Community of democracy practitioners and researchers

The main goal of this opportunity is to strengthen and expand a European network focused on democracy, civic participation, and citizenship education. It aims to produce accessible policy recommendations to renew democratic practices at all levels, organize retreats and conferences for policymakers, and design capacity-building activities on inclusive and participatory democracy. The focus areas include promoting diversity and inclusion, countering extremism and disinformation, and supporting innovative deliberation processes. Activities will address challenges to democratic systems and foster knowledge exchange among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. The geographic scope covers EU Member States, Associated Countries, and certain non-associated third countries under specific conditions.

• Eligibility of Participants: Legal entities must be established in eligible countries, including EU Member States, Associated Countries, or certain non-associated third countries.
• Consortium Requirements: Each consortium must include at least one public body with a policy-making role and at least one civil society organization.
• Proposal Page Limit: The main proposal (Part B) must not exceed 33 pages and must include a detailed budget table.
• Project Duration: Projects must last at least 36 months.
• Focus Areas: Projects should build on existing networks and concentrate on democracy, civic participation, and citizenship education.
• Additional Requirements: Proposals must include policy recommendations, capacity-building activities, and networking events aligned with expected outcomes.

Examples:

• A three-year project that brings together a university, a city government, and a civic association to organize annual conferences on democratic innovation and produce policy briefs.
• An initiative led by a national ministry and an NGO to develop and deliver training sessions on inclusive participatory methods for local officials across several countries.
• A collaborative network of researchers and civil society groups working to counter disinformation and extremism through workshops and educational materials, involving both policy-makers and community organizations.

• Personnel costs related to project management and coordination
• Costs for organizing retreats, conferences, and networking events
• Expenses for developing and distributing policy recommendations
• Training and capacity-building activity costs
• Travel and accommodation for project participants
• Communication and dissemination activities
• Materials and supplies needed for project implementation
• Subcontracting of specialized services
• Costs for evaluation and monitoring of project outcomes
• Administrative and overhead costs

Note: All expenses must be included in the lump sum budget. Only costs directly related to the project activities are eligible. Detailed eligibility rules are outlined in the Horizon Europe Programme guidance.

• Budget for this Call: 3.500.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1
• Maximum value per project: 3.500.000€
• Minimum value per project: 3.000.000€

• Applicants must be legal entities established in eligible countries (EU Member States, Associated Countries, or certain non-associated third countries under specific conditions).
• Consortia must include at least one public body with a policy-making role.
• Consortia must include at least one civil society organization.
• Proposals must not exceed 33 pages for Part B and must include a detailed budget table.
• Projects must have a minimum duration of 36 months.
• Applicants must address all required focus areas, such as democracy, civic participation, and citizenship education.
• Only one project will be funded under this opportunity.