2026 AFD CSO Call for Expressions of Project Intentions: Funding Opportunity for Civil Society Organizations in Developing Countries
The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has opened the 2026 Call for Expressions of Project Intentions for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), providing an opportunity for eligible civil society organizations to submit projects for potential AFD co-financing in 2027.
The call is designed to strengthen the contribution of civil society organizations to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), international solidarity, local development and policy change. For the 2026 edition, AFD has introduced a single call covering both French CSOs and locally governed CSOs, with the objective of identifying projects led by civil society organizations in partner countries that could receive financing in 2027.
The call is particularly relevant for eligible CSOs working on development, social transformation, international solidarity, climate vulnerability, civic engagement and other areas aligned with sustainable development priorities.
Applications must be submitted through AFD’s OSCar online platform, and organizations that do not already have an OSCar account must request account creation by September 15, 2026.
The final deadline for submitting project intentions is October 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM Paris time.
Overview of the 2026 AFD CSO Call
The 2026 CSO Call for Expressions of Project Intentions is part of AFD’s CSO Initiatives mechanism, which supports projects led by civil society organizations.
The mechanism recognizes the role of civil society in identifying development challenges and designing initiatives that respond to the needs of communities. Rather than limiting CSOs to projects defined by external institutions, AFD’s framework recognizes the right of initiative, allowing eligible organizations to propose projects that they have developed themselves.
For the 2026 call, AFD is seeking project intentions that can potentially be shortlisted for financing in 2027.
The initiative aims to achieve two closely connected objectives:
- Strengthen civil society organizations in France and AFD intervention countries.
- Generate concrete development impacts for beneficiary populations while contributing to local policy and sustainable development.
What Is the AFD CSO Initiatives Mechanism?
The CSO Initiatives (CSO-I) mechanism is an AFD financing mechanism for projects led by French and locally governed civil society organizations.
It is designed to support the capacity and effectiveness of civil society actors while enabling them to implement initiatives that contribute to development and international solidarity.
Through this mechanism, AFD can support CSOs that are working to address development challenges and create meaningful, measurable benefits for communities.
The mechanism is therefore particularly relevant to organizations that already have the institutional capacity, project experience and development-oriented mission needed to implement a substantial initiative.
Objectives of the 2026 Call
The 2026 call operates within France’s broader development and international solidarity framework.
It falls under France’s 2021 Framework and Programming Act on Development and International Solidarity, adopted on August 4, 2021. It also aligns with France’s Strategy for Civil Society and Civic Engagement for 2023–2027, the conclusions of the Presidential Council for International Partnerships from April 2025, and AFD Group’s 2025–2030 Strategy.
The call consequently forms part of a wider effort to strengthen civil society participation in sustainable development and international cooperation.
Key objectives include:
- Supporting the role of civil society organizations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Strengthening the institutional and operational capacity of CSOs.
- Supporting initiatives developed by civil society organizations themselves.
- Generating concrete benefits for communities and beneficiary populations.
- Contributing to local policy development.
- Supporting international solidarity and sustainable development.
- Increasing the participation of locally governed CSOs in development financing.
Who Can Apply for the AFD CSO Call?
The call is open to eligible civil society organizations, rather than individual applicants.
Two broad categories of CSOs are relevant:
1. French Civil Society Organizations
French CSOs are eligible under the CSO Initiatives mechanism and can submit project intentions in accordance with the requirements of the call.
2. Locally Governed Civil Society Organizations
Locally governed CSOs in countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA) can also be eligible for direct AFD financing under specific conditions.
This represents an important feature of the 2026 call because locally governed organizations are not automatically excluded from AFD financing simply because they are based outside France.
Eligibility Requirements for Locally Governed CSOs
According to the call, locally governed CSOs, including unions, are eligible provided that they have previously received financing at least once for a completed project from an eligible AFD Group entity or through certain qualifying mechanisms.
Previous financing may have been received:
- Directly from the CSO-I mechanism.
- Through AFD’s Operations Directorate.
- From Expertise France.
- From Proparco.
- From the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM).
- From the Fund for Innovation in Development (FID).
- Through an FSOF intermediary funding mechanism.
- From a French embassy, where the annual financing received was more than €100,000.
The previous financing may have been received either directly by the locally governed CSO or through a lead CSO, provided the project has been completed.
The eligibility requirement applies regardless of the amount of qualifying AFD Group financing received.
