CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Support to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in assisting women, victims of violence against women and domestic violence
VC 3577/2026
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Project |
Supporting the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the Republic of Moldova - Phase II |
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Awarding entity |
Council of Europe |
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Directorate General II: Directorate of Equal Rights and Dignity |
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Funding |
This Call for Proposals is launched within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025-2028 and the project “Supporting the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the Republic of Moldova – Phase II”, which is funded by the Council of Europe and voluntary contributions from donor states |
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Duration |
Project shall be implemented by 31 May 2027. Reporting requirements shall be completed by 30 June 2027. |
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Estimated starting date |
01 September 2026 |
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Issuance date |
01 June 2026 |
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Deadline for applications |
29 June 2026 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
II. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE PROJECT
6. Further to the general objective, preference will be given to:
7. The following types of action will not be considered:
4. Change, alteration and modification of the application file
VI. EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE
VII. NOTIFICATION OF THE DECISION AND SIGNATURE OF GRANT AGREEMENTS
Appendices:
- Appendix I - Application Form
- Appendix II - Provisional budget (Template)
- 
Appendix III - Template Grant Agreement (for information only)
This call for proposals is launched in the framework of the Council of Europe Project “Supporting the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the Republic of Moldova – phase II”, funded under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Moldova 2025–2028.
This call aims to support national and local projects implemented by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in order to provide direct support to women, victims of violence against women and domestic violence, in the Republic of Moldova, using an intersectional approach. In particular, the call focuses on delivering immediate, medium-, and long-term support to women victims of violence, including Roma women, women with disabilities, women from rural areas, older women, LBTI (Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) women, and girls. The supported action should be aligned with values and provisions of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). Project proposals shall aim to produce an added value to the Council of Europe efforts in this domain.
II. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE PROJECT
The purpose of the Project is to support the Moldovan authorities in their implementation of the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, known as the Istanbul Convention.
The project also seeks to strengthen the capacity of key stakeholders involved in preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, protecting the victims, and prosecuting the perpetrators of violence, and advancing towards an effective co-ordination among the relevant stakeholders in line with the Istanbul Convention.
This follow-up project to Phase I is strengthening the progress achieved, addressing any remaining challenges, and ensuring the ongoing integration of the EU standards into national frameworks, in line with the Istanbul Convention.
The phase II project proposes to address the main issues identified by the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO).
Among the findings of the First GREVIO Baseline Report on the Republic of Moldova was, inter alia, the need to empower victims through adequate support and assistance provided by specialist services, addressing all forms of violence covered by the scope of the Istanbul Convention, and to ensure support for all groups of victims, including hard-to-reach groups.
GREVIO highlighted the importance of providing a range of support services, including shelter and safe accommodation, immediate medical assistance, short- and long-term psychological counselling, trauma care, legal counselling, advocacy and outreach services, telephone helplines to direct victims to appropriate services, as well as specialised services for children who are victims or witnesses.
This call for proposals aims to support directly the women victims of violence against women and domestic violence, with special attention to women with disabilities, women from rural areas, Roma women, older women, LBTI (Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) women, and girls. Proposals should consider any international and European gender equality standards, in particular the findings of the First GREVIO Baseline Report on the Republic of Moldova and the provisions of the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.
The indicative available budget under this call for proposals is MDL 600,000 (six hundred thousand MDL). The Council of Europe intends to award 1 (one) grant of amaximum amount up to MDL 600,000 (six hundred thousand MDL).
Subject to availability of funds and extension of the Project initial duration, the Council of Europe reserves the right not to award all available funds, and/or to redistribute the available funds in a different manner depending on the project proposals received and on the outcome of the call for proposals.
The grant will fund projects designed to provide direct support to women - victims of violence (Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (hereinafter VAW/DV)), using intersectional approach. The initiatives will support the implementation of educational programmes, direct and specific interventions at local level, provision of direct services to victims, such as accommodation, immediate medical assistance, short- and long-term psychological counselling, trauma care, legal counselling, advocacy and outreach services, telephone helplines to direct victims to appropriate services, as well as specialised services for mothers with children who are victims or witnesses. Activities will be targeted with focus to women from vulnerable groups: Roma women, migrant women, older women, women with disabilities, women from rural area, LBTI women, from rural areas, girls, etc. Proposals should promote Council of Europe standards through constructive dialogue and evidence-based actions, contributing to the protection of human rights and gender equality, preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence in the Republic of Moldova. By supporting women victims of violence against women and domestic violence the grant contributes to enhancing their protection, access to comprehensive support services, and empowerment, while promoting their right to live free from violence.
