Call for proposal for or impact-oriented programme development and thematic resource centres – re-launch for Lot 2

The IMPACT4VALUES 2.0 project is a Call for Proposals focusing on impact-oriented program development and thematic resource centers, specifically under the CERV-2024-CITIZENS-VALUES framework. Aimed primarily at Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) based in Slovenia and Croatia, the initiative seeks to foster the protection of EU values through extensive support for lesser-known organizations.

The main goal of this call is to aid CSOs in enhancing their programs while building thematic resource centers that serve as capacity-building hubs. These centers should focus on three priority areas: democracy, human rights, and climate change. The funding structure is unique, combining direct financial support with capacity-building services.

The total budget for this initiative is 240,000 EUR, with a project duration of 24 months and a possibility of a 3-month non-cost extension. Applications must be submitted electronically by January 5, 2026, by 12:00 PM. The application process is open and involves submitting a complete application including necessary forms and documents. Communication regarding submissions should be directed to specific email addresses designated for Croatian and Slovenian applicants.

The evaluation process consists of an administrative check followed by an in-depth quality evaluation handled by independent external evaluators. If discrepancies arise during evaluations, further evaluation stages ensure objectivity and fairness. Applicants will have opportunities to submit missing information or appeal decisions if necessary.

Eligible CSOs must adhere to EU fundamental rights and should primarily focus on protecting and promoting core European values. Activities supported include mentorship, coaching, training, and knowledge-sharing and aim for long-term systemic change.

This initiative underscores a significant investment in building civil society infrastructure rather than merely providing project-based funding, positioning thematic resource centers to play a vital role in supporting local organizations focused on EU value promotion and community improvement.

The IMPACT4VALUES 2.0 project is offering a Call for Proposals for impact-oriented program development and thematic resource centers, specifically a re-launch for Lot 2. The call falls under the topic CERV-2024-CITIZENS-VALUES, which focuses on civil society organizations active in protecting and promoting Union values, particularly through intermediaries that provide financial support to third parties.

The purpose of this call is to support Slovenian and Croatian Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in developing and upgrading their impact-oriented programs to enhance the protection of EU values. It also aims to support CSOs' thematic resource centers, which will build the capacities of other CSOs in three priority areas: democracy, human rights, and climate change. This support includes extensive capacity-building assistance.

The specific objective is to assist Slovenian and Croatian CSOs in implementing programs that strengthen the fundamental values of the European Union and improve the quality of life in local communities. The call supports initiatives with the potential for long-term impact, systemic change, and capacity-building, particularly in the context of human rights, equality, the rule of law, democracy, and freedom of expression.

Expected results for LOT 2, which focuses on supporting thematic resource centers, include strengthening these centers to serve as capacity-building and knowledge hubs for smaller CSOs working in democracy, human rights, and climate action. These centers are expected to provide specialized support, facilitate peer learning and mentoring, and contribute to the development of evidence-based advocacy and public engagement tools. Over time, these resource centers should increase the visibility and relevance of civil society in the priority areas, foster cross-sector collaboration, and create a supportive ecosystem for civic initiatives.

The opening date for submissions was November 12, 2025. The deadline for submissions is January 5, 2026, at 12:00 PM (noon Brussels time). The expected duration of participation is 24 months, with a possibility of a 3-month non-cost extension. The total funding available is 240,000.00 EUR. The project acronym is IMPACT4VALUES 2.0, and the full name of the EU-funded project is "Increasing impact of CSOs for protection of EU values 2.0". The grant agreement number is 101187032.

Applications must be submitted electronically to specific email addresses: Croatian applicants should send their applications to prijava.cerv@zaklada-slagalica.hr, while Slovenian applicants should send theirs to prijava.cerv2@cnvos.si. Applications sent through other means will be rejected. Applications must be delivered by the deadline, and the server's recorded date and time will be considered official. Applicants will receive an automatic response upon submission. If no response is received within two hours, they should contact CNVOS or CFS during office hours to check the application status.

A complete application must include: a fully completed application form for LOT 2 (in Word format), a fully completed financial plan (in Excel format), a completed form with applicant and project details (in Excel format), a scanned, signed, and stamped Applicant's Statement (in PDF format), and a scanned valid statute or founding act of the applicant if it is not available in a publicly accessible national electronic registry (in PDF format).

The evaluation process involves an administrative check of administrative and eligibility criteria. If any parts of the application are missing or can be supplemented, applicants will have 5 working days to submit the required supplements. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the administrative and eligibility check and, if rejected, will have 8 working days to submit an appeal to the Compliance Committee, whose decision is final.

Applications that meet the administrative and eligibility criteria will be evaluated by two independent external evaluators. If the difference between their scores exceeds 30% of the higher score, a third evaluator will assess the application, and the final score will be the average of the two closest evaluations, unless the third evaluator's assessment would preclude funding under any circumstances.

