The next period of the EEA Grants is currently under preparation along with the civil society component.

Agreement was reached on 25 June in the EU Council for the upcoming 2021-2028 period.

More information here.

For other news on the grants, follow the EEA & Norway Grants Facebook page

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In the face of the escalating climate crisis, proactive measures and collective action are paramount. The project “ECHO! – Strenghtening Eco-Activism for Urgent Climate Action” launched by Green Action and Nature and Youth, aims to confront the climate emergency head-on and cultivate a resilient network of climate activists in Croatia and beyond.

Through collaborative efforts, the participating organizations conducted workshops, trainings, and advocacy campaigns to build awareness and drive meaningful change.

Bringing together youth from across Europe

The journey of the ECHO project began with meticulous research and mapping of various organizations involved in climate activism. Recognizing the importance of leadership development, the project team embarked on a mission to collect existing tools and create a comprehensive repository for learning and knowledge sharing.

In partnership with “The Commons – Social Change Library”, an online platform dedicated to social justice education, the project contributed to the expansion of valuable resources for activists on a global scale.

A highlight of the project was the “Climatopia” seminar, held in September 2022. Over five days, thirty young activists, students and volunteers from Norway, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, North Macedonia and Ukraine gathered in a sustainable farm in the tranquil Croatian countryside near Karlovac.

Co-creating common advocacy strategies

At the camp, the participants engaged in discussions, idea sharing, and co-creation of advocacy strategies. With plenty of time and space, the attendees bonded through games and cross-organizational socializing, fostering enduring relationships. Participants gained valuable insights into the complexities of climate activism and the importance of collective action.

A notable achievement of the project was the establishment of a legal lab, providing training in legal actions for climate activists. Referencing cases like the Norwegian climate lawsuit presented by Greenpeace, participants acquired valuable insights into impactful legal tactics aimed at holding governments and corporations accountable for their environmental actions.

We had the chance to present our experience in coordinating groups and the way we organize for climate justice in Norway, as well as network, exchange best practices and see how we can work together in the future.Nature and Youth, on their website

Various workshops and activities enriched the Climatopia seminar experience. Additionally, a one-day study trip to the island of Krk, amidst the Adriatic Climate Camp, provided participants with the opportunity to engage with other climate activists and explore innovative approaches to climate action.

At Krk, the participants of Climatopia had the opportunity to go through more workshops and discussions, and to provide support to their colleagues from Croatia and Europe.Green Action, on their website

Paving the way for a more sustainable future

The success of Climatopia underscores the importance of inclusive and participatory approaches to climate activism. By cultivating a safe and supportive environment for learning and collaboration, the camp empowered participants to strive for change within their communities.

Looking ahead, the legacy of the ECHO project extends beyond its implementation period. Through increased capacity-building, knowledge sharing, and network expansion, the project lays the groundwork for sustained climate action and policy advocacy in Croatia and beyond.

The ECHO project and Climatopia camp serve as inspiring examples of how grassroots activism can drive positive change in the face of global crises. Through mobilizing resources, fostering collaboration, and empowering activists, these initiatives not only spark positive change but also pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.

Interested in bilateral cooperation? Check out our list of open calls here. Looking for a partner? Find one in our database here. 

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Written by Lara Emilie Jonsson, [email protected]

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In Greece, the road to gender equality is steep. The country is lagging and regularly occupies the last rung of the EU’s gender equality rankings. To change this, Diotima, the leading gender equality NGO in Greece, teamed up with Norway’s KUN. Their mission? Use e-learning to tackle sexism at work. This project, funded by the Active Citizens Fund, merges KUN’s educational know-how with Diotima’s deep understanding of survivors’ needs.

Finding the Perfect Ally

The spark for this initiative was Greece’s new rule in 2021, demanding companies have a system to handle sexual harassment complaints. Yet, progress has been slow. Many businesses drag their feet, failing to set up the required mechanisms. “The gap between the law and its actual use is wide,” says Despoina Stamataki, project manager at Diotima, as she and her colleague Anna Vougioukas, who was responsible for the project, welcome us in their offices for tea and cake.

