FAQ

Based on our recent webinars held on November 21st, December 4th and December 12th, we have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions from civil society actors interested in applying for funding from the New Democracy Fund through our latest ENC call for Strengthened Regional Networks and Cross-thematic Partnerships.

Questions about general eligibility

Q: Is it necessary to have a registered NGO to apply, or can I apply without an officially registered NGO?
A: No, individuals are not eligible to apply for this call. 

Q: Can we apply whilst we are in the process of registering?
A: The applying organisation/entity must be registered, and the registration certificate should be shared with the application. 

Q: In Azerbaijan, we typically do not have independent NGOs (most are government-affiliated). Is it possible to apply without being formally registered?
A: No, but it is possible to apply as a Civil Society Actor from Azerbaijan and Belarus working in exile in a country outside of the Eastern Neighbourhood Region. Projects can focus on civil society in the Eastern Neighbourhood Region and/or civil society communities in exile. 

Q: Considering the Georgian situation (agent law) can an individual (one person) without legal entity registration apply for the call?
A: No, individuals are not eligible to apply for this call. 

Q: Can an organisation outside Georgia apply in December with a Georgian partner?
A: Yes, if the partner is either from another ENC country or from Denmark. 

Q: Is a university an eligible partner organisation?
A: Yes, Civil society actors are broadly defined as civil society organisations, social movements, media, academia, trade unions, as well as community-based groups and organisations, including cultural, educational, and knowledge institutions. 

Q: Are we eligible for a grant if we are ENC citizens working on projects for ENC citizens, but are based in the Czech Republic?
A: Civil Society Actor from Azerbaijan or Belarus operating from exile are eligible. 

Q: Is a private higher education institution eligible to apply?
A: A private higher education institution can apply if they operate as a non-profit entity.   

Q: We are an NGO from Romania and developed a project in Moldova last year. This year, we are in the process of establishing a presence in Moldova and would like to apply for funding to further develop our project. Would it still be possible for us to act as the lead applicant, or would we need to collaborate with or designate a lead applicant based in Moldova?
A: Your organisation is not eligible to apply as the organisation is not registered in Moldova.  Under the regional call, the following partnerships are eligible for support 

How do you define a “Cross Country Partnership”?: One CSO from the ENC (Lead applicant) in partnership with minimum one other civil society actor from at one other ENC country or Denmark. The proposed project should align with minimum one of NDF’s themes  

How do you define a “Cross Thematic Partnership”?: One CSO from the ENC (Lead applicant) in partnership with minimum one other civil society actor from the same ENC country. The proposed project should align with minimum two of NDF’s themes 

Questions about partnership requirements

Q: Is it a requirement to apply with a Danish partner?
A: No, a Danish partner is not a requirement for this call. However, it is a requirement to apply with a partner either within: 

1. Cross Country Partnership, which entails one CSO from the ENC (Lead applicant) in partnership with minimum one other civil society actor from at one other ENC country or Denmark. The proposed project should align with minimum one of NDF’s themes.
2. Cross Thematic Partnership, which entails one CSO from the ENC (Lead applicant) in partnership with minimum one other civil society actor from the same ENC country. The proposed project should align with minimum two of NDF’s themes (see below).

Q: Can a Danish organisation apply as lead applicant?
A: No, a Danish organisation cannot apply as lead applicant but may join as project partner with a lead applicant from the ENC. 

Q: Can a Danish organisation act as the lead partner in terms of managing the financial aspects of the project?
A: No, the lead applicant is responsible for the financial aspects of the project. 

Q: Does NDF support the networking of Danish potential partners with applicants from Eastern Partnership?
A: As of now, no networking opportunities are planned but sign up for the NDF newsletter. 

Q: Can individual Danish consultants apply instead of a Danish NGO as a partner?
A: No, individuals are not eligible to apply for this call. 

Q: Are two partners from the same Eastern Partnership country (Ukraine) eligible to apply for a grant of €53,000?
A: Yes, two partners from the same ENC country can apply within a Cross Thematic Partnership: One CSO from the ENC (Lead applicant) in partnership with minimum one other civil society actor from the same ENC country. The proposed project should align with minimum two of NDF’s themes. See more information here: New Call for ENC: Strengthened Regional Networks and Cross-thematic Partnerships 

Q: Would it be eligible for two media organisations, one from Moldova and one from Belarus in exile, to apply for a project?
A: Yes, that is possible within the Cross-Country Partnership: One CSO from the ENC (Lead applicant) in partnership with minimum one other civil society actor from at one other ENC country or Denmark. The proposed project should align with minimum one of NDF’s themes, which you can see here: New Call for ENC: Strengthened Regional Networks and Cross-thematic Partnerships  

Q: Can a non-governmental media organisation apply jointly with a commercial organisation, such as an IT start-up, if both are based in the same country?
A: Yes. An application can be developed under the Cross Thematic Partnership: One CSO from the ENC (Lead applicant) in partnership with minimum one other civil society actor from the same ENC country. The proposed project should align with minimum two of NDF’s themes  

Q: Is it possible to receive assistance in finding a co-partner?
A: We encourage applicants to explore cooperation within the same country or within the same region, where ENC applicants would have the best knowledge of suitable partners to cooperate with. If not successful, you can reach out to NDF. 

Questions about project scope and thematic areas

Q: Are NGO’s working with LGBTQIA+ rights eligible to apply for this call?
A: Yes, NGO’s working with LGBTQIA+ rights are eligible to apply for this call. 

