Introduction
The New Democracy Fund (NDF) is a grant-making initiative established in 2020 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark in response to democratic challenges faced by countries in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood. It operates as a partnership between Danish and regional civil society organisations to strengthen democratic development and resilience through cooperation, dialogue, and civil society support.
History and Background
The New Democracy Fund was created amid growing concerns about democratic backsliding, civil society restrictions, and civic space pressures within Eastern Neighbourhood Countries — including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Its establishment reflects Denmark’s commitment to supporting democratic processes and civic engagement beyond its borders.
The fund was formally launched in March 2021, bringing together representatives from government, civil society, and international partners. The launch highlighted the need for increased cooperation, freedom of expression, and democratic participation within the region.
Mission and Purpose
The core mission of the New Democracy Fund is to strengthen independent, diverse, resilient, and responsive civil society in Eastern Neighbourhood Countries by promoting democratic values, human rights, and gender equality. The fund facilitates institutional capacity building, networking, and peer-to-peer exchanges between civil society actors in the region and Denmark.
By supporting civic actors, independent media, youth organisations, and cultural institutions, the fund seeks to foster a democratic culture where citizens can participate actively and meaningfully in the civic life of their societies.
Governance and Structure
The New Democracy Fund operates through a consortium of five partner organisations that manage and implement its activities. These partners include:
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Danish Cultural Institute (DCI) — Lead partner, hosting the secretariat and managing administrative and financial operations.
- 3F – United Federation of Workers in Denmark
- The Confederation of Danish Industry (DI)
- The Danish Youth Council (DUF)
- International Media Support (IMS)
A Steering Committee, consisting of representatives from each consortium member, provides strategic oversight and decision-making authority. The secretariat, hosted by the Danish Cultural Institute, manages day-to-day coordination.
Funding and Grants
Budget and Geographic Focus
For the period 2023–2026, the New Democracy Fund is supported with a budget of 180 million Danish kroner (DKK) to distribute grants and support activities that strengthen democratic development in the Eastern Neighbourhood.
The fund focuses on civil society organisations based in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, supporting partnerships with Danish organisations to promote regional cooperation and shared experiences.
Thematic Areas and Grant Types
The New Democracy Fund organises its work around six thematic focus areas, including:
- Culture
- Gender equality
- Green and just transition
- Labour market
- Media and information resilience
- Youth empowerment
Funding calls are designed to support initiatives that reinforce democratic participation, strengthen independent media, increase civic engagement among youth, and develop cultural and educational cooperation across borders. For example, targeted calls such as the Focused Armenia 2026 Call aim to support regional civil society and media ahead of key national elections.
Major Programs and Initiatives
The New Democracy Fund runs open and targeted funding calls in partnership with local organisations to prioritize areas of democratic strengthening and societal resilience. Calls often focus on promoting fact-based information, enhancing youth participation, or supporting civil society networks that build democratic values, particularly in contexts of political transition or stress.
Regular funding rounds and collaboration mechanisms ensure that civil society actors can access resources, training, and cross-border networking opportunities to build capacity and sustain democratic engagement.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Since its inception, the New Democracy Fund has supported dozens of projects across its focus countries, often funding small-to-medium civil society initiatives that have a direct impact on democratic participation, media independence, and community-level engagement. As of 2024 updates, the fund has supported 56 projects with approximately 12 million DKK in grants, demonstrating tangible investment in regional civil society efforts.
Supported projects have included initiatives to strengthen information resilience, cultural exchanges, youth civic education, and network building between Danish and regional partners, creating long-lasting impact in democratic processes.
Conclusion
The New Democracy Fund stands as a strategic instrument for promoting democracy, human rights, and civil society resilience in the Eastern Neighbourhood Countries of Europe. Established through Danish government support and implemented by a robust consortium of civil society organisations, the fund continues to empower local actors, foster cross-border cooperation, and advance democratic principles across Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Its thematic focus and targeted funding mechanisms make it a meaningful contributor to democratic development in the region.
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