Call for applications for funding for the project “Method Development for Increased Participation”

The state of democracy – and the present challenges towards it – are important issues for all the Nordic countries. The Nordic countries are united by a long and strong tradition of democracy, with high social trust. However, geopolitical and digital developments have brought new and complex challenges, which test the democratic institutions and values that have long been taken for granted. At the same time, the conditions and interest for actively participating in current democratic structures are being challenged, not least amongst the youth. It is therefore crucial that the Nordic countries monitor and respond to developments, to ensure that future societies are also permeated by trust and democratic principles. There is a need for new ways to strengthen citizens' democratic participation, contribution and influence in decision-making processes. 

There are several organisations across the Nordic region that, in various ways, work to develop and implement models for increased participation and democratic competence, for example through citizen panels, dialogue models, and various types of digital platforms. The Nordic Council of Ministers wishes to have an overview of these efforts across the region, learn from best practices, and receive recommendations of models that could be developed for or replicable across the Nordic countries and regions. The overview should also include attention to youth and youth involvement.

The Nordic Council of Ministers considers that mapping and recommending participatory models and methods across the Nordic region offers a clear Nordic added value that cannot be achieved through national efforts alone. Strengthening democratic participation and civic engagement contributes directly to the Vision 2030 objective of a socially sustainable Nordic region, characterised by shared values, inclusion, and cohesion.  On this basis, the Nordic Council of Ministers launches an open call for the project “Method Development for Increased Participation”, resulting in a report in English or a Scandinavian language (Danish, Norwegian or Swedish). 

The aim of this project is to strengthen knowledge and skills about democratic participation, and developing and disseminating concrete models and methods that can enhance citizens’ participation and influence in decision-making processes across the Nordic region.

The main deliverable is a report showcasing examples of participatory models, methods, tools and frameworks used in Denmark, Faroe Islands Finland, Greenland Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Åland Islands. The report must also include recommendations on new or existing models, methods, tools and frameworks that could be further developed for, or replicated across the Nordic countries and autonomous regions. One of these models must have been tested.

In addition to the report, the grant recipient is expected to develop a communication plan for the effective dissemination and implementation of the identified models. 

From September 2026 until 1. March 2027.

Entities that work with citizens in the Nordic countries, including with a focus on young people, including:

• municipal, regional or national authorities
• universities and colleges,
• research institutions,
• civil society organisations, associations or networks and other non‑profit organisations.

Applicants must be based in Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden or the Åland Islands.

Budget

The Nordic Council of Ministers is looking to fund a project up to a maximum of DKK 950 000

Non-eligible costs include:

• investment in physical infrastructure, major equipment, or machinery,
• costs for activities that have been carried out before the project start,
• salary cost for staff who are not directly working on the project,
• commercial or profit driven activities,
• regular operating costs.

Questions regarding the open call can be sent to torson@norden.org by 29 July 2026.

Applications should be sent to demokrati@norden.org by 12 August 2026. 

Applications, annexes and the budget must be submitted in English and in PDF format. 

By submitting an application, the applicant agrees that the Nordic Council of Ministers can process it, and any personal data it contains electronically.

The Nordic Council of Ministers evaluates project applications. These proposals are assessed against the criteria as described in the above Call for application file.