Lex International Fund, hosted by Swiss Philanthropy Foundation, is pleased to announce a call for applications for projects that aim to address the security concerns raised by nuclear deterrence policies.

Background

Nuclear weapons are a major global threat, back on the top of the agenda amid growing instability and threats of war.

Recent developments, including technological advances in conventional weapons, cyber capabilities, and increasing risk of war between nuclear armed states, have prompted important questions about foundational assumptions underlying nuclear deterrence strategies. Simultaneously, a growing number of states have expressed increasing concerns about the sustainability and risks associated with deterrence-based approaches, most notably through a report on the legitimate security concerns of non-nuclear armed states submitted at the recent meeting of states parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Despite widespread governmental commitments to arms control, non-proliferations and disarmament objectives, implementation remains limited by those states that still support nuclear deterrence policies. There is an urgent need for a better informed public and political debate about nuclear deterrence policies that takes into consideration the increasing security concerns from nuclear deterrence policies.

Lex International Fund is therefore providing small grants (between 10’000-35’000 CHF) to support new activities and projects that aim to reduce support for nuclear deterrence policies and thereby increase support for arms control, nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament.

Scope of grants

The projects should not be longer than one year and may build on past or current work but must represent an expansion or evolution of that work.

Examples of projects that are eligible for funding are:

•  Research and analysis that provides critical examination of nuclear weapons assumptions, explores alternative security frameworks, or analyses the effectiveness of current policies in addressing contemporary threats.
• Convenings and dialogues, such as expert roundtables, academic seminars, policy workshops and other activities that facilitate critical examination of nuclear deterrence policies amongst key stakeholders.
• Public engagement, including educational initiatives, content creation and materials that enhance public understanding of complex nuclear weapons debates.
• Media and communications, such as journalist briefings, expert commentary, and strategic communications efforts to inform media discourse.

Eligibility 

 

We welcome submissions from non-governmental organisations, think tanks, university-based centres, and other legal non-profit entities with demonstrated expertise in weapons policy, international security, or related fields. Individual applications are not accepted. 

 

Application guidelines

 

Applicants must use the application form, and submitted applications must be no longer than 1’000 words. The amount applied for cannot exceed 35’000 CHF and cannot be longer than one year. 

 

Please send your application to [email protected] with the subject line “security concerns [organisation name and/or project title] no later than Friday 19 September, 2025.