€21 Million in EU Funding to Combat Violence Against Women & Children – CERV Daphne 2026

The European Commission is offering a combined €21 million in grant funding through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Daphne 2026 Programme.

The programme supports organisations developing projects that prevent gender-based violence, protect victims and survivors, strengthen child protection systems and improve responses to domestic violence.

Here's what you can expect:

• €21 million available across the funding call

• Individual project grants generally ranging from €200,000 to €600,000 under four priorities

• Larger grants of approximately €1 million to €2.5 million for eligible intermediary organisations under the regranting priority

• Funding for national and international partnerships

• Support for prevention, protection and survivor services

• Opportunities to improve child safeguarding and protection systems

• Funding for training, awareness raising and institutional cooperation

• Support for grassroots organisations through intermediary funding arrangements

• EU lump-sum grant agreements

What projects can be funded?

The programme has five funding priorities:

1. Supporting Grassroots Civil Society Organisations

Funding for intermediary organisations that distribute financial support to smaller civil society organisations tackling gender-based violence and violence against children.

2. Protecting Victims & Survivors

Projects improving access to specialist services, practical assistance, coordinated protection and long-term support for survivors of gender-based violence.

3. Preventing Gender-Based Violence

Initiatives addressing the causes of violence, challenging harmful attitudes, improving awareness and strengthening prevention measures.

4. Strengthening Responses to Violence Against Women

Projects supporting implementation of European frameworks and legislation aimed at preventing violence against women and domestic violence.

5. Improving Child Protection Systems

Projects strengthening integrated child protection services, professional cooperation and coordinated responses to violence against children.

Who can apply?

Depending on the funding priority, eligible applicants may include:

• Nonprofit organisations

• Registered charities and civil society organisations

• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

• Public authorities and public bodies

• Specialist organisations supporting women and children

• Organisations working on domestic violence prevention

• Child protection organisations

• Eligible international partnerships and consortia

Important eligibility requirements:

• Applicants must be established in a country eligible under the relevant CERV funding topic.

• Projects must directly address one or more of the programme's priorities.

• Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience and organisational capacity.

• Collaborative projects must meet the partnership requirements of their chosen topic.

• Proposals must demonstrate measurable outcomes and meaningful benefits for the communities served.

• Applicants must comply with the European Commission's financial, safeguarding and grant management requirements.

UK applicants: UK-based organisations should not assume they are eligible to lead or receive direct funding. CERV participation rules differ from other European programmes, and applicants must check the specific call conditions before applying.

How does the application process work?

Stage 1 – Choose a Funding Priority

Review the five available funding topics and select the one that best matches the proposed project.

Stage 2 – Check Eligibility

Read the official call document, including geographic eligibility, partnership requirements, eligible activities and grant conditions.

Stage 3 – Prepare Your Proposal

Develop a project plan, expected outcomes, implementation arrangements and detailed budget.

Stage 4 – Submit Online

Applications must be submitted electronically through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Funding: €21 million total programme budget, with individual grant amounts depending on the selected priority.

Applications Opened: 7 July 2026

Application Deadline: 5 November 2026