Managed by ECOM and APCOM
Background
LGBT organizations and activists across Eastern Europe, Central Asia (EECA), and Asia-Pacific are facing unprecedented threats—including shrinking civic space, repressive laws, rising violence, and targeted disinformation campaigns.
ECOM – Eurasian Coalition on Health, Rights, Gender and Sexual Diversity, in partnership with APCOM Foundation under the project “LGBTQI+ Emergency Support Fund”, is launching a Small Grants Call to empower LGBT community-led organizations and initiative groups in Eastern Europe, Central Asia (EECA), and Asia-Pacific to respond to human rights emergencies, anti-LGBT persecution, shrinking civic space, and urgent threats.
Purpose of the Call
To enable LGBT community-led organizations and initiative groups to respond swiftly to shrinking space, emergencies and operational crises, ensuring safety, continued activism, and rights protection in times of acute need.
Who Can Apply?
- LGBT community-led organizations or initiative groups from:
- EECA (Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia)—managed by ECOM
- Asia-Pacific—managed by APCOM
- Both registered NGOs and informal/unregistered groups (fiscal agents can be used).
- Groups directly affected by or responding to emergencies, attacks, criminalization, or human rights crises.
What Can Be Funded?
Small grants (up to USD 5,000, up to 3 months, September – November 2025) are available for projects including, but not limited to, the following four main support areas:
- Combatting Stigmatization and Disinformation
- Rapid advocacy or communications in response to hate campaigns, media attacks, or defamation.
- Documentation and public reporting of human rights violations.
- Responding to Legal and Policy Threats
- Technical and advocacy support against anti-LGBT legislation or repressive policies.
- Coalition-building and mobilization against harmful legal initiatives.
- Protection, Legal Aid, and Safety
- Urgent legal assistance, lawyer fees, or legal representation for those facing prosecution.
- Security upgrades (including digital safety), psychosocial support, or emergency shelter for at-risk defenders.
- Emergency Support for Displaced, Migrant, or Stateless LGBT People
- Legal and psychosocial aid for LGBT migrants or those forced to relocate.
- Direct support to access health, education, or employment while displaced.
Other urgent community-led responses directly addressing LGBT emergencies will be considered.
How Many Grants Will Be Awarded?
- At least 12 subgrants of USD 5,000 each will be awarded, with an intended equal split between EECA (ECOM) and Asia-Pacific (APCOM).
- Priority will be given to countries/groups facing the most acute threats, and to ensuring diverse representation. ECOM chose South Caucasus and Central Asia as focus sub-regions for the small grants.
Application and Selection Process
- Complete the online Application Form and Budget Template (both templates are available at https://forms.gle/AT42AHCKjinpWtw37 ). Be aware that you need to submit additional documents.
- Deadline: August 15, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
- LINK for EECA regional call: https://forms.gle/AT42AHCKjinpWtw37
- The Call for Proposal for the Asia-Pacific region will be announced on 31 July, 2025
Selection:
Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts nominated by both ECOM and APCOM, using transparent criteria. Results will be communicated to all applicants. Selected groups will sign a service contract with ECOM or APCOM.
Support and Contact
For questions or support, contact:
Uluk Batyrgaliev, SRHR Coordinator, ECOM, uluk@ecom.ngo
Numan Afifi, Senior Research and Policy Officer, APCOM, numana@apcom.org
We especially encourage applications from LGBT-led organizations, informal groups, and those most affected by the crisis!