RIZA — meaning “root” in Greek — is a European Union–funded project that places grassroots civil society organisations (CSOs) at the centre of upholding the fundamental values of the European Union: human dignity, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights. These values, embedded in the EU.
Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, must apply to everyone on EU soil — yet, too often, they remain out of reach for the most marginalised, especially migrant and refugee women.
Led by the European Network of Migrant Women (ENoMW), in partnership with Foundation Pangea (Italy), Monika – Multicultural Women’s Association (Finland) and Melissa Network (Greece), RIZA will support and strengthen 99 small-scale grassroots organisations across all EU Member States over the course of 4 years. Through three funding cycles, the project will deliver financial support and tailored capacity-building to empower grassroots actors working with and for women of migrant background — especially those in the most isolated and under-resourced settings.
RIZA strengthens the capacity of 33 small projects across EU Member States, prioritising those in isolated contexts with the least access to resources and opportunities.
We are pleased to announce the opening of the first funding call (2025), which officially opens on 1 September.
This year we particularly welcome applications form the Nordic-Baltic states in the EU (Finland , Sweden, Estonia , Latvia , Lithuania)
However, applications are open to eligible organisations from all EU Member States.
In the first cycle, 33 grants will be awarded, divided as follows:
Grants are 100% funded (no co-financing required). 90% will be disbursed upon signing the grant agreement, with the remaining 10% after completion of the project and training programme.
Allocation process and deadlines :
1) Stage 1: Submission of an online form by 31 October 2025
2) Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates are invited to submit full applications between 17 November and 5 December 2025
Estimated start of awarded projects : January 2026
✔ NGOs established in an EU Member State
✔ Non-profit, independent of political/religious parties & governments
✔ Minimum 1 year of activities
✔ Annual budget under €300,000
✔ Equal representation of women in governance & leadership
✔ Commitment to EU values & migrant women’s inclusion
– Migrant, refugee women led organisations with a human right based mission
– Grassroots women’s rights organisations with a stand-alone programme supporting migrant women
– Migrant, refugee, diaspora led organisations with a stand-alone programme supporting migrant women
– Grassroots human rights organisations with a stand-alone programme supporting migrant women
In accordance with the mission and objectives of RIZA, migrant/refugee women led organisations will be prioritised in the selection
In September 2025, RIZA will launch its first Call for Proposals, inviting applications from eligible grassroots organisations across the EU.
The application process will follow a two-stage format:
- Initial Application: Organisations may submit a short application during the 2-month call period.
- Full Proposal: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a detailed proposal.
Interested organisations will have the opportunity to apply for:
- Micro (15.000€), Small (30.000€), or Medium (60.000€) grants, depending on their size and scope,
- Participation in a structured 10-month capacity-building programme,
- Access to a supportive community of practice and expert mentoring.
These grants will support projects lasting from 6 months to 1 year, and are interdependent with RIZA’s 10-month capacity-building programme — meaning participation in the training is a requirement for grant recipients.
All selected grantees will work within one or more of the following focus areas:
RIZA is more than a funding programme — it is a commitment to ensuring that migrant and refugee women are not left behind in Europe’s democratic project. By investing in those working closest to the ground, we are rooting EU values where they are needed most — in the lives, leadership, and communities of women forging a more just, equal, and inclusive Europe.
Stay tuned for more updates and how to apply this September.
RIZA seeks to empower civil society organisations that:
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