Projects should aim to provide concrete, comprehensive and coordinated support to women victims of violence against women and domestic violence, including, where relevant, their children. In particular, proposed actions may include:
1. Provision of safe accommodation and shelter, including emergency and short-term housing solutions for women victims and their children;
2. Access to immediate medical assistance, including referral mechanisms and support in accessing health services;
3. Provision of psychological support, including short- and long-term counselling and specialised trauma-informed care;
4. Delivery of legal counselling and assistance, including information on rights, support in accessing justice, and accompaniment throughout legal proceedings;
5. Advocacy and outreach activities, aimed at identifying and supporting victims, including those from hard-to-reach or marginalised groups;
6. Confidential support, crisis response and referral to appropriate services;
7. Provision of specialised support services for mothers with children, including support for children who are victims or witnesses of violence, and measures addressing their specific needs;
8. Strengthening coordination and referral mechanisms between service providers (healthcare, social services, law enforcement, legal aid, etc.), where relevant.
9. Workshops for the development of life skills and self-confidence for women victims of violence against women and/or domestic violence;
10. Support for socio-economic integration (vocational training, access to the labour market) for women victims of violence against women and domestic violence.
All visibility materials produced within the grant will need to be consulted with and receive approval from the Council of Europe project team, prior to publishing or dissemination.
The activities proposed should be designed with cost-efficiency and outreach in mind, aiming to provide substantial support and information to the widest possible categories of beneficiaries.
If the Grant requires the cooperation of the applicant with local and national authorities, the letters of support will be an asset to the application.
The implementation period of the project should start on 01 September 2026 (see indicative timetable under VIII. below) and shall not extend beyond 31 May 2027.
Reporting requirements shall be completed on 30 June 2027 at the latest.
Projects completed prior to the date of submission of the applications will be automatically excluded. As regard projects started prior to the date of submission of the applications, or prior to the date of signature of the grant agreement, only those costs incurred after the date of submission of the grant application could be eligible (provided the agreement concerned so provides).
Projects should target in particular the following groups:
Key stakeholders:
· Civil society organisations
· Local authorities
· Relevant specialised organisations
· Multi-Disciplinary Teams
Primary target groups/ beneficiaries:
• Women and girls, in particular victims of violence against women and domestic violence
• Hard-to-reach groups, including Roma women, women with disabilities, women from rural areas, LBTI women, young and older women, and migrant women.
Project proposals shall be accompanied by a draft budget (See Template Budget, in Appendix II) amounting to a maximum of MDL 600,000 (six hundred thousand MDL). The estimated budget must be consistent, accurate, clear, complete and cost-effective, in the light of the activities proposed.
Each Grantee shall also be required to contribute to the project either by way of its own resources or by contribution from third parties. Co-financing may take the form of financial or human resources, in-kind contributions or income generated by the action or project.
6. Further to the general objective, preference will be given to:
· Projects/actions proposed by Civil Society Organisations working in the field of violence against women and domestic violence in the Republic of Moldova.
· Project/actions proposed by non-governmental organisations that are directly going to support women - victims of violence and domestic violence;
· Projects/actions strengthening the participation of representatives of women from the vulnerable groups;
· Projects/actions with clear link to the CoE/EU standards and engagement in the Republic of Moldova;
· Projects/actions foreseen to be implemented as a partnership between Civil Society Organisations targeting women-victims of violence.
7. The following types of action will not be considered:
· Projects/actions providing financial support to third parties (re-granting schemes);
· Projects/actions concerning only or mainly individual scholarships for studies or training courses;
· Projects/actions supporting political parties.
