about us

Supports

There are people who dream of a world shaped by rights and who turn those dreams into action. They may be civil society organisations, activists pursuing change individually, or communities coming together around a shared purpose. We call them Civil Thinkers.

Sivil Düşün supports Civil Thinkers across Türkiye in the steps they take to strengthen human rights and democracy.

Sivil Düşün brings these efforts together under four main objectives. Within these objectives, it provides in-kind support of up to €5,000 for initiatives that align with European Union values and can be completed within six months.

General Call

Sivil Düşün offers in-kind support to civic actors to help them achieve their goals under four categories:

This category supports those who want to strengthen their organisational capacity to advance rights. With this support, you can:

  • strengthen your rights-based approach, participatory decision-making processes, and governance mechanisms
  • improve teamwork and coordination
  • expand your network by building new partnerships
  • enhance financial and environmental sustainability
  • develop strategic plans and tactics to set a clearer direction
  • create innovative methods and integrate technology into your work

If you want to make your voice heard in policy processes and create change, your action can be supported under this category. With this support, you can:

  • engage in dialogue with policymakers and decision-makers
  • contribute to stronger protection of rights by raising public awareness
  • shape the agenda in digital and traditional media
  • strengthen media understanding of human rights
  • build public support for a specific idea or policy
  • develop policy recommendations
  • mobilise your members, volunteers, and stakeholders by forming coalitions, networks, and platforms

If you want to make your voice heard and attract public attention to rights-based issues, your action can be supported under this category. With this support, you can:

  • help ensure the spread of accurate information
  • raise awareness and increase interest, knowledge, and understanding of rights
  • stimulate discussions with new ideas and solutions
  • combat misinformation and hate speech
  • gain public support by becoming more visible
  • encourage dialogue and engage people in rights-based work

If you want to gain new skills and strengthen your methods, your action can be supported under this category. With this support, you can:

  • develop your communication and media skills
  • grow your network of volunteers and supporters
  • develop collaboration methods with different organisations
  • strengthen your capacity in fundraising and budget management
  • learn new tactics for advocacy and policy development processes
  • enhance your digital skills
  • make your work more sustainable by gaining new competencies in areas you need

You can apply for Sivil Düşün support at any time.

Budget periods for the support are determined by the European Union. You can follow our announcements to find out when application periods open and close. The current budget period runs from autumn 2025 until spring 2028.

For answers to questions such as who can apply, which costs are covered, how to apply, what the application form includes, and how applications are evaluated, you can review the Request for Support Guidelines.