CIVICUS Digital Action Lab Cohort 3: Applications Open 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 to 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 helps civil society groups use digital tools to improve democratic participation and accountability. The focus is on working well in hard civic and political settings while handling technology in a safe way.

The program uses a mix of learning, testing ideas, and teamwork. It guides groups from early ideas to real projects.

What the Program Offers

Chosen organizations get a full support package. This includes grants from $10,000 to $20,000 for digital projects. They also receive technical help to build digital skills and advocacy methods.

Other benefits cover safe use of digital tools in tough spots. Groups join peer learning and work with others from different areas. Mentors guide them through the whole project, plus access to CIVICUS networks.

Program Duration and Structure

Cohort 3 lasts nine months. It follows steps in a group model to take ideas to results.

First, there’s an open call for applications. Then, up to ten groups get picked. Next comes co-design and learning with experts and peers to improve ideas.

After that, funding arrives for projects. Support and coaching continue during work. Peers share stories and fixes across regions. At the end, impacts and lessons get shared widely.

Eligibility Criteria

Civil society groups can apply. This includes formal and informal teams, networks, movements, and coalitions. Individual activists count if linked to a group.

Groups must be 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 give staff time for nine months. All work and reports must be in English.

Priority Applicants

The program favors certain groups. These include women-led organizations, youth-led efforts, LGBTQI+ groups, indigenous communities, grassroots teams, and underrepresented voices.

Priority goes to those in blocked or repressed civic spaces. Local offices of Global North groups cannot apply.

Why You Should Apply

This lab gives more than money. It builds new ideas, teamwork, and skills. Groups can create digital fixes for civic work and democracy.

It helps build strength in hard settings. You connect with peers and experts worldwide. Ideas can grow with help and funds. Your work adds to global knowledge on digital civic action.

Impact of the Digital Action Lab

Past cohorts have aided groups around the world. They turned fresh ideas into real projects. The program boosts civic involvement and fairer democracy systems.

Application Deadline

The deadline is 30 April 2026.

How to Apply

Fill out the official form. Share your group’s background and project plan. Explain the digital solution, problem it fixes, expected results, and your ability to deliver.

Keep it clear, real, and matched to program goals. Strong applications show a clear problem, doable solution, and nine-month plan with real impact.

Frequently Asked Questions