Call for applications 2026

The living conditions of LGBTI people are influenced by where in the Nordic region they reside. In the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland, there are particular challenges regarding access to support, targeted initiatives and networks. At the same time, knowledge about the circumstances of LGBTI people in the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland is limited, making it more difficult to design targeted initiatives and action plans.

Since 2021, the Nordic LGBTI Fund has been funding projects aimed at addressing the problems and barriers limiting equal rights and opportunities for LGBTI people in the Nordic region. However, among the projects that have been awarded funding, organisations from the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland are less involved than those from the other Nordic countries.

The Nordic Council of Ministers has therefore decided to launch a targeted call for proposals through the Nordic LGBTI Fund 2026. To be eligible for funding in this year’s call, lead organisations must be based in the Faroe Islands, Greenland or Åland.

The call for proposals has the following aims:

• Increase knowledge and understanding of the issues that limit the rights and opportunities of LGBTI people in the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland
• Provide stakeholders in the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland with better opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange
• Expand and strengthen Nordic cooperation on equal rights and opportunities for LGBTI people in the Nordic region

We are looking for organisations that aim to develop knowledge, working methods and meeting places – through Nordic cooperation.

Apply for funding  – and make a difference!  

Eligibility criteria

The project must involve at least three different organisations from at least three Nordic countries (or at least two from the Nordic region and one from Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania). To apply for funding in 2026, the lead organisation must be based in the Faroe Islands, Greenland or Åland. Otherwise, applications will be assessed in accordance with the standard guidelines.

How is ‘lead organisation’ defined?

The lead organisation is the project partner with which NIKK primarily communicates and disburses funds, as well as being responsible for submitting the final report to NIKK once the project has ended. The collaborating organisations are free to decide how tasks and funds are allocated amongst themselves.

What activities are eligible for funding?

The Nordic LGBTI Fund supports projects based on Nordic cooperation in which organisations aim to tackle problems and barriers that limit the equal rights and opportunities of LGBTI people, and contribute to Nordic infrastructure and solidarity.

Projects may, for example, involve:

• Exchange and development of knowledge, methods and models
• Collaborative events such as meetings, conferences, workshops and training courses
• Establishment and development of Nordic working groups and networks

Examples of funded projects:

Safer Queer Cities works to make the Nordic region safer for LGBTI people
Using the city of Reykjavik as a pilot case, the project brings together researchers, politicians, analysts, civil society representatives, decision-makers and local stakeholders from across the Nordic region to develop a local action plan for a safer city.

Safer Queer Cities

A sustainable network of West Nordic feminist activists
The project invited key activists and groups from Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Denmark and Iceland to a closed seminar and an open conference with the aim of encouraging the formation of new grassroots groups.

West Nordic Feminist Network

Shifting the gender narrative in Sápmi
The project challenges dominant gender narratives within the Sami community by highlighting a diversity of voices, perspectives and experiences. Through gulahallat – a Sami tradition of dialogue – spaces are created where men, women and LGBTI people can reflect on gender stereotypes, ideals and diversity on Sami terms.

Changing the Gender Narrative in Sápmi