CERV-2026-DAPHNE: EU Grants to Prevent and Combat Gender-Based Violence and Violence Against Children
The European Union has opened the CERV-2026-DAPHNE Call for Proposals under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme to support organisations preventing and combating gender-based violence and violence against children.
Overview
The CERV-2026-DAPHNE Call for Proposals is an EU funding opportunity designed to support organisations working to prevent and combat gender-based violence and violence against children. Backed by an estimated €21 million total budget, the call addresses priorities such as victim support, prevention strategies, child protection systems, legal frameworks implementation, and capacity building for grassroots civil society.
Applicants must carefully choose the specific priority that aligns with their project, as each proposal can address only one of the following topics:
- Priority 1 (CERV-2026-DAPHNE-REGRANTING): Supporting intermediary and grassroots civil society organisations.
- Priority 2 (CERV-2026-DAPHNE-PROTECTION): Protecting and supporting victims and survivors of gender-based violence.
- Priority 3 (CERV-2026-DAPHNE-PREVENTION): Preventing gender-based violence.
- Priority 4 (CERV-2026-DAPHNE-CONVENTION-DIR): Supporting the EU Directive on violence against women and the Istanbul Convention.
- Priority 5 (CERV-2026-DAPHNE-CHILDREN): Strengthening integrated child protection systems.
Eligibility
This funding opportunity is intended for legal entities and institutions rather than individuals. Eligible participants include non-profit civil society organisations, NGOs, women's rights groups, child protection entities, research organisations, international bodies, and public authorities, depending on the specific priority rules.
Consortium and applicant requirements vary by priority:
- Priority 1: Single applicant or consortium; requires at least three years of recent proven experience in CSO capacity building.
- Priorities 2, 3 & 5: Generally require a consortium of at least two eligible applicants. Priority 5 also mandates an appropriate child protection policy.
- Priority 4: Lead applicant must be a public authority at the national, regional, or local level.
Benefits
Selected projects receive financial support depending on their chosen priority:
- Priority 1 Grants: Minimum of €1 million up to a maximum of €2.5 million, with a 36-month duration.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Beneficiaries must register in the Participant Register before submitting proposals.
Interested entities can review topic details and apply through the official links corresponding to each priority:
- Priority 1: Regranting
- Priority 2: Protection
- Priority 3: Prevention
- Priority 4: Convention Directive
- Priority 5: Children
Deadline
The deadline listed on the Funding & Tenders Portal is 5 November 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time. Because some call documents may reference an earlier date, applicants should verify the live deadline directly on the Portal prior to submission.