Focus on Freedom 2026–2030

The grant policy framework Focus on Freedom contains 2 grant sub-instruments, each tailored to a specific policy objective, with its own thematic focus, target group and geographical scope:

• Equal Rights for LGBTIQ+ Persons (with available funding of €49,850,000)
• Freedom of Religion and Belief (with available funding of €34,895,000)

Focus on Freedom, part of policy framework ‘Focus’

Focus on Freedom is part of the government’s ‘Focus’ policy framework. This policy framework aims to strengthen local civil society organisations, so that they can provide the necessary services and conduct dialogue to achieve the objectives of a total of 8 instruments. Local ownership is central to the policy framework. Funding models are simplified, with only a few layers: support partners (intermediaries) select and finance in-country partners and strengthen local civil society organisations who design and implement activities in their own contexts.

What Focus on Freedom supports

1. Financing activities:

• Service provision carried out by local civil society organisations, (e.g., education and training, psychosocial support, legal aid, protection, information). 
• Dialogue with authorities carried out by local civil society organisations, aimed at engaging in local and national policy dialogue with governments, religious or informal leaders and/or the private sector. Activities aimed at influencing policy within the Netherlands are not funded.
• Coordination and support, carried out bij international or regional civil society organisations: aimed at coordinating, connecting and strengthening local civil society organisations. Support partners may provide funding for this purpose for no more than 1 selected country per application.

2. Capacity strengthening activities

• The support partner provides support, tailored to the needs of the local CSOs, to strengthen their capacity and enhance the effectiveness, autonomy and sustainability of both the organisation and its programme work.

3. International advocacy at multilateral, international and regional level

• The support partner participates in international advocacy activities that contribute to the policy objectives of the respective sub-instrument. These activities are implemented directly by the support partner and are demand-driven. They take place in close coordination with, and with the active involvement of, local CSOs and complement their local and national efforts.

Key policy principles

The key policy principles are:

• Capacity strengthening
• Locally led development
• Gender equality
• Climate
• Conflict sensitivity
• Do No Harm
• Simplified Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

Policy context and objectives per sub-instrument

Sub-instrument 1: Equal Rights for LGBTIQ+ Persons (LGBTIQ+)

Across the world, the human rights and safety of LGBTIQ+ persons are under growing pressure, with this group facing increased discrimination, violence and restricted access to essential services in many countries.

This grant sub-instrument supports improved access to equal rights, helps strengthen the position of LGBTIQ+ persons by supporting local CSOs and other actors working on their behalf, improves access to protection mechanisms and services that enhance physical safety, and promotes substantive dialogue with local and national authorities as well as religious and other actors.

Geographic focus: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a country list for the sub-instrument Equal Rights for LGBTIQ+ Persons, in which countries are grouped per region. Due to the sensitivity of the theme and related security considerations, further information on the country list is made available only upon request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sub-instrument 2: Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB)

Worldwide, freedom of religion or belief is under increasing pressure. More than three quarters of the global population live in countries where this freedom is restricted. Religious minorities often face discrimination, violence, social exclusion and stigmatisation, and legislation such as blasphemy laws, along with limited access to essential services, further undermines their position in society.

This grant sub-instrument works to support:

1. the strengthening of local CSOs and religious actors;
2. promotion of inter-, intra- and extra-religious dialogue and cooperation;
3. reducing tensions, polarization and the risk of violent extremism;
4. the inclusion of vulnerable groups.

Geographic focus: To be eligible for a grant under the FoRB sub-instrument, an application must pertain to activities in 1 or 2 of the following geographical clusters:

1. Sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa
2.  The Middle East and Asia

For the FoRB sub-instrument, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a country list for each geographical cluster with priority countries drawn from the broader list included in the footnote. Due to the sensitivity of the theme and related security considerations, further information on the country list is available only on request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For full details on objectives, eligibility, assessment, timelines and required templates, please consult the Grant policy framework Focus on Freedom 2026–2030. 

How to apply

• Civil society organisations can apply for one of the instruments. Grants are awarded through a quality-based tender.
• Application window: 15 December to 9 March 2026 (23:59 CEST).
• Submit in English using the prescribed forms and budget model to DMM-focus@minbuza.nl, stating “Focus on Freedom [+ sub-instrument name] grant policy framework”.
• For full details on objectives, eligibility, assessment, timelines and required templates, please consult the documents below.
• A digital information session will be held on 17 December from 11:00 to 12:30 CET, during which the Focus on Freedom instrument will be presented and recorded. 
• Following this session, written questions may be submitted until 9 January via the following e-mailadress: DMM-focus@minbuza.nl. The aim is to answer the submitted questions no later than 23 January.