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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 new six-year program 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 Lot 1, monitors both progress and obstacles affecting the ability of civil society to do its work. The second component, Lot 2,  responds to the need for more flexible and timely financial support for civil society to do its work. Lot 1 consists of internal and external coordination and support for building the system, the EU SEE Early Warning mechanism (EWM) and annual country focus reports.

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

Lot 1 is seeking proposals from civil society organizations or networks 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 the countries listed below
• 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
• Have the flexibility to work with other civil society actors
• Have national coverage in their work especially to rural areas

EU SEE Granting Criteria Test

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 Participation: Notify the EU SEE consortium of significant events that impact the enabling environment for civil society, providing detailed summaries and sources.
• 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.

Eligible countries

1. Benin
2. Costa Rica
3. Côte d’Ivoire
4. Guinea-Bissau
5. Jamaica
6. Kenya
7. Lesotho
8. Liberia
9. Malaysia
10. Mauritius
11. Nepal
12. Morocco
13. Namibia
14. Panama
15. Sierra Leone
16. Timor-Leste
17. Trinidad and Tobago
18. Zambia

Budget

The requested amount should be between 15,000 to 20,000 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, French, Portuguese or Spanish through the following link: Expression of Interest Grants Application Form.

Deadline for applications

The submission deadline is September 20, 2024 2300 hrs CEST

Evaluation of applications

The evaluation committee will consist of representatives of network facilitators namely Hivos, Civicus, Transparency International and Forus International

Notification of decision

Organizations or networks that submit their interest will be notified of the competition results by October 15, 2024, via e-mail.

Indicative timetable