RIZA: First funding call now open

Срок за кандидатстване: до 31.10.2025 г.

Welcome to RIZA: Building European Democracy with Women of Migrant Descent

RIZA – meaning “root” in Greek — is a European Union–funded project that places grassroots civil society organisations (CSOs) at the centre of upholding the fundamental values of the European Union: human dignity, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights. These values, embedded in the EU.

Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, must apply to everyone on EU soil — yet, too often, they remain out of reach for the most marginalised, especially migrant and refugee women.

Led by the European Network of Migrant Women (ENoMW), in partnership with Foundation Pangea (Italy), Monika – Multicultural Women’s Association (Finland) and Melissa Network (Greece), RIZA will support and strengthen 99 small-scale grassroots organisations across all EU Member States over the course of 4 years. Through three funding cycles, the project will deliver financial support and tailored capacity-building to empower grassroots actors working with and for women of migrant background — especially those in the most isolated and under-resourced settings.

RIZA strengthens the capacity of 33 small projects across EU Member States, prioritising those in isolated contexts with the least access to resources and opportunities.

We are pleased to announce the opening of the first funding call (2025), which officially opens on 1 September.

This year we particularly welcome applications form the Nordic-Baltic states in the EU (Finland , Sweden, Estonia , Latvia , Lithuania)

However, applications are open to eligible organisations from all EU Member States.

Available Grants

In the first cycle, 33 grants will be awarded, divided as follows:

15 Micro Grants – €17,778 each

12 Small Grants – €32,778 each

06 Medium Grants – €60,000 each

Grants are 100% funded (no co-financing required). 90% will be disbursed upon signing the grant agreement, with the remaining 10% after completion of the project and training programme.

Allocation process and deadlines :

1) Stage 1: Submission of an online form by 31 October 2025

2) Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates are invited to submit full applications between 17 November and 5 December 2025

Estimated start of awarded projects : January 2026

Who can apply?

NGOs established in an EU Member State

Non-profit, independent of political/religious parties & governments
Minimum 1 year of activities
Annual budget under €300,000
Equal representation of women in governance & leadership
Commitment to EU values & migrant women’s inclusion

Types of Organisations

Migrant, refugee women led organisations with a human right based mission
Grassroots women’s rights organisations with a stand-alone programme supporting migrant women
Migrant, refugee, diaspora led organisations with a stand-alone programme supporting migrant women
Grassroots human rights organisations with a stand-alone programme supporting migrant women

In accordance with the mission and objectives of RIZA, migrant/refugee women led organisations will be prioritised in the selection

Thematic Priorities

Advocating for migrant and refugee women’s rights
Promoting migrant women’s role in democratic dialogue
Leadership in preventing & combating extremism
Activities may include awareness campaigns, advocacy, legal empowerment, community actions, research, and shadow reporting.

MORE INFORMATION