This means that organizations should carefully review their previous institutional funding history before beginning the application process.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
The geographical scope of the 2026 AFD CSO call is broad.
Countries eligible for the opportunity are countries included on the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list of ODA recipients.
This means that eligibility is not restricted to one particular African subregion or a small group of countries.
However, the call gives priority to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and countries that are particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Organizations operating in eligible developing countries should therefore examine how their proposed project responds to development needs, climate vulnerability and other strategic priorities.
Projects in France
Projects located in France may also be eligible, but under specific programmes:
- Global Citizenship and International Solidarity Education (ECSI).
- Civil Society Capacity Building (SMA).
Organizations proposing projects in France should therefore determine whether their project fits within one of these eligible programmes.
What Types of Projects May Be Relevant?
The call is intended for projects that contribute to sustainable development, international solidarity, civil society strengthening and concrete benefits for communities.
While the supplied call information does not provide a simple list of every eligible thematic sector, applicants should ensure that their proposed initiative clearly connects with the objectives of the CSO Initiatives mechanism and the broader development priorities reflected in the call.
Projects are particularly relevant when they:
- Address clearly identified development challenges.
- Respond to the needs of beneficiary populations.
- Demonstrate potential for concrete and measurable impact.
- Strengthen civil society participation.
- Contribute to local policy or institutional development.
- Support sustainable development objectives.
- Address challenges affecting vulnerable populations.
- Respond to climate vulnerability where relevant.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of the local context.
- Are designed and led by civil society organizations with appropriate institutional capacity.
Important Funding Consideration
The 2026 call is a project financing and co-financing opportunity for eligible CSOs.
However, the information supplied for this call does not state one universal maximum grant amount that every successful applicant can receive.
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that the programme offers a fixed amount of funding to every organization.
Instead, organizations should consult the official call documentation and methodological guide to understand the specific financing arrangements, co-financing requirements and financial conditions applicable to their proposed project.
How the Application Process Works
The application process is conducted through OSCar, AFD’s online platform dedicated to the submission of documents relating to the CSO Initiatives mechanism.
Project intentions submitted outside the OSCar platform will not be considered.
This makes it important for applicants to begin the administrative process early rather than waiting until the final deadline.
Step 1: Confirm organizational eligibility
Before preparing the project intention, the organization should determine whether it qualifies under the call.
Locally governed CSOs should pay particular attention to the requirement concerning previous qualifying financing and completed projects.
Step 2: Review the official call documentation
Applicants should carefully read the official call document and methodological guidance.
These documents provide important information about the procedures and requirements for preparing and submitting project intentions.
Step 3: Prepare an OSCar account
CSOs need a user account to access and use OSCar.
An authorization to use the platform is required when creating the account.
Organizations that already have an OSCar account should ensure that their account remains accessible and that the relevant users have the necessary permissions.
Step 4: Request an account if you do not already have one
Organizations that do not yet have an OSCar account must submit a request to create their account no later than September 15, 2026.
This is an important administrative deadline because it occurs before the final project submission deadline.
Organizations should not interpret October 9 as the only date they need to worry about.
Step 5: Prepare the project intention and administrative documents
Applicants should prepare the required project intention documentation and supporting administrative documents in accordance with the official templates and guidelines.
For locally governed CSOs, AFD provides a specific Project Intention Sheet.
Step 6: Submit through OSCar
The completed project intention and required administrative documents must be submitted directly through OSCar.
Only submissions made through the designated platform will be considered.
Important Application Deadlines
There are two important dates to remember for this call.
September 15, 2026 — OSCar Account Request Deadline
CSOs that do not already have an OSCar account must submit their account creation request by:
September 15, 2026
Organizations should therefore start the registration process well before this date.
October 9, 2026 — Final Project Submission Deadline
The final deadline for submitting project intentions is:
October 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM Paris time
Applications must be submitted through OSCar before the deadline.
Waiting until the final hours could create unnecessary risks, particularly if organizations encounter account, document or technical issues.
Documents and Resources Available to Applicants
AFD has provided several resources to help CSOs understand and complete the application process.
1. 2026 Call for Expressions of Project Intentions
The official call document explains the framework and requirements for the 2026 CSO financing initiative.
2. Project Intention Sheet for Locally Governed CSOs
Locally governed CSOs can access the relevant project intention template provided by AFD.
3. Methodological Guide
AFD provides a methodological guide explaining the procedures for co-financing projects submitted by French and locally governed CSOs.
