This initiative is designed to strengthen the role of civil society in addressing some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges in both countries, while fostering an inclusive and participatory democratic space.

The call aims to support civil society organizations in making a tangible impact within three priority areas: the prevention and fight against drug abuse, particularly among children, youth, and women; tackling violence and abuse against women and children; and addressing critical environmental issues, focusing on coastal erosion and biodiversity loss. Applicants are required to select only one of these priority areas to ensure actions remain focused and impactful.

Beyond the specific priorities, the call emphasizes empowering grassroots civil society organizations, promoting sustainability and replicability of projects, and embedding gender equality into proposed actions. Proposals must demonstrate how outcomes will last beyond the project’s duration, contributing to long-term community resilience and empowerment.

Crosscutting issues are also encouraged to be integrated into proposals, including the use of digital tools to enhance outreach and innovation, ensuring environmental sustainability and climate resilience, and prioritizing the inclusion of remote communities such as those in Rodrigues and Agalega. Additionally, applicants are invited to strengthen their proposals through value-added elements such as building multi-stakeholder partnerships with local authorities, private sector actors, and other CSOs, as well as by incorporating innovative methodologies and approaches.

The financial allocation for this call amounts to EUR 2,360,000, distributed across two EU programmes: Promoting and protecting human rights and democracy at country level with EUR 360,000 under the 2026 budget, and Supporting Civil Society in Partner Countries with EUR 1,369,333 from the 2025 budget and EUR 630,667 under the 2026 budget. These allocations remain subject to the availability of appropriations in the EU’s general budget.

Eligibility for applicants is clearly defined. The lead applicant must be a legal, non-profit, non-governmental organization established either in a Member State of the European Union, Mauritius, or Seychelles. Each proposal must include at least one local CSO as a co-applicant to ensure that initiatives are rooted in local needs and contexts. The lead applicant and co-applicants must also be directly responsible for the preparation and implementation of the action, ensuring genuine local involvement rather than acting as intermediaries.

This call represents a significant opportunity for civil society organizations to strengthen their role in addressing social, gender-based, and environmental challenges while building a more inclusive, resilient, and empowered democratic space in Mauritius and Seychelles.

For more information, visit European Commissions.