Supports democracy and civil society through flexible grant-making.
The European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is an independent grant-making organization established in 2013 by the European Union and its member states. It aims to foster democracy in the European Neighborhood, Western Balkans, Turkey, and beyond by supporting civil society organizations, pro-democracy movements, activists, and independent media. EED focuses on advancing democratic values, protecting information integrity, supporting independent media, and improving electoral integrity. It specializes in assisting those who cannot be supported by other donors or existing EU instruments, including newly created or non-registered organizations, informal platforms, and individuals. The organization provides flexible and rapid support, with typical grant requests ranging from €10,000 to €150,000. EED accepts applications on a rolling basis and aims to respond within 12 weeks. Funding is contingent on adherence to democratic values, respect for human rights, and non-violence principles. EED has provided over 2,500 grants since its inception. While specific recent projects are not mentioned, the organization supports a wide range of initiatives, including operational costs for organizations, urgent needs, and activities that promote democracy and human rights. EED's flexibility allows it to adapt to changing circumstances and operate in challenging environments, making it a valuable complement to other EU democracy support programs.