Hanne Lund Madsen, chair of the Demos expert group, emphasises that the group assesses applications based on the programme’s criteria and awards funding to the projects that best meet the requirements set for the programme.
“The focus of Demos is on funding collaborations and networks that strengthen the voice of civil society and enable organisations to influence society. We would welcome even more applications that clearly align with this purpose,” says Hanne Lund Madsen.
The voice of civil society should be heard
In its assessment, the expert group placed particular emphasis on the change that the initiatives or networks seek to achieve, as well as the working methods and approaches used to strengthen opportunities for influence and impact in relevant issues or specific challenges.
“We also examine how well the projects align with the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Vision 2030 and the various policy areas prioritised by the Nordic Council of Ministers,” says Hanne Lund Madsen.
The expert group wishes to encourage all applicants to continue their collaborations across the Nordic Region. Organisations considering reapplying are encouraged to contact Nordic Culture Point for guidance in preparing new applications.
Examples of projects awarded funding:
- Nordic Climate Justice Coalition encourages young Nordic grassroots movements to join forces to shape a green, carbon-neutral, and fair future. The project’s change concept is based on a diverse range of strategies and tools, and the organisation consists of a network of working groups.
- The IGNITE! initiative brings together young leaders from the Youth for Understanding and Global Shapers networks in the Nordic and Baltic regions for an in-depth leadership training programme. The project explores volunteer culture in the aftermath of COVID-19, rebuilds civil networks, and develops strategies to sustain engagement in civil society.
- LGBTQI Child Rights Coalition brings together child rights and LGBTQI organisations in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway to establish a new integrated strategic network for children’s LGBTQI rights in the Nordic Region, organise a conference for knowledge exchange, and develop a shared Nordic strategy to promote LGBTQI equality for children.
The second application round for Demos opens in August.