Has there been an unanticipated closure of civic space at a national level? Is there a time-constrained opportunity to influence policy on criminalisation, marginalisation, discrimination, and exclusion? Do these events directly impact one or more Voice target groups? Are you going to propose the action in collective manners? 

If you answer yes to the questions above, apply for a Sudden Opportunity Grant! We accept proposals spanning a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months, with a budget ranging from EUR 5,000 to EUR 100,000.

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. 

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. 

This Call for Proposals is closed and no longer accepting applications. Come back here at a later stage to learn about the grantees that have been selected in this Call for Proposals.

The current open Calls for Proposals can be found here.