Current calls that are open are:

• Focus on Freedom | Equal Rights for LGBTIQ+ Persons

• Focus on Freedom | Freedom of Religion and Belief

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken) has just published its new 2026-2030 policy framework for collaboration with civil society organizations in development cooperation: ‘Focus’.

This framework determines how the Netherlands will fund and collaborate with civil society actors around the world over the coming years. Key takeaways from the new framework:

🔸 Stronger emphasis on local ownership: funding will increasingly go directly to local CSOs

🔸 A shift from advocacy-only to a balance with service delivery (at least 30% of program budgets)

🔸 Eight thematic instruments, including: 1. HIV/AIDS 2. Harmful practices (e.g. FGM, child marriage) 3. Clean and fair trade 4. Female entrepreneurship 5. Combating violence against women & supporting defenders 6. Women, Peace & Security 7. Human rights & freedoms (FoRB, LGBTIQ+) 8. Dutch private initiatives

🔸 A total budget of €490 million for 2026–2030

🔸 Simplified monitoring and reporting requirements

🔸 Clearer expectations for transparency and risk management

HVFC has a strong track record in supporting Dutch and international CSO’s in applying successfully for these grants.

Current calls that are open are:

• Focus on Freedom | Equal Rights for LGBTIQ+ Persons
• Focus on Freedom | Freedom of Religion and Belief

New Focus calls will be published here as well. 

HOW HVFC CAN SUPPORT YOU

HVFC can help you to develop a high-quality proposal. Our support can include:

1. Go/ No-Go: If you are doubting to apply or not, our Go / No-Go advisory will be useful to consider.
2. Proposal design and writing in case additional capacity is required.
3. The most cost-effective way to boost the quality of your proposal is by reviewing your proposal with our review grid, developed specifically for this call. By having the perspective of the donor, we can identify possible improvements early. This will help you to have the maximum result at the end.

Please contact us for more information on one of these services.