The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Facility has officially launched applications for the Fellowships Without Borders 2026, an exciting opportunity designed to empower civic leaders and activists committed to creating meaningful social change across borders.

The programme supports individuals from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine who are working to strengthen civil society through international cooperation, learning, innovation, advocacy, and community engagement.

Successful applicants will receive approximately €5,000 in financial support, mentoring, coaching, networking opportunities, and access to one of the region’s strongest civil society alumni networks.

Application Deadline: 11 September 2026

About the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship Programme

Since its launch in 2017, the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship Programme has supported more than 250 civic leaders across the Eastern Partnership region.

The programme was established to strengthen:

• Civic leadership
• Democratic participation
• Community development
• Accountability
• Public engagement
• Regional cooperation
• Social innovation

Through financial support, mentoring, training, and international networking, Fellows have implemented projects that continue to improve governance and strengthen civil society across their communities.

What is “Fellowships Without Borders”?

The Fellowships Without Borders initiative recognizes that today’s civic challenges often extend beyond national boundaries.

Many activists:

• Work with communities spread across several countries.
• Live temporarily abroad.
• Operate in exile.
• Collaborate internationally.
• Build regional partnerships.

Rather than limiting impact to one country, this Fellowship encourages applicants to use international experience and cross-border cooperation to benefit communities in the Eastern Partnership region.

Projects may be implemented in:

• Eastern Partnership countries
• European Union Member States
• EU Candidate Countries

However, every project should ultimately generate positive impact for communities from the Eastern Partnership countries.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected Fellows will receive:

• Approximately €5,000 to implement their Fellowship project.
• Individual mentoring and expert coaching.
• Capacity-building and leadership training.
• Learning and professional development opportunities.
• Invitations to international networking events.
• Access to the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship Alumni Network.
• Long-term collaboration opportunities with regional civic leaders.

Fellowship Streams

Applicants can apply under one of two Fellowship categories.

1. Community Engagement Fellowships

These Fellowships support projects focusing on:

• Civic participation
• Community engagement
• Policy advocacy
• Public accountability
• Organizational development
•  Research and evidence generation
• Civil society cooperation
• Community mobilization
• Awareness campaigns

2. Civic Digital Fellowships

Designed for civic technology professionals working on:

• Digital public participation platforms
• Civic technology solutions
• Transparency tools
• Open data initiatives
• Digital accountability systems
• Technology for social good
• Innovation that strengthens democratic participation

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, or Ukraine.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a proven record of civic engagement or civic innovation.
• Demonstrate English language proficiency (minimum B1).
• Not have previously participated in the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship Programme.

Please note that Fellowships are awarded to individuals, not organizations.

What Makes a “Without Borders” Fellowship Project?

Applicants must demonstrate:

1. Commitment to Positive Social Change

Projects should clearly contribute to improving communities through civic engagement, leadership, or advocacy.

2. Cross-Border Component

Applicants should explain one or both of the following:

Learning Across Borders

Show how learning activities in another country will strengthen civic engagement or policy work within their community.

Supporting Communities Abroad

Demonstrate how they will support fellow citizens and civil society actors located in another country while contributing to advocacy, policy dialogue, or community development.

Eligible Activities

Supported activities include:

• Study visits
• Job shadowing
• Internships
• Research projects
• Advocacy campaigns
• Community mobilization
• Organizational development
• Mentorship programmes
• Capacity-building initiatives
• Cross-border partnerships
• Civic technology development
• Data collection and analysis
• Evidence-based policy initiatives

Projects should produce practical, measurable outcomes while strengthening the Fellow’s leadership capacity.

Priority Areas

Projects should align with one or more of the programme’s thematic priorities:

• Resilient and sustainable economies
• Rule of law and accountability
• Security
• Climate and environmental resilience
• Inclusive digital transformation
• Participatory governance
• Social justice

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Online application form (in English)
• Fellowship project proposal
• Budget
• Activity plan
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Recommendation letter
• Proof of citizenship
• Proof of English language proficiency

Applicants who cannot safely use the online application system may contact the programme team for alternative arrangements.

Information Webinar

Applicants are encouraged to participate in the programme’s information webinar.

Date: 15 July 2026

The webinar explains:

• Eligibility requirements
• Fellowship expectations
• Tips for preparing a competitive application
• Common mistakes to avoid

A recording will also be made available after the live session.

Why You Should Apply

The Fellowship offers far more than financial support.

Participants will gain:

• International exposure
• Leadership development
• Professional mentoring
• Access to regional experts
• Strong cross-border partnerships
• Membership in a growing alumni network
• Opportunities to influence policy and strengthen democratic participation

It is particularly valuable for civic leaders seeking to expand their impact beyond national borders while maintaining strong connections to their communities.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 11 September 2026

Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

Apply Here

Final Thoughts

The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowships Without Borders 2026 provide an outstanding opportunity for emerging civic leaders to transform local ideas into regional impact.

Whether you are a community organizer, policy advocate, civic tech innovator, researcher, or grassroots activist, this Fellowship equips you with the financial resources, mentoring, and international partnerships needed to strengthen democratic participation and build lasting social change across the Eastern Partnership region.

For more information on this fellowship opportunity, visit here 

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