This guide can help organizations understand the recommended approach to preparing their project intention.
4. Authorization for Use of OSCar
Organizations creating an OSCar account need the relevant authorization document.
5. OSCar User Guide
AFD also provides a user guide explaining how CSOs can use the OSCar platform and follow the recommended submission procedures.
Applicants should make use of these resources before submitting their applications.
Why the Opportunity Matters for Civil Society Organizations
The AFD CSO call is significant because civil society organizations often have close relationships with communities and can identify challenges that may not always be visible through traditional institutional structures.
By recognizing the right of initiative, the mechanism gives eligible organizations an opportunity to propose projects based on their own understanding of development needs.
The call can therefore be particularly valuable for CSOs that have:
- A strong record of community engagement.
- Experience implementing development projects.
- Established relationships with local communities.
- Institutional experience with donor-funded projects.
- Evidence of previous project results.
- Capacity to manage project finances and reporting.
- A clear development or international solidarity mission.
- A project concept aligned with sustainable development priorities.
How to Prepare a Strong Project Intention
A competitive project intention should do more than describe a good idea.
The organization should demonstrate why the project is necessary, who will benefit, what will be achieved and why the organization is capable of delivering the proposed results.
1. Clearly define the problem
Begin by identifying the development challenge the project intends to address.
Explain:
- What the problem is.
- Who is affected.
- Where it occurs.
- Why it matters.
- What evidence demonstrates the need for intervention.
2. Identify the beneficiaries
Clearly describe the populations that will benefit from the proposed project.
Where possible, explain the characteristics of the target population and why they require support.
3. Demonstrate local relevance
A strong project should be grounded in the realities of the country or community where it will be implemented.
Applicants should demonstrate that the organization understands the local context and has meaningful relationships with the communities involved.
4. Explain the proposed solution
Describe how the project will respond to the identified problem.
The proposed activities should logically connect to the expected results.
5. Demonstrate organizational capacity
Applicants should show why their organization is capable of implementing the proposed initiative.
Relevant evidence can include:
- Previous projects.
- Organizational experience.
- Staff expertise.
- Partnerships.
- Previous donor funding.
- Community relationships.
- Previous project results.
6. Connect the project to sustainable development
Applicants should demonstrate how the proposed project contributes to relevant Sustainable Development Goals and broader development priorities.
7. Consider climate vulnerability
Because the call gives priority to countries particularly vulnerable to climate change, organizations in such contexts should clearly explain relevant climate-related challenges where appropriate.
8. Focus on measurable impact
Avoid presenting only activities.
Explain the expected changes resulting from the project and how those changes will benefit communities.
Key Advantages of the 2026 AFD CSO Call
The opportunity offers several important advantages for eligible civil society organizations.
Access to Potential Project Financing
Selected projects may be considered for AFD financing in 2027, giving eligible organizations an opportunity to secure support for development initiatives.
Support for Civil Society
The CSO Initiatives mechanism is specifically designed to strengthen civil society stakeholders and their ability to contribute to development.
Opportunity for Locally Governed Organizations
Eligible locally governed CSOs can potentially access AFD financing under the conditions established by the call.
Alignment with Global Development Goals
The mechanism is explicitly connected to the Sustainable Development Goals and international solidarity.
Potential Policy Impact
The initiative is also intended to contribute to local policy, meaning that well-designed projects can potentially influence wider systems and development approaches beyond individual beneficiaries.
Important Things Applicants Should Know
There are several details that applicants should not overlook.
This is not an individual scholarship or fellowship
The opportunity is intended for civil society organizations, not individual students, researchers or job seekers.
Individuals cannot apply in their personal capacity unless they are applying on behalf of an eligible organization in accordance with the call requirements.
Previous financing matters for locally governed CSOs
Locally governed organizations should carefully examine the previous-financing requirement before investing substantial time in preparing a submission.
The OSCar account deadline comes first
Organizations without an existing OSCar account must request one by September 15, 2026.
The final deadline is October 9, 2026
The complete project intention must be submitted by October 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM Paris time.
External submissions are not considered
Project intentions must be submitted through OSCar. Sending the project through another channel does not satisfy the application requirement.
Official Application Platform
Eligible organizations should submit their project intention through the official OSCar platform.
Access the OSCar application platform
Organizations that need to create an account should begin the process as early as possible and observe the September 15, 2026 account-request deadline.
