Call for Applications by ERIM (Equal Rights and Independent Media) NGO: Grants for countering disinformation and hate speech during electoral processes in Armenia

BACKGROUND

 

ERIM (Equal Rights and Independent Media) is an international NGO based in Lyon, France. We work to strengthen and empower civil society and independent media, to promote human rights and to increase critical thinking.

“ProElect - Promote accountability in Electoral processes in EaP through increased participation and capacity of civic actors” is a regional project run by the Transatlantic Foundation in partnership with ERIM and funded by the European Union. The project aims to ensure that civil society actors in the Eastern Neighborhood are engaged, capable and knowledgeable in monitoring elections and promoting democratic accountability mechanisms.

The purpose of the call is to enhance the capacity of independent media actors and civil society organisations in Armenia to implement electoral observation and monitoring activities, to increase public awareness of disinformation campaigns, to counter hate speech, and to build trust in the electoral process ahead of the 2026 Parliamentary Elections.

You can find more information about ERIM’s mission and vision here and about the project here.

 

 

 

WHO CAN APPLY

 

The call is open to independent media actors and civil society organisations, active in the field of civic engagement, community level support and civic education, that are working to ensure free and credible elections, promote political participation and fight against hate speech and disinformation within the upcoming election cycles in Armenia.

Priority will be given to applications from organisations that have not already received our support under other projects. Applications from political or religious organisations will not be considered.

 

 

WHAT YOU CAN APPLY FOR

 

Grants for raising awareness of and countering disinformation and hate speech during electoral processes. Project proposals may include (but are not limited to) activities that:

●Analyse and counter foreign and domestic disinformation campaigns spread in the electoral context.

●Amplify pro-democratic narratives that highlight how civil society and independent media strengthen democracy.

●Monitor and report on campaign and party financing or the abuse of state resources for electoral purposes.

●Provide a professional, comprehensive and objective assessment of political diversity and balance in the news.

●Support or collaborate with public institutions and/or security experts to enhance the integrity of electoral processes.

● Develop rapid response mechanisms and outreach to counter media manipulations and disinformation that can affect electoral processes and fair elections.

●Strengthen media literacy among voters to help citizens critically assess information, recognise disinformation, and make informed decisions during elections.

●Counter disinformation and political manipulation related to peace processes, EU integration, and democracy that influence the formation of public opinion.

 

These grants can support activities including (but not limited to): Media monitoring, Evidence-based advocacy, Public awareness campaigns, Social media campaigns (including in collaboration with influencers), Trainings, Roundtables and public discussions, Development of fact-checking applications, Piloting AI tools , Artistic and Cultural projects, Media literacy programmes etc.

Projects involving local influencers to raise public awareness of disinformation campaigns and build trust in the electoral process are strongly encouraged.

Capacity Development. Organisations are welcomed to include specific capacity development components, complementary and distinct, so as to be in a stronger position to promote free and fair elections. In this perspective, additional budget (up to 7,000 EUR) may be requested for specific capacity development activities. Such activities may include: consultancy and mentorship; training courses; development or subscription to specialised software or digital tools, etc.

Important: Applicants with a capacity development component included in their proposal are required to submit a brief capacity self-assessment as part of the application package. Please note that the action plan of the project could be flexible and potentially revised with you after selection, taking into account the rapid changes in the electoral environment.

 

 

BUDGET AND DURATION

 

Project grants for countering disinformation may go up to EUR 25,000. Additional budget (up to EUR 7,000) will be available for capacity development.

The minimum duration of a project is 8 months and the maximum duration is 10 months. Projects are expected to start in November 2025 at the earliest.

 

 

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION CRITERIA

 

Minimum Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be registered in accordance with Armenian law.
• Applicants must have been active for the last 2 years, at least.
• Applicants must have at least 2 full-time staff (or equivalent).
• The applicant’s statute and mission must be in line with democratic and human rights principles.
• The applicant must have experience in implementing election-related and/or disinformation  projects.
• The application must be complete (narrative proposal, budget and, if applicable, capacity self-assessment).

Selection criteria:

• Relevance: The applicant intends to implement actions designed to increase public awareness of disinformation campaigns and build trust in the election process.
• Capacity: The organisation has the capacity to implement the project.
• Impact: The expected impact of the project is clearly defined, quantified and in accordance with the needs of selected target groups.
• Activities and Outputs: Project activities contribute to free and fair elections. Innovative approaches and partnerships are encouraged (such as the collaboration with influencers).
• Budget: The proposed budget is cost-efficient and coherent with the planned activities.
• For capacity development: the activities will enhance the organisation’s capacity to promote free and fair elections ahead of the election.

The following are excluded from funding consideration:

• International events/programs/conferences. 
• Equipment, unless a strong justification is provided.

 

 

HOW TO APPLY

The application forms can be requested by email at [email protected] or can be downloaded from here.: 

Applications should be submitted in word, in Armenian or English. They must be sent by email to [email protected] by September 21, 2025, 18:00 local time. Please state in the subject line “ProElect - countering disinformation in Armenia”.

 

An info session is scheduled for September 4 at 15:00 local time. To register, please fill in the form here

 

All questions regarding this call shall be addressed at [email protected]. Questions, comments, and requests for clarification will not be accepted after September 1, 2025. ERIM is not obliged to provide clarifications to questions received after this date.

 

Applications not receiving a response within 45 days of the deadline should be considered unsuccessful.