Demos is a funding programme for civil society in the Nordic Region. A strong and vigorous civil society is a supporting pillar of Nordic democracy and plays a vital role in giving Nordic citizens the opportunity to channel their voices and interests outside political organisations. Civil society organisations can apply for funding for the formation of networks and in order to meet across Nordic borders.
What activities are funded?
Demos funds projects and networks where civil society comes together and participates in cultural, political, or social activities. This can include facilitating meetings and the exchange of ideas and knowledge between different civil society organisations in the Nordic Region.
For example, a project may entail:
- meetings, conferences, workshops, professional exchange, mutual education
- facilitating meetings and exchange of ideas and knowledge between organisations in the Nordics
Funding cannot be granted to:
- commercial projects or commercial activities that aim to generate a financial profit
- normal operating procedures, such as the purchase of equipment or furniture, or to pay salaries not directly linked to the project
- activities that have already been completed. At the earliest, activities supported by the programme may begin eight weeks after the application deadline
Who can apply?
Funding can be applied for by civil society organisations in all areas of society. Funding can be applied for by associations, foundations, charities, civic organisations, interest organisations, labour organisations, faith communities, social enterprises or co-operatives, and NGOs.
- At least three (3) Nordic countries must participate in the project. In this case, Denmark, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Åland Islands count as Nordic countries.
To be able to apply for funding, the organisation must be established in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Åland). The activity must be carried out by partners from at least three Nordic countries. Funding may cover additional partners who do not operate in the Nordic Region, but only Nordic partners can fulfill the required amount of collaborators.
Please note that individuals cannot apply.
How much support can you apply for?
You can apply between 0–20 000 € from Demos. The total amount applied for from Demos and other similar Nordic institutions may not exceed 85% of your total project costs. Other Nordic organisations include the Nordic Culture Fund and NordPlus. In addition to the sum applied for, at least 15% of the funding must come from another source and may consist of in-kind financing.
“In-kind financing” means the provision of goods or services instead of money, which counts towards project financing. For instance, voluntary work can be included in the budget. The calculations should be specified in the application budget, and the total must be considered reasonable for the completion of the project.
Example of budget appendix for editing (Excel)How is an application assessed?
An assessment is based on the above criteria and how well the project manages to communicate the following. It is an advantage if the application includes focus on any of the following:
Vision 2030
The project will advance the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Vision 2030 by strengthening the Nordic civil society as per goal 11.
Sustainable development, equality, and youth perspective
The project contributes to one or several of the mentioned themes i accordance with the guide provided by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Long-term goals and new partnerships
The project works to form new relationships and/or long-term collaboration within the Nordic civil society.
To submit an application, you need to create a user profile using our electonic portal and answer the questions in the application form.
Please note that the application deadline is at 15:59 Finnish time (GMT +02:00). Projects that are granted funding may commence no earlier than six weeks after the application deadline.
Frequently asked questions about the funding programmes Preview application form Go to the application portal
