About the DEAR Call 2018

Why? Rationale for the call:

European CSOs are well placed to inform about development challenges as well as the impact of policies and behaviours in Europe on development elsewhere. CSOs play a key role in fostering the European public’s understanding and recognition of the significance of development decisions and actions for people globally. Many also work directly on development issues in partner countries. These actors have historically been at the origin of DEAR activities in EU Member States, and remain key contributors to the evolution of DEAR policy and practice in Europe.

DEAR is an integral element of development, aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the new European Consensus on Development (the 'Consensus'). DEAR strives to critically engage citizens, including through civil society organisations and local authorities, in global debates linked to the new 2030 Agenda and the Consensus.

The new call comes as the EU is keen to maximise DEAR potential and outreach and is very much focused on actions that can reach EU citizens directly and to mobilise them. The EU feels that there is an urgent need to have fully informed citizens especially on major issues such as migration and climate change which are the two focus areas for this call.

Who:

Lead applicants for Lot 1 and Lot 2 must be non-profit entities who can demonstrate their relevant experience and commit to being directly responsible. These organisations have to be established in EU. There must be a minimum of two co-applicant organisations. This is the same for all lots. They have to be legal persons, they could be outside of member states, civil society, an association. Private Sector can now be included as co-applicants which is a new development.

Given the focus on direct outreach campaigns, applicants are encouraged to involve also communication experts if they are not highly experienced in this area, they could be involved as a co-applicant, an associate or as a contractor.

What:

The objectives will be reached through a combination of campaigns, awareness raising, communication and outreach activities and global learning. Global learning activities either within or outside the formal education system cannot be the main part of the actions proposed. In case formal education actions are proposed, they should be developed in complementarity with Member States’ efforts in development education. 

The primary focus areas are 1) Migration, 2) Climate change and Environment. You can choose one of the two or combination of both. The cross cutting issues are rights based approaches, fundamental values, gender equality and women’s empowerment. Youth are the main target but audience do not need to be solely Youth. Youth is defined as 15-35 years old. Campaigns, communications and outreach are very important. Direct outreach to citizens is being heavily emphasised.

Where: 

Lot 1 and Lot 2 are for any EU Member States, Lot 2 is for the EU 13 countries. The EU's newer entrants (the 13 countries which have joined since 2004—Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia). They are emphasising pan-European projects. It’s possible to have some activities outside of the EU but it should be a minor part of budget.

When:

  • 12/07/2018         Launch of Call for Proposal
  • 04/09/2018         Deadline for sending questions
  • 14/09/2018         Publication Q&A
  • 25/09/2018         Deadline for concept notes
  • 22/11/2018         Invitation for full application
  • 30/01/2019         Deadline for full applications

April/May 2019 Notification of award

April/May 2019 Contract signature

Links:

August 11, 2025
Budget 2026: Investing in Global Citizenship Education is Investing in Global Solidarity “Ireland has received international recognition for its development education strategies… Without additional investment, we cannot seize the opportunity to turn development-aware children into development-aware adults.” - OECD DAC Peer Review of Ireland Read IDEA’s full Pre-Budget 2026 submission here . For over half a century, Ireland has invested in Global Citizenship Education (GCE), enabling people across the island to explore complex issues such as climate justice, human rights, and equality - and to take informed action for a more just and sustainable world. Between 2021 and 2024, €33.6 million was invested in programmes reaching over 1.2 million people, helping to embed GCE across schools, communities, and other learning spaces. This investment has made Ireland a European and global leader in the field. But in today’s turbulent context - with rising disinformation, polarisation, climate emergencies, and deepening inequalities - the need for GCE has never been greater. As Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond, told the IDEA Annual Conference in May 2025: “Now is the time to focus on the hard issues… These are among the greatest challenges of our time.” Why Now? Budget 2026 comes at a critical moment. Ireland is: Running out of time to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Preparing a new national GCE strategy for the next five years. Operating in a global context where democratic values, human rights, and multilateral cooperation are under unprecedented strain. The OECD has commended Ireland’s strong GCE strategies but has also warned that without additional investment, we risk falling short on SDG Target 4.7 - ensuring all learners acquire the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development. Our Key Budget 2026 Asks:  Increase investment in GCE Move towards the widely recognised target of 3% of Official Development Assistance (ODA), using a cross-departmental approach and accounting for inflation. Current spending is 1.2% of ODA - far below the €26 million annually needed to reach the 3% target. Boost GCE/ESD funding under “ESD to 2030” Provide adequate and dedicated funding for projects led by organisations, schools, and higher education institutions to ensure the successful delivery of the Second National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development. Create dedicated GCE/ESD funding lines Integrate and resource GCE/ESD within the SDG National Implementation Plan, Climate Action Plan, and National Action Plan Against Racism, recognising that climate justice and anti-racism are core components of global citizenship. Increase Ireland’s ODA Commit to a €300 million increase in Budget 2026 to make tangible progress towards the UN target of spending 0.7% of GNI on ODA by 2030. Adopt Coalition 2030 recommendations Implement budget measures that ensure resources reach those furthest behind first, and align budget lines with specific SDG targets. Beyond Funding – Policy Coherence and Decent Work In addition to resourcing, GCE requires stronger coordination across government departments and better integration into policies, institutions, and networks. GCE practitioners must also have secure, decent working conditions in line with SDG 8, ensuring that expertise is retained within the sector. The Opportunity for Ireland Ireland is respected globally for its principled, values-based approach to international development. By investing in GCE now, we can: Strengthen civic trust, participation, and resilience in our society. Equip citizens to navigate complex global challenges. Ensure Ireland remains a strong, independent voice for justice, solidarity, and human rights on the world stage. Budget 2026 is our opportunity to protect the progress made, scale up impact, and deliver on our commitments. IDEA and our members are ready to work with Irish Aid and across government to ensure Ireland continues to lead with integrity, foresight, and global solidarity. _______________________________________________________ Read IDEA’s full Pre-Budget 2026 submission here to explore our recommendations in detail and see how, together, we can strengthen Global Citizenship Education in Ireland and beyond.
Smme
August 2, 2025
Catch-up on a Summer of Learning!
July 24, 2025
IDEA invites tender submissions from interested auditing service suppliers to provide auditing and associated professional services to the organisation from the year ending 31 December 2025. IDEA is seeking to engage an experienced auditing service firm that will provide the full range of auditing services required to fulfil its statutory obligations, to comply with relevant accounting and reporting standards and best practice. All submissions to be made to sal@ideaonline.ie You can find the full details here. The deadline for the application is Monday, 11 August, 5pm .