Connecting Spheres

The "Connecting Spheres" grant opportunity is designed to enhance the capabilities of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to combat gender-based violence (GBV) against LGBTQIA+ individuals, primarily in Italy but also including other eligible European countries. The main features of the grant are as follows:

Eligible applicants include small to medium-sized CSOs based in Italy for Streams 1 and 2, and organizations from CERV-eligible countries for Stream 3. The grant is competitive and falls under the EU’s Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values (CERV) Programme, with a total budget of €1 million allocated for this initiative.

For Streams 1 and 2, all lead applicants must be based in Italy, while Stream 3 extends the opportunity to CSOs from other CERV-eligible countries, encouraging collaboration across borders. The geography of beneficiary scope primarily focuses on Italy, with additional eligibility for EU/EEA countries under Stream 3.

The target sectors of the grant include gender equality, prevention and response to GBV, protection of women's rights, and promotion of LGBTQIA+ rights. Key mentioned countries include Italy and other CERV-eligible nations. The projects funded will be in the implementation or validation stage, focusing on direct support services, training for professionals, and advocacy activities.

Funding amounts range between €50,000 to €200,000 per approved project. The application process is structured as an open call with rolling deadlines three times a year: January 31, May 31, and September 30, 2025. The nature of support is financial, providing direct grants to eligible organizations.

The application consists of a two-stage process involving a concept note followed by a full proposal, although specific success rates are not detailed. There is no explicit requirement for co-funding.

In summary, the "Connecting Spheres" initiative aims to strengthen CSOs in Italy and Europe to effectively address and prevent GBV, particularly against LGBTQIA+ people. It emphasizes creating safe support services, raising awareness about stereotypes and root causes of violence, and advocating for policy changes. The program also focuses on fostering collaboration among organizations to enhance the impact of their initiatives, aiming for a more equitable society free from violence.

The Connecting Spheres action aims to strengthen Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Italy, with an effect of scale up at European level through the involvement of organisations in at least three other CERV eligible countries, to prevent and respond effectively to gender-based-violence, through direct the implementation of services address to survivors and/or those at risk, training and awareness-raising activities. The action aims to promote a more equal society from diverse gender perspectives in Italy and in Europe, ensuring that LGBTQIA+ people can live free from violence in all spheres of life.

Connecting Spheres supports CSOs and their networks through financial support, technical and thematic capacity building, promotion of peer learning, multilevel networking and advocacy actions at national and European level. The Civil Society Organisations benefiting from the grant will be able to respond, with a cascade system, to the needs of LGBTQIA+ people survivors and/or those at risk, in ensuring access to protection systems, fostering pathways to inclusion and promoting anti-discriminatory cultural change.

The call's opening date was September 30, 2024. The deadline model is multiple cut-off, with deadlines on January 31, 2025, May 31, 2025, and September 30, 2025, all at 23:59 (Brussels time). The expected duration of participation is 6 to 18 months. The total funding available is 1,000,000.00 EUR. The project acronym is Connecting Spheres, and the full name of the EU funded project is Connecting Spheres: strengthening CSOs and networks to protect GBV survivors in all their diversity. The grant agreement number is 101139923. The topic is CERV-2023-DAPHNE - Call for proposals to prevent and combat gender-based violence and violence against children: call to intermediaries (giving financial support to third-party civil society organisations).

Eligible applicants are small-medium CSOs based and with registered office in Italy (Streams 1 and 2) or in one of the CERV eligible countries (Stream 3).

