Re-D Fund 2026: Microgrants for Digital Democracy

Civil society organizations in East and Southeast Asia have a new chance to boost digital democracy with the Re-D Fund 2026. This program offers microgrants to groups working on civic participation, human rights, and resilience against digital challenges. Launched by the Tifa Foundation, the Re-D Fund 2026 aims to support at least 100 local groups, with a focus on women, youth, grassroots efforts, Indigenous Peoples, and gender minorities.

About the Re-D Fund

The Re-D Fund stands for “Reimagining Futures for Digital Democracy.” It provides money and other help to civil society groups that use digital tools. These groups tackle issues like shrinking civic space and barriers to joining in democracy online.

The fund addresses problems such as digital repression, unfair funding, and exclusion of small groups from grants. It helps build stronger organizations and promotes new ideas for democracy. By doing this, it strengthens civil society’s role in protecting rights in the digital world.

Main Objectives

The Re-D Fund 2026 gives local groups fair access to key resources. These include money, training, support networks, advocacy spaces, and digital tools for democracy. The goal is to help groups create plans that improve participation and build strength against digital threats.

Who It Supports

This fund puts marginalized groups first. It backs women-led organizations, youth groups, informal movements, Indigenous Peoples, gender minorities, community advocates, and networks. At least half of the funded groups will come from these communities.

Eligible Organizations and Groups

Groups can apply if they meet these rules:

• They work in East or Southeast Asia.
• They operate in countries rated as closed, repressed, or obstructed by the CIVICUS Monitor.
• They qualify for OECD DAC Official Development Assistance.
• They have run for at least three years.
• They are legally registered or work with a fiscal sponsor.
• They can handle grant money directly or through a host.

Eligible types include civil society groups, grassroots collectives, community organizations, informal advocates, civic networks, and rights coalitions.

Priority Countries

The Re-D Fund 2026 focuses on projects in these places:

• Cambodia
• Indonesia
• Laos
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• Philippines
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Timor-Leste
• Vietnam

Thematic Focus Areas

Projects must fit one or more of these areas. They all link to civic space and democracy in the digital age.

1. Advancing Reforms for Civic Freedoms

This area funds work on legal changes, advocacy for freedoms, new governance ideas, policy work, and human rights. Activities can include research on laws or policies, campaigns, monitoring rights, transparency efforts, forums, and innovation projects.

2. Enhancing Civic Participation of Marginalized Groups

Projects here boost involvement from left-out communities. They promote digital access, fair engagement, and louder voices for those often ignored.

3. Strengthening Civic Influence

This supports strategies to engage the public, run campaigns, mobilize communities, create civic tech, and build coalitions.

4. Fostering Holistic Resilience

Help covers digital security, steady operations, community models, crisis prep, and overall strengthening.

5. Expanding Civil Society Resources

This track aids training, sharing resources, building infrastructure, digital support, and long-term plans.

Grant Structure

The fund runs two cohorts with about 50 groups each.

Cohort I

Projects run from March 1 to May 31, 2026. Applications are open.

Cohort II

Projects run from July 22 to October 23, 2026. Applications are open.

Application Deadlines

For Cohort II, submit by June 5, 2026. Apply early and check all rules on eligibility and themes. Download guidelines and apply through official links from the Tifa Foundation.

Grant Amounts

Single applications get up to $5,000 USD. Joint applications from two or more groups get up to $10,000 USD. This encourages teamwork and shared innovation.

Why the Re-D Fund 2026 Matters

Groups in the region face political limits, funding blocks, online watching, less civic space, and no say in decisions. Grassroots efforts often miss out on big grants. The Re-D Fund 2026 helps those hit hardest by democracy slips and digital gaps.

Key Benefits

Funded groups gain direct cash, more notice, networking, support for digital work, regional ties, and room for fresh civic ideas.

What Makes This Fund Unique

It stands out by focusing on marginalized people, grassroots and informal groups, digital democracy, team applications, mixed financial and other aid, and rights-based methods that include everyone.

About Tifa Foundation

The Tifa Foundation, based in Indonesia, pushes for openness, diversity, equality, justice, and participation. It builds partnerships, collaborates with many sides, engages positively, and gives resources or runs projects. This group leads efforts for civic strength in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions