Call for Proposals: Empowering Civil Society Partners in SIDS and LDCs to Defend and Expand Civic Space

Grants up to USD 20,000 | Deadline: 28 February 2026
Organized by: International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL)

The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) is inviting civil society organizations (CSOs) based in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to apply for grants of up to $20,000 USD. These grants aim to defend and expand civic space, strengthen civil society resilience, and support engagement in multilateral processes.

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Background

Civil society plays a crucial role in advancing development, governance, climate resilience, accountability, and human rights, especially in SIDS and LDCs. However, these organizations often face barriers—including restrictive laws, limited resources, and reduced access to international cooperation.

To address these challenges, ICNL is supporting initiatives that promote an enabling environment for civil society to operate freely, advocate, mobilize communities, and engage in decision-making processes.

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Project Focus Areas

ICNL welcomes proposals that aim to defend and expand civic space through:

1. Advocacy for Enabling Reforms

Projects promoting adoption or improvement of laws, policies, and measures that protect:

• Freedom of association
• Freedom of peaceful assembly
• Freedom of expression
• Public participation rights

2. Strengthening Civil Society Resilience

Activities may include:

• Trainings, workshops, and toolkits
• Networks, coalitions, or support hubs
• Strategies for navigating restrictions, safety, and digital rights

3. Engagement in Multilateral Mechanisms

Projects advancing civic space through engagement with:

• Regional bodies
• UN mechanisms
• International platforms or advocacy spaces

Proposals may focus on one country or span multiple SIDS/LDCs. Combined approaches (advocacy + resilience + multilateral engagement) are encouraged.

All project activities must be completed by 1 October 2026.

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Eligibility

This call is open to not-for-profit, non-state, non-partisan CSOs based in the following countries:

Africa

Angola, Cabo Verde, DRC, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mozambique, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia

Asia & Pacific

Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu

Latin America & Caribbean (LAC)

Dominican Republic, Jamaica

Projects must focus on one or more of these countries.

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Application Requirements

Applications can be submitted in English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish, and must include:

• Proposal (max 5 pages)
• Line-item budget (up to USD 20,000)
• CVs of key personnel

The proposal must describe:

• Project needs and relevance
• Objectives and expected impact
• Detailed activities and timeline
• Stakeholders and partners involved
• Outputs (trainings, reports, campaigns, etc.)
• Applicant experience related to civic space

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How to Apply

Submit all required documents by email to:
global@icnl.org

Email subject line:
“Empowering Civil Society Partners in SIDS and LDCs to Defend and Expand Civic Space”

Your email must include:

• Organization name
• Country of registration
• Location of project activities
• Contact person (name, position, email, phone)

Applications accepted on a rolling basis until 28 February 2026.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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About ICNL

The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law works in over 100 countries to strengthen the legal environment for civic freedoms and civil society. Since 1992, ICNL has partnered globally to advance the rights to association, assembly, expression, and public participation.

Learn more

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