On 4 June 2020, the grant operators of Active Citizens Fund (EEA and Norway grants 2014 – 2021) in Romania decided to increase the grant rate from 90% to 100% of the total eligible costs of the project. It applies to the three calls currently open for small and rapid response grants, namely #1, #4 and #6.

Out of the three calls, #4 on awareness on human rights and equal treatment is of a particular interest from an integration perspective. The call covers two areas of support under the Active Citizens Fund in Romania: Human rights and equal treatment through combating any discrimination on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity and Gender equality and gender-based violence.

Under the #4 call, the application is ongoing for two types of grants: small and rapid response grants. The small grants are dedicated to NGOs with a yearly budget up to € 51,000. The proposals have to enhance the awareness on human rights/equal treatment in underserved areas or for underserved groups (among others, refugees and migrants). The aim is to encourage NGOs and individuals to report and challenge discrimination in various life contexts (work, school, health facilities etc.). Two evaluation deadlines apply to the small grants: 11 November 2020 and 30 June 2021.

For the rapid response grants, the NGO applicants have no restrictions related to their budget or underserved operating area. However, the proposals have to respond to an emerging situation (either threat or opportunity) related to human rights that requires immediate action.

Both type of grants are limited to € 15,000 for a project duration from 3 to 6 months which can be extended in the case of small grants up to 18 months.

Further information about the open call can be found on their website.