Applications for the Grants for Children’s Rights Education or Research Projects 2026 are open. Funding up to €5,000. Deadline 1 March 2026. Learn requirements, criteria, and how to apply.

Grants for Children’s Rights Education or Research Projects 2026 – Apply for up to €5,000

Applications for the Grants for Children’s Rights Education or Research Projects 2026 are now open. The Children’s Rights Research (CRR) Fund, in association with Maastricht University and supported by University Fund Limburg, is offering competitive funding for education and research projects focused on advancing children’s rights. These grants support impactful initiatives in the Netherlands and internationally, with a strong emphasis on meaningful participation of children and high-quality academic or educational outcomes.

This article provides a full overview of the eligibility criteria, funding details, application requirements, and the steps needed to submit a successful proposal for the Grants for Children’s Rights Education or Research Projects 2026.

Deadline and How to Apply

Deadline:

1 March 2026

Apply by email:

All applications must be submitted to:
childrensrights@maastrichtuniversity.nl

Applicants who need help connecting with a UM-affiliated researcher may request matchmaking support.
Matchmaking deadline: 1 February 2026.

Funding Overview

The CRR Fund provides two categories of support:

• Up to €2,500 for education projects

• Up to €5,000 for research projects

All projects must involve at least one Maastricht University (UM) affiliated person, either as staff or student. Collaboration with external partners is allowed but the UM-affiliated member must contribute a minimum of 50% of the project’s total work.

Students may carry out the project for up to six months after completing their degree program.

Key Funding Criteria

To qualify for the Grants for Children’s Rights Education or Research Projects 2026, all proposals must meet the following criteria:

Project Goals

• At least one objective must focus on improving the living situation of children.

• Projects may take place in the Netherlands or internationally.

Role of UM Affiliation

• At least one UM student or staff member must be part of the team.

• The UM-affiliated person’s contribution must represent at least half of the project.

Participation of Children

• Child participation is mandatory for all research project proposals.

• Projects with limited or no involvement of children are not eligible.

Education Project Requirements

• Education proposals must encourage children to think and act creatively, critically, and with a problem-solving mindset.

• Passive learning-oriented proposals will not be considered.

Additional Obligations

• Successful applicants must commit to writing two blog posts for the Children’s Rights Research website.

• All publications or project-related activities must acknowledge the funding received.

How to Submit a Strong Proposal

Applications must be a maximum of three pages (A4) and include:

• The project’s goal(s)

• Timeline and implementation details

• Intended outcomes

• Involvement of third parties (if applicable)

• Research methodology (for research projects)

• A complete budget with costs and revenues

Budgets cannot include payments to external organizations that do not directly support project activities.

Research projects conducted by UM staff may require approval from the university’s Ethics Committee.

Support for Applicants

UM students may request one coaching interview and limited written feedback from:

• Dr. Marieke Hopman – Marieke.Hopman@maastrichtuniversity.nl

• Dr. Julieta Marotta – Julieta.marotta@maastrichtuniversity.nl

These sessions help strengthen proposals before submission.

Official Information 

Full details and background about the CRR Fund are available on the official website:
https://www.childrensrightsresearch.com

For additional international funding calls and opportunities, visit:
Opportunities For Youth – https://opportunitiesforwomen.org/

Conclusion

The Grants for Children’s Rights Education or Research Projects 2026 offer an excellent opportunity for UM-affiliated researchers, students, and collaborators to advance meaningful child-centered initiatives. With funding available for both education and research activities, the program supports impactful, creative, and ethically grounded work aimed at improving the lives of children across diverse contexts.