The Norwegian Human Rights Fund (NHRF) invites civil society organisations and networks in Mexico to submit concept notes for projects that contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights while strengthening the institutional capacities of the implementing organisations. The call is open nationwide, with particular priority given to organisations based outside Mexico City and those working in rural areas.

Funding

• Grants ranging from USD 15,000 to USD 50,000 per year.
• The requested amount should be proportional to the organisation’s current annual budget and should generally not exceed twice that budget.
• Project implementation period: September 1, 2026 – December 31, 2028.

Priority Thematic Areas

Projects must contribute to one or more of the following areas:

• Access to justice and promotion of accountability
• Inclusive societies free of discrimination and inequality
• Environmental rights
• Protection of human rights defenders and the right to defend human rights

Eligibility Requirements

Successful applicants must:

• Be based in Mexico.
• Have at least three years of demonstrated experience working in the thematic area(s) relevant to the proposed project.
• Not have any other funding from Norway.
• Demonstrate how the proposed initiative will contribute to one or more of the thematic areas of the call.
• Have an annual budget of less than USD 250,000.

Priority Will Be Given To Organisations That:

• Are women-led and/or foster women and gender diversity in leadership. 
• Are community-led/grassroots-based
• Have representation of the group members/community members the project reaches in the organisation, including in decision-making positions.
• Aim to ensure intergenerational approaches in leadership and foster the sustainability of the human rights movements through a focus on succession planning in the organisation.

Application Process

• Interested organisations must register on the NHRF project portal and complete the eligibility questionnaire and concept note.
• Applicants must submit a brief organisational profile, a project description, and a simplified budget using the official NHRF templates.
• NHRF expects to fund between four and six projects through this call.

📅 Deadline for submission of concept notes: August 6, 2026.

To see the full call text (in Spanish), including more information on criteria and the application process, please consult the document below.