The Fund for the Development of Non-Governmental Organizations is a public fund managed by the Ministry of Public Administration of the Republic of Slovenia. It provides financing through public calls aimed at strengthening the NGO sector. Under the 2024 call for proposals — “Development and Professionalization of NGOs and Volunteering” — the PIC – Legal Center for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment  successfully secured co-funding for two projects. The goal of this funding is to support jobs that contribute to the long-term development and professionalization of NGOs and volunteering in Slovenia.


Legal Network for the Protection of Democracy (Pravna mreža za varstvo demokracije)

Project Duration: February 1, 2025 – January 31, 2027

Total Funding Awarded: €280,000

PIC’s Share: €70,000

Project Partners: Zavod za kulturo raznolikosti Open, Danes je nov dan, Amnesty International Slovenia

The project responds to growing concerns about declining democratic standards and reduced human rights protections in Slovenia and beyond. Through the Legal Network for the Protection of Democracy, the consortium offers a strategic, organized, and sustainable approach to safeguarding an open, democratic, free, and inclusive society based on the rule of law.

Since its founding in January 2021, the Legal Network has brought together partner organizations to address the imbalance between the power of the state and the ability of individuals to resist democratic backsliding. The network emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to protest bans, excessive fines for demonstrators, and other illiberal measures justified under emergency public health policies.

The aim of the consortium is to strengthen the existing collaboration among partner organizations within the Legal Network for the Protection of Democracy, particularly in key developmental and thematic areas where we can create synergies by combining our skills and resources. At the same time, the goal is to enhance the professionalization, expertise, funding, and local reach of the network’s activities, and to deepen cooperation with a diverse range of stakeholders. All of this is intended to increase the long-term sustainability of both the network and its member organizations—allowing us to overcome individual limitations and, together, expand the quality and impact of our work in driving positive change in society.

The consortium is driven by a shared commitment to:

  • Strengthening the network’s sustainability and professionalization on both organizational and financial levels;
  • Expanding and improving the coordination of the network of partners, external collaborators, and volunteers;
  • Enhancing consistent and timely responses to key issues related to democracy and the rule of law through expert legal support and advocacy efforts;
  • Deepening public understanding of the law through increased and targeted education and awareness-raising initiatives.

Project Objectives: 
1. Build long-term organizational and financial sustainability of the network.
2. Strengthen internal structures and broaden the network of partners, collaborators, and volunteers.
3. Enhance the delivery of expert legal support and advocacy in response to key democratic challenges.
4. Raise public awareness and understanding of legal rights and democratic principles through education and engagement.

Expected Outcomes: 

  • A strengthened network of lawyers and legal experts, improved cooperation with NGOs, grassroots groups, civil society organizations, and established partnerships with universities.
  • Ongoing legal support for individuals and organizations, including the preparation and filing of legal remedies to defend democratic norms and human rights.
  • Active participation in legislative processes and development of legal responses to current issues.
  • Regular monitoring of the state of democracy and the rule of law in Slovenia.
  • Delivery of public education programs, including “Pravne sprehajalnice”, updated curricula, and the launch of online legal courses.
  • Enhanced public communication strategies.
  • An established system for financial oversight.
  • A comprehensive fundraising strategy with regular implementation.
  • A robust monitoring and evaluation framework for project outcomes.
  • Streamlined internal processes and a supportive, positive working environment.

The activities are co-financed by the Ministry of Public Administration within the framework of the 2024 public call for the development and professionalization of NGOs and volunteering.