Supports rights, equality, and democratic participation in society.
The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme is a European Union funding programme aimed at protecting and promoting rights and values as enshrined in the EU Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The programme focuses on supporting civil society organisations active at local, regional, national, and transnational levels to develop open, rights-based, democratic, equal, and inclusive societies based on the rule of law. The programme has four strands: Equality, Rights and Gender Equality; Citizens' Engagement and Participation; Daphne (fighting violence, including gender-based violence); and Union Values (protecting and promoting Union values). The total budget for the programme from 2021 to 2027 is €1.56 billion. To receive funding, projects must contribute to the effective implementation of Union law instruments and policies, improve public awareness and knowledge about rights and values, and have a transnational impact. Recent calls for proposals include initiatives to prevent and combat gender-based violence and violence against children, promote gender equality, and support the protection of whistleblowers. Recent projects and organisations that have been financed include those focusing on gender equality, combating violence against children, and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities. However, specific details on typical project financing amounts are not readily available. Organisations established in EU Member States and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) are eligible to apply for funding under the CERV programme.