ROVA call 2026: Your questions answered
In an increasingly challenging environment for civil society, the ROVA project – Roma Civil Society Organisations Promoting EU Values – offers critical support to Roma and pro-Roma organisations across the EU. With funding from the European Union and co-funding from the EVZ Foundation, ROVA aims to build the capacity of grassroots civil society to promote EU values, advance fundamental rights, and strengthen Roma communities at the local level.
This year’s call for proposals offers grants of up to €25,000 for organisations working in Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Czechia, Slovakia, and Spain – and up to €20,000 for those in all other EU Member States. The application deadline for the first round (concept notes only) is 16 March 2026 at 17:00 CET.
But what exactly are the eligibility rules? Who can apply, and how? With new calls come new questions – and we’ve heard many of them already.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from potential applicants so far – and what you need to know before you apply.
Can more than one project be funded in the same community?
Yes – multiple projects from the same community can be supported, as long as they’re submitted by different organisations. If you know that another organisation in your area is also applying, you’re welcome to mention this in your proposal and briefly explain how your projects could complement each other.
This kind of coordination can even strengthen your application. It shows that there’s collaboration at local level, and that different actors are working together (or at least aware of each other) to bring change in the community.
Are newly registered organisations eligible?
Yes – newly established organisations can apply, as long as they are legally registered in an EU Member State and meet the other eligibility criteria listed in the call.
However, if your organisation has not yet been legally required to publish an annual activity or financial report, you will need to provide a clear description of your initial activities and your plans to ensure transparency. It’s important to show that you are mission-driven, participatory, and independent from government or for-profit entities.
Do we need to provide co-funding or voluntary work?
No. This call does not require any co-financing or own contribution, either in the form of cash or voluntary labour. In fact, providing co-funding will not be considered an advantage during evaluation.
This is an important part of the ROVA project’s philosophy – recognising that small and grassroots organisations often face financial constraints, and should not be excluded from EU funding due to a lack of matched resources.
We already received a ROVA grant in 2025 – can we apply again?
Unfortunately, no. If your organisation received a grant for individual NGOs under the ROVA 2025 call for proposals, you are not eligible for the 2026 round.
However, we encourage you to stay involved in other ways, including by participating in events, trainings and capacity-building activities under the ROVA project and wider ERGO Network activities.
What kinds of activities can be funded?
The ROVA call supports a wide range of civil society initiatives that promote EU values, including:
Capacity development – training, coaching, mentoring, and other tools to strengthen your organisation or empower your community
Awareness-raising – campaigns, events, online and offline materials that build public support for Roma inclusion
Advocacy and monitoring – legal aid, community organising, policy monitoring, or preparing alternative reports
Community initiatives – actions that encourage active citizenship and Roma participation at the local level
Projects must run between 1 September 2026 and 30 September 2027.
Still have questions? Join our online info session
If you’re unsure whether your organisation is eligible, need help understanding the application steps, or want to clarify how the evaluation process works, we invite you to join our upcoming online info session:
🗓️ 02 March 2026
🕚 11:00 CET
📌 Content will be the same as the January session
We’ll walk through the main requirements, answer your questions live, and offer tips on how to write a strong concept note. Whether you’re a seasoned applicant or brand new to EU funding, we’re here to help you navigate the process.
Where to find the full information
All documents – including the full call for proposals, country-specific application forms, and the detailed FAQ sheet – are available on the ROVA project website.
📄 Explore the call and apply here: https://rovaproject.org/grants/
The ROVA project isn’t just about funding – it’s about supporting Roma civil society to grow stronger and speak louder. If your organisation is working for equality, dignity and justice for Roma people, this is a chance to get the support you need to keep going, do more, and reach further.
We’d love to see your ideas.
