CIVICUS Digital Action Lab Cohort 3: Apply Now for Up to $20,000 Grants

Applications are now open for the CIVICUS Digital Action Lab Cohort 3. This program offers grants of up to $20,000 to civil society organizations. It helps groups design and test digital tools that boost civic space, democracy, and citizen involvement, especially in tough environments.

About the Digital Action Lab

The Digital Action Lab comes from CIVICUS Global Alliance. It supports civil society groups in using digital tools to improve democratic participation and accountability. The program helps organizations work better in complex civic and political settings. It stresses safe and smart use of technology.

The setup mixes learning, testing ideas, and teamwork. Groups move from early concepts to real projects that make a difference.

What the Program Offers

Selected groups get a full support package. Grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 for digital projects. They also receive technical help to build digital skills and advocacy methods. Guidance covers safe use of tools in hard places.

Other benefits include peer learning with groups from various regions. Mentors provide ongoing advice during projects. Participants join CIVICUS networks and share knowledge.

Program Duration and Structure

Cohort 3 lasts nine months. It uses a group model to guide organizations from start to finish. First, there’s an open call for applications. Then, up to ten groups get picked through competition.

Next comes co-design and learning with experts and peers. Grants follow for project work. Support continues through implementation. Groups share experiences in peer exchanges. At the end, they document results and lessons for wider use.

Eligibility Criteria

Civil society organizations can apply, including formal groups, informal networks, movements, and coalitions. Individual activists count if linked to a civil society group.

Groups must base in OECD DAC ODA-eligible countries. They need to work on democracy or civic space issues. Some experience with digital tools for advocacy, organizing, or services is required. Applicants must handle grants and commit staff time for the full nine months. All work and reports must use English.

Priority Applicants

The program favors certain groups. Women-led organizations top the list. Youth-led efforts, LGBTQI+ groups, indigenous communities, grassroots groups, and underrepresented actors get preference. Priority goes to those in obstructed or repressed civic spaces.

Local offices of Global North-based groups cannot apply.

Why Apply to the Digital Action Lab

This goes beyond money. It builds innovation, teamwork, and skills. Groups create digital fixes for civic engagement and democracy. They grow stronger in tough settings. Peer and expert links help across regions.

Ideas can grow with structured aid. Projects add to global knowledge on digital civic work.

Impact from Past Cohorts

The lab has aided many groups worldwide. It turns fresh ideas into real projects. This work strengthens citizen involvement and inclusive democracy.

How to Apply and Deadline

Fill out the official form with details on your group and project. Cover your background, the digital solution, the problem it solves, expected results, and your ability to deliver.

Strong applications show a clear problem, doable solution, and nine-month plan. Highlight measurable impact on civic space.

The deadline is 30 April 2026. Apply via the form at forms.cloud.microsoft.com. Check FAQs on Canva and more details on civicus.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CIVICUS Digital Action Lab?

It is a program by CIVICUS Global Alliance that helps civil society groups use digital tools to improve democracy and civic space, especially in tough environments. It offers learning, testing, and teamwork to turn ideas into real projects.

Who can apply for Cohort 3?

Civil society organizations, networks, movements, or coalitions based in OECD DAC ODA-eligible countries can apply. They must work on democracy or civic space and have some experience with digital tools.

What does the program provide?

Selected groups get grants from $10,000 to $20,000, technical help, peer learning, mentors, and access to CIVICUS networks. The nine-month program guides projects from ideas to results.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline is 30 April 2026. Submit the form at forms.cloud.microsoft.com with details on your group, project, and plans.