CIVICUS Digital Action Lab Cohort 3: $20K Grants
Civil society organizations have a new chance to boost their work with digital tools. The CIVICUS Digital Action Lab Cohort 3 offers grants of up to $20,000. This program helps groups in tough environments create solutions for stronger democracy and citizen involvement.
About the Digital Action Lab
The Digital Action Lab comes from CIVICUS Global Alliance. It helps civil society groups design, test, and grow digital projects. These projects aim to improve civic space, democracy, and how people engage.
The program fits organizations in hard or limited settings. It mixes money, tech help, and group learning. Groups learn to use tech in smart and safe ways.
What the Programme Offers
Chosen groups get a full support package. Grants run from $10,000 to $20,000 for digital projects. They also receive tech and strategy advice to build skills.
Guidance covers safe use of digital tools in tough spots. Peer learning connects groups from different areas. Mentors stay with projects from start to end. Access to CIVICUS networks helps share knowledge.
Programme Duration and Structure
Cohort 3 lasts nine months. It uses a group model to guide from idea to results.
First, an open call picks applicants. Up to ten groups get selected. They co-design ideas with experts and peers. Grants follow for project work.
Support continues during rollout. Groups share challenges and fixes across regions. At the end, they report impacts and lessons.
Eligibility Criteria
Civil society groups can apply. This includes formal and informal teams, networks, or movements. Individual activists need ties to a group.
Groups must work in OECD DAC ODA-eligible countries. Focus on democracy or civic space issues. Some digital tool experience helps for advocacy or services.
They need to handle grants and give staff time for 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, and indigenous communities get priority.
Grassroots and underrepresented teams stand out. Groups in blocked civic spaces have an edge. Local offices of Global North groups cannot apply.
Why You Should Apply
This goes beyond cash. It builds new digital fixes for engagement and democracy. Groups gain strength in tough settings.
Connect with peers and experts worldwide. Grow ideas with help and funds. Add to global know-how on digital civic work.
Past cohorts turned ideas into real projects. They boosted participation and fair systems.
Application Deadline
Submit by 30 April 2026.
How to Apply
Fill the official form with clear details. Cover your group’s background and project idea. Explain the problem, solution, outcomes, and impact.
Show your ability to deliver in nine months. Make it practical and tied to program goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CIVICUS Digital Action Lab?
It is a program by CIVICUS that helps civil society groups design, test, and grow digital projects to strengthen civic space, democracy, and citizen engagement.
What support does the program offer?
Selected groups get grants of $10,000 to $20,000, tech and strategy advice, peer learning, mentorship, and access to CIVICUS networks.
Who is eligible to apply?
Civil society groups, networks, or movements in OECD DAC ODA-eligible countries working on democracy or civic space issues, with some digital tool experience.
What is the application deadline?
You must submit your application by 30 April 2026 using the official form.