This reluctance to implement grievance mechanisms is alarming, especially in sectors like tourism, where 80% of women say they’ve faced harassment. Spotting a chance to make a difference, Diotima used the Active Citizens Fund database to search for a partner and found KUN, a perfect match from Norway’s far north, which specialized in training around questions of equality and diversity. Their initial Zoom sessions confirmed a shared vision between the prospective partners.

A Proactive Approach Against Workplace Harassment

With a 6 000€ grant from the Active Citizens Fund spread out over three months, the partnership got to work. Their plan had three stages: first, understand the harassment landscape; next, create the course, blending legal know-how with real-life examples; finally, test and translate the content to Greek.

The course doesn’t just throw facts at learners; it engages them with scenarios that blur the lines of what constitutes harassment, urging them to think critically. “Imagine your boss asks you for a drink after work. Is that harassment?” This approach makes the learning stick.

By 2022, the course had reached 1,700 people, showing the value of their approach. “We’re big believers in e-learning,” Anna says, emphasizing its role in pushing for safer work environments and nudging the needle on gender equality.

“Our work with KUN? Among the best partnerships we’ve had,” Anna reflects, showcasing the project’s success and the fruitful collaboration that made it happen. Despite the hurdles, their initiative is a step in the right direction, especially in industries plagued by harassment.

Despite Greece lingering a the bottom of the table, all is not lost. There’s progress. “We’re doing a bit better this year,” notes a Despoina, capturing a hopeful outlook for what lies ahead.

Interested in bilateral cooperation? Check out our list of open calls here. Looking for a partner? Find one in our database here. 

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Written by Jean-Christophe Delmas, [email protected]

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In Oslo’s cold winter, Ani Kovacheva, a Bulgarian university student, embarked on a two-week internship at the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, a human rights organization. The opportunity was made possible by the Open Society Foundation in Bulgaria, which sponsored her internship through the Active Citizens Fund (ACF).

Despite the challenging weather, with temperatures dropping to -20 Celsius and heavy snow, Ani was to have a busy two weeks in Oslo.

Her main assignment was to write about a project funded by the Active Citizens Fund, focusing on a collaboration between Czech and Norwegian organizations aimed at helping former prisoners reintegrate into society. Ani’s article, enriched with interviews conducted in Oslo, is a detailed exploration of this initiative and is available online.

Ani’s work didn’t stop there. She was involved in various tasks across multiple departments. One key project was with the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFORB), where she helped plan an advocacy event in the Western Balkans. She also had a unique opportunity to visit the Norwegian National Broadcaster (NRK), where she gained insights into the workings of a major newsroom and met the team behind Norway’s popular podcast, Oppdatert.

Wrapping up her internship, Ani presented her experiences and learnings to the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. She discussed her collaboration with ACF, IPPFORB, and her involvement with one of the leading Roma organizations in Bulgaria, LARGO.

Two weeks at NHC were an unforgettable odyssey of growth and connection!Ani Kovacheva, Intern at NHC

This internship was a blend of professional development and cultural exchange, proving enriching for both Ani and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. Ani’s journey highlights the value of international internships in broadening perspectives and enhancing professional skills.

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The Czech Republic faces the fourth-highest incarceration rate in the EU. This situation creates a pressing need for effective reintegration programs for ex-prisoners. Yet, this is precisely what is lacking. The absence of such support for inmates exacerbates recidivism. In fact, in Czechia, 70% of released inmates return to prison.

Addressing this gap, the Rubikon Centre, a Czech NGO, has been assisting inmates with reintegration for over 30 years. Recently, it has started collaborating with WayBack, a Norwegian CSO run entirely by former inmates.

Their mission is to integrate those with firsthand prison experience into the Czech justice system’s policymaking process.

Gaining the necessary skills

Through the project “Our Voice Matters”, funded by the Active Citizens Fund, the Rubikon Centre and WayBack cooperate on training 13 individuals with experience from prison on how to advocate for change in the prison system.

Johan Lothe, the director of WayBack, developed a training module which includes topics such as lobbying, legislative processes, presentation skills, argumentation, negotiation, and more. This program, culminating in an intensive live training session in Czechia, aims to equip participants with a robust toolkit to push for change.

