About funding from the Nordic Council of Ministers

The most important criterion that the Nordic Council of Ministers applies to project funding is that the projects must benefit the Nordic countries, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland. Projects must generate Nordic synergies and have a strategic purpose. Most of them are run by a particular administrative body.

Each year, some 500 projects and activities are launched and run within the framework of the Nordic Council of Ministers. The majority are run by an “administrative body”, usually a national institution or organisation in the Nordic Region commissioned for the purpose by the Nordic Council of Ministers. The Nordic Council of Ministers also issues direct calls for funding applications on particular topics from time to time.

Open Call for Nordic Talks

What is Nordic Talks?

Nordic Talks is a series of live talks and podcasts addressing the biggest global challenges. Through conversations with some of the brightest minds in the Nordics and their counterparts from around the world, we want to inspire each other to act – for a better, more sustainable future.
Nordic Talks is designed to provide a space for contemplation and to share inspiration on how to take action on sustainability issues in our everyday lives. All Nordic Talks are dedicated to addressing the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and all talks provide specific ideas on how we as citizens can take concrete action starting today.

A Nordic Talk can take place anywhere in the world and anyone with a good idea for a talk can apply for funding. We welcome both online and offline events and encourage both independently organised talks as well as plug-ins to existing events, such as festivals or conferences.

You can apply for three different grants: Small, Medium or Large

​The total budget for this open call is DKK 2.5 million.

Initiatives for cooperation among Nordic diplomatic missions to promote Our Vision 2030

Open Call opportunity for Nordic Embassies and Missions abroad to support co-operation and promoting Nordic interests in the world.

The overall purpose of the open call is to promote co-operation between Nordic representations in the world in line with The Nordic Council of Ministers Vision 2030 and strategic priorities. Only Nordic embassies/diplomatic missions outside the Nordic region may apply. It is possible to apply for amounts ranging from 50.000 Danish Kroner to 250.000 Danish Kroner.

Who can apply, for how much and when?

Please note that only Nordic embassies/diplomatic missions outside the Nordic region may apply. At least two Nordic embassies must be involved in the project, and you should apply jointly. A maximum amount of DKK 250.000 can be applied for, and minimum DKK 50.000.

Initiatives for joint branding of the Nordics by embassies and missions abroad (fast track)

The idea behind fast track funding pool is to help Nordic embassies and missions abroad in joining forces and promote Nordic thinking, solutions, values and competences. We expect that the projects link to Vision 2030 and the Strategy for international branding of the Nordic region. The pool is reserved for small projects with a maximum budget of 30.000 Danish Kroner.

Who can apply, for how much and how often?

A total of DKK 300 000 has been earmarked to support Nordic embassies and foreign missions for joint Nordic branding activities in 2022. A maximum amount of DKK 30 000 can be applied for. The budget is limited and financial support may not be available at the end of the year.

Please note that only Nordic embassies/diplomatic missions outside the Nordic region may apply. Each country can benefit from funding maximum twice per year in the sense that, Nordic missions in for instance France may jointly get two grants in a year (not twice for each Nordic mission in France).

The Nordic Council of Ministers Open Call Funding Opportunity for Nordic-Russian co-operation

The Open Call and Civil Society & Human Rights Initiative for Nordic- Russian co-operation provide a funding opportunity for co-operation and networking projects. The projects must involve partners from the Nordic countries and from seven regional areas in Northwest Russia. Both authorities, universities and civil society organizations etc. can participate in the projects, which include topics such as innovation, energy, environment, climate change, inclusion, human rights, social affairs, and indigenous peoples.

Objective of the funding opportunities

The overall objective of the funding opportunities is to contribute to prosperous and peaceful development in the region by fostering close relationships and by Nordic and Russian partners working even more closely together, and to continue to engage Russia as an active partner in regional co-operation in the Baltic Sea and the Barents Sea areas.

There are two entries to this funding opportunity. Read the guidelines and instructions for the two entries below. As a starting point the criteria are the same, and a distinction is mentioned, when it is applicable.

1) The Open Call focuses on all projects of mutual Nordic and Russian interest anchored in co-operation and networking.

2) The Civil Society and Human Rights Initiative focuses on strengthening civil society within all relevant fields of society.

Nordic Council of Ministers’ funding programme for NGO co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region

NGOs play a prominent role in the Nordic Council of Ministers’ co-operation with countries of the Baltic Sea Region. The NCM grant programme aims to build networks across the region and to focus on the important contribution of civil society organizations in sustainable and inclusive societal development based democratic values.

Objective of the programme

The overall objective of the programme is to promote co-operation between Nordic, Baltic, Polish, Belarusian and Russian NGOs to underline the key role that NGOs play in building networks and cross-border co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region. The programme has existed since 2006, and NGOs are invited to apply for funding from the programme for international co-operation projects. Read the guidelines and instructions below.

Applicants must take these into consideration, when applying:

Focus areas of the programme

Social and health

Culture

Environment

Development of democracy

Funding from the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Industrial Relations Committee

Grants from the Nordic Council of Ministers' Industrial Relations Committee

NAU mainly funds studies and seminars on topical policy issues related to labour law with a Nordic angle. The most important funding criterion is that projects benefit the Nordic nations, the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland and generate Nordic synergies.

Funding guidelines and information

The Industrial Relations Committee recommends that applicants read up on the information below before submitting applications to the secretary. If you have any further questions, please contact the secretary. Click on the links below for the relevant application form and instructions about applying for funding from sub-committees of the Nordic Committee of Senior Officials for Labour (EK-A).

Funding from the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Labour Market Committee

Support from the Nordic Council of Ministers' Labor Market Committee

The Labour Market Committee funds Nordic projects concerning working life, e.g. analyses, conferences or theme meetings that forge closer working relationships between Nordic countries and allow them to exchange information and experiences. The projects must have a Nordic focus and involve at least three of the countries. Participation by the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland is considered an advantage.

Funding guidelines and information

The Labour Market Committee recommends that applicants read up on the information below before submitting applications to the secretary. If you have any further questions, please contact the secretary. Click on the links below for the relevant application form and instructions about applying for funding from sub-committees of the Nordic Committee of Senior Officials for Labour (EK-A).