Agreement signed for the implementation of the Civil Society Fund in Latvia

The Director of the Civic Alliance – Latvia, Kristīne Zonberga, has signed an agreement with the Financial Mechanism Office on the implementation of the EEA and Norway Grants “Civil Society Fund” programme in Latvia, which will be managed by the Civic Alliance – Latvia together with the Latvian Rural Forum. Latvia will receive €9.8 million in funding, with the first calls for proposals for civil society organisations expected to be launched later this year.

“The signing of the agreement allows us to take the next step towards ensuring that Latvian civil society organisations once again have access to targeted, long-term support. The experience of the Active Citizens Fund in the previous funding period demonstrates that such funding not only helps organisations develop, but also enables meaningful and lasting changes for society,” says Kristīne Zonberga, Director of the Civic Alliance – Latvia.

Following the signing of the agreement, preparations for the first calls for proposals will continue in cooperation with the Financial Mechanism Office, which administers the EEA and Norway Grants in Brussels. The funding will support projects implemented by associations and foundations that strengthen democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The Fund will also promote the exchange of knowledge and experience with donor countries and other European countries where the programme operates.

The Civil Society Fund will continue the work initiated by the Active Citizens Fund. During the previous funding period, its support helped implement initiatives with a lasting impact. The overview of the Active Citizens Fund’s funding and results can also provide inspiration for new ideas.

The EEA and Norway Grants represent the contribution of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway towards reducing social and economic disparities in Europe and strengthening cooperation with 15 beneficiary countries. During the 2021–2028 funding period, €327 million has been allocated to the Civil Society Fund across 15 European Union countries, representing approximately 10% of the total €3.268 billion in grant funding. The Fund aims to strengthen an active and resilient civil society that protects and promotes democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

More information and future updates on the Civil Society Fund will be available on the Civic Alliance – Latvia website and, soon, on the joint Civil Society Fund platform.

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