The Community Resource Exchange (CRE) has officially launched its 2026 Call for Proposals for Africa, offering funding to support community-driven initiatives that defend human rights in the context of international investments and development projects.
This funding opportunity is particularly focused on critical minerals, a rapidly growing sector linked to global energy transitions and industrial development. Communities affected by projects involving minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements are encouraged to apply for support to strengthen their advocacy and protection efforts.
About the CRE Collaboration Grants
The CRE Collaboration Grants are designed to empower communities and grassroots actors by funding collaborative projects that address the challenges posed by large-scale investments and development initiatives.
Rather than working in isolation, CRE promotes collective strategy-building, enabling communities to partner with researchers, advocates, and organizations to create meaningful and sustainable impact.
Grant Details
- 💰 Maximum Grant Amount: USD $5,000
- ⏳ Project Duration: Up to 8 months
- 🌍 Region: Africa
- 📅 Application Deadline: 7 May 2026
- 📢 Decision Announcement: August 2026
This flexible funding is ideal for small to medium-scale projects that require targeted support to address urgent community needs.
Thematic Focus: Critical Minerals
This year’s call focuses specifically on critical minerals, which are essential for:
- Renewable energy technologies
- Electric vehicles
- Digital infrastructure
- National and global economic development
Eligible projects may involve activities connected to:
- Multilateral development banks
- National development banks
- Development agencies
- Export credit agencies
- International companies and investors
📌 Important: Applicants do NOT need to prove a confirmed link to these actors—a potential or likely connection is sufficient.
Types of Activities Supported
CRE encourages proposals that include collaborative and strategic actions such as:
- Advocacy with policymakers and decision-makers
- Media engagement and public campaigns
- Community organizing and mobilization
- Corporate and financial research
- Scientific and technical impact analysis
- Filing complaints and seeking remedies
- Security support for affected communities
- Resource mobilization efforts
These activities aim to strengthen the capacity of communities to defend their rights and influence decision-making processes.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, proposals must:
- Be fully completed using the official application form
- Be community-driven and collaborative
- Focus on defending human rights in the context of development or investment projects
- Align with the critical minerals theme
- Demonstrate a clear link (actual or potential) to international investments
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, so attention to detail is essential.
Important Notes
- CRE may contact applicants for clarification after submission
- Funding is transferred via international bank transfer only
- Applicants without bank accounts must partner with an organization that can receive funds on their behalf
- Due to high volume, only selected applicants will be contacted
About the CRE
The Community Resource Exchange is a collaborative system that supports communities defending their rights in the face of large-scale development and investment projects.
Currently in its second phase, CRE focuses on:
- Evidence-building
- Learning and knowledge sharing
- Strengthening grassroots collaboration
- Supporting community-led solutions
This approach ensures that communities are not just beneficiaries, but active agents of change.
Why You Should Apply
This grant is a powerful opportunity to:
- Strengthen community advocacy and protection efforts
- Access funding for grassroots initiatives
- Collaborate with experts and organizations
- Influence development practices and accountability
- Address the impacts of critical mineral extraction
If your community is facing challenges linked to development projects or resource extraction, this grant can help you take action.
For more information click here
Discover more opportunities here
