Support to civil society and human rights in Somalia Strengthening Women’s Economic Empowerment & Inclusive Market Participation and Strengthening Civ...

This EU action grant EuropeAid supports civil society and human rights initiatives in Somalia with a focus on women’s economic empowerment, inclusive market participation and strengthening local civil society to protect human rights. The total indicative budget is €3,816,000 and individual grants are between €305,000 and €850,000, with eligible applicants including NGOs, international non-profits, civil society organisations and community-based organisations in accordance with NDICI 2021-2027 rules. The call was published on 11 March 2026 and uses a two-stage application process (Concept Note then Full Application) with a submission deadline of 28 April 2026 at 12:00:20 UTC via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Strengthening Women’s Economic Empowerment & Inclusive Market Participation and Strengthening Civil Society to protect human rights

Action Grants (EuropeAid/185477/DD/ACT/SO)

What it funds:Grants to support civil society activities in Somalia that (1) strengthen women’s economic empowerment and inclusive participation in markets and (2) reinforce civil society capacity to protect and promote human rights.

Who can apply:Eligible applicants are organisations meeting NDICI 2021-2027 eligibility rules, typically NGOs, civil society organisations and consortia (national and international) with legal status and operational capacity to implement activities in Somalia ¹.

1. 1Budget: €3,816,000 (total available)
2. 2Call published: 11 March 2026
3. 3Deadline for submission: 28 April 2026 (12:00:20 UTC)

Application process:Submit proposals through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal using the provided Annex A concept and full application forms; consult the Guidelines for Applicants and supporting annexes for eligibility, budget and logical framework requirements. EU Funding Portal ¹

Footnotes

1. 1Refer to the call-specific Eligibility NDICI 2021-2027 document and the Guidelines for Applicants included with the call for detailed applicant eligibility, allowable costs and consortium rules.

This is an Action Grants call under the EU external action framework, focused on civil society, human rights, and women’s economic empowerment in Somalia. The call is identified as EuropeAid, is open for submission, and targets activities within Somalia. The total indicative budget is €3,816,000. It follows a two-stage application process using a Concept Note followed by a Full Application, with supporting standard annexes including budget, logical framework, and declarations. Applicants apply through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal submission service. EU Funding & Tenders Portal – Opportunity page ¹

Thematic focus and objectives

The call targets two core result areas in Somalia:strengthening women’s economic empowerment and inclusive market participation, and strengthening civil society to protect human rights. Activities are expected to advance gender equality, expand economic opportunities for women through more inclusive market systems, and reinforce civil society’s capacity, advocacy, and protection roles related to human rights in Somalia. The action logic is supported by a logical framework approach and standard grant contracting under EuropeAid modalities.

Key documents available

• Eligibility NDICI 2021–2027
• Guidelines for Applicants
• Annex A1. Grant Application Form – Concept Note
• Annex A2. Grant Application Form – Full Application
• Annex B – Budget
• Annex C – Logical framework
• Annex D – Identification Form (public law bodies)
• Annex D – Identification Form (private or public with legal form)
• Annex F – PADOR offline registration form
• Annex G – Standard grant contract
• Annex H – Declaration of honour on exclusion and selection criteria
• Annex J – Information on the tax regime applicable to grant contracts
• Annex L – Self-evaluation questionnaire on SEA-H

Structured categorization

Eligible Applicant Types:The call is focused on civil society and human rights in Somalia. Based on the call’s theme and the presence of specific identification forms for public law bodies and for private or public entities with legal form, eligible applicant types are expected to include civil society organizations, NGOs, nonprofits, and possibly public law bodies and other legal entities consistent with NDICI 2021–2027 eligibility rules. The precise eligibility categories and origin of applicants are determined by the Eligibility NDICI 2021–2027 and the Guidelines for Applicants.

Funding Type:Grant (Action Grants under the EU external action framework).

