European Union System for an Enabling Environment for Civil Society (EU SEE)
Monitoring and Early Warning Support/Grants
Expression of Interest for Civil Society in the Philippines
Through this Expression of Interest, the EU SEE team is looking for an experienced Civil Society Organization (CSO) or network in the Philippines to monitor, provide updates, contribute to reports, share insights and recommendations on the state of an enabling environment for civil society.
Program background
Governments are increasingly imposing restrictions on citizens who want to freely express themselves, protest against systemic injustices, and organize to defend fundamental human rights. Under these circumstances, coordinated efforts by civil society and their allies to promote an enabling environment for civil society are more important than ever.
The EU SEE is a six-year program that started in 2024 that works with civil society to detect and respond to deteriorating conditions for civil rights and freedoms, as well as other factors that influence how civil society works in 86 countries. The EU SEE operates on two components. The first component, or Monitoring and Early Warning Mechanism (MEWM), monitors both progress and obstacles affecting the ability of civil society to do its work. The second component, Flexible Support Mechanism (FSM), responds to the need for more flexible and timely financial support for civil society to do its work.
The program, funded by the European Union, is being implemented in Africa, Asia, the MENA region and Latin America. It supports local, regional and national CSOs and networks that bear the brunt of civic space restrictions. Through the program, they generate and/or gain access to up-to-date information concerning the changing enabling environment in their countries. The program is intended to engage with partners in different contexts by leveraging expertise in the areas of gender equality, diversity and inclusion and pay particular attention to under-represented groups in their various contexts and intersectionality.
Call summary
The MEWM is seeking proposals from Civil Society Organizations or Networks in the Philippines who demonstrate experience in the following:
- Familiarity and experience with research, methodology design, legal research, primary and secondary research methods and report writing and publication;
- Experience in conducting human rights advocacy and campaigning;
- Strong connections with a diverse range of civil society organizations in the country, including NGOs, organizations supporting marginalized groups, human rights organizations, anti-corruption organizations, grassroots organizations, trade unions and social movements;
- Demonstrable capacity to conduct outreach and research beyond the capital cities, to rural and grassroots environments.
Please note that evidence of past research publication on topics including the enabling environment for civil society, civic space, or related topics will be considered an advantage.
Eligibility criteria for applicants
This call is directed to Civil Society Organizations or Networks that:
- Have grown their capacity to manage long term grants and are currently based in Philippines
- Have a track record and experience in monitoring the enabling environment for civil society in your country contexts. Have the expertise on data collection and analysis of an enabling environment for civil society and capacity to collect and document data on civic space
- Preferably have outreach ability through mainstream or social media
- Have extensive partnerships in civil society, including with groups who have been historically marginalised and outside the capital
- Have the flexibility to work with other civil society actors
- Have national coverage in their work especially to rural areas
Note: The selected applicant will undergo trainings on the methodology of the program to deliver all research products.
Key project activities and deliverables include:
- Monitoring and reporting: Regularly gather, document, and report information on the enabling environment using standardised templates/methodology.
- Early Warning System (EWM) Participation: Continuously notify the EU SEE consortium of significant events that impact/could impact the enabling environment for civil society, providing detailed summaries and sources.
- Snapshot Reports: a concise report that tracks recent trends, shifts, and significant events affecting civil society over a short period, providing a framework for the data collected in the EWM
- Country Focus Reports: Contribute to annual country reports by providing data, qualitative analyses, and recommendations on key principles affecting the enabling environment.
- Collaboration and coordination: Work closely with consortium partners, EU representatives, and other stakeholders to share insights and develop advocacy strategies.
- Public communication: Disseminate findings through various channels, including mainstream and social media, ensuring timely and accurate public communication.
Budget
The requested amount should be approximately 25,000 Euros per year for a duration of 1 year with renewal possibility subject to meeting performance expectations.
Format of Expression of Interest
Applications are accepted in English through the following link: Expression of Interest Grants Application Form
Deadline for applications
The submission deadline is 23 October 2026, 2300, hrs CEST
Notification of decision
Organizations or networks that submit their interest will be notified of their application status by 20 November 2026 via e-mail.
