The aim with Demos is to establish networks and facilitate meetings between civil society organisations. The programme fosters cross-border engagement between the Nordic countries and contributes to a good understanding of language and culture in the Nordics. The partnerships will help the Nordic Region on its way to becoming the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030.
A strong and dynamic 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 of political organisations.
The Demos funding programme will expand in 2024 to include additional categories and broaden the groups of grant recipients. Starting next year, funding can be sought for Nordic meetings and networks, cultural collaboration, education, knowledge sharing, and efforts to enhance language understanding. The funding modules are currently in development, and more information will be published later on.
Application periods
What is eligible for funding?
Demos funds projects and networks in which civil society comes together and participates in cultural, political, or social activities.
Projects eligible for funding include:
- joint meetings, conferences, workshops, staff exchanges, and joint training
- facilitation and exchange of ideas and knowledge between different civil society organisations in the Nordic Region
- sharing resources and expertise for opinion-driven initiatives or co-operating on joint events
New for 2023 is that children’s and young people’s co-operation in sport is also eligible for Demos funding. In the 2023 application round, an amount has been specially earmarked for the promotion of sports exchanges for children and young people in the Nordic countries. Funding can be applied for as part of the regular application round. The application period runs from 14 August to 14 September.
Projects not eligible for funding:
- commercial projects or commercial activities intended to generate a financial profit
- regular operations, that is to say operating expenses necessary to run the organisation (e.g. production costs, purchase of equipment and furniture, or payment of salaries that aren’t directly linked to the project or activities that form part of the application)
- activities that have already been completed (the earliest start date for activities funded by the programme is 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.
Demos funds projects in which at least three Nordic countries are participating.
- Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Åland are considered as separate countries in this context.
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). Although the project may cover additional partners who do not operate in the Nordic Region, at least three Nordic countries must be represented. The partner is considered to represent the country or area in which the organisation is registered. Projects can be implemented in one or more of these countries.
Please note that private individuals cannot apply for funding.
How much funding can we get?
The requested amount can be between EUR 4,000 and EUR 20,000. The total funding from Demos and other similar Nordic institutions may not exceed 85% of the budget. Other Nordic organisations include the Nordic Culture Fund and NordPlus. A minimum of 15% of the total project funding must come from another source.
Co-funding can consist of in-kind financing, i.e. the value of goods or services can be taken into account in the budget. Voluntary work may also be credited in the budget as in-kind financing. The calculations must be itemised in the application’s budget, and the amount must be considered reasonable in relation to the project as a whole.
Create a good budget Example of budget appendix for editing (Excel)How are applications assessed?
The overall goals and a definite timetable must be clearly defined and included in the application. An assessment is made based on the above criteria and the degree to which the project successfully conveys the following:
Vision 2030
The project contributes to delivering Vision 2030, which is the Nordic prime ministers’ vision for the Nordic Region to be the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030.
Quality and long-term perspective
The aim of the activities must be to develop collaboration and/or new ways of working together. The funding must contribute to the forging of new contacts within the field and to the establishment of contact with other organisations. It is an advantage if the project lays the foundation for more long-term collaborations in Nordic civil society.
Communication
In addition to good internal communication, the project is expected to make its work accessible to others and disseminate information in a transparent manner.
Sustainable development, gender equality, and a children’s rights and youth perspective
The project must promote one or more of these themes in accordance with the guidance of the Nordic Council of Ministers. Sustainable development, gender equality, and a children’s rights and youth perspective must permeate the Nordic Council of Ministers’ work as a whole in the delivery of Vision 2030.
Please note that the application deadline for all programmes is at 15:59, Finnish time (GMT +02:00).
Frequently asked questions about the funding programmes Preview application form Go to the application portal