Eligible organizations must be established in Slovenia or Croatia. All eligible applicants and partners must respect the fundamental rights and values on which the EU is founded.

Eligible activities for LOT 2 include: Mentoring, job-shadowing, and coaching; Trainings; Peer-to-peer and mutual learning activities; Following, analyzing, and sharing international and national political, legislative, and judicial practices; and Sharing of good national and international practices.

Further information and call documents can be found on the following websites: For Slovenian applicants: Impact4values 2.0 - CNVOS. For Croatian applicants: Impact4Values 2.0 - Solidarna and Impact4values - Slagalica 2.0.

The email help-desks for applicants are: For Slovenian applicants CNVOS: podpora.cerv@cnvos.si. For Croatian applicants: podrska.cerv@zaklada-slagalica.hr. Individual live or online consultations are available to support and brainstorm thematic resources project proposals, initially for up to 15 organizations, with the possibility of increasing this number if needed.

In summary, this call for proposals under the IMPACT4VALUES 2.0 project aims to bolster the capacity and impact of Slovenian and Croatian CSOs. It focuses on enhancing the protection of EU values and supporting thematic resource centers that can further empower smaller CSOs in the areas of democracy, human rights, and climate change. The funding supports activities such as mentoring, training, and knowledge sharing, with the ultimate goal of fostering a stronger civil society and promoting EU values at the local level. Organizations established in Slovenia or Croatia that are active in these areas should consider applying, ensuring they meet all eligibility criteria and submit a complete application by the specified deadline.

Eligible Applicant Types: Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) established in Slovenia or Croatia are eligible. The call specifically targets intermediaries that will provide financial support to third parties. The focus is on CSOs that can act as thematic resource centers.

Funding Type: Grant, with cascade funding to third parties. The call is for proposals for civil society organisations active on protecting and promoting Union values, specifically a call to intermediaries (giving financial support to third parties).

Consortium Requirement: While not explicitly stated, the focus on thematic resource centers suggests that single applicants are likely the primary target, although partnerships to enhance the resource center's capabilities are not excluded. The application process and eligibility criteria should be consulted in the call document for confirmation.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is limited to Slovenia and Croatia. Eligible organizations should be established in either of these countries.

Target Sector: The program targets the following sectors: democracy, human rights, and climate change. It aims to strengthen the fundamental values of the European Union and improve the quality of life in local communities. The call supports initiatives related to the protection of human rights, equality, the rule of law, democracy, and freedom of expression.

Mentioned Countries: Slovenia, Croatia.

Project Stage: The expected project stage is development and upgrade of existing programs, as well as the establishment or strengthening of thematic resource centers. The focus is on initiatives with the potential for long-term impact, systemic change, and capacity-building.

Funding Amount: The total funding available is 240,000.00 €. The funding amount available per project is not specified, but it will be distributed among selected projects.

Application Type: Open call. Applications must be submitted electronically to specific email addresses designated for Croatia and Slovenia.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of grants, which they can then distribute as cascade funding to third parties. The support also includes capacity building through the thematic resource centers.

Application Stages: The application process involves multiple stages:
1. Submission of application with required attachments.
2. Administrative check of administrative and eligibility criteria.
3. Notification to applicants regarding the outcome of the administrative check.
4. Opportunity for applicants to supplement missing information within 5 working days, if applicable.
5. Opportunity for applicants to appeal the eligibility decision within 8 working days, if rejected.
6. Evaluation of application quality by two independent evaluators.
7. Independent assessment by a third evaluator if the difference between the first two evaluators’ scores exceeds 30%.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

Co-funding Requirement: The co-funding requirement is not explicitly mentioned in the provided text. The call documents should be consulted for confirmation.

Summary:

This opportunity, named IMPACT4VALUES 2.0, is a call for proposals under the CERV-2024-CITIZENS-VALUES program. It aims to support Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Slovenia and Croatia by providing grants to enhance their impact-oriented programs and to support thematic resource centers. These resource centers will serve as capacity-building and knowledge hubs for smaller CSOs working in the areas of democracy, human rights, and climate action. The total funding available is 240,000.00 €, and the expected duration of participation is 24 months, with a possible 3-month non-cost extension.

The call specifically targets intermediaries that can provide financial support to third parties, fostering initiatives that strengthen EU values and improve the quality of life in local communities. Eligible activities include mentoring, job-shadowing, coaching, trainings, peer-to-peer learning, and sharing of best practices.

The application process is single-stage, with a deadline of January 5, 2026, at 12:00 PM (noon Croatian/Slovenian time). Applications must be submitted electronically to designated email addresses for each country. The evaluation process includes an administrative check, eligibility verification, and quality assessment by independent evaluators. Applicants have the opportunity to supplement missing information and appeal eligibility decisions. This initiative aims to create a supportive ecosystem for civic initiatives, increase the visibility and relevance of civil society, and foster cross-sector collaboration in the priority areas of democracy, human rights, and climate change.