The funds for each grant should in principle be distributed as follows:
· 50% will be paid to the Grantee or the Lead Grantee in case of a consortium when the Grant Agreement between the Parties is signed;
· 30% will be paid to the Grantee or the Lead Grantee in case of a consortium based on actual expenditures incurred, and after the presentation and acceptance by the Council of Europe of the first (interim) narrative and financial reports for the Grant implementation;
· the balance will be paid to the Grantee or the Lead Grantee in case of a consortium based on actual expenditures incurred, and after the presentation and acceptance by the Council of Europe of the final narrative and financial reports for the Grant implementation.
· narrative reporting requires a full narrative report on the use made of the grant and a copy of the register of the persons present during each of the activities, including names and signatures of participants;
· financial reporting requires in particular a statement in the currency in which the Grant Agreement will be concluded (local currency), in English, stating the payments made for the implementation of the activities, certified by the responsible financial officer of the Grantees, accompanied by “appropriate original supporting documents” (see below). The Council of Europe reserves the right to ask for summary translations of invoices into English. If for legal reasons the original documents must be retained by the Grantees, certified copies must be submitted with the financial statement.
“Appropriate original supporting documents” refers to signed contracts, invoices and acceptances of work (for all transactions), payment authorisation for all transactions should also be provided in case the Grantees use such practice, and reliable evidence of payment (authorised payment order and bank statement).
As regards round tables / conferences, presenting “appropriate original supporting documents” requires presentation of a programme indicating the title, dates, venue, and agenda of the event; the names of persons facilitating the event, a signed list of participants, the contracts with the owner of venue of the event (e.g. hotel) for the rent of premises, food and beverages of participants, invoices from the owner of the venue of the event for the above services, and a report on the results of the event (see narrative reporting above).
As regards consultancy services, presenting “appropriate original supporting documents” requires presentation of evidence of the outputs produced, contracts with experts and consultants containing a specific description of services to be carried out, invoices produced after the works have been performed and delivered (the specialities of the consultants shall correspond to the nature of activities for which they are contracted).
As regards travel fees / lodging of experts and participants, presenting “appropriate original supporting documents” requires presentation, where relevant, of contracts with a travel agency for travel fees and lodging, invoices of the travel agency indicating destinations, dates, ticket costs, and names of the travelling persons, a programme of the event indicating the names of the experts and signed lists of participants.
The above description is not comprehensive. Any doubt regarding the interpretation of the notion of “appropriate original supporting documents” should lead the Grantee or the Lead Grantee in case of a consortium to consult the Council of Europe.
Each application shall contain:
· the completed and signed Application Form (See Appendix I);
· a provisional budget (using the template reproduced in Appendix II);
· a list of all owners and executive officers, for legal persons only;
· the other supporting documents:
- Statute of the organisation, or the equivalent (to be submitted in Romanian);
- Certificate(s) of registration as a non-profit organisation (to be submitted in Romanian);
- Bank certificate confirming bank details (to be submitted in Romanian);
- Current bank statement (to be submitted in Romanian);
- Plan of work for the proposed project (list of activities);
- Income and expenditure statement – balance sheet - for 2024 and 2025 (to be submitted in Romanian);
- CVs of permanent and temporary staff to be involved in the grant implementation (to be submitted in English);
- Organisation’s portfolio including record and experience in the sphere of prevention and combating violence against women and domestic violence in the Republic of Moldova (to be submitted in English).
- Letter of support on cooperation with authorities and/or other parties involved in the project proposal (it is not mandatory, but it would be considered as an asset);
- Letter of commitment or Memorandum from partner CSOs (only in case of applications as consortium).
Applications that are incomplete will not be considered.
General information can be found on the website of the Council of Europe: Supporting the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the Republic of Moldova – phase II.
Other questions regarding this specific call for proposals must be sent at the latest one week before the deadline for the submission of proposals, in English, and shall be exclusively sent to the following address: [email protected], with the following reference in subject: Grant Proposal VC 3577/2026 - Questions.
The application form, completed and signed by all Grantees, together with the supporting documents, must be submitted in electronic form (Word and/or PDF) to the following e-mail address: [email protected]. Emails should contain the following reference in subject: Grant Proposal VC 3577/2026 - Application.
Applications must be received before 29 June 2026 (at 23:59 Chisinau local time). Applications received after the above mentioned date will not be considered.
4. Change, alteration and modification of the application file
Any change in the format, or any alteration or modification of the original application file, will cause the immediate rejection of the application concerned.
