The European Union supports independent living and the inclusion of people with disabilities in the community by funding civil society initiatives

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Access for people with disabilities to community-based living will be expanded, with the support from the European Union and the involvement of civil society. At least 15 Supported Living social services and 30 Shared Living social services will be established and developed in the Republic of Moldova for adults with disabilities who are leaving residential care.

The expansion and strengthening of the network of community-based social services for deinstitutionalised people with disabilities will be achieved through a new grant programme aimed at civil society organisations active in the social sector. The grant programme is part of the “Inclusive Moldova: Communities for All” project, financed by the European Union, and implemented by Keystone Moldova in partnership with the Alliance of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities from Moldova and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.

The funds available for the development and operation of future community social services amount to 2,085,000 euros. These resources will be used to fund at least 15 projects by civil society organisations, selected following a call for proposals launched today, 10 September 2026. Each project may have a maximum budget of 139,000 euros, with an implementation period of no more than 24 months.

Interested non-governmental organisations can find out more information on how to apply for the grants, by watching the launch event, which was streamed live this morning, or by viewing the announcement on the Keystone Moldova website. The deadline for submitting applications under this programme is 12 October 2026, and the results will be announced within three months.

The grant programme has been launched with the aim of contributing to the process of deinstitutionalisation of adults with disabilities from the Temporary Placement Centre for People with Disabilities (Adults) in the commune of Bădiceni, Soroca district. This funding opportunity is intended to develop the network of social services for people with disabilities who have been deinstitutionalised and to provide the necessary support for independent living and inclusion in the community.

Civil society organisations participating in the grant programme are encouraged to establish partnerships with one of the Territorial Agencies for Social Assistance or the bodies responsible for social assistance in the municipality of Chișinău and the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia. Organisations selected following the call for proposals will receive support in accessing funding, training and technical assistance for the planning, establishment and development of community-based social services, as well as support for strengthening local partnerships.

The “Inclusive Moldova: Communities for All” project aims to improve the quality of life and community inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Republic of Moldova. The project’s activities will conclude on 31 October 2029.

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This material was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its content represents the sole responsibility of the “Inclusive Moldova: Communities for All” project, financed by the European Union, and implemented by Keystone Moldova in partnership with the Alliance of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities from Moldova and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. The content of the material belongs to the authors and does not necessarily reflect the vision of the European Union.