CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS IN ARMENIA
CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS IN ARMENIA
Project: Building Resilience in the Eastern Neighbourhood II (BREN II)
Call type: Open competition
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Who can apply: |
Any registered Civil-Society Organisation (CSO) including media in Armenia |
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Closing date: |
Monday, 22 June 2026, 23:59 Yerevan time |
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Grant size |
GBP 40,000-80,000 |
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Funding model |
Activity-based grants |
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Project length |
Up to 11 months (shorter projects are also acceptable) Project implementation is expected to begin in the second half of July. all projects must finish by 14 May 2027 |
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Estimated awards |
Maximum 5-7 grants |
1. Background & Strategic Objectives
For its upcoming project cycle, BREN II will adopt a revised thematic focus aligned with evolving UK strategic priorities relating to regional stability, resilience, and emerging security challenges. Greater emphasis will be placed on strengthening human security and supporting actors operating in increasingly complex and sensitive environments, including in relation to information-related challenges where appropriate. The intention is to ensure that interventions remain relevant, targeted, and responsive to the evolving regional context
The UK-funded Building Resilience in the Eastern Neighbourhood (BREN II) programme supports civil-society action aimed at strengthening human security across the Eastern Neighbourhood, particularly for women and other underrepresented groups.
For 2026 - 2027 in Armenia, every project must address at least one thematic priority below and apply a resilience, information integrity, and public trust approach.
2. Thematic Priorities for Armenia
Women, Peace and Security (WPS): support initiatives that advance inclusive peacebuilding, human security, and institutional resilience in Armenia, including activities linked to the implementation and localisation of the Armenian National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325. This may include engagement with local and central authorities, particularly in vulnerable and border regions outside Yerevan, to strengthen inclusive security governance and community-level peacebuilding. Particular emphasis should be placed on promoting women’s meaningful participation in peace, security, and decision-making processes.
Human Security, Institutional Resilience: projects should focus on advancing human security by strengthening the ability of institutions and communities to respond to emerging risks and pressures. This includes enhancing institutional responsiveness, transparency and accountability, while supporting dialogue and cooperation between citizens, civil society, civic information providers, and state actors, particularly in contexts of heightened uncertainty or societal pressure. Activities should aim to improve institutional engagement with communities, promote open and evidence-informed decision-making, and enhance capacities to respond effectively to evolving challenges.
Projects may also support initiatives that strengthen access to credible and reliable public information, reinforce adaptive and resilient civic engagement approaches, and enhance coordination, knowledge sharing and collaboration among civil society organisations, civic information providers, community stakeholders, and public institutions. Emphasis should be placed on locally led initiatives that reinforce civic participation – including among youth – and contribute to more resilient relationships between communities and public institutions.
Social Cohesion, Public Trust and Inclusive Engagement: projects should focus on promoting social cohesion and fostering public trust across communities and between citizens and institutions. This includes supporting inclusive participation, dialogue and community engagement, particularly among youth and underrepresented groups. Activities should aim to address polarisation, reduce fragmentation and support locally led initiatives that build mutual understanding and contribute to constructive public discourse, including through collaboration between civil society, community actors, and civic information platforms.
Across all thematic areas, proposals should demonstrate how Gender Equality, Social Inclusion and conflict-sensitive approaches will be integrated into project design and implementation. Particular consideration should be given to the meaningful participation of women, youth and underrepresented or vulnerable groups, including in local decision-making, community engagement and resilience-building processes.
Eligible Activities
IWPR will consider projects that concentrate on one or more of the following:
Production of materials – development of research, analytical reports, educational resources, and communication or media outputs.
Advocacy and policy engagement – engagement with government, local authorities, and community institutions to promote evidence-based policy dialogue and reform.
Awareness-raising and public outreach – campaigns, events, and initiatives to promote public understanding and engagement on key issues.
Community engagement – initiatives aimed at building knowledge, skills, and participation among vulnerable and underrepresented groups (including women, minorities, IDPs, and youth).
Capacity strengthening – organisational development, including training, mentoring, and technical support for civil society organisations, independent media, and relevant stakeholders.
Strongly encouraged to apply
Groups outside Yerevan, especially in border regions
Newly formed organisations
Joint applications
Partnerships are welcome, particularly those that:
Link capital-based and regional CSOs
Combine different areas of expertise
Pair CSOs with media organisations
3. Organisational Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Respect for democratic values and human rights
- Commitment to information integrity and ethical standards
- Ability to identify, analyse, and mitigate risks
- Transparent project and financial management
- Willingness to learn and share with peer grantees
- Impartiality, with no partisan or politically focused programming
- A clear sustainability plan for post-grant impact
4. Application Package
Email the following documents (email subject: BREN II-ABPG-2026-ARM-[Org Acronym]) to [email protected]:
- Application Form (max 10 pages)
- Detailed Budget (Excel)
- Annexes
Registration certificate
Latest financial statement (audited or unaudited)
Organisational chart / staffing list
Safeguarding policy or signed commitment
5. Evaluation & Selection
There will be a two-stage evaluation process of applications. In the first stage, applications will be shortlisted by IWPR based on the following criteria:
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Assessment |
Points |
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The proposal is clear and detailed; all required documentation is in place; and the proposed project is clearly in line with the BREN programme’s thematic priorities |
8-10 points |
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The proposal is mostly clear and contains sufficient information; most key documentation is in place; and the proposed project is broadly in line with the BREN programme’s thematic priorities. |
5-7 points |
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The proposal is unclear, or documentation is missing, or the thematic focus does not align with the BREN programme’s thematic priorities. |
1-4 points |
IWPR may request clarifications from the organisations in the shortlisting stage. Proposals with a score of at least 5 points will be submitted to the selection panel for full review.
Final Selection
The selection panel, which consists of representatives from IWPR and the UK Embassy in Armenia, will assess proposals based on the set criteria as described in the below table. Applicants with the highest scores will be selected for funding. Funding will be contingent on vetting processes.
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Nr. |
Criteria |
Maximum points |
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1. |
Alignment of proposal with call objectives The project design is clearly aligned with the objectives outlined in this call and proposes adequate solutions to the relevant challenges in Armenia. It builds on already existing activities and adds value. |
30 |
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2. |
Technical approach Proposed project design presents a clear situation analysis, and identifies objectives, outputs, and activities of the project, which are coherent to one another. The project can be implemented with moderate risks |
30 |
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3. |
Organisational resilience The project demonstrates that implementing the project is in the organisation’s interests and will help the organisation become more resilient. |
20 |
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4. |
Cost evaluation The project budget is clear and corresponds to the technical approach. The included costs are reasonable and necessary to achieve the project objectives. |
20 |
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Maximum total technical scoring: |
100 |
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6. Application Process & Timeline
Interested organisations should complete and submit application and budget forms to [email protected].
Applications may be submitted in English or Russian (English preferred; language choice does not affect award decisions).
We encourage narrative and financial proposals to be written and prepared by organisational staff. Where AI is used, please indicate when and where this is used; we request this is kept to a minimum and used in an ethical and responsible manner.
Questions? Contact our Armenia Country Coordinator [email protected] . Replies will be provided until 19 June 2026.
Two information sessions about this grant call will take place on 16 June 2026 and 19 June 2026. You can register through the following Zoom links:
7. About IWPR & BREN II
The Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) is an international non-profit that builds peace and democracy through free media and empowered civil society (iwpr.net).
The Building Resilience in the Eastern Neighbourhood II (BREN II) project is implemented by the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
We look forward to receiving your innovative proposals that advance resilience, information integrity, and public trust in Armenia.