The Bodossaki Foundation, as co-funder and coordinator, in partnership with the NGO Support Centre (Cyprus), is announcing the launch of the ‘Protecting Democracy, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law Through an Open Civic Space’ (PLATO) programme. With a total funding of €3.1 million, PLATO will support Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Greece and Cyprus.
Co-funded by the European Union under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values* programme (CERV-2024-CITIZENS-VALUES), as well as by the Bodossaki Foundation and the NGO Support Centre, PLATO aims to promote the protection of fundamental rights and EU values. It will raise awareness of these issues and provide support to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in both Greece and Cyprus, strengthening their knowledge, capacity, and sustainability.
The management of this funding programme is a significant achievement for both Greece and Cyprus. The Bodossaki Foundation and the NGO Support Centre’s proposal was selected through a competitive evaluation process, competing with bodies from across EU member states. As a result, €3.1 million in funding has been secured for the two countries.
PLATO will run for three years, from January 2025 to January 2028, supporting approximately 50 projects—40 in Greece and 10 in Cyprus—through two open calls for proposals:
- 1st Call: Empowering Civil Society to promote the rule of law, participatory democracy, good governance, and defend civic space and media freedom.
- 2nd Call: Protecting and promoting human rights, democracy, and equality by empowering vulnerable groups.
While the primary beneficiaries of PLATO are CSOs, the programme will also engage vulnerable groups, policymakers, media, public servants, educators, and the general public. More details about the calls and application deadlines will be shared by the Bodossaki Foundation soon.
Additionally, PLATO will offer a comprehensive capacity-building programme, led by Social Dynamo the NGO Hub of the Bodossaki Foundation, in collaboration with the NGO Support Centre. This programme is designed to address the specific needs of CSOs in Greece and Cyprus, promoting their organisational development and long-term sustainability.
The launch event for the programme in Greece will be held on March 11, 2025. You can register here.
For updates on PLATO’s activities and funding opportunities, subscribe to the programme’s newsletter here.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
