Structural Support for Women's and Girls' Counseling Centers

The structural funding for women’s and girls’ counseling centers in Styria ensures the continuous operation of high-quality counseling and service facilities through direct subsidies. Eligible for funding are non-profit associations, organizations, or private individuals who, as girls’ and women’s counseling centers, offer legal and psychosocial counseling, information, as well as prevention measures. With the funding instrument of the State of Styria, the equality of opportunity between women and men is specifically strengthened, particular forms of female poverty are curbed, and protection against all forms of violence is ensured. The goal is to reduce existing disadvantages and to sustainably anchor gender- and diversity-relevant principles in regional structures.

Funding applications can be submitted continuously from 01.02.2014 onwards; however, prior to the project start, a current application according to the template and a detailed activity concept including financial planning must be submitted. In late autumn of each year, a funding discussion takes place, on the basis of which the application for the following calendar year is made. The evaluation criteria include the contribution to the objectives of the Styrian Women’s Promotion Act, the consideration of gender- and diversity-relevant principles, as well as the professional quality of the concept and financial planning. Applicants must ensure that all required documents – in particular the activity concept including financial planning and the funding application according to the template – are submitted in full. Through transparent, indefinite funding practice, a long-term perspective for counseling centers is created and equal participation of women in all areas of life is promoted.