Applications are now open for the CIVICUS Digital Action Lab Cohort 3 (Grants of USD 10,000–20,000 awarded)

Ednah Carrick April 3, 2026

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Closing Date: 30 April 2026

Applications are now open for the CIVICUS Digital Action Lab Cohort 3 (Grants of USD 10,000–20,000 awarded)

CIVICUS is looking for civil society organisations working to strengthen democracy and civic space in challenging contexts through digital innovation.

Selected organisations will receive:

A 9-month support programme
Grants of USD 10,000–20,000
Digital skills and strategic support
Opportunities for peer learning across regions

Overview

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, CIVICUS aims 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.

Unleashing Tech for Democracy

The Digital Action Lab (DAL) empowers civil society actors operating in restricted civic spaces to harness digital tools, strengthen resilience, and take effective action for inclusive and democratic participation.

What DAL Does

DAL supports civil society organisations to strengthen their ability to use digital tools for democratic action through a structured yet flexible approach that combines learning, practice, and collaboration.

Digital Skills & Strategic Support

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.

Peer Learning & Collaboration

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.

Experimentation & Innovation

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.

Financial Support for Action

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.

Documentation & Knowledge Sharing

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.

How It Works

The Lab is a 9-month, cohort-based programme that supports civil society organisations from application to impact.

1. Call for Applications

An open call invites civil society organisations working in restricted civic spaces to apply to the programme.

2. Selection

Up to ten organisations are selected per cohort through a transparent and competitive process.

3. Co-Design & Learning

Selected organisations co-design their digital action projects with peers, the CIVICUS team, and technical experts. This phase helps refine ideas and align them with real needs and contexts.

4. Funding

Each organisation receives a grant ranging from USD 10,000 to 20,000 to support the delivery of its digital action project.

5. Implementation & Accompaniment

Organisations implement their projects locally with continuous coaching, technical guidance, and non-financial support throughout the programme.

6. Peer Learning & Exchange

Participants engage in structured peer learning, sharing experiences, challenges, and practical solutions across regions and contexts.

7. Impact & Knowledge Sharing

Projects generate concrete outcomes and lessons learned. These are documented and shared across CIVICUS and Digital Democracy Initiative networks to strengthen broader civil society impact.

Eligibility Criteria

Civil society organisations (formal or informal), networks, movements, and coalitions
Individual activists formally affiliated with a civil society organisation
Applicants must be based in OECD DAC ODA-eligible countries
Preference for organisations in obstructed or repressed civic space contexts
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