Nordic Council of Ministers NGO Programme

In October 2006 the Council of Ministers launched a special NGO Programme for the Baltic Sea Region, which funds co-operation between Nordic, Baltic, Polish, Belarusian and Russian NGOs. The programme defines NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) as non-profit, publicly anchored, civic organisations that are neither owned nor controlled by public authorities, nor by private companies, and which have an open and democratic structure.

The NGO Programme for the Baltic Sea Region is based on tripartite co-operation with at least one partner from the Nordic countries, one partner from the Baltic States or Poland, and at least one partner from North-West Russia or Belarus. It will provide funding for activities related to projects designed to boost civic society and cross-border co-operation in the countries around the Baltic Sea.

NGOs fulfilling the criteria are invited to apply for funding for international co-operation projects focusing at capacity building and launching new initiatives with sustainable results. Projects including partners from North-West Russia and Belarus as well as with self financing will be viewed favourably.

So far 43 co-operation projects have been granted funds within areas such as the environment, health and social welfare, young people, equality, the media, education and culture.

The deadline within the spring call of applications  was 23 March 2010.

Additional information, guidelines and the application form