Lex International Fund, hosted by Swiss Philanthropy Foundation, is pleased to announce a call for applications for projects in 2026 that aim to reduce governments’ reliance on nuclear weapons.

Background

Nuclear weapons are a major global threat, back on the top of the agenda amid growing instability and war. Nuclear armed states are increasing their nuclear arsenals, nuclear allied states are increasing their involvement in nuclear weapons operations and calls for proliferation are growing stronger. 

Simultaneously, a growing number of states have expressed concerns about the sustainability and risks associated with deterrence-based approaches, most notably through the report on legitimate security concerns  submitted at the recent Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and in other multilateral forums.

There is an urgent need for a better informed public debate about nuclear deterrence policies that takes into consideration the increasing security concerns and risks of such policies.  

Lex International Fund is therefore providing small grants (between 20’000-40’000 CHF) to support new innovative activities and projects to be carried out in 2026 that aim to reduce support for nuclear deterrence policies and thereby increase support for nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament.

Scope of grants

The projects need to be implemented before the end of 2026 and may build on past or current work but must represent an expansion or evolution of that work. The amount requested should not exceed 40’000 CHF. 

Examples of projects that are eligible for funding are: 

1. Convenings and events, such as roundtables, conferences, parliamentary hearings, and other activities that facilitate critical examination of nuclear weapons issues among key stakeholders.
2. Public engagement, including educational initiatives, public events, and development of materials that enhance public understanding of nuclear weapons debates.
3. Media and communications, such as journalist briefings, content creation, journalistic investigations and other strategic communication efforts to inform public discourse.

We encourage creative and innovative projects, and are specifically interested in new ideas and specific target groups that perhaps have not been attempted before.

Eligibility 

 

We welcome submissions from non-governmental organizations, think tanks, university-based centers, and other registered non-profit entities with demonstrated expertise in weapons policy, international security, or related fields. Individual applications are not accepted.
For our indirect cost policy, please find more information here. 

 

Application guidelines

 

To submit your proposal, please email the application form, and required attachments to [email protected] with the subject line “Nuclear Deterrence [organization name and/or project title]”, no later than Tuesday 7 April, 2026

Please keep the application short, the application form  submitted should not be longer than 1,000 words. 

The following attachments will need to be submitted together with the application form: 

• The applying organisation’s statutes/articles of association
• Proof of registration as a non-profit entity and if available, tax exemption proof 
• Latest financial statement
• Latest annual report 
• Full banking details (account holder name and address, IBAN or account number in the absence of IBAN, bank name and address, BIC/SWIFT et ABA, if applicable)