Deadline: April 30, 2026
Applications are open for the CIVICUS Digital Action Lab Cohort 3. The Digital Action Lab Cohort 3 is an initiative designed to support civil society organisations to develop, test, and scale innovative digital solutions that strengthen civic space, inclusive democracy, and citizen engagement.
Through this call, they aim to identify organisations with strong ideas and commitment to using digital tools for social impact. Selected participants will receive technical support, peer learning opportunities, and funding to implement their proposed projects.
Benefits
- Participants receive hands-on support to strengthen their digital skills and develop practical strategies for advocacy, participation, and accountability. This includes guidance on using digital tools safely and effectively in challenging civic and political environments.
- Participants join a trusted peer learning space where civil society actors share experiences, discuss common challenges, and learn from one another. Through facilitated exchanges, organisations gain new perspectives, practical ideas, and context-based solutions grounded in real-world practice.
- Participants are supported to develop and test new digital solutions and approaches within their own work. The Lab encourages learning by doing, allowing organisations to adapt, improve, and refine their initiatives based on what works in their specific contexts.
- The Lab provides financial support to help organisations participate fully in the programme and to implement the digital initiatives they develop. This ensures that ideas generated through the Lab can be translated into concrete action.
- Participants are supported to document their approaches, successes, and lessons learned through case studies, infographics, videos, and other accessible formats. These knowledge products are shared through the Digital Democracy Initiative knowledge hub and CIVICUS networks, supporting wider efforts to strengthen civic and democratic freedoms.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be based in OECD DAC ODA-eligible countries
- Preference for organisations in obstructed or repressed civic space contexts
- Local offices of Global North-based organisations are not eligible
- Civil society organisations (formal or informal), networks, movements, and coalitions
- Individual activists formally affiliated with a civil society organisation
- Priority to underrepresented and marginalised actors, including women, youth, LGBTQI+, Indigenous Peoples, and grassroots groups
- Active work on democracy and/or civic space issues
- Some experience using digital tools in advocacy, organising, or service delivery
- Ability to manage grant funding and commit staff time for the 9-month programme
- Ability to work and submit deliverables in English
Application
For more information, visit CIVICUS Digital Action Lab Cohort 3.
