LGBT organizations and initiative groups from Eastern Europe and Central Asia are invited to apply for a Small Grants Competition designed to support community-led responses to shrinking civic space, increasing anti-LGBT pressure, and emerging crisis situations.
Objective
The competition aims to support initiatives implemented by LGBT communities that strengthen organizational safety and resilience, protect the rights and well-being of LGBT people, and respond effectively to growing social, political, and legal challenges.
Who Can Apply
Applications are welcome from LGBT organizations and initiative groups based in:
- Azerbaijan
- Armenia
- Georgia
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Tajikistan
- Uzbekistan
Funding Areas
Proposed initiatives may focus on one or more of the following areas:
A. Strengthening the Security of LGBT Organizations and Initiative Groups
- Improving digital, physical, and organizational security
- Risk assessment and crisis preparedness
B. Legal Assistance for LGBT Organizations and Initiative Groups
- Access to legal support and representation
- Addressing legal challenges affecting organizations and activists
C. Responding to Legislative and Policy Changes, Stigmatization, and Disinformation Campaigns
- Monitoring and advocacy activities
- Public information and awareness initiatives
- Countering misinformation and harmful narratives
D. Protection of LGBT Organization Staff and Activists
- Safety and well-being measures
- Emergency support and resilience-building activities
Grant Information
- Number of grants available: 9
- Grant amount: USD 7,000 per project
- Implementation period: July–October 2026 (projects may be implemented in a shorter period if appropriate)
Application Deadline
14 June 2026, 23:59 EET
Organizations and initiative groups interested in applying are encouraged to review the full competition guidelines and application requirements on the ECOM website – ECOM launches small grants call for LGBT organizations in EECA.
