Have you identified an emerging threat impacting local civic space? Do you see an unexpected opportunity to show solidarity towards and between (a) Voice target group(s)? Have circumstances changed where a new policy or law recognising the rights of Voice target groups needs that extra push? Is there a consensus among a consortium/ civil society network for a joint strategic action?

If you answered yes to the questions above, apply for a Sudden Opportunity Grant! We accept proposals spanning 6 months to a maximum of 1 year, ranging from €5,000 to €200,000 (approx. ₱265,000 to ₱10,600,000).

What is a sudden opportunity?

Sudden opportunities can vary greatly, depending on the situation. They can, however, be described through the common elements they share.

• Sudden:
  These are unexpected moments, which happen without any warning. They could be a policy direction change for the government, a shift in public opinion, or a new court ruling with deep policy implications.
• Collective Action:
  These unexpected moments require collective action. They require a response not just from one group but from several organisations such as a coalition, a consortium, or a network.
• Immediate:
  These unexpected moments require immediate action. They temporarily create the right set of circumstances for making a change possible. The moment will eventually pass and the opportunity to make a change is lost.
• Impact on Target Groups:
  These unexpected moments have to greatly impact at two or more of Voice target groups. They need to be involved in the collective action being proposed.
• Philippine-based: the action has to be at national or local level only.

Without these elements, your project cannot be considered a Sudden Opportunity.

Practising the Values of Voice

Voice believes in the principle of Nothing About Us Without Us. In practise, this means Voice target groups need to be at the centre of any collective action effort. They must be involved in the conceptualisation, planning, and implementation of any Sudden Opportunity grant. They are equal partners in any consortium, network, or coalition, playing key governance and leadership roles.

Possible interventions would require creating platforms and spaces where Voice target groups can self-advocate for their economic, social and cultural rights. Joint participation of a network, consortium or coalition of human rights defenders, private institutions and companies, faith leaders, NGOs and self-interested individuals or intellectuals with the intention of using nonviolent action to amplify the voices of marginalised groups is necessary.

Linking and Learning

Linking and Learning is at the heart and soul of Voice. All grantees, as part of the Voice community, are expected to participate in facilitated meetings and gatherings enabling the exchange of ideas and learnings from each other’s experiences.  Applicants must demonstrate in their proposals how they will identify, document, and share their learnings as they implement their project. These may come in many forms such as blog posts, videos, photo essay or audio recordings.

Voice values diversity and inclusion. All grantees are expected to be able to interact with and learn from a diverse group of people coming from different backgrounds, orientations, and experiences. Interested applicants must be willing to work in a diverse community, which includes representatives from all of the Voice target groups.