Johan Lothe

Director of WayBack

Johan emphasizes the value of the experience that former inmates bring:

To reach the North Pole, you seek guidance from someone who’s navigated that path.Johan Lothe, Director of WayBack

Indeed, prisoners often know best what it is that worked for them, that helped them to reintegrate into society and stay out of prison.

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Barriers to entry

Ex-inmates face many challenges upon release, including overcoming debt, securing employment, and finding stable housing. The widespread stigma against former inmates furthers these obstacles, creating a cycle of exclusion.

Norway has gone further than most in trying to address these challenges. The Norwegian prison system is known for its focus on reintegration and its low staff-to-inmates ratio, with staff encouraged to interact and support inmates’ societal re-entry.

Marek Demner, Project Manager at the Rubikon Centre, contrasts this with the situation in Czechia. He says “Many Czech prisons operate at 110% capacity, leading to overcrowding and limited reintegration efforts.”

Marek Demner

Project Manager at the Rubikon Centre

A key element of Norway’s success is involving former inmates in advising on criminal justice policies. The Rubikon Centre and WayBack aim to replicate that in the Cech Republic. Marek Demner emphasizes:

The experience from prison gives a unique perspective for creating a more effective justice system.Marek Demner, Project Manager at the Rubikon Centre

Drawing Inspiration from Norway

The Rubikon Centre is inspired by WayBack’s commitment to hiring people with experience from prison. That is why they recruit some of the participants in the training. Rubikon Centre involves them in supporting inmates with similar stories. One of the members of WayBack shares his experience from the project:

We are better accepted once they understand we have been in prison, too.Participant from WayBack

The collaboration between WayBack and the Rubikon Centre brings together Norwegian best practices and Czech needs. Equipped with valuable skills, the Rubikon Centre is committed to advocating for improvement in the justice system.

Interested in bilateral cooperation? Check out our list of open calls here. Looking for a partner? Find one in our database here. 

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Written by Ani Kovacheva

The post Empowering Ex-inmates to become Criminal Justice Advocates appeared first on NGO Norway.

3.8 billlion euros. That is the sum that negotiatiors have agreed upon. Of that, 10 percent usually go toward the civil society fund (Active Citizens Fund).

The suggested sum is an increase of approximately €1 billion from the previous period from 2014 to 2021.

Just as in the previous funding period, the funds will be allocated to the EU’s 15 least economically advanced countries.

Bilateral cooperation remains integral to the EEA grants and will be continued in the new funding period. This period will emphasize democracy and human rights, and increase support for civil society.

Before the agreements can take effect, they must be approved by several institutions: The Storting (Norwegian parliament), the other EEA countries, including the 27 EU member states through the European Parliament by majority and the Council of the European Union unanimously.

The most significant potential road block for the process is the requirement for unanimous approval by the Council.

The aim is to implement the agreements during the first half of 2024, but the start date of the new funding period is still uncertain.

The post What you need to know about the new funding period 2021 – 2028 appeared first on NGO Norway.

In the heart of Romania, a collaborative initiative called JUSTinACT is making strides to combat the alarming rise of child sexual abuse and online violence against minors. Funded by the Active Citizens Fund, the project brings together World Vision Romania Foundation, ECPAT Norway, and various other partners to address the pressing issue and promote awareness of children’s rights in the digital age.

Creating guides for parents, teachers, children, and journalists

In response to a 2022 survey by World Vision Romania, JUSTinACT addresses a critical knowledge gap: 42% of adults wouldn’t know how to respond to child abuse. The project developed concise guides for parents, teachers, children, and journalists, providing insights into the backround of the problem, symptom recognition, reporting methods, and legal advice.

In creating these guides, World Vision Romania Foundation collaborated with Romanian VedemJust and Ecpat Norway, renowned for legal advice and combatting child sexual abuse. Ecpat Norway’s invaluable perspectives have significantly influenced the project’s approach.

At one of the schools that were visited, the Manea Daniela School, the school Director recalls the important lessons given by the JUSTinACT project.

The teachers learned how to set rules for technology use, monitor children’s online activity, notify law enforcement agencies and much more.

During the dissemination of the “JUSTinACT” project, we received information and tools necessary to ensure that both students and our own children use digital technology safely and in a healthy way.Director of the Manea Daniela School

 

Georgina, one of the children that participated in the school workshops, recalls the lessons from the JUSTinACT project, where they learned about internet risks and safe surfing online.

