The National Trans Coalition Human Rights NGO (NTC) is pleased to announce an open call for participants for the regional capacity-building program “Strengthening Organizational Preparedness in the Eastern Partnership Region for Defending Civic Space under Pressure.”
Civil society organizations across the Eastern Partnership region continue to play a vital role in advancing human rights, democratic governance, social justice, and support for diverse communities. At the same time, many organizations are operating in increasingly challenging environments characterized by political uncertainty, shrinking civic space, disinformation, online and offline harassment, security threats, and other forms of pressure that can affect their ability to carry out their work safely and effectively.
To respond to these challenges, NTC is launching a regional initiative designed to strengthen the preparedness, resilience, and crisis response capacities of civil society organizations. The program will provide practical tools, knowledge, and peer-learning opportunities to help organizations assess risks, protect staff and volunteers, improve internal systems, and develop effective mechanisms for responding to crises and external threats.
The program is implemented with financial support of the European Union and the German Marshall Fund of the United States Transatlantic Foundation (GMF TF)
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to representatives of civil society organizations, community-based organizations, grassroots initiatives, and civil society networks from the Eastern Partnership region, including:
- Armenia
- Georgia
- Moldova
- Ukraine
Applications from organizations working with marginalized and underrepresented communities are particularly encouraged.
What Does the Program Offer?
The selected participants will take part in a comprehensive learning and peer-exchange process that includes:
- An online launch and networking meeting;
- Six interactive online training sessions;
- A three-day in-person regional workshop;
- Individual mentorship and expert support;
- Development of tailored Organizational Resilience Plans;
- Opportunities for regional networking and peer learning;
- Contribution to a regional Civil Society Resilience Toolkit.
The program will focus on practical topics including:
- Organizational risk assessment;
- Crisis response planning;
- Protection of staff, volunteers, and community members;
- Documentation of threats and attacks;
- Safer communication and information-sharing practices;
- Organizational continuity and resilience during periods of crisis.
Participant Commitments
Selected participants will be expected to:
- Attend all online training sessions;
- Participate in the full in-person workshop;
- Engage in mentorship sessions;
- Develop and finalize an Organizational Resilience Plan for their organization;
- Organize a follow-up knowledge-sharing activity within their organization or community.
Cost Coverage
Participation in the program is free of charge. Travel, accommodation, meals, and workshop-related expenses for the in-person workshop will be covered by the project in accordance with project regulations.
Selection Process
The participants will be selected through a competitive process based on organizational needs, motivation, commitment to participate, and the potential impact of the program on their organizations and communities. The final selection will also seek to ensure diversity in terms of geography, communities represented, gender, age, and organizational background.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: June 20, 2026
Notification of Selected Participants: June 30, 2026
Program Duration: July to October 2026
*In-person workshop will be held in English from September 29 to October 1 in Istanbul, Turkiye.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to complete the online application form here
For questions regarding the program, please contact:
We encourage all eligible civil society organizations across the Eastern Partnership region to apply and join this collaborative effort to strengthen organizational resilience, solidarity, and the capacity of civil society to defend civic space under pressure.