The Stronger Roots consortium, with support from the European Union’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme, has launched a new Call for Proposals aimed at civil society organizations (CSOs) and networks in Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. This initiative targets organizations that promote and uphold EU values such as democracy, fundamental rights, and the rule of law. Applicants may submit proposals under one of two pillars, each designed to enhance the capacity and sustainability of civil society in these countries.
Pillar 1 focuses on social base building, aiming to help individual CSOs strengthen their connections with communities and grow their base of supporters, including donors, volunteers, and activists. Through this pillar, organizations are expected to deepen their understanding of community needs, improve their engagement strategies, and foster long-term relationships with their constituencies. The goal is to make these organizations more resilient, community-rooted, and capable of mobilizing public support for their missions and values.
Pillar 2 targets networks of civil society organizations, supporting efforts to foster broader collaboration with diverse and sometimes ideologically different stakeholders. This includes building internal cohesion, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and improving the ability of networks to navigate their socio-political environments. Ultimately, the program seeks to equip both individual CSOs and networks with the tools and partnerships necessary to thrive and defend democratic values in increasingly challenging civic spaces.