Dear Friends of the Network,

Once again, we are forced to react to rising waves of hate. The killing of far-right extremist Charlie Kirk in the US has sparked a new surge of polarization, opening space for those who weaponise “free speech” to silence minorities and attack humanitarian action—whether by targeting solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza or criminalising people saving refugee lives at Europe’s borders. These moves are part of a wider attempt to wage a “cultural war,” fueling fear and violence for political gain.
We refuse this vision. Our response must be solidarity, action, and connection.

You have probably already received our first communication: UNITED is renewing the European Address Book Against Racism—for the first time in over a decade. This will be Europe’s largest digitally searchable directory of NGOs, civil society actors, and institutions defending human rights, anti-racism, and equality.

A tool to find allies in times of hostility. But it only works if we all take part. 

• Fill the Registration Form by 10 October 2025
• If you’ve already registered, please spread the word so no ally is left behind.

We’ve launched a one-month campaign to explain why this matters (you can watch the video launch here), with updates on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Join us for a Facebook Livestream on 15 September with Miroslav Prosek, creator of the first Address Book, and Vladyslava Vasylieva, UNITED Network Correspondent and current curator.
Let’s resist hate—and make our voice UNITED, strong, and collective.

Funding Opportunities

In the spirit of collective action, since September and October are months of deadlines for funding opportunities, we thought it would be helpful to share some of them with you.

• The EU’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme has launched a new call for proposals to support projects that promote equality and combat discrimination, racism, xenophobia, antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, antigypsyism, LGBTIQ-phobia, and related forms of intolerance.
  Who can apply: Legal entities (public or private) in EU Member States or associated countries. Must apply as a consortium of at least two organisations.
  What is funded:
  • Projects fighting discrimination and intolerance
  • Workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives
  • LGBTIQ equality projects aligned with the EU Equality Strategy
  • Capacity building for public authorities against discrimination
  Deadline: 23 October 2025, 17:00 CET (Brussels time)
  Where to apply: European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Portal (CERV calls section)
• EYF - European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe
  Who Can Apply: NGOs and youth networks from Council of Europe member states.
  Deadline: 1 October 2025
• ERASMUS+ 
  •KA1 – Learning Mobility of Individuals (Youth, Adult Education, VET, Higher Education) 
Deadline: 1 October 2025. 
Includes mobility projects for learners and staff, accreditation opportunities for organisations, and youth participation activities.
  • KA2 – Cooperation for Innovation and Exchange of Good Practices
. Possible second calls or deadline rounds in October 2025 for: Cooperation Partnerships, Small-scale Partnerships, Capacity Building Projects (in fields of education, youth, and VET)
  • KA3 – Support to Policy Development and Cooperation
. Some calls with deadlines planned around October (check specific programmes or National Agencies).

Please get in touch if you plan to apply, if you’re interested in partnering or co-writing proposals, or if you want to learn more about the project draft currently being prepared by the secretariat.

There's a lot on everyone's plates so we're stopping with news for now, but please keep following for updates and don't forget to #stayunited :)