The Civil Society Fund Plus (CSF+) Programme, financed by the European Union (EU) and implemented by Christian Aid together with its national co-beneficiaries, has officially launched its Round Two Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for local and grassroots Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ethiopia.

This funding opportunity seeks to strengthen the capacity, sustainability, and influence of smaller and emerging CSOs that are working to improve governance, democracy, peacebuilding, human rights, social inclusion, and community development. Through financial support, organizational capacity strengthening, and networking opportunities, the programme aims to empower civil society organizations to become stronger and more credible actors in promoting good governance and sustainable development.

The programme is inviting eligible organizations operating within the target regions to submit Expressions of Interest before the application deadline.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, 4 August 2026, before 17:00 (5:00 PM) local time.

About the Civil Society Fund Plus (CSF+) Programme

The Civil Society Fund Plus (CSF+) is a four-year programme funded primarily by the European Union to strengthen civil society organizations in Ethiopia by promoting an enabling civic environment, democratic participation, inclusive governance, and constructive dialogue between policymakers and civil society actors.

The programme officially commenced on 1 February 2025 and will run until 31 January 2029.

Christian Aid is implementing the programme in partnership with three Ethiopian national civil society organizations:

• Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Forum (ECSF)
• Civil Society Resource Center (CSRC)
• Chura Abugida Artistic Association (CAAA)

Together, these organizations are working to build stronger, more resilient, and more effective local civil society organizations capable of addressing the needs of marginalized communities while contributing to national development priorities.

Programme Coverage

The CSF+ Programme is currently being implemented in the following areas:

• Addis Ababa City Administration
• Central Ethiopia Regional State
• South Ethiopia Regional State
• Tigray Regional State

Eligible organizations should be operating within these target locations.

Programme Funding

The programme has a total value of:

€4,046,471

Funding contributions include:

• 85% financed by the European Union
• 15% financed by Christian Aid

Programme Targets

The CSF+ Programme seeks to create long-term impact by supporting hundreds of civil society organizations and communities.

The programme aims to:

• Provide direct sub-grants to 60 local and grassroots CSOs
• Deliver tailored organizational capacity strengthening to 120 CSOs
• Support approximately 430 CSOs indirectly through networking and collaboration activities
• Enable participating organizations to reach approximately 120,000 community members
• Prioritize women, youth, and persons with disabilities as key beneficiaries

During the first funding round:

• 20 local and grassroots organizations received grants
• Project implementation began in March 2026

Round Two now seeks to identify an additional:

• 20 local and grassroots CSOs

Purpose of the Call for Expression of Interest

The second-round Expression of Interest is designed to identify promising local organizations that can implement community-driven initiatives addressing governance, democratic participation, social inclusion, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.

The programme particularly seeks organizations working with marginalized communities while promoting citizen participation and accountability.

What Successful Applicants Will Receive

Selected organizations will benefit from several forms of support.

1. Financial Support

Successful organizations will receive sub-grants to implement community-based initiatives aligned with the programme’s thematic priorities.

Funding will support projects that directly benefit local communities while strengthening civil society participation.

2. Tailored Capacity Strengthening

Beyond funding, participating organizations will receive customized organizational development support, including:

• Training programmes
• Workshops
• Technical assistance
• Organizational development resources
• Capacity-building activities designed to improve long-term sustainability and effectiveness

3. Networking Opportunities

The programme will also facilitate collaboration among civil society organizations through:

• Knowledge-sharing events
• Strategic partnerships
• Learning exchanges
• Networking forums
• Collaborative advocacy opportunities

These activities are intended to strengthen cooperation among CSOs while creating a stronger enabling environment for civil society.

Priority Project Areas

The programme welcomes projects contributing to one or more of the following thematic areas:

Good Governance

Projects that:

• Strengthen participatory governance
• Promote accountability
• Encourage citizen participation
• Improve transparency

Civic Space

Initiatives that:

• Protect civic freedoms
• Create enabling environments for CSOs
• Strengthen independent civil society

Governance and Social Inclusion

Projects promoting:

• Inclusive decision-making
• Equal participation
• Community engagement
• Social justice

Youth Empowerment

Activities that:

• Strengthen youth leadership
• Increase youth participation
• Promote youth voice and agency

Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution

Projects focused on:

• Conflict prevention
• Dialogue
• Peacebuilding
• Community reconciliation
• Social cohesion

Women’s Rights and Leadership

Activities supporting:

• Women’s empowerment
• Gender equality
• Women’s leadership
• Equal participation

Preventing Irregular Migration

Projects that address the drivers of illegal migration while creating local opportunities.

Social Accountability

Initiatives promoting accountability in delivering:

• Public services
• Community services
• Government programmes

Who Can Apply?

The programme welcomes applications from:

Local and Grassroots Civil Society Organizations

Organizations that:

• Have operational experience within target regions
• Maintain a physical office or operational presence in the region where they are applying

Networks and Associations

Organizations representing multiple civil society organizations with shared interests.

CSO Networks

Networks working to:

• Promote collaboration
• Encourage knowledge sharing
• Advocate for enabling environments for civil society

These may operate within:

• Addis Ababa
• Target regional states

Priority Applicants

The programme particularly encourages applications from organizations led by:

• Women
• Young people
• Persons with disabilities

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should carefully review the official guidelines before applying.

Eligible organizations should demonstrate:

• Operational experience
• Physical presence within target areas
• Commitment to community development
• Alignment with programme thematic priorities

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Download the Application Documents

Download:

• Expression of Interest Application Form (Annex II)
• EOI Guidelines (Annex III)
• Declaration Form

The documents are available in:

• English
• Amharic
• Tigrigna

Learn more and Apply Here

Step 2: Read the Guidelines

Carefully review:

• Eligibility criteria
• Application procedures
• Required documentation
• Submission instructions

Step 3: Complete the Application

Fill out:

• Expression of Interest Form
• Declaration Form

Attach all required supporting documents.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Applicants may submit their application through either:

Email

Send completed documents to:

eucsfplusapplicationround2@christian-aid.org

OR

Hand Delivery / Postal Submission

Submit to the physical addresses listed in:

Annex III, Section 7.4, Table 1

Important Application Deadline

All applications must be received no later than:

Tuesday, 4 August 2026

Before 17:00 (5:00 PM) Local Time

Late applications will not be considered.

Why Organizations Should Apply

The Civil Society Fund Plus Programme offers much more than grant funding. Successful organizations will gain long-term institutional support through technical assistance, networking opportunities, and organizational development. This holistic approach helps local and grassroots organizations become stronger, more sustainable, and better positioned to influence governance processes while delivering meaningful impact to underserved communities.

Organizations working in governance, democracy, peacebuilding, women’s empowerment, youth development, disability inclusion, and social accountability stand to benefit significantly from participating in this EU-funded initiative. By combining financial resources with capacity development and collaborative networking, the programme strengthens the overall civil society ecosystem in Ethiopia and empowers organizations to become credible partners in advancing inclusive development and democratic engagement.

For more information, visit the official website

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