Open call for Expressions of Interest to support human rights work in Sri Lanka
KIOS launches an open call for Expressions of Interest to support human rights work in Sri Lanka carried out by local civil society organisations. Smaller organisations with limited funding opportunities are encouraged to apply. A separate info session on the call will be held on June 10 at 13:30 Sri Lankan time via Zoom. Applications to this call must be submitted by 23 June 2026 through the KIOS online application portal.
KIOS is excited to launch an open call to support human rights work in Sri Lanka. This call is open only for Sri Lankan, Sri Lanka-based organisations.
This is a thematically limited call. The primary focus of the proposed action must fall under at least one of the following strategic thematic areas of KIOS. The strategic thematic areas of KIOS are following:
- Non-Discrimination and Gender Equality
- Democratic Rights and the Rule of Law
- Responsible Business, Environment, and Human Rights
Special consideration will be given to proposals focusing on the third thematic area (Responsible Business, Environment, and Human Rights).
Despite the chosen thematic area of the proposed action, all proposals are expected to meaningfully consider KIOS cross-cutting objectives: gender equality and women’s rights; security of human rights defenders; and disability inclusion, and to make sure that the proposed action does not have negative impacts on climate and the environment.
Smaller organisations with limited funding opportunities as well as organisations led by women, youth and marginalised groups are particularly encouraged to apply. The number of grants from this call will be around 3-5 and the amount of each grant will be around 20 000-40 000 euros. Grant implementation time is maximum 12 months. Successful applicant organisations may have the opportunity to apply for new grants after the completion of the first grant.
The application process is two-fold. After reviewing the applications for the Expression of Interest, shortlisted applicants will be requested to submit full proposals. Expressions of Interest to this call can be submitted until 23 June 2026. The applications will be reviewed within 4-6 weeks. Shortlisted applicants will have fifteen (15) days to submit full proposals. New grants will be awarded late 2026 – early 2027.
Submit your Expression of Interest via the KIOS online application portal. Note that, only applications submitted via the portal are eligible.
More information on how to apply, assessment criteria and eligibility can be found in the Open call guidelines. Please read them carefully before submitting your application.
See also the list of Frequently Asked Questions for more information. In case you cannot find an answer to your question in these guiding documents, you may approach us through calls@kios.fi with the subject “Sri Lanka Open Call”. However, we cannot promise that we will be able to reply to all inquiries.
KIOS will host a separate info session on the call via Zoom on June 10 at 13:30 Sri Lankan time, registration here.
The call is implemented by KIOS with financial support from its main donor, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Finland, as part of KIOS’ ongoing support for local civil society actors advancing human rights. The call is based on the KIOS Strategy 2025-2028 and is part of the implementation of the MFA-funded programme 2026-2029 Building Resilient Societies by Advancing Human Rights and Democratic Participation.
