2026 Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship – Fully Funded Opportunity for Civil Society Activists and Civic Tech Innovators
The 2026 Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship is a prestigious, fully funded fellowship program designed to support civil society activists and civic-minded individuals from Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries—Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Implemented by the GDSI-led Consortium and funded by the European Union, this fellowship empowers individuals to lead positive social change, contribute to policy reform, and develop digital or community-based solutions in their communities.
Applications are now open via the online portal. Interested applicants should submit their Concept Notes before 30th December 2025, noting that submissions are assessed on a rolling basis.
Background of the Fellowship
Established in 2011, the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Facility strengthens the capacity of civil society organisations (CSOs) and activists in the EaP region to engage in policy dialogue, promote reforms, foster local democracy, and support citizen participation. Since 2017, the Civil Society Fellowship has selected hundreds of young leaders, creating a strong alumni network of over 225 Fellows.
The 2026 fellowship focuses on Civil Society Resilience, encouraging projects that enhance the capacity of civil society to withstand challenges, maintain democratic values, and sustain community engagement even under stress. More about previous Fellows and their projects can be found here
Objectives and Priorities
The fellowship aims to:
- Build leadership and capacity among civil society actors and civic tech innovators.
- Promote reforms, public accountability, and participatory governance.
- Support innovative digital or community solutions for pressing social issues.
Two types of fellowships are offered:
1. Community Engagement Fellowships: Focus on evidence-based research, advocacy campaigns, monitoring public administration, capacity development, and cooperation among CSOs.
2. Civic Digital Fellowships: Focus on using IT solutions to improve transparency, digital governance, public service delivery, and civic engagement.
Projects aligned with the 2026 focal theme of Civil Society Resilience will receive additional evaluation points. Eligible domains include:
- Institutional Resilience: Governance, financial sustainability, digital capacity, staff well-being.
- Legal and Political Resilience: Freedom to operate, advocacy for rule of law, safe civic space.
- Social and Network Resilience: Building solidarity, inclusion, peer-to-peer learning, and combating misinformation.
Technical and Financial Support
Selected Fellows receive up to 5,000 euros to implement their projects. Funding can cover:
- Project activities and outputs
- Travel and accommodation within EaP or EU countries
- Mentorship or consulting costs
- Communication and visibility campaigns
- Operational overheads (up to 10% of the budget)
Fellows also gain access to e-learning, networking events, and capacity development training.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be an individual (not an organisation) and over 18 years old
- Be a national of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, or Ukraine
- Not have previously received this fellowship
- Demonstrate leadership and experience in civil society or civic tech
- Have B1 level English proficiency or equivalent
Recommendation letters:
- Community Engagement Fellows: from a CSO, Trade Union, Cooperative, or Professional Association
- Civic Digital Fellows: from an IT professional, employer, or academic reference
Eligible Projects
Projects should:
- Address social or community challenges in EaP countries
- Promote reforms, accountability, or public service improvements
- Be completed within 6 months
- Avoid proselytism, political campaigns, military support, or usual job duties
- Take place in EaP countries or EU Member States
Application Process
The fellowship application has two stages:
Stage 1 – Concept Note: Submit online here with:
- Personal and professional information
- Motivation and CV
- Fellowship concept description
Stage 2 – Full Application: Invited applicants develop a detailed project plan, budget, and Gantt chart during the incubation period.
Applicants can attend a live webinar on 26th November 2025 or view the recording here.
Evaluation and Selection
Applications are assessed by an independent Selection Committee.
Community Engagement Evaluation Grid
| Criteria | Score (0–3) |
|---|---|
| Professional competencies and project management | 0–3 |
| Understanding of stakeholders and collaboration plan | 0–3 |
| Contribution of activities to expected outcomes | 0–3 |
| Achievable and sustainable outputs | 0–3 |
| Feasibility within timeframe and budget | 0–1 |
| Promotional aspects of project | 0–1 |
| Risk consideration and mitigation | 0–3 |
| Impact on Fellow’s leadership | 0–1 |
| Budget accuracy | 0–2 |
| Budget structure and balance | 0–2 |
| Total | /22 |
Civic Digital Evaluation Grid
| Criteria | Score (0–3) |
|---|---|
| Professional competencies and project management | 0–3 |
| Understanding of stakeholders and collaboration plan | 0–3 |
| Activities contribute to problem-actors-solution-impact chain | 0–3 |
| Achievable and sustainable outputs | 0–3 |
| Feasibility within timeframe and budget | 0–1 |
| Promotional aspects of project | 0–1 |
| Risk consideration and mitigation | 0–3 |
| Impact on Fellow’s leadership | 0–1 |
| Budget accuracy | 0–2 |
| Budget structure and balance | 0–2 |
| Total | /22 |
Stage 1 scoring: minimum 12 points required to proceed.
Stage 2 scoring: minimum 16 points required to be recommended for a fellowship.
Fellowship Awards
- Total of 25 fellowships for the 2026 1st cohort
- No quota split between Community Engagement and Civic Digital Fellowships
- Fellowship implementation begins within 30 days of signing the contract
Important Dates
- Call opens: 17th November 2025
- Webinar: 26th November 2025
- Concept Note deadline: 30th December 2025
- Full Application deadline: 15th February 2026
- Fellowship awards announced: April 2026
- Implementation: May to October 2026
How to Apply
Submit your Concept Note online here: here
Guidelines and additional resources: here
The 2026 Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship offers an extraordinary opportunity for civil society leaders and civic tech innovators to strengthen communities, promote transparency, and advance participatory governance. Applicants from EaP countries are encouraged to apply early to benefit from rolling assessments.
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