Research and Innovation Network for a Union of Equality
Coordinating funding initiative of the European Commission to establish a transnational network for inclusive, equitable, and resilient democracies. Online platform, annual dialogue, and evidence-based recommendations in collaboration with research institutions, public authorities, and civil society. Submission deadline: 23.09.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Establishment of a Research and Innovation Network that brings together academic institutions, public bodies, and civil society organizations to promote inclusive, equitable, and resilient democratic societies. The focus is on gender equality, intersectionality, policy advice, disaggregated data, and the development of an online platform for exchanging research findings and innovative policy recommendations.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Travel and accommodation costs
- Material expenses
- Service costs for coordination and support
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of commercial volumes of end products
Eligible to apply
- Educational Institutions
- Public Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Legal personality under EU or national law
- Located in an EU Member State or associated country
- Not subject to exclusion criteria
Documents required for application
- Application letter
- Project description Part B
- Financial plan
- PIC and Legal Entity Validation
- Consortium agreement (recommended)
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the network
- Relevance for democratic policy-making
- Quality and efficiency of management
Description
The European Commission supports the "Research and Innovation Network for a Union of Equality," a transnational networking initiative of research institutions, public bodies, and civil society organizations within the EU and associated countries. The objective is to establish an inclusive, equitable, and resilient democratic societal model that places gender equality, intersectionality, and evidence-based policy advice at its core. Through a specially developed online platform, study results, disaggregated data, and innovative policy recommendations are exchanged. An annual thematic dialogue promotes direct exchange with local, regional, and European decision-makers. The funding is provided as a grant with a funding rate of 100%, amounting to up to €4.5 million for a project duration of 48 months.
Academic institutions, public bodies, research organizations, and civil society partners are invited to submit their proposals by 23 September 2026. Eligible costs include personnel and material expenses, travel, and service costs for coordination and support. The submission requires, among other documents, a letter of application, a detailed project description, a financial plan, and a PIC. Evaluation criteria include the network’s level of innovation, relevance to democratic policymaking, and quality of management. Submitting consortia must be legally independent, headquartered in an EU Member State or associated country, and must not be subject to exclusion criteria. Interested organizations can find all current information on the call and submit their applications online via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.