EEA Grants supports Estonian NGOs in promoting democratic values and engaging in advocacy

‘Interest for the grants of EEA Grants NGO Fund was bigger than we could expect or dream of. It proves that Estonian NGOs are ready to take a leading role in promoting democratic values in society and many of them have relevant ideas and plans for that,’ said the coordinator of the program, Mrs. Maris Jõgeva.

‘On the other hand it is a shame that there are too few funding sources for these kinds of projects. Competition for grants was extremely intense and not all that deserve could be supported,’ she added.

List of supported projects is diverse, including different larger and smaller scale initiatives. For example Estonian Refugee Council will involve other civil society organizations and engage more actively and professionally in asylum- and refugee policy discussions. Human Rights Centre will give an umbrella to NGOs willing to collaborate against discrimination.

Established network will work for raising awareness for mainstreaming equal treatment in policy making. Neighborhood associations in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, will involve local people in creating the vision of community-friendly town. Associations will become more legitimate and members of community more involved in discussions concerning the future of home-town during and after local elections.

In the lead of Estonian Union of Child Welfare, awareness of children’s rights will be promoted and acknowledged in family, school and community relations. Institute of Human Rights creates a network of Human Rights Friendly Schools, offers trainings and materials, involving next to Estonian, also Russian language schools. Rural youth of southern-eastern part of Estonia will have their own practical and inspiring democracy program for encouraging active participation.

In addition, capacity building of NGOs is supported and projects for improving fundraising, involving volunteers and creating mentorships are funded. List of projects (in Estonian) is available at the website of Open Estonia Foundation.

Next open calls of the NGO Fund in Estonia will be announced in September this year.

NGO Fund is a specific Program area within the EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014, funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, earmarked to provide flexible and accessible funding to eligible NGOs, with the aim to foster an enabling environment for the sector, strengthen its capacity and enhance its contribution to social justice, democracy and sustainable development. Fund Operator for the program is Open Estonia Foundation.

Additional information:
Mrs. Maris JÕGEVA
Program Coordinator
maris@oef.org.ee