Consortium Requirement:Not explicitly stated in the extracted content. EuropeAid actions often allow single applicants with co-applicants or affiliated entities; applicants should consult the Guidelines for Applicants to confirm whether a single applicant or a consortium is required or preferred for specific lots or priorities.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):Actions must take place in Somalia. Applicant eligibility is governed by NDICI 2021–2027 rules on nationality and origin, as referenced in the Eligibility NDICI 2021–2027 document. The detailed list of eligible countries and conditions is defined in that document and the Guidelines for Applicants.

Target Sector:Civil society strengthening, human rights, gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and inclusive market participation within Somalia. Cross-cutting areas may include capacity building, advocacy, community engagement, and rights protection.

Mentioned Countries:Somalia.

Project Stage:Implementation-oriented projects focusing on capacity building, service delivery, advocacy, market inclusion measures, and rights protection. The call does not target research and development; it supports operational actions aligned with civil society and human rights outcomes.

Funding Amount:Total indicative envelope for the call is €3,816,000. Allocation per lot, grant size, and minimum/maximum grant amounts are defined in the Guidelines for Applicants and are not presented in the extracted content.

Application Type:Open call for proposals via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal submission service.

Nature of Support:Money. Beneficiaries receive financial support through grants. Non-financial obligations and standard support services apply through the grant contract framework.

Application Stages:2 stages. Stage 1: Concept Note (Annex A1). Stage 2: Full Application (Annex A2) invited after evaluation of the Concept Note.

Success Rates:Not specified in the extracted content.

Co-funding Requirement:Not specified in the extracted content. Co-financing conditions, if any, are defined in the Guidelines for Applicants and the budget rules under NDICI Action Grants.

Submission timeline and process

1. 1Publication date: 11 March 2026
2. 2Deadline for submission: 28 April 2026 at 12:00:20 UTC
3. 3Application platform: EU Funding & Tenders Portal – Submission service
4. 4Two-stage process using Concept Note then Full Application, as indicated by Annex A1 and Annex A2

Templates and application structure

Applicants must use the official templates. The following documents shape the application content and due diligence requirements:

• Annex A1 – Grant Application Form: Concept Note. Initial outline of the proposed action addressing relevance to the call’s objectives in Somalia, target groups, expected results, and indicative approach.
• Annex A2 – Grant Application Form: Full Application. Comprehensive technical proposal invited after Concept Note evaluation; expands on methodology, detailed activities, work plan, team and management, risk management, monitoring and evaluation, sustainability, and added value.
• Annex B – Budget. Detailed cost breakdown and justification aligned with NDICI eligibility of costs and any co-financing rules defined for the call.
• Annex C – Logical framework. Results framework with objectives, outcomes, outputs, indicators, baselines, targets, means of verification, and assumptions/risks, structured for civil society and human rights outcomes in Somalia.
• Annex D – Identification Forms. Separate forms for public law bodies and for entities with private or public legal form; used to verify legal status and eligibility.
• Annex F – PADOR offline registration form. Entity data capture for EuropeAid registration and due diligence when needed.
• Annex G – Standard grant contract. Contractual terms and conditions that will govern awarded grants, including implementation, reporting, and payment modalities.
• Annex H – Declaration of honour on exclusion and selection criteria. Mandatory declaration covering non-exclusion, financial and operational capacity, and compliance aspects.
• Annex J – Information on the tax regime applicable to grant contracts. Guidance on taxation applicable to EU-funded actions under the call.
• Annex L – Self-evaluation questionnaire on SEA-H. Safeguarding and protection related self-assessment, where applicable, to ensure compliance with EU standards.

Evaluation and compliance considerations

While detailed award criteria are provided in the Guidelines for Applicants, applicants should expect standard EuropeAid evaluation dimensions including relevance to the priorities in Somalia, effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed approach, sustainability and impact on women’s economic empowerment and human rights protection, operational and financial capacity, and cost-effectiveness as evidenced in the budget and logical framework. Compliance with NDICI 2021–2027 eligibility, exclusion criteria, and safeguarding requirements as evidenced by Annex H and Annex L is mandatory.

