Six new partner NGOs at the borders of Europe
The selected organisations
Six new partner organisations in Romania, Spain, Greece, and Italy are joining the Step-Up Fund, launched by the Dutch Council for Refugees to strengthen international solidarity. This fund empowers these organisations with capacity-building projects that amplify their impact on refugee support and human rights advocacy at Europe's borders.
Below is an overview of the six organisations and their projects:
Romanian National Council for Refugees (CNRR): CNRR provides legal aid, social assistance and advocacy for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in Romania. Its team delivers personalised, needs-based support to ensure successful integration.
With support from the Step-Up fund, CNRR will launch the Capacity Development for Trauma-Informed Practices and Mental Health Resilience project. The project strengthens staff wellbeing through trauma-informed practices and mental health training, enabling them to maintain high-quality service despite challenging work conditions.
Fundatia Inovatii Sociale Regina Maria: This Romanian NGO is dedicated to improving health, education, and integration for vulnerable groups, including refugees and migrants. Through its medical clinics and educational centers, the organisation provides essential healthcare and tailored programs to support disadvantaged individuals and refugee integration.
The Global and Local Fundraising Pathways: Building Capacity for Sustainable Support project will boost the foundation's fundraising capabilities to ensure long-term support for Ukrainian refugees and other vulnerable communities. The initiative includes hiring a fundraising specialist, providing staff training, and equipping the team to secure diverse funding sources, ensuring the sustainability of humanitarian programs.
Mosaico - Azioni per i Rifugiati: Founded in Turin in 2006 by refugees, MOSAICO supports asylum seekers and migrants by providing crucial information, fostering dialogue, and promoting social inclusion. Originally a grassroots initiative, it has grown into a structured non-profit with a diverse team of social mediators and strong local and international partnerships.
Through the LEAD: Leadership, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Data for Inclusion project, MOSAICO will strengthen its advocacy efforts addressing inclusion and protection challenges for refugees and migrants. The project will provide sustainable solutions through structured work packages.
GREEK FORUM OF MIGRANTS: GFM, a network of 42 migrant and refugee organisations founded in 2002, promotes integration, equal rights, and mutual respect. Acting as a cultural mediator, it connects diverse communities with Greek society and advocates for social inclusion and collective growth.
The Training and Support of Migrant and Refugee Network project, GFM focuses on strengthening its fundraising capacity to ensure long-term financial sustainability. By empowering member organisations and leaders to secure funding independently, GFM will empower its network to support integration and advocacy initiatives effectively.
Comissió Catalana d’Ajuda al Refugiat (CCAR): CCAR defends the right of asylum and supports refugees and migrants in Catalonia through legal aid, social and occupational programs, and advocacy. Its holistic approach promotes inclusion and autonomy for displaced people.
The Refugees Welcome to Catalonia project enhances refugee reception by training and empowering volunteers to foster inclusion through critical and transformative actions. By strengthening social networks and countering xenophobia, the project supports intercultural coexistence and complements state reception programs.
Associació Iguality Lab i Comunitat: As a is a non-profit based in Catalonia, Iguality provides free mental health support to refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers who face barriers like financial constraints or mental health stigma. Iguality’s work ensures the access of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers to care that improves their well-being.
The Strengthening Capacity for a Higher Impact on Mental Health for Refugees in Spain project focuses on enhancing Iguality’s volunteer recruitment, management, and training. The project will help in building strategic alliances and fundraising skills to expand the organisation's impact and ensure sustainable support for mental health initiatives.