The European Commission has officially launched a new funding call under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme to advance gender equality across the Union.
This initiative seeks to empower organizations to implement comprehensive policies that ensure women can fully enjoy their rights and achieve economic independence.
Projects must address one of four critical priorities, including supporting work-life balance, implementing pay transparency, and increasing women’s representation in decision-making.
To avoid duplication, each application can only be submitted under a single topic and must focus on a specific thematic area.
This call is rooted in the “Roadmap for Women’s Rights” and serves as a precursor to the upcoming EU Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030.
By funding these initiatives, the Commission aims to tackle the “gender care gap” and dismantle conscious or unconscious biases in pay structures.
Funded activities range from capacity building for human resources managers to specialized coaching for women entering political leadership.
Organizers also encourage the development of digital tools for pay reporting and campaigns designed to challenge harmful gender stereotypes in media and advertising.
Funding and benefits
The European Commission has allocated an estimated total budget of EUR 23 million for this grant cycle to support high-impact projects.
Individual project teams can request a grant amount starting from a minimum of EUR 100,000 up to a maximum of EUR 500,000.
These awards are provided in the form of lump sum grants, which simplify financial management by reimbursing 90% of the total estimated project costs.
Beyond the capital, successful applicants join a prestigious European network, gaining the opportunity to exchange best practices across borders and scale local innovations.
Application requirements and eligibility
To be eligible for funding, proposals must be submitted by a consortium consisting of at least two legal entities.
While public bodies and non-profits are primary targets, profit-oriented organizations may also apply as long as they partner with a public or non-profit entity.
Applicants must be established in an EU Member State or a country associated with the CERV programme to qualify for consideration.
Projects are expected to have a duration of between 12 and 24 months, focusing on achieving a long-term impact for their target groups.
Furthermore, all project designs must integrate a clear gender perspective and adhere to the highest ethical standards.
Applicants are required to conduct a gender analysis that maps specific needs and ensures the project does not inadvertently reproduce stereotypes.
Deadline
The submission window is currently open, and all applications must be filed electronically via the EU’s Funding & Tenders Portal.
The final deadline for submitting a proposal is April 28, 2026, at 17:00 CET.
Visit the Gender Equality and Care Gap accelerator program page to apply. Explore our global opportunities page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