If we think something is suspicious, something abnormal, we could contact the police at 112, or the Children’s Telephone at 119, where they will answer us at any time.Georgina, child participant

Study trips to Norway

Two 3-day study trips to Norway facilitated essential exchanges of ideas, experiences, and best practices to both organisations. Romanian stakeholders received invaluable insights into ethical journalism, advocacy models, the Barnahus system, communication methods, and child victim protection. Representatives from Ecpat also visited World Vision Foundation in Romania.

From Ecpat Norway, Julie Crutchley states that JUSTinACT held monthly online workshops with around one hundred participants. The webinars covered examples of best practice from Norway and how this can be adapted and developed to the Romanian society.

We believe that the project was very positive and will be sustainable in a number of areas. Some of the aspects include the centres set up in Romania by the project.Julie Crutchley, Senior Adviser and Researcher, Ecpat Norway

Julie is certain that the centres set up in Romania and the guides that were created, will be used by other target groups after the project has ended.

A year of accomplishments

This project’s remarkable achievements in the past year include the establishment of a permanent government group, licensing two additional World Vision centers, and impactful press releases contributing to a commendable change in the legal age defining rape. The project’s proactive engagement with journalists, specialized courses for experts, and community building underscore its impact on various levels of civil society.

Securing a Safer future for children

JUSTinACT stands as a shining example of collective action, demonstrating the power of civil society-led initiatives. Reflecting not only dedication but also the influence of bilateral partnerships, JUSTinACT is creating lasting change and paving the way for a safer, more secure future for children in Romania.

As JUSTinACT expands its reach, it promises to make an enduring impact in the fight against child abuse.

Interested in bilateral cooperation? Check out our list of open calls here. Looking for a partner? Find one in our database here. 

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Written by Lara Emilie Jonsson, [email protected]

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In a landscape where civil society organizations (CSOs) in Central and Eastern Europe are bracing for the end of the current EEA Grants cycle, the seminar organized by the Stefan Batory Foundation, the Polish Academy of Civic Organizations Foundation, and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee in Oslo came as a timely initiative. Bringing together 26 participants from 6 countries, the event catered to experienced fundraisers, providing a forum for sharing experiences and learning about Norway’s unique civil society landscape.

Indeed, one of the first things participants learned is that the average Norwegian is a member of two CSOs. Norwegian civil society is uniquely diversified in its funding, with comparatively less institutional funding than other Europeans, and a greater reliance on grassroots donors and memberships.

Despite Norway’s wealth, which may set its context apart, the seminar underscored that the principles and practices of Norwegian CSOs offer valuable, adaptable lessons for organizations looking to enhance their fundraising efforts in a rapidly changing landscape.

The seminar was a rich tapestry of presentations and discussions, covering a wide array of topics. This article can never do the seminar fully justice without presenting each and every participant and speaker, but will instead just give some of the highlights.

Build relationships to raise funds

The seminar emphasized the critical importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with members, especially for smaller CSOs. Sigrid Bakken Døsvik from “La Humla Suse,” a bumblebee conservation CSO, exemplified this personable approach. She shared her organization’s journey in engaging their member base, demonstrating how a focused approach on community-building led to sustained financial support. Her presentation illustrated practical ways of nurturing member relationships through regular, meaningful communication and community engagement activities.

Fredrik Mellem, from the European Movement Norway, complemented this by emphasizing personalized approaches in fundraising. He shared insights into how direct, individual interactions with members can lead to increased loyalty and support, highlighting the necessity of understanding and responding to the unique needs and interests of each member.

Old methods aren’t always bad

Ola Wiig-Hanssen, a veteran of direct mail from UNICEF, struck a chord with many participants with his presentation on direct mail, highlighting the relevance of traditional fundraising methods in a digital age. He showed that there is a timeless appeal to a well-crafted letter that can still produce great effect today.

This session served as a reminder that in an era of digital overload, the personal touch of a physical letter can stand out, making donors feel uniquely valued and appreciated. Wiig-Hanssen’s insights underscored the need for a balanced fundraising strategy that effectively integrates both traditional and modern methods.

