Program Overview
This program supports NGOs and foundations working in public interest to strengthen civil society, social cohesion, and democracy in the Baltic States through collaboration with Nordic partners.
Objectives
- Foster networking and knowledge sharing in the Baltic Sea Region.
- Enhance civil society through capacity-building initiatives.
Funding Priorities
Projects must align with at least one of the following priorities set out in the Nordic Vision 2030:
- Green Transition: Promoting carbon neutrality and sustainable economies.
- Competitive Region: Supporting innovation, digital integration, and green growth.
- Social Sustainability: Fostering inclusivity, equality, and cultural exchange.
Cross-cutting themes include gender equality, youth and children’s rights, and the UN Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Eligibility
- Applicants: Non-profit, independent NGOs with democratic structures in Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania. The applicant organization must be proficient in English for application, reporting, and communication.
- Partners: The project must involve at least three NGOs, including the applicant organization, from:
- 2 Nordic + 1 Baltic country, or
- 1 Nordic + 2 Baltic countries.
Eligible Activities
- Networking (seminars, workshops).
- Study visits and experience exchanges.
- Capacity-building through training and societal education.
- Research projects.
Funding Framework
- Annual budget: approximately €60 000 per Baltic country.
- Grants: €10 000 – €25 000
Eligible costs:
- Network Activity Expenses: Costs for organizing and conducting activities such as seminars and workshops.
- Travel (Economy Class): Costs for transportation of participants and organizers.
- Accommodation (Economy Class): Costs for lodging for participants and organizers.
- Per Diems (According to National Legislation): Daily allowances for participants and organizers as per applicable laws.
- Expert Fees: Compensation for consultants or experts involved in the project.
- Salaries for Project Leaders and Accountants: Costs for project management and financial administration personnel.
- Communication/PR Costs: Expenses for outreach and public relations activities related to the project.
Note: Infrastructure, regular activities, and administrative costs of the applicant are not considered eligible costs.
- Co-funding and self-funding are encouraged but not mandatory.
- Co-funding: Monetary contributions from third parties (organizations, donors, authorities) directly linked to the project budget.
- Self-funding: Monetary contributions from the applicant’s own resources.
Note: All contributions should be clearly allocated to specific budget categories. In-kind contributions, such as use of space, staff time, or equipment, are not considered co-funding or self-funding under this program.
Application Process
- The grant program opens once a year, six weeks before the application deadline.
- Applications must be submitted via www.ncmgrants.org by the announced deadline.
Required documents:
- Detailed budget (Budget Template)
- Project timetable
- Letters of commitment from partner organisations
- Communication and visibility plan
Assessment Criteria
Applications evaluation is based on:
- Alignment with program objectives and priorities.
- Quality and feasibility of activities.
- Inclusion of cross-cutting themes.
- Sustainability, cost-efficiency, and follow-up plans.
Reporting and Payment
- Advance and Final Payments:
85% of the grant is disbursed as an advance payment. The remaining sum (up to 15%) is released after the submission and approval of the final report, which includes a narrative report and financial documentation.
- Reporting Deadline:
Reports must be submitted within 30 days after the project's end date through the online system at www.ncmgrants.org.
Financial Records:
Applicants must provide verifiable evidence of all expenditures and co-funding contributions. Examples include:
- Invoices and/or receipts for expenses.
- Bank statements and/or payment orders showing the transfer of funds.
- Retention of Documents:
All original financial documents must be retained by the applicant and co-funding organizations for a period of five years.
Communication and Visibility
- All written or published materials must include the logo of the respective Nordic Council of Ministers' office (Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania).
- On social media, the respective office should be tagged, and the hashtag #NBNGOprogram must be used in posts related to the project.
- Grant recipients must acknowledge the financial support of the respective Nordic Council of Ministers’ office in all communications and project activities.
- Invite representatives from the respective Nordic Council of Ministers' office to key events, such as project launches or closings.
Disclaimer
All publications, including reports, websites, and other information materials produced under the project, must include the following statement:
"This publication has been produced with the financial support from the Nordic Council of Ministers. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the coordinators of this project and does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Nordic Council of Ministers."
This ensures proper acknowledgment of funding and clarifies the responsibility for the content.
Contact Information
- Estonia: Merle Kuusk, +372 5275209,
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