Call for Proposals: Dutch Human Rights Fund 2026 – Second Round (Hungary)

Deadline: 04-Oct-2026

The Dutch Human Rights Fund Second Round 2026 provides grants to organizations operating in Hungary for projects that advance key human rights priorities, including support for human rights defenders, LGBTIQ+ rights, freedom of expression, internet freedom, independent journalism, and gender equality. Applicants can request grants of less than €25,000, approximately $27,000 USD, for projects lasting at least one year and no more than three years. The fund is administered by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Budapest and aims to support civil society activities that create tangible and sustainable improvements in human rights in Hungary.

About the Dutch Human Rights Fund

The Human Rights Fund (HRF) is an initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. In Hungary, the fund is administered through the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Budapest. The programme supports civil society organizations working to strengthen human rights and create sustainable improvements in the country’s human rights environment. The second round of the 2026 call responds to the evolving political and institutional context following the Hungarian elections.

Particular attention is given to

- Meaningful civic participation. - A supportive environment for civil society. - Stronger checks and balances. - Protection of human rights. - A healthy and diverse civil sector. What Does the Human Rights Fund Support? Projects must address at least one of the Dutch human rights policy priorities. Human Rights Defenders Projects can support human rights defenders and help create an environment in which individuals and organizations working on human rights can continue their activities. LGBTIQ+ Rights The fund supports initiatives promoting equal rights for LGBTIQ+ persons and addressing discrimination or barriers to equality. Freedom of Expression Projects may focus on protecting and strengthening freedom of expression as an essential component of an open and democratic society. Internet Freedom and Independent Journalism The fund also supports initiatives related to: - Internet freedom. - Independent journalism. - Access to information. - Protection of independent voices. Equal Rights for Women and Girls Projects can promote equal rights and opportunities for women and girls, including initiatives addressing gender equality. Civil Minimum 2026 Special consideration will be given to proposals that address the needs of civil society identified in the Civil Minimum 2026. The aim is to contribute to a civil sector that is: - Healthy. - Strong. - Diverse. - Independent. - Able to participate meaningfully in civic life. Applicants whose projects respond to these civil society needs should clearly explain the connection between their proposed activities and the broader needs of the Hungarian civil sector. How Much Funding Is Available?

Applicants can request a grant of:

Less than €25,000 The amount is approximately equivalent to: $27,000 USD Applicants should prepare a realistic budget that clearly demonstrates how the requested funding will support the proposed human rights activities. Project Duration

Projects must:

- Start as soon as possible. - Last for at least one year. - Finish within three years of the starting date. Applicants should therefore develop a realistic implementation timeline covering the complete project period. Detailed Budget Requirement Applications must include a detailed budget. The budget should clearly show how the requested grant will be used to implement the proposed activities. Applicants should ensure that the budget is consistent with: - Project objectives. - Planned activities. - Implementation timeline. - Expected results. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants are organizations with operations in Hungary. The call is aimed at Hungarian civil society organizations working on human rights and related civic issues. Organizations should demonstrate a clear connection between their existing activities and the proposed project. Can Informal Groups Apply? Yes. Informal groups can apply through a legally registered organization. This allows groups that do not themselves have legal registration to participate by working with an eligible registered organization. Are Joint Applications Allowed? Yes. Joint applications with other Hungarian organizations are welcomed. Collaboration can allow organizations to combine expertise, networks, experience, and resources when addressing complex human rights challenges. Previous Embassy Funding Organizations that have previously received financial support from the Embassy can apply again, but additional conditions apply.

The earlier project must either:

- Have been completed satisfactorily, or - Have a different target group and objective from the proposed new project. Applicants with previous Embassy funding should clearly demonstrate how the new proposal meets these requirements. What Makes a Strong Project? A strong proposal should demonstrate a clear human rights problem and explain how the proposed activities can produce meaningful and sustainable improvements.

Projects should clearly identify:

- The human rights issue being addressed. - The affected communities or target groups. - The project’s objectives. - Planned activities. - Expected outcomes. - The project’s contribution to human rights. - The role of civil society. - How the project can create sustainable results. How to Prepare an Application Applicants should carefully align their project with the fund’s priorities.

Step 1: Select a Human Rights Priority

Identify at least one eligible priority:

- Human rights defenders. - LGBTIQ+ equality. - Freedom of expression. - Internet freedom. - Independent journalism. - Equal rights for women and girls.

Step 2: Define the Problem

Clearly describe the human rights challenge the project will address in Hungary. Explain why the issue is important and who is affected.

Step 3: Develop the Project Activiti