ+ rights associations, and environmental defenders, aiming to foster synergies and support among diverse actors working to protect civic space.
2. Civic Alliance Latvia
Budget: €10,000
Project Summary:
The project addresses the rise of authoritarianism in Europe by establishing The Nonviolent Factory (TNF), a Human Rights Defenders Academy in Barcelona. TNF connects and resources various groups such as movement-builders, frontline communities, and democracy advocates across Europe and the Mediterranean. The project focuses on enhancing skills and knowledge in nonviolent action, addressing mass surveillance, and defending civic spaces. It prioritises intersectional organizations, women, LGBTIQ+ rights associations, and environmental defenders, aiming to foster synergies and support among diverse actors working to protect civic space.
3. Human Rights Cities Network
Budget: €10,000
Project Summary:
The “Civic Action for Rights and Equality in Cities” (CAREinCities) project aims to enhance democracy and civic participation at the local level post-EU 2024 elections. The project will bridge civil society organizations (CSOs), local authorities, academia, and EU institutions to promote human rights (HR) practices. The Human Rights Cities Network (HRCN) will co-develop a Standardized Monitoring System (SMS) to help cities regularly assess and improve their communities’ access to rights. This project will act as a preparatory step for the larger SMS initiative launching in September 2024. The CAREinCities project will reinforce the capacities of CSOs and academia to collaborate with local authorities in HR monitoring, focusing on social inclusion and access to social services.
4. French Federation of Europa Houses
Budget: €8,000
Project Summary:
The French Federation of Europa Houses aims to enhance the capacity and influence of 38 Europa Houses in France, to raise public awareness about post-electoral European issues and promote democracy. The project will be implemented through four main intervention axes:
- Analyse the new European political landscape post-June 2024 elections and identify issues and solutions.
- Organise diverse activities (debates, expositions, educational games, press conferences, etc.) to educate citizens on European political dynamics and counteract nationalist and antidemocratic narratives.
- Provide financial and operational support through training activities (seminars, webinars, working groups) to improve the capacity of Europa Houses.
- Strengthen relationships with European partners and expand the network to promote democratic values, solidarity, cooperation, and lifelong learning.
5. La Ligue de L’Enseignement
Budget: €6,500
Project Summary:
La Ligue de l’Enseignement will organize a conference as part of its mission to raise awareness about EU values and the role of civil society within the EU. The conference, scheduled for September 21-22, 2024, during the “université de rentrée” event, will focus on post-2024 European elections processes, democracy, and associative and political freedoms in the EU. The event aims to engage approximately 150 participants from local federations and regional unions, as well as members of the European Civic Forum.
6. ARCI
Budget: €5,500
Project Summary:
For the past decade, ARCI’s Sabir Festival has become a key event addressing migration, racism, and human rights in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Launched in 2014 after the 2013 Lampedusa tragedy, the festival promotes solidarity and opposes the criminalization of migrants. Supported by organizations like Caritas Italiana, ACLI, and CGIL, it aims to foster a common Euro-Mediterranean civil society. Held in various Italian cities over the years, the festival will celebrate its tenth anniversary with events in Prato (April 18-20) and Rome (October 10-12). The Rome edition will highlight European, Mediterranean, and international perspectives, bringing together numerous networks and movements. Micro-grants will assure that ECF members will be able to participate in the event.
