About this call​

 

The Better Politics Fund is seeking applications for Ideation Grants to support new, bold ideas from early-stage, non-partisan organizations or individuals that are building better politics in Europe. 

 

These grants will range from €10,000 to €20,000. We know that funding applications take time and effort - our goal is to make this process as kind, efficient, and straightforward as possible for you. Apply by 24 September 2025.

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What we support

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We're looking for bold and innovative ideas to build better politics across the political leadership impact path (excluding direct candidate support or political candidate campaigning). These ideas should be new or focused on testing an existing initiative in a different context or approach. Applications need to be focused on Europe and fit into at least one of the following areas:
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1. Cultivate: Open doors and build pipelines for change, particularly for leaders from underrepresented backgrounds.

2. Upskill: Equip both new talent and seasoned political leaders with the critical skills needed for our times.

3. Support: Reform and strengthen political systems so representative leaders and new ideas can thrive.

4. Connect: Make politics more impactful, connected, and responsive to the people it serves.​​​​​​​​

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Eligibility check

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Before you dive in, please conduct a quick self-check to ensure this grant is the right fit for you. We respect your time and don’t want to waste it if you don’t meet the requirements.

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Are you:

 

• An individual or early-stage organization working in Europe with a new, bold idea that needs developing and exploring; and

• Developing a new idea that aligns with at least one of the Better Politics Fund’s four areas of support outlined above; and

• Proposing a non-partisan idea: the Fund does not support political parties, candidates or campaigns.​​​​​

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Application process & key dates​

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1. Application Submission Deadline: 24 September 2025  

   • Once you have done a self-assessment of your eligibility, submit the short application form.
      

2. Due Diligence & Review: 31 October 2025​

   • The Better Politics team first conducts an initial screening of applications to create a long list.

   • Applicants on this long list will be contacted to provide additional information and to complete a straightforward due diligence process to check for accountability, non-partisanship, and capacity.

   • As part of our commitment to participatory grantmaking, an external Grantmaking Council, in collaboration with the Better Politics Fund team, will review a short list of applicants and prepare a final selection to present to the Fund Board.
      

3. Final Decision by Fund Board: 21 November 2025

   • The Fund Board makes final funding decisions based on the recommendations of the Grantmaking Council and Fund team.
      

4. Notification of Funding Decisions: 12 December 2025

   • We will notify all successful and unsuccessful applicants of the decision.

   • Feedback for unsuccessful applicants is provided upon request.​ Relevant organizations, regardless of whether they receive funding, are invited to join the global Political Leadership Entrepreneur Network.​

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​​Selection criteria​

 

Applications will be assessed on:

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• Relevance: Alignment with the Fund’s priorities/areas of support.

• Innovation: New and bold approaches to political leadership and systems.

• Impact: Potential to strengthen representation, trust, and inclusion.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be based in Europe, apply with projects implemented in Europe, and be non-partisan.

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How to apply ​

 

​Simply complete this application form. We value your time and have kept this simple—completion should take approximately 20 minutes.

 

For questions, please contact us at fund@betterpolitics.foundation.​

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Let's build better politics together ​​​​​​​