Specific eligibility criteria for the Lead applicant/Single applicant:
Must have been legally established for at least two years when submitting the project proposal.
Must be a non-corporate Third Sector Entity (TSE) as established by Italian Legislative Decree 117/2017 - Third Sector Code as amended, or a Foundation, a recognised or nonrecognised association, a committee, a non-TS entity (Articles 14-42 of the Italian Civil Code).
Must not be a beneficiary, Lead applicant, Co-applicant, or Associated partner in a project funded by the Connecting Sphere programme GA101139923, or a recipient of contributions or grants from OIT, OII or FGB for projects/programmes/initiatives launched before the submission of the project proposal.
Must have its registered office in Italy.
Must have operational capacity in Italy and optionally in other European countries.
Must be directly responsible for presenting and implementing the project as well as for reporting, monitoring, and evaluating activities without acting as an intermediary.
Must not meet any of the following exclusion criteria: a) grounds for exclusion pursuant to Article 136 and 141 of the EU Financial Regulation 2018/1046; b) connection, affiliation or other relationship with political organisations or political parties; c) conflict of interest with OIT, OII, FGB, consortium partners or prospective suppliers.
Must be a small or medium-sized organisation with an average income below or equal to 500,000 EUR in the last 2 years.
Must have fulfilled its obligations regarding the payment of social security contributions and/or taxes in accordance with the legal provisions in force in the relevant country, or be fully tax exempt (in this case, it shall specify the reason for being legally exempt).
Must adhere to the values of the European Union as set forth in Article 2 of the Lisbon Treaty and in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Specific eligibility criteria for the Co-applicant:
Must have been legally established for at least two years when submitting the project proposal.
Must be a non-corporate Third Sector Entity (TSE) as established by Legislative Decree 117/2017 - Third Sector Code as amended, or a Foundation, a recognised or nonrecognised association, a committee, a non-TS entity (Articles 14-39 of the Italian Civil Code); or in case of a non-Italian entity, legally registered as a non-profit-making thirdsector entity (e.g, a CSO) under its respective national law and/or EU law.
Must not be a beneficiary, Lead applicant, Co-applicant, or Associated partner in a project funded by the Connecting Sphere programme GA101139923, or a recipient of contributions or grants from OIT, OII or FGB for projects/programmes/initiatives launched before the submission of the project proposal.
Must have its registered office in Italy (Streams 1 and 2) or in one of the CERV eligible countries (Stream 3).
Must have operational capacity in Italy (Streams 1 and 2) or in one or more European country(ies) (Stream 3).
Must not meet any of the following exclusion criteria: a) grounds for exclusion pursuant to Article 136 and 141 of the EU Financial Regulation 2018/1046; b) connection, affiliation or other relationship with political organisations or political parties; c) conflict of interest with OIT, OII, FGB, consortium partners or prospective suppliers.
Must be a small or medium-sized organisation with an average income below or equal to 500,000 EUR in the last 2 years.
Must have fulfilled its obligations regarding the payment of social security contributions and/or taxes in accordance with the legal provisions in force in the relevant country, or be fully tax exempt (in this case, it shall specify the reason for being legally exempt).
Must adhere to the values of the European Union as set forth in Article 2 of the Lisbon Treaty and in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

In addition, at least one of the consortium members (Lead applicant and/or Co-applicant) must demonstrate at least 2 years’ experience in at least one of the following fields: a) prevention and combating gender violence; b) promotion and protection of women’s rights; c) promotion and protection of LGBTQIA+ people’s rights.

Specific eligibility criteria for the Associated Partner:
Must be a non-profit-making entity (a non-corporate TSE as per Leg. Decree 117/2017, a Foundation, a recognised or non-recognised association, a committee, a non-TS entity, a public body, a university, a research centre).
Must not be a beneficiary, Lead applicant, Co-applicant, or Associated partner in a project funded by the Connecting Sphere programme GA101139923, a recipient of contributions or grants from OIT, OII or FGB for projects/programmes/initiatives launched before the submission of the project proposal;
Must not meet any of the following exclusion criteria: a) grounds for exclusion pursuant to Article 136 and 141 of the EU Financial Regulation 2018/1046; b) connection, affiliation or other relationship with political organisations or political parties; c) conflict of interest with OIT, OII, FGB, consortium partners or prospective suppliers.
Must comply with the values of respect, dignity, equality, non-discrimination, in line with Oxfam’s Code of Conduct.

The minimum grant per proposal is 6,000 euros, and the maximum grant per proposal is 60,000 euros. The duration of the project can range from 6 months to 18 months.

The language of the call and call documentation is English and Italian. Further information on submission, evaluation, and application can be found at https://connectingspheres.oxfam.it/en/call-for-proposals/. For helpdesk inquiries, contact info.connectingspheres@oxfam.it.

The call complies with the mandatory conditions for giving financial support to third parties as defined in the call document CERV-2023-DAPHNE (p.10), grant agreement provisions (e.g., Art 9.4, Art.25), and annex I of the project Connecting Spheres - strengthening CSOs and networks to protect GBV survivors in all their diversity (DoA Part A & B).

Illustrative activities that can be developed and implemented by applicants under the three Streams:

Stream 1:
Provision of gender-sensitive support services and/or set up of referral mechanism for the target group, such as support services tailored to the specific needs of victims, including specific medical and psychological support, victim-centred and trauma-informed services, access to national helplines, access to justice, increased accessibility of shelters, and comprehensive support for victims of sexual harassment at work.
Training of professionals and frontline staff working with survivors or people at risk of GBV, supervision of and support to frontline workers to establish trust relationships with survivors, etc.

Stream 2:
Training, awareness-raising and communication/information’s activities to combat stereotypes and the root causes of GBV against LGBTQIA+ persons, e.g. targeted to businesses, journalists, media managers, teachers, school staff, educational institutions, sport centres, and the general public.
Community mobilisation with direct involvement of the target groups (e.g., working with LGBTQIA+ survivors and/or activists, cultural mediators, key stakeholders, etc.).
Awareness-raising on gender stereotypes as root causes of gender-based violence, including by involving men and boys.

