Focus on Freedom 2026–2030

Focus on Freedom contains 2 sub-instruments

• Sub-instrument: equal rights for LGBTIQ+ people;
• Sub-instrument 2: freedom of religion and belief.

Focus on Freedom is part of the ‘Focus’ policy framework

Focus on Freedom is part of the ‘Focus’ policy framework developed by the Dutch government. ‘Focus’ aims to strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations in certain target countries (‘local CSOs’), so that they can fulfil the objectives of the 8 thematic policy instruments. Local ownership is a key element.

The procedure for obtaining funding has been simplified. There are 2 categories of organisation:

• Support partners (intermediaries). They can get a grant to select and finance in-country partners and strengthen local CSOs.
• Local CSOs. They design and carry out activities in a way that is appropriate to the local context.

What the grants are for

1. Financing activities

• Aid, services and support provided by local CSOs. For example, education, training, legal assistance, protection and giving information.
• Dialogue carried out by local CSOs with governments, companies, churches and informal leaders.
• International or regional organisations can also get a grant to support local CSOs.

2. Strengthening the capacity of local CSOs
A support partner can get a grant to help local CSOs make their work and their organisation more effective, independent and sustainable. This is called capacity strengthening.

3. International advocacy activities at multilateral, international and regional levels
A support partner can get a grant to carry out activities directly that are aimed at promoting the interests, at international level, of LGBTIQ+ people and people and organisations that stand up for freedom of religion and belief.

Objectives of each sub-instrument

Sub-instrument 1: Equal rights for LGBTIQ+ people

CSOs can apply for a grant to, for instance, engage in dialogue with the government, religious organisations or local leaders with a view to improving the human rights and safety of LGBTIQ+ people in the country in question.

A total of €49,850,000 is available under this sub-instrument for:

• supporting local CSOs and other organisations that work to improve the lot of LGBTIQ+ people;
• improving access to legal and psychosocial support, a safe environment and protection for LGBTIQ+ people;
• fostering inclusive dialogue with relevant actors and supporting advocacy efforts to combat discrimination.

Geographic focus

Grants under this sub-instrument are available for activities in selected countries only. You can request the country list by sending an email to DMM-Focus@minbuza.nl. The list has not been published due to the sensitivity of the theme and related security considerations.

Sub-instrument 2: Freedom of religion and belief

CSOs can apply for a grant to advance the freedom of religion and belief. A total of €34,895,000 is available under this sub-instrument for:

• promoting dialogue and cooperation between and within religious organisations and with external organisations;
• reducing tensions, polarisation and the risk of violent extremism;
• enhancing the inclusion of vulnerable groups.

Grants are only available for activities in selected countries in Africa, the Middle East or Asia. You can request the country list by sending an email to DMM-Focus@minbuza.nl. The list has not been published due to the sensitivity of the theme in some countries.

Application window is closed

• Application window closed on 9 March 2026.
• Civil society organisations could apply for 1 of the instruments. Grants are awarded through a quality-based tender.
• For full details on objectives, eligibility, assessment, timelines and required templates, please consult the documents below.
• Questions can no longer be submitted. You may find answers to frequently asked questions in the Q&A document that can be downloaded on the Questions and Answers page.