Grant Rounds and Funding Opportunities
The National Foundation of Civil Society (NFCS) provides a range of grant instruments and funding opportunities to support the development, sustainability, and impact of civil society organisations, communities, and active individuals in Estonia.
Our funding schemes address different stages of organisational development, promote innovation and cooperation, strengthen communities, and support international engagement. Below is an overview of our main grant rounds and programmes. Eligibility criteria, application requirements, and schedules vary by programme and are specified in each call.
Organisational Development Grants
Development Leap Preparation Grant (AHE)
This grant supports civil society organisations in analysing their development needs and preparing for the next stage of growth. It enables organisations to develop a clear action plan or business plan in cooperation with their target groups and stakeholders, often with the support of an external development expert.
Target group: Civil society organisations
Focus: Strategic planning, readiness for development
Timing: Typically announced annually
Development Leap Grant (AH)
The Development Leap Grant supports the implementation of organisational development plans. It focuses on strengthening internal capacity in areas such as management, planning, financial sustainability, communication, service development, and operational processes.
Target group: Civil society organisations
Focus: Organisational capacity and long-term sustainability
Timing: Typically announced annually
Innovation and Cooperation
Civil Society Innovation Fund (KIF)
The Civil Society Innovation Fund supports cooperation between communities and local governments. Its aim is to strengthen community-based governance, improve cooperation at the local level, and enhance community safety and resilience through jointly developed solutions.
Target group: Civil society organisations and community initiatives
Focus: Community–local government cooperation, innovation
Scope: Grants allocated by local government areas
Ingenious Solutions Incubator (NULA)
The Ingenious Solutions Incubator (NULA) supports innovative ideas that address pressing social challenges. Through a multi-stage incubator programme, initiatives are developed from early concepts into impactful and sustainable solutions.
NULA is initiated by NFCS and implemented in cooperation with Heateo Sihtasutus.
Target group: Teams and organisations with innovative social ideas
Focus: Social innovation, solution development
More information: www.nula.ee
Community and Individual Capacity
Community Leader Scholarship (KES)
The Community Leader Scholarship supports individuals who wish to contribute actively to the development of their local communities. The scholarship focuses on strengthening leadership skills, knowledge, and long-term engagement, and includes mentoring and cooperation with local partners, including local governments.
Target group: Private individuals engaged in community development
Focus: Leadership, community capacity, personal development
Availability: Scholarships awarded since 2022
International Cooperation and European Programmes
International Cooperation Development Grant Rounds
These grants support civil society organisations in developing their international cooperation capacity. Funding may be used for learning visits, participation in international networks, or inviting foreign experts to Estonia.
Target group: Civil society organisations
Focus: International cooperation, knowledge exchange
Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values (CERV) Programme
NFCS serves as Estonia’s official Contact Point for the European Union’s Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values (CERV) Programme. The programme supports projects that promote EU values, including democracy, fundamental rights, equality, and non-discrimination.
NFCS provides information, guidance, and support to organisations interested in applying for CERV funding. The programme can cover up to 90% of eligible project costs, depending on the call.
Target group: Civil society organisations and public-interest actors
Scope: National and international projects
EU budget: €1.55 billion (2021–2027)
Eligibility and Language Notes
Most NFCS grant rounds are targeted at organisations and individuals operating in Estonia. International partners are typically involved through cooperation projects rather than as direct applicants.
Detailed application guidelines, timelines, and conditions are usually available in Estonian. English-language support is provided where required by international programmes or cooperation frameworks.
Next Steps
- Learn more about cooperation opportunities on our page How to Cooperate With Us
- Contact us with general questions at kysk@kysk.ee
- Follow our work through our news and information channels