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Rapid support for civil society actors confronting urgent legal, security, or operational threats.
The Civic Emergency Fund provides fast, flexible support to civil society actors facing urgent or escalating pressure that hinders their work in the public interest. It responds to situations that fall outside standard grant mechanisms, providing timely and proportionate support to reduce immediate risk and help organizations and activists continue operating safely in restrictive civic environments. The Fund operates in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
The Civic Emergency Fund supports urgent and proportionate actions that help civil society actors mitigate immediate harm, manage acute pressure, and safeguard their ability to continue operating. Support is tailored to the situation and focused on addressing concrete risks related to legal pressure, safety and security, psychological well-being, and the ability to continue operating.
Urgent legal support aimed at responding to state or institutional actions such as investigations, punitive audits, sudden inspections, SLAPP lawsuits, raids, arrests, detention, or other judicial or administrative measures used to intimidate, obstruct, or silence civic actors.
Protective actions addressing digital and physical safety risks, including threats, intimidation, smear campaigns, and coordinated disinformation, where immediate measures are needed to reduce harm or exposure.
Targeted support to help civil society actors respond to restrictions and attacks on freedom of association, assembly, or expression that threaten their ability to operate, particularly where rapid intervention is needed to prevent forced suspension or longer-term damage.
Psychological or psychosocial support for activists and staff experiencing stress, trauma, burnout, or intimidation as a result of threats, harassment, or prolonged pressure
The Fund is open to civil society actors facing direct pressure or restrictive actions related to their work in the public interest. This includes watchdog organizations, human rights and feminist groups, minority-led initiatives, independent non-profit media, environmental organizations, and groups representing marginalized communities, etc.
Informal groups, movements, and individual activists, including journalists, may also be supported through a fiscal agent (registered organizations) or by direct payment of costs. The Fund prioritizes safety-focused and confidential forms of assistance.
You should consider applying when pressure, threats, or restrictions related to your work create an immediate risk to your safety, well-being, or ability to continue operating and when timely support could prevent escalation or irreversible harm.
The Civic Emergency Fund supports activists, groups and organizations in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.