Strengthening civil society in Central and Southern Europe is an important priority for the EEA Grants and Norway Grants. A minimum of €99 million will be earmarked to new funds for non-governmental organisations, and NGOs will also be eligible for funding under many of the other programme areas available.

The overall objective of the Funds for Non-Governmental Organisations is to strengthen civil society development and to enhance the contribution to social justice, democracy and sustainable development.