Q: Our project combines artistic and social research and involves colleagues who have been studying migration for a long time. We find it beneficial to organise workshops, exhibitions, and panel discussions with Ukrainian and Danish researchers. Would it be possible to organise different types of activities?
A: Yes, that is possible, as long as your proposed project addresses key priorities of the call as outlined here: New Call for ENC: Strengthened Regional Networks and Cross-thematic Partnerships 

Q: Is it possible to apply with projects connected with mental health and art?
A: Yes, that is possible, as long as your proposed project addresses key priorities of the call as outlined here: New Call for ENC: Strengthened Regional Networks and Cross-thematic Partnerships 

Q: We are a mass media organisation, and our main output is publications. Does this align with NDF’s “media” theme?
A: Yes, Civil society actors are broadly defined as civil society organisations, social movements, media, academia, trade unions, as well as community-based groups and organisations, including cultural, educational, and knowledge institutions. 

Q: Would conflict mediation fall within the scope of interest for this call?
A: Yes, as long as the proposed project addresses key priorities of the call as outlined here: New Call for ENC: Strengthened Regional Networks and Cross-thematic Partnerships. 

Q: Do you plan to support projects aimed at strengthening democracies through investigative journalism in the future?
A: The current call would be able to support such a project as long as the project addresses key priorities of the call as outlined here: New Call for ENC: Strengthened Regional Networks and Cross-thematic Partnerships. 

Q: The Georgia call states that Civil Society Actors can apply for support for activities as well as operational support. Could you clarify what qualifies as operational support?
A: Operational costs include budget items such as salaries & rent. Please also take a look at the budget template, which is attached to this call.  

Q: Are there any specific methodologies for activities that you recommend?
A: No, but the application and results framework forms within the grant platform sets a frame for what is required. 

Q: What is the definition of “less experience” for the purposes of applying for €13,400? How can we determine if our organisation meets this criterion?
A: If your organisation has vast experience managing grants above EUR 13.400 it would be considered experienced. Less experiences organisations are those, that have no experience or very little managing grants above EUR 13.400.

Q: Can you recommend a web resource that lists Danish NGOs working across different thematic areas?
A: Globalt Fokus – Our members

Q: Where can we access additional information on topics such as culture, youth, media, and the labour market?
A: Our work at The New Democracy Fund | The New Democracy Fund newdemocracyfund.org 

Questions about budget and funding

Q: What is the maximum amount that applicants can apply for in this call?
A: The maximum amount to be applied for in this call is: EURO 53,000 / DKK 400,000. 

Q: Is co-funding a requirement?
A: No, co-funding is not a requirement for this call. 

Q: Is there a limit for admin costs?
A: The limit is 7 % (pending volume of salary and operational costs, applicants may be requested to reduce the admin. cost).

Q: Can salaries be included in the budget?
A: Yes, salaries can be included in the budget. Please see the budget template, which has a specific provision for salaries.

Q: Is a newly registered NGO with an experienced team in project management eligible to apply for the full amount grant (EURO 53,000)?
A: Yes, new NGOs are eligible to apply. Please describe and document the capacity of your team in your project application. We encourage CSOs with lesser experience to apply for a maximum of EURO 13,400 (DKK 100,000). 

Q: Does the ENC lead partner handle the financial audit for large-scale projects, including cases where a Danish partner is involved and incurs costs?
A: Yes, the lead partner will handle the financial audit. 

Q: Will an audit be required for the project?
A: Audit is required for projects that exceeds DKK 200,000/EUR 26.000 

Q: Will funding be allocated directly to the ENC partner, including for cross-thematic cooperation projects involving both a Danish and an ENC partner?
A: Yes, the lead applicant is responsible for the financial administration of the project. 

Q: Are there restrictions on eligibility for funding if we were recipients of the latest grant scheme?
A: No, but it would be advisable to elaborate how the new proposed project will build on previous experience and impact of previous NDF grants. Please note, that NDF strive to balance the distribution of grants between different civil society actors, thematic areas and countries.   

Questions about application process and timeline

Q: What is the deadline for submission of applications?
A: There is no deadline for this call. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 

Q: How long does it take to process an application from the time it is submitted until the final agreement is signed and funds transferred?
A: NDF aims to review and decide on applications within eight weeks. Following this, the contracting process begins, including applicant assessment, which varies significantly depending on the organization and the contract’s complexity. On average, this phase may take an additional eight weeks. 

Q: Is it realistic to propose a project start at the end of January 2025?
A: NDF strives to process applications as fast as possible, but applicants should be aware that applications need to be thoroughly assessed and prioritised by firstly the NDF assessment team and thereafter the NDF Selection Committee. If the proposed project start date has already passed by the time the application is approved, the project start date will be renegotiated. 

Q: Who is represented in the selection committee?
A: The NDF Selection Committee consists of five independent professional experts. 

Q: Is there a template for the application available on your website?
A: No, but once you sign in to our grant platform, you will be prompted to complete a structured application form before submission. Please note that the application form allows you to save your progress before submitting. 

Q: Does the rolling deadline apply to grants announced in 2024 or to those starting in 2025?
A: The rolling deadline applies to the following two open grants: We support through two funds | The New Democracy Fund newdemocracyfund.org 

Q: Will NDF introduce other funding 
A: Yes. Please sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about future calls. 

Download slides from the webinar

Here, you can download the slides from our latest webinar.

For other questions please contact:

• Info regarding our calls for funding: support@newdemocracyfund.org
• Other inquiries: info@newdemocracyfund.org

Prior to reaching out, we kindly ask you to read through the guidelines from each funding mechanism, which can be found here (Flexible Response) and here (New Cooperation).

To see previously supported projects, click here.