Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) – Sub-granting for Small Support to Local CSOs working in the areas of Human Rights and Media for Implementation of Activities / Workshop

Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) – Sub-granting for Small Support to Local CSOs working in the areas of Human Rights and Media for Implementation of Activities / Workshop 

Background The Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD) is a board-led, non-profit, non-governmental, civil society organization registered under the Authority for Civil Society Organizations with registry number 4307, according to the Civil Societies Law 1113/2019. CARD acquired its legal personality on 24 July 2019. CARD aspires to see Ethiopia being a place where human rights are respected and democratic culture flourished. Since its foundation, CARD has been operating with a mission of advancing conducive civic, media, and digital space for the respect of human rights and cultivation of democratic mass culture in Ethiopia. Under its Civic Engagement Program, CARD, with funding from Agence Française de Développement (AFD), is implementing The Civil Society Innovation Fund Phase II (CSIF II) project titled “Strengthening Collaboration for Rights, Empowerment and Democracy.” CARD is implementing a component of this three-year project that focuses on providing small sub-grants to three selected CSOs to strengthen their programmatic capacity. This initiative aims to support and empower CSOs and media associations in their efforts to promote and protect human rights, foster a strong culture of human rights awareness, advocacy, and democratic practice within these organizations through the implementation of targeted projects. To this end, CARD invites human rights–centered CSOs and/or media associations to submit an expression of interest/project proposals that aligns with the promotion of human rights and democracy for funding the implementation of a few activities. Granting Period: January 1, 2026- March 30, 2026 Number of grantees: 3 Subgrant Application Template (Click here to download) Sub grant Application Template.docx Application Guidelines & Selection Criteria Application Guidelines Interested CSOs are invited to submit a proposal using the above template. Proposals must: ●Include a clear methodology, implementation plan, and budget ●Be written in English Maximum 5–7 pages, excluding attachments ●Be submitted before the deadline by email to: apply@cardeth.org ●Include all required supporting documents Essential Requirements Applicants (The human rights organization/media association) must: ●Be recently established (after 2021) and legally registered with a valid operating license ●Have legal receipts and documents for activity to be performed under the project proposed. ●Have presence or ability to implement in the target region ●Plan the budget between 200,000 and 266,000 Ethiopian birr Evaluation criteria: Selection of applicants will be held based on requirements and eligibility criteria listed below and shortlisting of applicants will be done by three member juries at CARD. No List of criteria Percentage 1 Human rights organization or Media/ Journalists Association 10% 2 Have registry and legal documents 10% 3 Clarity of the proposal and thematic area in line with the call for proposal 30% 4 Feasibility of the activities listed under the proposal 30% 5 Clear budget not exceeding the stated amount on the call 10% 6 Year of Establishment - Established in accordance with the Civil Societies Law 1113/2019 10% Application Process Interested and qualified applicants are required to submit their proposal and a letter of interest to apply@cardeth.org by December 12, 2025 (COB). The email subject line should read: “Application for Sub-granting for Small Support to Local CSOs.” Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.