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 seeks to empower civil society organisations that:
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.
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