Project calls for equal.brussels

We grant subsidies to associations that initiate projects to promote equal opportunities in the Brussels-Capital Region. And this, within the framework of regional competences and regardless of the subject matter.

Equal.brussels also supports and promotes projects carried out in partnership with various actors, particularly in the context of developing an intersectional perspective and mutual enrichment through the specialisation of the various partners.

Within this framework, we organise yearly project calls to support projects that have a positive impact on the equal opportunities of all those who live and work in the Brussels Region. 

• Gender: Defend respect for and equality between men, women and persons of different gender identity or expression.
• Gender-based violence : Avoid and combat intrafamily, sexual and any other form of gender-based violence.
• LGBTQIA+ : support inclusion regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression or intersex variations.
• Racism and diversity : fight all forms of racism based on perceived race, nationality, colour, origin and national or ethnic origin. Defend ethnic and cultural diversity.
• Disability: encourage self-determination, equal treatment and autonomous participation in social life. Regardless of physical, mental, psychological, social or any disability.
• Origin and social situation: e.g. support for single-parent families and senior citizens. 

A new framework has been established for 2023, allowing associations to receive subsidies in a more structured manner, particularly by submitting applications for a duration of three years (renewable for one year, up to a maximum of two times), depending on the available regional budgets.

Three new subsidy categories have been defined:

• Support for innovative projects
• Support for recurrent or permanent projects
• Structural support for representative collectives (at least three associations, information will follow in April 2023)

Equal.brussels is a regional authority and can only support projects that fall under regional competencies: town and country planning; housing; environment, water policy and nature protection; economy and employment policy; transport and mobility: public works; energy policy; animal welfare; prevention and safety; scientific research.

If your project does not fall under any of these competencies, you may be able to turn to other authorities. After all, in Belgium, all authorities are competent to pursue an equal opportunities policy.

equal.brussels is part of the Brussels Regional Public Service, composed of the following administrations. Also discover their equal opportunities project calls:

• Brussels Economy and EmploymentOpens in new windowExternal link 
• Brussels Local AuthoritiesOpens in new windowExternal link
• Brussels ConnectITExternal link
• Brussels Finances and BudgetOpens in new windowExternal link
• Brussels HousingExternal link
• Bruxelles MobilityOpens in new windowExternal link
• Bruxelles SynergyExternal link

Other possible subsidies also exist in federal, regional, local and community or provincial governments.

• Federal: equal.brusselsOpens in new windowExternal link
• Flemish Government: Equal opportunities in FlandersOpens in new windowExternal link
• Walloon Region: Egalité des chances | Portail de l'Action sociale Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles Opens in new window
• Duitstalige Community: Ostbelgien Live - HomeExternal link
• Province: Make enquiries with your province
• Municipality: Enquire with your municipality. 
  Every year, the City of Brussels grants subsidiesOpens in new windowExternal link to associations active in the field of equal opportunities. 

In the list below, find out which associations in Belgium received grants to support their equal opportunities initiatives in 2022.

All these subsidies are intended for associations with a project related to equal opportunities in the Brussels-Capital Region, within the framework of regional competencies, regardless of the theme, including racism and diversity, gender equality, origin and social situation, including single parenthood, disability, gender-related violence, and LGBTQIA+.

For more information on the various themes, we highly recommend reading the relevant Brussels action plans (in French).

• A regional plan to combat racism 2023-2026Opens in new windowExternal link
• Brussels Gender Mainstreaming and Equality Plan 2022-2025Opens in new windowExternal link
• Brussels plan to support single-parent families 2021-2025Opens in new windowExternal link
• Brussels plan for integrating handi-streaming into public policy 2022-2025Opens in new windowExternal link
• Brussels plan to combat violence against women 2020-2024External link
• Brussels Plan for the Inclusion of LGBTQIA+ Persons 2022-2025Opens in new windowExternal link

The Subsidy Guide 2023 contains a complete description of the conditions, eligible expenses, and evaluation criteria. Please note that this guide has been updated compared to the previous year. Therefore, use the new version and the new forms from now on.

For more information about the grants and how to applyExternal link for them, you can find it in the presentation from an information session in March 2023.