The Civic Engagement Programme announces the launch of the 2^nd window, dedicated to civil society organisations in Romania, which now have the opportunity to access funding between CHF 50,000 and CHF 200,000 (Swiss francs) for projects that promote civic engagement and social inclusion. With a total allocation of CHF 7 million, the 2^nd window supports projects that encourage civic engagement, dialogue, and citizens participation across relevant areas of the Programme.

“Small grants have big power. They reach the places where change begins: in communities, remote areas, neighborhoods, and among groups of people who need support. The funding provided through the 2^nd window will give Romanian NGOs the necessary resources to build resilient and inclusive communities and to turn civic engagement into a sustainable behavior in Romania,” mentioned Giacomo Solari, Head of Swiss Contribution Office (SCO) and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in Romania.

“Civic engagement means more than reaction – it means responsibility, collaboration, and tangible action. Through the 2^nd window, we aim to support initiatives that help people move from discontent to action, from passivity to participation. Through the initiatives supported, we aim to nurture confident citizens, strong local voices, and communities that identify and implement their own solutions,” added Ionuț Sibian, Executive Director of the Civil Society Development Foundation.

The 2^nd window of the Civic Engagement Programme focuses on two areas of intervention:

• Area 1 – Civic Engagement and advocacy, which targets:
  (1) advocacy initiatives dedicated to promoting public participation, social dialogue, and good governance, and (2) projects focused on biodiversity protection, conservation, and management of natural resources. The total allocation for this area is CHF 4,000,000 with an estimated 24 projects to be funded.
• Area 2 – Empowerment of vulnerable groups, which supports projects focused on social inclusion and actions aimed at empowering vulnerable groups. Area 2 will fund approximately 18 projects, with a total allocation of CHF 3,000,000.

Who can apply and what types of projects are supported under the 2^nd window? 

The 2^nd window is primarily addressed to Romanian NGOs with relevant experience in the two areas of intervention.

Eligible projects are those that address problems “at their roots” and target a broad range of groups, including citizens (particularly from rural areas and small towns) and vulnerable groups, such as girls and women, minorities, persons with disabilities, people struggling with addictions, survivors of domestic violence, and victims of human trafficking, among others.

Public decision-makers, schools, mass media and community leaders are also key stakeholders targeted for collaboration under the 2^nd window.

Proposed projects must contribute to the improvement or a more effective implementation of public policies and should have a duration of between 12 and 24 months.

The application process for the 2^nd window will take place exclusively online on the platform: www.finantaripublice.fdsc.ro. Interested organizations are encouraged to consult the Guidelines for Applicants for information on eligibility criteria and further details.

About the Civic Engagement Programme

The Civic Engagement Programme is one of the 11 thematic programmes launched under the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme, part of the second Swiss Contribution aiming to reduce economic and social disparities within the EU and Romania.

The objective of the Civic Engagement Programme is to strengthen civil society participation and support non-governmental and non-profit organizations in Romania in promoting democracy, transparency, and active citizen involvement in public life.

The Programme is implemented by a consortium selected by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), consisting of the Civil Society Development Foundation (CSDF), Romanian Environmental Partnership Foundation (REPF), and KEK-CDC.

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 to Romania 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, Communication Coordinator, Civil Society Development Foundation | natalia.seremet@fdsc.ro | +40 755 832 698