Grant 2026 applications are now open under the “Connecting the Dots” initiative, a major EU-funded project promoting climate, gender, and economic justice across Europe. Civil society organizations, youth groups, grassroots movements, and local CSOs are invited to apply for funding to support mobilization, advocacy, and awareness-raising activities. Applications must be submitted by 26 March 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
This Grant 2026 call aims to actively engage more people in Europe particularly young people in interconnected advocacy efforts addressing economic, climate, and gender justice as integrated solutions to global challenges.
Grant 2026 Background: Connecting the Dots Project
The Connecting the Dots Grant 2026 is part of a four-year EU DEAR-funded project launched in June 2024. The initiative focuses on empowering EU citizens, especially young activists, to tackle global challenges through the interconnected lenses of economic justice, climate justice, and gender justice.
The project supports knowledge-building, campaign development, networking, capacity building, and advocacy at local and international levels. It also facilitates pan-European campaigns to strengthen coordination among civil society actors.
The consortium implementing this Grant 2026 includes nine experienced organisations across Europe, including Eurodad (lead partner), ACEP (Portugal), CCFD (France), CNCD-11.11.11 (Belgium), Financial Justice Ireland, ODG (Spain), Reflex (Hungary), Za Zemiata (Bulgaria), and others.
In 2026, joint campaigns will focus on tax justice and climate justice. In 2027, the focus will shift toward gender justice.
Grant 2026 Objectives
The primary objective of this Grant 2026 call is to:
- Strengthen mobilisation and advocacy efforts in Europe
- Engage young people in justice-based movements
- Build stronger coordination among civil society organisations
- Break silos between economic, gender, and climate justice movements
- Support grassroots leadership and youth-led initiatives
The Grant 2026 seeks to support smaller and medium-sized organisations that may not have the capacity to directly compete for institutional EU funding.
Grant 2026 Eligible Activities
Applicants under Grant 2026 may propose activities including:
- Production of toolkits, briefings, podcasts, infographics, and campaign materials
- Capacity-building workshops, seminars, and webinars
- Networking and coalition-building initiatives
- Public awareness campaigns and mobilisation actions
- Partnerships with journalists and media actors
- Participation in pan-European advocacy campaigns
- Local advocacy initiatives aligned with EU-wide efforts
All proposed activities must integrate economic, climate, and gender justice perspectives.
Grant 2026 Funding Structure
The Grant 2026 offers three funding tiers:
Macro Grant:
€40,000–€60,000 (up to 18 months, minimum 3 activity types)
Meso Grant:
€20,000–€35,000 (up to 18 months, minimum 2 activity types)
Micro Grant:
€5,000–€15,000 (up to 12 months, specific activity focus)
Key financial conditions:
- Minimum 10% co-funding required (non-EU sources)
- Maximum total project budget: €60,000 (including co-financing)
- Projects must start no earlier than 1 June 2026
- Projects must conclude by 31 December 2027
Selected sub-grantees will participate in at least one in-person coordination meeting as part of the Grant 2026 capacity-building component.
Grant 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Grant 2026, applicants must:
- Be legally established CSOs (or allied with one)
- Be non-profit
- Be established in an EU Member State, EU candidate country, or Annex M listed country
- Have at least one year of experience in justice-related work
- Demonstrate financial and operational capacity
- Commit to reporting under EU rules
- Not be beneficiaries of previous DEAR grants under EuropeAid/173998/DH/ACT/Multi
Priority will be given to organisations targeting Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia.
Grant 2026 Duration & Location
Duration: Up to 18 months (depending on grant tier)
Geographical Scope: European Union and eligible countries
Project Implementation Period: June 2026 – December 2027
How to Apply for Grant 2026
To apply for Grant 2026:
- Complete the Application Form (Word template)
- Complete the Budget Template (Excel)
- Submit both documents in English
- Email to: grants@eurodad.org
- Submit no later than 26 March 2026, 23:59 CEST
Questions may be sent to: bdodin@eurodad.org (by 26 February 2026, 17:00 CET).
Grant 2026 Selection Process
Applications will undergo:
- Eligibility screening
- Detailed evaluation by a selection committee
- Assessment based on thematic fit, feasibility, realism, reach, and added value
Applicants will be notified by 15 May 2026.
Grant 2026 Deadline
Applications close on 26 March 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
Late submissions will not be considered.
Final Note on Grant 2026
The Connecting the Dots Grant 2026 presents a powerful opportunity for grassroots organisations and youth-led movements to strengthen justice-based advocacy across Europe. By integrating economic, climate, and gender justice into unified campaigns, this grant aims to drive systemic transformation and sustainable development. Organisations ready to mobilise communities and influence policy are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
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