Call for Applications: Livelihood Grants for Self-Help Group Members

Eligible self-help group members will have the opportunity to receive a grant of up to EUR 1,000 to establish, resume, or recover a home-based subsistence or economic activity. Once the upcoming session on skilling/reskilling is completed, each participant will present their small-scale business idea. These proposals will be evaluated by a selection team composed of the group facilitator, business trainer, ERC programme staff and external representative. Grants will be transferred directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts upon the signing of grant agreements. In cases where cash transfers are not feasible, an asset-based grant option will be considered.

Selected grantees will receive tailored mentoring (approximately 4 hours per beneficiary), based on individual needs, such as technical skills development, marketing support, or other relevant areas to support the sustainability of their income-generating activities. The maximum grant amount is EUR 1,000, and the funds must be used for the purchase of essential goods and equipment related to the proposed activity. Recipients must provide the required documentation for their sub-award expenses, ensuring the funds are used for the intended purpose. All grant funds are to be utilized within six months from the date of the signed agreement.

Deadline for submitting the application is September 10, 2025. 

Eligibility Criteria

The following individuals are eligible to apply for this grant:

• Participants of the self-help groups organized by ERC, who have successfully completed the 8-session self-help program, including 3 sessions on business development, and obtained a certificate confirming their completion.

The following types of activities are NOT eligible for funding:

• actions concerned only or mainly with individual sponsorships for participation in workshops, seminars, conferences and congresses;
• actions concerned only or mainly with individual scholarships for studies or training courses;
• actions which discriminate against individuals or groups of people on grounds of their gender, sexual orientation, religious belief or lack of them, or their ethnic origin;
• actions supporting political parties.

The grant is intended to help start or resume income-generating activities, which may include but are not limited to:

• small-scale manufacturing: producing handmade goods, clothing, or crafts
• retail operations: setting up small shops or kiosks to sell various products
• agriculture: purchasing seeds, livestock, or farming equipment
• services: offering repair services, beauty treatments, or other personal services
• food production: starting a bakery, café, or small food processing business

Prohibited Expenses

• Repayment of debts and associated debt servicing costs,
• Provisions for losses or potential future liabilities,
• Losses resulting from currency exchange fluctuations,
• Loans to third parties,
• Salary costs. 

Selection Criteria

The following criteria will be used to evaluate the applications:   

• A realistic and clear plan - 0-30
• Financial feasibility - 0-25
• The relevant skills, knowledge, and experience of the applicants  - 0-25
• The sustainability of the planned initiative - 0-20

How to apply?

Applicants must submit their applications via the Estonian Refugee Council's online platform. After the submission deadline, our specialists will review the provided information and may request additional details through the email address indicated in the application form. Selected beneficiaries will be notified by the end of June.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Additional information

The decision to apply for the grant is voluntary, and all information provided is confidential. The information shared during the application process will only be used for assessment purposes. 

For complaints, feedback, or technical support, please contact us at erc.am@pagulasabi.ee or +374 98115109, Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 18:00.

About the action

"Human Rights for and with Refugees" project is implemented with the support of the European Union by Democracy Development Foundation, Estonian Refugee Council, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women, and Commit Global. The project focuses on empowering refugees from Nagorno Karabakh by providing essential knowledge about their rights, addressing vulnerabilities, and improving access to user-friendly resources on their entitlements and opportunities.