Practical notes for applicants

• Register and apply via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Use the Submission service linked on the opportunity page.
• Observe the two-stage sequence: submit Annex A1 Concept Note by the deadline; only shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit Annex A2 Full Application.
• Prepare the logical framework (Annex C) and ensure alignment between results, indicators, and the budget (Annex B).
• Complete the appropriate Annex D Identification Form depending on whether the applicant is a public law body or another type of legal entity.
• Complete the Declaration of Honour (Annex H) and, if required, the SEA-H self-evaluation (Annex L).
• Consult the Eligibility NDICI 2021–2027 document and the Guidelines for Applicants for nationality, origin, and co-financing rules.

Summary explanation

This EU Action Grants call funds projects in Somalia that empower women economically through inclusive market participation and reinforce civil society’s role in protecting human rights. With a total envelope of €3,816,000, the call expects practical, implementation-focused actions supported by a results-based logical framework and a detailed budget. Applications proceed in two steps, starting with a Concept Note and, if preselected, followed by a Full Application using the official templates. Eligibility and participation conditions are governed by NDICI 2021–2027 rules and the Guidelines for Applicants. The opportunity is suitable for civil society organizations and other eligible legal entities operating in or for Somalia, aiming to deliver measurable improvements in women’s economic inclusion and civil society human rights protection capacities. Applicants should ensure strong alignment with the Somalia focus, clear outcomes with indicators, robust safeguards, and compliance with all annexed administrative and contractual requirements, submitting via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by the published deadline.

Footnotes

1. 1Official call page: Support to civil society and human rights in Somalia – EuropeAid at the EU Funding & Tenders Portal Opportunity page.

Overview

This action grant under EuropeAid supports civil society initiatives in Somalia focused on strengthening women's economic empowerment, inclusive market participation, and civil society capacity to protect human rights. The programme is managed by the Delegation of the European Union to Somalia and falls under the NDICI 2021-2027 framework.

Total available budget:€3,816,000. Grants range from a minimum of €305,000 to a maximum of €850,000 per project.

Key Dates:Published: 11 March 2026. Deadline: 28 April 2026 at 12:00:20 UTC. Status: Open for submission.

Objectives and Focus Areas

The initiative aims to promote inclusive development, human rights protection, and economic participation for women and marginalized groups in Somalia. It emphasizes community development, gender equality, and strengthening local institutions.

• Women's economic empowerment and entrepreneurship
• Inclusive market participation and access to economic opportunities
• Strengthening civil society capacity for human rights protection
• Community empowerment, civic engagement, and social inclusion
• Gender-responsive policy advocacy and leadership development for women
• Local governance, social accountability, and community development initiatives

Eligibility and Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants are non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international nonprofit organizations, civil society organizations, and community-based organizations worldwide. Applicants must demonstrate experience in implementing development or human rights projects in challenging environments like Somalia.

Geographical focus:Somalia. Applications must align with EU eligibility rules under NDICI 2021-2027, including compliance with exclusion and selection criteria.

Funding Details and Structure

Funding supports large-scale development initiatives with flexible allocations depending on project scope, impact, and scale. Detailed budget requirements are outlined in Annex B.

Application Process and Requirements

1. 1Review full Guidelines for Applicants and Eligibility NDICI 2021-2027 documents.
2. 2Prepare Concept Note using Annex A1 (initial stage).
3. 3If shortlisted, submit Full Application using Annex A2.
4. 4Include required annexes: Budget (Annex B), Logical Framework (Annex C), Identification Forms (Annex D), PADOR form (Annex F), Declaration of Honour (Annex H), and others as applicable.
5. 5Submit via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal submission service.

Language:English. All documents dated 11 March 2026 are available for download from the official portal, including the Standard Grant Contract (Annex G) and information on tax regime (Annex J). Self-evaluation on SEA-H (Annex L) required.

Official Portal:Access details, documents, and submit at EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Additional Context

This opportunity aligns with broader EU support to Somalia amid humanitarian challenges, including drought, conflict, and food insecurity. It complements other EU funding streams but is specifically for civil society action grants¹.

Applicants should note the strategic importance of civil society in Somalia for stability, women's empowerment, and rights protection. Experience in community-based interventions is advantageous.

Footnotes

1. 1Secondary sources confirm focus areas and grant ranges; primary authoritative details from EU portal.