The second round of the call for quick response (intervention) projects within the Active Citizens – Regional Fund Program was launched on November (noon) CET. The deadline for submitting proposals in the first round of the call is May 22, 2023 (noon) CET.

The objective behind the call for intervention projects is to fund activities which constitute a rapid civic response to crisis situations identified by Applicants, i.e. a sudden change in the social situation or growing problems affecting a specific target group. The planned intervention should respond to specific, urgent problems and provide solutions which are implementable and can bring results within three (3) to eight (8) months. These projects must also contribute to the overall aim of strengthening civil society in Poland and be aligned with at least one of the Programme’s three thematic support areas, corresponding with the Programme’s thematic outcomes:

1. Increased support for human rights,
2. Vulnerable groups are empowered,
3. Strengthened democratic culture and civic awareness.
   
   

Activities implemented as part of intervention projects should constitute a response to a specific and current crisis situation or sudden opportunity, but cannot consist in organising a cyclical event (e.g. a short activity held annually by the Applicant). It is not required for project outcomes to fulfil the sustainability criterion or form a basis for introducing systemic change.

NOTE: Activities constituting a response to the war in Ukraine may be the subject of intervention projects, but must be in line with the overall aim of the Program (strengthening civil society in Poland), relate to at least one of the thematic support areas, corresponding with the Programme’s thematic outcomes, and meet the general rules of the call for quick response (intervention) projects.

Detailed description of the adopted definition of intervention project is available in the Guidelines for Applicants and Project Promoters of Active Citizens – Regional Fund. Ongoing Call for Intervention Projects (2nd round).

There is one type of quick response (intervention) grants available:

• minimum grant amount: EUR 6,000,
• maximum grant amount: EUR 15,000,
• implementation period: 3 to 8 months,
• co-financing: optional,
• Applicants may apply for additional funding towards bilateral cooperation with Donor State entities: up to 15% of the basic grant amount (up to EUR 2,250).
  
  

Application timeline and grant decision deadlines for the first round:

1. Application timeline: 22 November – 21 December, 2022 (publication of grant decision: by 17 February, 2023),
2. Application timeline: 22 December – 20 January, 2023 (publication of grant decision: by 17 March, 2023),
3. Application timeline: 21 January – 21 February, 2023 (publication of grant decision: by 18 April, 2023),
4. Application timeline: 22 February – 21 March, 2023 (publication of grant decision: by 19 May, 2023),
5. Application timeline: 22 March – 21 April, 2023 (publication of grant decision: by 16 June, 2023),
6. Application timeline: 22 April – 22 May, 2023 (publication of grant decision: by 14 July, 2023).
   
   

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

The Operator of the Active Citizens Fund – Regional Programme (ACF Regional, ACFR), i.e. the consortium made up of the Foundation in Support for Local Democracy (leader), the Education for Democracy Foundation, and the Information Society Development Foundation, issues the ongoing call for intervention projects. The Active Citizens Fund – Regional Programme is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Grants and Norway Grants. 

The total allocation earmarked for quick response (intervention) grants is EUR 596,581.97, of which EUR 292,593.39 is allotted to the first round, and EUR 303,988.58 to the second round. Due to the ongoing application and evaluation process, the available financial allocation could be exhausted before the deadline.

The following amounts are allotted to particular support areas corresponding to the Program’s outcomes:

• Outcome 1. Increased support for human rights: EUR 290,176.97
• Outcome 2. Vulnerable groups are empowered: EUR 78,555
• Outcome 3. Strengthened democratic culture and civic awareness: EUR 227,850
  
  

All grant applications should contribute to achieving the planned Programme outcomes.

Applications will only be accepted via the Electronic Grant Application and Management System (EGAMS), available at: http://generator.aktywniobywatele-regionalny.org.pl.

Read the full version of the call for proposals (EN)