For additional guidance, applicants can consult the official AFD call documentation and methodological resources.
View the official AFD 2026 CSO Call
Contact and Further Assistance
Organizations requiring assistance with the OSCar platform can use the official OSCar contact channel provided by AFD.
Applicants should also consult the official documentation before contacting the support team, as many procedural questions are addressed in the available guides.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Opportunity | 2026 AFD CSO Call for Expressions of Project Intentions |
|---|---|
| Organizer | Agence Française de Développement (AFD) |
| Opportunity type | CSO project financing / co-financing call |
| Target applicants | Eligible civil society organizations |
| Main purpose | Support CSO-led development and international solidarity projects |
| Funding year | Projects shortlisted for potential financing in 2027 |
| Geographic scope | ODA-eligible countries, with priority to LDCs and climate-vulnerable countries |
| French projects | Eligible under ECSI and SMA programmes |
| Application platform | OSCar |
| OSCar account request deadline | September 15, 2026 |
| Final application deadline | October 9, 2026 |
| Final submission time | 6:00 PM Paris time |
| Application status | Ongoing |
| Published | July 29, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 AFD CSO Call for Expressions of Project Intentions?
It is an annual AFD call through which eligible civil society organizations can submit project intentions for consideration for potential financing under AFD’s CSO Initiatives mechanism.
Who can apply?
Eligible French CSOs and qualifying locally governed CSOs can apply, subject to the specific requirements of the call.
Can individual people apply?
No. This is an organizational project financing opportunity intended for eligible civil society organizations rather than individuals applying in their personal capacity.
Can organizations from developing countries apply?
Yes, eligible locally governed CSOs in countries included on the OECD DAC list of ODA recipients may apply under the conditions established by AFD.
Which countries are eligible?
All countries eligible for official development assistance according to the OECD DAC list are included, with priority given to Least Developed Countries and countries particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Can organizations in France apply?
Yes. Projects in France are eligible under the Global Citizenship and International Solidarity Education (ECSI) and Civil Society Capacity Building (SMA) programmes.
What is the deadline?
The final deadline for submitting project intentions is October 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM Paris time.
Is there an earlier deadline?
Yes. CSOs that do not already have an OSCar account must request account creation by September 15, 2026.
Where should applications be submitted?
Applications must be submitted directly through AFD’s OSCar platform. Project intentions submitted through other channels will not be considered.
Is the opportunity fully funded?
The information provided does not describe the opportunity as a universal fully funded programme or specify one fixed funding amount for every successful applicant. Organizations should consult the official call documents for the applicable financing and co-financing conditions.
Visit HERE to learn more about the AFD CSO Call for Expressions of Project Intentions.
Final Application Tips
Before submitting a project intention, eligible CSOs should consider the following checklist:
- Confirm that the organization meets the eligibility requirements.
- If locally governed, verify the previous qualifying financing requirement.
- Confirm that the proposed country or project location falls within the eligible geographical scope.
- Review the official 2026 call document carefully.
- Read the methodological guide.
- Prepare the required project intention documentation.
- Ensure that the organization has an active OSCar account.
- If an account is needed, request it before September 15, 2026.
- Make sure all required administrative documents are complete.
- Submit the project intention through OSCar before October 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM Paris time.
- Avoid waiting until the final day to submit.
- Keep copies of all submitted documents and relevant confirmation records.
Conclusion
The 2026 AFD Call for Expressions of Project Intentions for Civil Society Organizations represents an important financing opportunity for eligible CSOs seeking to implement development, international solidarity and sustainable development projects.
The call is particularly notable because it brings together French and locally governed CSOs within a single 2026 call and provides a pathway for qualifying civil society organizations in ODA-eligible countries to seek potential AFD financing for projects that can be implemented in 2027.
Organizations considering this opportunity should pay close attention to the eligibility conditions, particularly the previous-financing requirement applicable to locally governed CSOs. They should also begin the administrative process early because organizations without an OSCar account must request account creation by September 15, 2026.
The ultimate project submission deadline is October 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM Paris time. Since submissions must be made through OSCar, eligible organizations should prepare their documentation, review the official guidance and complete their submission well before the deadline.
For CSOs with strong community relationships, relevant project experience and a clearly defined initiative that contributes to sustainable development and concrete benefits for communities, this call provides an opportunity to put forward a project for potential AFD support in 2027.
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