The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) Regional Office in Beirut has officially opened applications for its 2026 Call for Proposals aimed at supporting feminist projects in Syria and Iraq. Through this funding opportunity, the organization seeks to strengthen grassroots feminist movements, promote gender justice, combat gender-based violence, and empower local organizations working in some of the region’s most challenging humanitarian and conflict-affected environments. With grants of up to USD 10,000 per selected project, this initiative provides financial support to innovative feminist initiatives that address the realities faced by women and marginalized communities living amid conflict, displacement, and social fragmentation.
Organizations, networks, grassroots groups, and qualified individuals are invited to submit proposals that contribute to building stronger, more inclusive, and resilient communities.
About Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS)
The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) is a German political foundation affiliated with the German political party Die Linke (The Left Party). The foundation focuses on political education, democracy, social justice, progressive public policy, and international cooperation.
Its Beirut Regional Office, established in 2017, works extensively across:
- Lebanon
- Syria
- Iraq
The office also publishes research and analysis covering developments in Iran.
Through partnerships with local organizations, RLS supports initiatives that promote equality, social justice, democratic participation, and human rights throughout the region.
Why This Grant Matters
Communities across Syria and Iraq continue to face enormous challenges after years of armed conflict, political instability, economic crises, and mass displacement.
These challenges include:
- Social fragmentation
- Weak community trust
- Ethnic and sectarian divisions
- Gender-based violence
- Displacement and migration
- Limited civic participation
- Human rights violations
- Economic hardship
- Marginalization of vulnerable communities
Although conflict affects everyone, women, girls, LGBTQI+ persons, and marginalized populations often experience disproportionate levels of violence, discrimination, exclusion, and insecurity.
Through this Call for Proposals, RLS seeks to strengthen feminist responses that address these challenges while encouraging solidarity, inclusion, and long-term community resilience.
Objectives of the Grant
Applicants are encouraged to design projects that contribute to one or more of the following objectives.
1. Address Gendered Impacts of Conflict
Projects should focus on:
- The unique challenges women face during conflict
- Violence against women and girls
- Gender discrimination
- Human rights violations
- Protection of marginalized communities
2. Promote Inclusion
Successful proposals should encourage:
- Participation of marginalized populations
- Women’s leadership
- Community decision-making
- Equal representation
- Inclusive local governance
3. Build Community Solidarity
Applicants are encouraged to develop initiatives that strengthen:
- Collective care
- Mutual support systems
- Community safety
- Social cohesion
- Protection networks
4. Strengthen Feminist Organizations
Projects may focus on increasing the capacity of:
- Women’s organizations
- Grassroots feminist initiatives
- Human rights defenders
- Local activists
- Community leaders
5. Conduct Research and Documentation
RLS welcomes proposals involving:
- Research studies
- Policy analysis
- Documentation of conflict impacts
- Gender-based violence research
- Feminist peacebuilding studies
Research should include practical recommendations for improving gender justice and inclusion.
6. Encourage Cross-Border Collaboration
Applicants are encouraged to build partnerships between:
- Syrian and Iraqi organizations
- Host and displaced communities
- Local feminist movements
- Regional networks
Expected Project Outcomes
Applicants should clearly define the results their projects will achieve.
Possible outcomes include:
Community-Based Programs
Examples include:
- Safe spaces
- Protection mechanisms
- Campaigns against gender-based violence
- Mutual aid programs
- Legal support
- Psychosocial support services
Capacity Building
Projects may include:
- Feminist leadership development
- Organizational strengthening
- Security training
- Advocacy planning
- Collective care approaches
Research and Documentation
Potential outputs include:
- Research reports
- Policy papers
- Case studies
- Conflict documentation
- Human rights reports
- Recommendations for policymakers
Development of Practical Tools
Applicants may develop:
- Training manuals
- Toolkits
- Peacebuilding models
- Community protection methodologies
- Gender inclusion frameworks
Networking and Partnerships
Projects can also strengthen collaboration among:
- Feminist organizations
- Women’s groups
- Grassroots initiatives
- Regional networks
- Displaced and host communities
Who Can Apply?
The call welcomes applications from:
- Individuals
- Grassroots feminist initiatives
- Women-led organizations
- LGBTQI+ groups
- Civil society organizations
- Community-led organizations
- Coalitions
- Networks
Applicants must be actively working in Syria or Iraq.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate experience in areas such as:
- Feminist organizing
- Gender justice
- Women’s rights
- Intersectional activism
- Human rights
- Peacebuilding
- Community organizing
Local Knowledge
Applicants should understand:
- Local conflict dynamics
- Social and cultural realities
- Political context
- Displacement challenges
- Community needs
Commitment to Core Values
Projects should reflect values including:
- Social justice
- Equality
- Human rights
- Inclusion
- Solidarity
- Non-discrimination
- Intersectional feminism
Project Management Capacity
Applicants should provide:
- Clear methodology
- Work plan
- Timeline
- Security considerations
- Monitoring approach
Financial Readiness
Applications should include:
- Realistic budget
- Transparent financial planning
- Clear explanation of proposed expenses
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
1. Project Proposal
Maximum length:
- Five pages (excluding annexes)
The proposal should include:
- Background
- Context
- Objectives
- Target beneficiaries
- Activities
- Methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Timeline
- Risk assessment
2. Detailed Budget
Applicants should explain:
- Planned expenditures
- Budget allocation
- Cost justification
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Include:
- Applicant CV
- Previous relevant experience
- Team member biographies (if applicable)
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:
| Evaluation Area | Weight |
|---|---|
| Relevance to feminist objectives and gender justice | 20% |
| Quality, clarity, and feasibility of the proposal | 15% |
| Applicant’s experience and understanding of local context | 20% |
| Realistic and justified budget | 25% |
| Sustainability, resilience, and long-term impact | 20% |
Grant Amount
Each selected project will receive:
USD 10,000
Project Duration
Projects should run between:
August 2026 – December 2026
Geographic Scope
Projects may:
- Operate in Syria
- Operate in Iraq
- Be jointly implemented across both countries
Cross-border and regional collaboration is highly encouraged.
Preferred Partnerships
RLS particularly welcomes projects that encourage collaboration between:
- Different communities
- Host and displaced populations
- Local and regional feminist organizations
- Networks working across borders
Language Requirements
Applications may be submitted in:
- English
- Arabic
How to Apply
Applicants should email all required documents to: info.beirut@rosalux.org
Use the following subject line: Call for Project Proposal – Feminism
NOTE: Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Learn more about this application HERE
Application Deadline: July 25, 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their proposals early to ensure all required documentation is submitted before the deadline.
Conclusion
The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung’s 2026 Call for Proposals represents an important opportunity for feminist organizations, grassroots initiatives, researchers, and civil society actors in Syria and Iraq to secure funding for impactful projects promoting gender justice, community resilience, and social inclusion. Beyond financial support, this initiative encourages collaborative approaches that strengthen local leadership, empower marginalized communities, address gender-based violence, and contribute to long-term peacebuilding in conflict-affected societies. Organizations with innovative, community-centered ideas are encouraged to submit well-developed proposals before the application deadline to maximize their chances of selection.
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