VI. EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE
The projects presented will be assessed by an Evaluation Committee composed of four staff members of the Council of Europe.
The procedure shall be based on the underlying principles of grant award procedures, which are transparency, non-retroactivity, non-cumulative awards, not-for-profit, co-financing and non-discrimination, in accordance with Rule 1374 of 16 December 2015 on the grant award procedures of the Council of Europe.
The applicants, and their projects, shall fulfil all of the following criteria:
Applicants shall be excluded from the grant award procedure where they or, in the case of legal persons, their owner(s) or executive officer(s):
a) have been sentenced by final judgment on one or more of the following charges: participation in a criminal organisation, corruption, fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, terrorist offences or offences linked to terrorist activities, child labour or trafficking in human beings;
b) are in a situation of bankruptcy, liquidation, termination of activity, insolvency or arrangement with creditors or any like situation arising from a procedure of the same kind, or are subject to a procedure of the same kind;
c) have received a judgement with res judicata force, finding an offence that affects their professional integrity or constitutes a serious professional misconduct;
d) do not comply with their obligations as regards payment of social security contributions, taxes and dues, according to the statutory provisions of the country where they are established;
e) are an entity created to circumvent tax, social or other legal obligations (empty shell company), have ever created or are in the process of creation of such an entity;
f) have been involved in mismanagement of the Council of Europe funds or public funds;
g) are included in the lists of persons or entities subject to restrictive measures applied by the United Nations Security Council or the European Union.
By signing the Application Form, applicants shall declare on their honour that they are not in any of the above-mentioned situations (See Appendix I, Item 12).
The Council of Europe reserves the right to ask applicants at a later stage to supply the following supporting documents:
- for the items set out in paragraphs a), b), c) and f), an extract from the record of convictions or failing that an equivalent document issued by the competent judicial or administrative authority of the country where the applicant is established, indicating that these requirements are met;
- for the items set out in paragraph d), a certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of establishment;
1. for the items set out in paragraph e);
1. for natural persons, a scanned copy of a valid photographic proof of identity (e.g. passport)
2. for legal persons, an extract from the companies register or other official document proving ownership and control of the applicant.
In order to be eligible for a grant, an applicant must:
· be legally constituted as a non-governmental organisation in the Republic of Moldova;
· be entitled to carry out activities described in its project proposal in the Republic of Moldova;
· have been active for at least2 years in the field of preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence;
· have sufficient financial capacity – minimum 20% from the total budget estimated in the project proposal, (stable and sufficient sources of funding) to maintain its activity throughout the period for which the grant is awarded and to participate by way of its own resources (including human resources or in-kind contributions)[1]; -
· have sufficient operational and professional capacity, including staff (minimum 2 permanent employees), to carry out activities described in its project proposal[2];
Multiple applications are not allowed and shall lead to the exclusion of all applications concerned.
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
· the relevance and added value of the project with regard to the objective of the call (40%)
· the extent to which the action meets the requirements of the call (20%);
· the quality, accuracy, clarity, completeness and cost-effectiveness of the application and the estimated budget (20%);
· the relevance of the experience of the applying organisation(s) and staff (20%) in the field of preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.
VII. NOTIFICATION OF THE DECISION AND SIGNATURE OF GRANT AGREEMENTS
On completion of the selection process, all applicants will be notified in writing of the final decision concerning their respective applications as well as on the next steps to be undertaken.
The selected Grantee will be invited to sign a Grant Agreement (See Appendix III, for information only), formalising its legal commitments. Potential applicants are strongly advised to read the draft contract, in particular its requirements in terms of payment and reporting.
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Phases |
Indicative timing |
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Publication of the call |
01 June 2026 |
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Deadline for submitting applications |
29 June 2026 |
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Information to applicants on the results of the award procedure |
10 August 2026 |
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Signature of the grant agreements |
01 September 2026 |
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Implementation period |
01 September 2026 – 31 May 2027 |
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[1] The Council of Europe shall have full discretion in determining whether applicants are considered to have sufficient financial capacity in light of the complexity of the project/action proposed.
[2] The Council of Europe shall have full discretion in determining whether applicants are considered to have sufficient operational and professional capacity in light of the complexity of the project/action proposed.