If the rules don’t work, try to change them

The seminar also highlighted the often-overlooked aspect of advocacy in fundraising. Siri Nodland’s discussion focused on the necessity of CSOs to not just adapt to, but also actively shape, the policy environment in which they operate. She shared examples of successful advocacy efforts that led to more favorable tax and VAT conditions for non-profits, demonstrating how policy changes can significantly impact the fundraising landscape.

Her session provided practical tips on how organizations can engage in advocacy, emphasizing the need for building relationships with policymakers and collaborating with other CSOs to amplify their voice.

Conclusions

The seminar concluded with a strong call for adaptability and innovation in fundraising. The combination of Hammer’s guiding principles, modern technology like CRM, personal relationships, traditional methods, and advocacy, painted a comprehensive picture of effective fundraising strategies.

The Norwegian Helsinki Committee’s initiative in facilitating this exchange has laid a strong foundation for ongoing collaboration, ensuring that civil society remains resilient and effective in meeting new challenges.

The post Always say thank you! Highlights from the recent study trip on fundraising appeared first on NGO Norway.

Nestled by the calm Aker river in Oslo, a vacant red-brick building stands, echoing the area’s industrial past. Once a bustling nail factory, it has lain dormant for years. Now, three entrepreneurs, Anne, Guri, and Randi, are on a mission to breathe new life into this historic structure.

Their aim is to gather startups, craftspeople and artisans under one roof in a building they can use as both a workshop and a retail space. The one thing they all have in common? Sustainability must be their raison d’être.

A grant from the Active Citizens Fund gave the project’s three founders the possibility to meet in person with a likeminded Czech organization, DialogCB, which specializes in sustainable repair and reuse.

Anne Dubrau

Factory Manager at Nydalen Fabrikker

Winner of the “Green Citizen of the Year Award” in 2023

In September 2023, representatives from DialogCB came to Oslo to share their expertise. “We worked with DialogCB on problem-solving strategies for fixing clothes and other items, as well as on administrative processes and conceptualizing our factory setup,” says factory manager Anne Dubrau.

Another trip, this time to Prague, is planned soon, to meet with eco-friendly enterprises in the Czech capital.
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It is much better and more efficient to work together to find good solutions and ideas, rather than facing it alone.Anne Dubrau, Factory Manager

Our goal is to reindustrialize Norway. In practice, this means that we will bring back old handicrafts from the entire production chain, all while using sustainable practices.Guri Hummelsund, Production Manager

Anne, Guri and Randi are all highly optimistic about the Nydalen Fabrikker project. Their experience gives them ground to be. Their prior venture at Vollebekk Fabrikker was a resounding success, exceeding its initial two-year plan by thriving for five years. With the city advancing the demolition of the Vollebekk building, they found a promising new venue in the lively Nydalen neighborhood for their new endeavor.

Guri Hummelsund

Production Manager at Nydalen Fabrikker

They view projects such as Vollebekk Fabrikker and Nydalen Fabrikker as vitally important. Such craft and retail hubs for small-scale actors fosters more innovation and green transformation within their communities, and also for sets a model for other collaborative urban developments.

As their current space undergoes restoration, anticipation for its grand opening at Nydalen is growing. The recent “Open Factory Days” event, which attracted 3,500 visitors over two days, clearly underscores the community’s keen interest.

Inside Nydalen Fabrikker

Local artist and activist Eva Kittelsen eagerly awaits Nydalen Fabrikker’s opening. Her business, “My Visible Mend,” focuses on creatively mending clothes while preserving their functionality and sentimental value.

“I aim to add more value to the items we cherish,” she remarks, showcasing a pair of children’s jeans she has mended and a book she authored on repairs.

Looking Ahead

The Factory Manager, Anne Dubrau, envisions Nydalen Fabrikker as more than just a space for repairs; the space will host a diverse range of events, from concerts to weddings. There are even plans for a sauna!

One thing is certain, with support from the Active Citizens Fund the exchanges of ideas with DialogCB have catalyzed the Nydalen Fabrikker project. As Nydalen Fabrikker gears up for its next phase, we wish them well in their endeavor to foster a sustainable community.

Interested in bilateral cooperation? Check out our list of open calls here. Looking for a partner? Find one in our database here. 

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Written by Lara Emilie Jonsson, [email protected]

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