Stream 3:
Provision of free advice, counselling services, watchdog and monitoring activities on EU and international policies in the field of preventing and combating violence against LGBTQIA+ persons.
Lobbying/advocacy to influence decision-making processes and policies, including revision/updating/adoption of policies and legislation in the field of preventing and combating GBV against LGBTQIA+ persons.
Research and analysis aimed at informing policymaking at European and national level, development of tools and standards to support EU policies and actions in the field of preventing and combating GBV against LGBTQIA+ persons.
Promoting the implementation of adopted laws in the field of preventing and combating GBV against LGBTQIA+ people (including minors), and of regulations and Court cases.

Cross-stream activities:
Strengthening networks and partnerships among CSOs in the field of preventing and combating GBV and/or violence against minors, considering the needs of LGBTQIA+ people.
Coordination and strategic cooperation between CSOs and other stakeholders, and public or private sector entities at national and international level.

In summary, the Connecting Spheres initiative provides funding to Civil Society Organisations to combat gender-based violence, particularly against LGBTQIA+ individuals, in Italy and across Europe. It operates through three streams, each focusing on different activities such as direct support services, training and awareness, and policy advocacy. The funding aims to create a more equal society by supporting projects that provide access to protection, foster inclusion, and promote cultural change. Eligible applicants are small to medium-sized CSOs, with specific requirements for lead applicants, co-applicants, and associated partners. The initiative encourages collaboration and networking among CSOs and other stakeholders to maximize impact.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are small to medium-sized Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). Specifically, the lead applicant/single applicant must be a non-corporate Third Sector Entity (TSE) as established by Italian Legislative Decree 117/2017, or a Foundation, a recognised or non-recognised association, a committee, or a non-TS entity. The co-applicant must be a non-corporate Third Sector Entity (TSE) as established by Legislative Decree 117/2017, or a Foundation, a recognised or non-recognised association, a committee, a non-TS entity; or in case of a non-Italian entity, legally registered as a non-profit-making third sector entity (e.g., a CSO) under its respective national law and/or EU law. The associated partner must be a non-profit-making entity (a non-corporate TSE as per Leg. Decree 117/2017, a Foundation, a recognised or non-recognised association, a committee, a non-TS entity, a public body, a university, a research centre).

Funding Type: The primary financial mechanism is a grant, with cascade funding to third-party civil society organisations.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity allows for both single applicants and consortia. Streams 1 and 2 require applicants to be based in Italy, while Stream 3 requires involvement of organizations in at least three other CERV eligible countries, implying a consortium.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): Streams 1 and 2 are open to CSOs based and with a registered office in Italy. Stream 3 is open to CSOs based in one of the CERV eligible countries. The action aims for a scale-up at the European level through the involvement of organizations in at least three other CERV eligible countries.

Target Sector: The program targets the following sectors: gender equality, prevention and response to gender-based violence, protection of women's rights, and promotion and protection of LGBTQIA+ people’s rights.

Mentioned Countries: Italy and other CERV eligible countries.

Project Stage: The project stage is focused on the implementation of services, training, and awareness-raising activities, suggesting a stage of development, validation, and demonstration.

Funding Amount: The minimum grant per proposal is 6,000 euros, and the maximum grant per proposal is 60,000 euros. The total funding available is 1,000,000 euros.

Application Type: The application type is an open call with multiple cut-off dates.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money through grants and also technical and thematic capacity building, promotion of peer learning, multilevel networking, and advocacy actions.

Application Stages: The number of stages is not explicitly mentioned, but the process involves submission and evaluation.

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

Co-funding Requirement: The text does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement.

Summary:

The Connecting Spheres action is a funding opportunity under the CERV-2023-DAPHNE program, designed to strengthen Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Italy and other CERV eligible countries. The action aims to prevent and respond effectively to gender-based violence and promote a more equal society from diverse gender perspectives, ensuring that LGBTQIA+ people can live free from violence. The program provides financial support, technical and thematic capacity building, peer learning, networking, and advocacy actions.

The call is structured into three streams. Streams 1 and 2 are for small to medium-sized CSOs based and registered in Italy, while Stream 3 is for CSOs based in CERV eligible countries, requiring the involvement of organizations in at least three CERV eligible countries. The lead applicant/single applicant and co-applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being legally established for at least two years, being a non-corporate Third Sector Entity (TSE) or equivalent, and having an average income below or equal to 500,000 EUR in the last 2 years. At least one consortium member must demonstrate at least two years of experience in preventing and combating gender violence, promoting women’s rights, or promoting LGBTQIA+ people’s rights.

The funding ranges from 6,000 to 60,000 euros per proposal, with a total of 1,000,000 euros available. The project duration can range from 6 to 18 months. The call has multiple cut-off dates: January 31, 2025, May 31, 2025, and September 30, 2025.

Illustrative activities include providing gender-sensitive support services, training professionals, raising awareness, community mobilization, lobbying, research, and strengthening networks. The program emphasizes compliance with EU regulations and values, including conflict of interest, confidentiality, ethics, and visibility.