Call for Proposals: Strengthening Civil Society for Sustainable Development in Philippines
Deadline: 06-Apr-2026
The European Commission has launched a €5,187,000 funding call to strengthen civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Philippines. The program supports journalist protection, digital transition networks, community participation in infrastructure projects, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) resilience. Grants range from €500,000 to €2,000,000 across four thematic Lots.
European Commission Funding for Civil Society and Sustainable Development in the Philippines
The European Commission is inviting proposals to reinforce civil society actors working on sustainable development and open civic space in the Philippines.
The call aims to:
- Strengthen democratic governance and transparency
- Promote inclusive economic and social development
- Support digital transformation and civic engagement
- Advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
- Empower communities affected by infrastructure projects
This funding aligns with the European Union’s development cooperation strategy and its commitment to protecting civic space globally.
Total Budget and Grant Allocation
Overall Budget
- Total indicative funding: €5,187,000
- The contracting authority reserves the right not to award all available funds
Grant Size by Lot
Lot 1 – Social Protection and Capacity Building for Journalists
Grant range: €800,000 to €1,000,000
Lot 2 – Business and Civil Society Networks for Digital Transition
Grant range: €800,000 to €1,500,000
Lot 3 – Community Participation in Infrastructure-Related Economic Activities
Grant range: €800,000 to €2,000,000
Lot 4 – Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Resilience
Grant range: €500,000 to €687,000
Program Objectives Explained
Global Objective
To strengthen civil society in promoting sustainable development and safeguarding open civic spaces in the Philippines.
Specific Objectives
- Support the social and economic empowerment of journalists.
- Strengthen digital transition networks and foster dialogue between civil society and communities.
- Enhance community participation in infrastructure-related economic activities.
- Improve SRHR resilience in underserved communities.
Detailed Breakdown of the Four Lots
Lot 1 – Social Protection and Capacity Building for Journalists
This Lot focuses on:
- Enhancing journalist safety and welfare
- Promoting independent and ethical media
- Providing professional development and skills training
- Strengthening institutional support mechanisms
Why it matters: Journalists are essential to accountability, transparency, and democratic oversight.
Lot 2 – Strengthening Digital Transition Networks
This Lot supports:
- Collaboration between businesses and civil society
- Digital literacy and digital innovation
- Inclusive digital transformation
- Dialogue platforms between local communities and CSOs
Why it matters: Digital transition improves service delivery, economic competitiveness, and civic participation.
Lot 3 – Community Participation in Infrastructure Projects
This Lot promotes:
- Capacity-building for communities affected by infrastructure investments
- Transformative competencies and skill development
- Participatory governance in economic activities
- Inclusive decision-making processes
Why it matters: Infrastructure development must include local voices to ensure equitable benefits and reduce social risks.
Lot 4 – Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Resilience
This Lot supports:
- Access to SRHR services
- Strengthening local health systems
- Rights-based health awareness
- Support for underserved and marginalized communities
Why it matters: SRHR is central to gender equality, public health resilience, and sustainable development.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility applies to the following actors:
Lead Applicants
Must be legally registered entities that meet European Commission eligibility requirements, typically civil society organizations or non-profit entities.
Co-Applicants
Organizations partnering in project implementation.
Affiliated Entities
Organizations with a structural or legal link to the applicant.
All applicants must:
- Align proposed actions with one of the four Lots
- Demonstrate operational and financial capacity
- Comply with EU grant rules
- Submit complete documentation
What Actions Are Eligible?
Eligible actions must:
- Directly align with the call objectives
- Deliver measurable and sustainable impact
- Promote civic engagement, inclusion, and rights-based development
Examples include:
- Training programs and workshops
- Policy dialogue forums
- Digital innovation initiatives
- Community skills development programs
- SRHR awareness campaigns
Eligible Costs
Eligible costs may include:
- Personnel expenses
- Administrative and operational costs
- Equipment required for implementation
- Training and event expenses
- Communication and outreach activities
Costs must be necessary, verifiable, and directly linked to the project. Funding may be fully or partially reimbursed according to EU financial regulations.
How to Apply
Step 1: Review the Official Guidelines
Carefully study eligibility rules, selection criteria, and financial requirements.
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Lot
Ensure your project aligns clearly with one thematic Lot.
Step 3: Develop a Concept Note
Include:
- Problem statement
- Objectives and expected outcomes
- Target beneficiaries
- Preliminary budget
- Sustainability plan
Step 4: Prepare the Full Proposal (if shortlisted)
Include:
- Detailed work plan
- Logical framework matrix
- Monitoring and evaluation plan
- Risk assessment
- Detailed budget breakdown
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Ensure all required annexes and supporting documents are included.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak alignment with the selected Lot
- Overly broad or vague objectives
- Unrealistic budgeting
- Missing measurable indicators
- Incomplete documentation
- Lack of sustainability planning
Why This Funding Matters
This program:
- Protects civic space and democratic participation
- Strengthens independent media
- Accelerates digital transformation
- Promotes inclusive economic development
- Advances health equity and gender equality
It contributes to long-term institutional resilience and sustainable development in the Philippines.
Key Definitions
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Non-governmental, non-profit entities representing community interests.
Open Civic Space: An environment where civil society can operate freely and safely.
Digital Transition: The integration of digital technologies into governance, business, and civic engagement.
SRHR: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, including access to services and informed decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the total funding available?
€5,187,000 is available under this call for proposals. - What is the minimum grant size?
The minimum grant is €500,000 under Lot 4. - Can organizations apply under multiple Lots?
Applicants should consult the official guidelines. Separate proposals may be required for different Lots. - Are partnerships required?
Partnerships are often encouraged, especially for network-building and community-based actions. - Can government agencies apply?
Eligibility depends on the official criteria provided in the call guidelines. - Are costs fully funded?
Eligible costs may be fully or partially reimbursed according to EU grant rules. - What type of impact is expected?
Projects should demonstrate measurable, sustainable impact aligned with civic space, sustainable development, or SRHR resilience.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s €5.187 million call for proposals represents a significant opportunity for civil society organizations in the Philippines. By supporting journalist empowerment, digital transition, community participation, and SRHR resilience, this program strengthens democratic governance and inclusive development.
Organizations that align clearly with the objectives, demonstrate measurable outcomes, and submit well-structured proposals will be best positioned to secure funding and drive meaningful change.
For more information, visit European Commission.