Two major 2026 funding opportunities are now open in Europe for grassroots organisations and community-led initiatives working on social inclusion, anti-discrimination, education, employment, civic space, and racial justice.

The BNP Paribas Banlieues Project 2026 in France supports local associations working in Priority Districts of the City (QPV), while the ILGA-Europe Fund for Racial Justice 2026 provides grants of up to €25,000 to organisations led by racialised LGBTI communities across Europe.

Both calls aim to strengthen civil society, empower marginalised communities, and build long-term structural change.

Below is a comprehensive guide covering eligibility, funding scope, timelines, and application processes for both opportunities.

1. BNP Paribas Banlieues Project 2026 – Support for Local Associations in France

Overview of the Banlieues Project

Launched in 2006 by BNP Paribas and managed by the BNP Paribas Foundation, the Banlieues Project is a solidarity programme designed to support local associations operating in Priority Districts of the City (QPV) in France.

Each year, BNP Paribas launches a call for applications to identify and support grassroots associations that combat exclusion and promote:

• Access to education

• Professional integration and employment

• Entrepreneurship

• Social cohesion and “living better together”

The project not only provides financial support but also strengthens visibility, institutional connections, and ecosystem integration for selected associations.

Since its inception, the Banlieues Project has helped numerous associations scale their impact and gain national recognition.

2026 Key Dates

Submission of Applications:
28 January – 9 March 2026

Application Review:
March – June 2026

Decision Committee:
June 2026

Fields of Action Supported

Projects must align with the solidarity theme and fall under one or more of the following categories:

Access to Education

• Academic support

• Literacy programmes

• Cultural integration initiatives

• Digital inclusion

• Citizenship education

• Environmental awareness initiatives

Access to Employment

• Professional integration programmes

• Vocational training

• Mentorship programmes

• Entrepreneurship support

Improvement of Living Together

• Intercultural and intergenerational actions

• Strengthening social bonds

• Regional planning initiatives

• Ecological transformation projects

• Community-based solidarity efforts

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants are local associations operating within Priority Districts of the City (QPV) in France, including overseas territories.

Associations must demonstrate:

• Active engagement in combating exclusion

• Strong local presence

• Commitment to education, employment access, or social cohesion

• Clear impact within priority neighbourhoods

What Makes the Banlieues Project Unique?

Beyond financial assistance, the programme:

• Promotes supported organisations within a wider institutional ecosystem

• Enhances visibility among public stakeholders

• Connects associations with the general public

• Strengthens long-term development capacity

The programme recognises and amplifies “everyday heroes” working at the community level.

Learn more and apply HERE.

2. ILGA-Europe Fund for Racial Justice 2026 – Grants up to €25,000

Overview of the Fund

The ILGA-Europe Fund for Racial Justice is the successor to the No One Left Behind Fund and focuses on supporting organisations led by racialised LGBTI communities in Europe.

The Fund recognises that advancing LGBTI equality requires addressing racism as a structural force and strengthening racial justice activism within civic and political spaces.

Through this call, ILGA-Europe will support up to 12 organisations with grants of up to €25,000 each for 12 months.

Application Deadline

13 April 2026, 23:59 CEST

Applicants will be informed of results during the week of 11 May 2026.

What the Fund Supports

Projects must run from 1 June 2026 to 1 June 2027 and may include:

• Creating or protecting civic and political space

• Strengthening community organising and solidarity

• Challenging oppressive systems and practices

• Shifting public narratives

• Organising public campaigns or cultural initiatives

• Mapping or documenting community needs tied to collective action

• Building cross-movement alliances

The Fund encourages approaches combining:

• Care practices

• Direct organising

• Collective public engagement

Funding Details

Each selected organisation may receive:

Up to €25,000 for 12 months

Eligible budget lines include:

• Personnel costs

• Travel and event expenses

• External expertise

• Interpretation and translation

• Communication and outreach

• Administrative/core costs linked to project delivery

There is no fixed percentage cap on personnel or consultancy costs if aligned with project objectives.

Partnership Structure

Selected organisations will participate in:

• Three online partner meetings

• One in-person meeting in Dublin (6–7 October 2026)

• Quarterly progress calls

• Interim report (November 2026)

• Final report (June 2027)

Who Can Apply?

The call is open to registered and non-registered organisations in Europe that:

• Are led by racialised LGBTI people

• Work for and with racialised LGBTI communities

Non-registered groups must partner with a registered legal entity.

Applicants must be ILGA-Europe member organisations by 1 June 2026 (or have membership applications under consideration by 1 April 2026).

Funding primarily supports EU-based organisations, with potential limited support for non-EU applicants if additional funding is secured.

Learn more and apply HERE.

Comparison of the Two 2026 Funding Opportunities

BNP Paribas Banlieues Project:

• Focus: Local associations in French QPV areas

• Themes: Education, employment, social cohesion

• Geographic Scope: France (including overseas territories)

• Deadline: 9 March 2026

ILGA-Europe Fund for Racial Justice:

• Focus: Racialised LGBTI-led organisations

• Themes: Civic space, racial justice, LGBTI equality

• Geographic Scope: Europe (primarily EU Member States)

• Deadline: 13 April 2026

Both programmes strengthen grassroots organising and community-led change.

For more global grant opportunities, visit HERE.