RESIST
Resilience and Empowerment of Civil Society Through Transnational Learning and Mentoring in Bulgaria, Hungary, and SlovakiaThe RESIST project aims to strengthen the resilience and long-term sustainability of civil society organizations (CSOs)and civic activists through transnational learning, peer exchange, individual mentoring, and capacity-strengthening support.
CSOs in Bulgaria and Slovakia increasingly operate in environments marked by shrinking civic space, growing political pressure, intimidation, legal harassment, and challenges to democratic values. While CSOs in Hungary continue to face funding challenges, they are no longer subject to the same level of political pressure and intimidation that characterized the previous years. The role of Hungarian CSOs in the project can thus increasingly be that of sharing lessons they learned from navigating these challenges with CSOs and activists in Bulgaria and Slovakia that are now facing similar ones.
Led by the Transatlantic Foundation, the European and EU-registered arm of The German Marshall Fund of the United States, in partnership with the Alternative Communities Association in Hungary, the Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives in Bulgaria, and Partners for Democratic Change Slovakia in Slovakia, RESIST supports CSOs in building resilience across key areas.
RESIST supports participating organizations in strengthening their resilience across seven key thematic areas:
- Legal compliance and institutional resilience
- Digital resilience and security
- Psychological resilience
- Crisis communication
- Financial resilience and sustainability
- Community engagement and outreach
- Recognition, partnership, and networking
A central feature of RESIST is a structured framework of transnational learning events, peer-learning exchanges, study visits, and mentoring support. Through these activities, participating organizations will exchange experiences, strengthen practical skills, develop resilience-building strategies, and build lasting networks of solidarity across borders.
Special emphasis is placed on supporting small and medium-sized organizations, particularly those operating in rural and peripheral regions, which are often disproportionately affected by restrictions on civic space. The project also seeks to support women-led organizations and organizations representing vulnerable groups and communities.
RESIST is co-funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Program and will run from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.
Implementation Partners
Expand AllPartners for Democratic Change Slovakia
Partners for Democratic Change Slovakia (PDCS) is a CSO providing education, facilitation, consulting, and capacity-strengthening services in the fields of civic participation, conflict resolution, democratic governance, and civil society development. Since its establishment in 1991, PDCS has supported CSOs, community leaders, and public institutions in strengthening democratic participation and organizational resilience.
Alternative Communities Association
The Alternative Communities Association (ACA) is a Hungary-based CSO dedicated to community development, civic participation, youth engagement, and democratic values. The ACA supports local communities and CSOs through capacity-strengthening programs, networking opportunities, and civic engagement initiatives.
Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives
The Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives (BILI) is an independent CSO working to strengthen the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and democratic governance. Through research, advocacy, public engagement, and capacity-building activities, the BILI contributes to the protection of democratic institutions, civic participation, and fundamental rights.
