Digital Action Lab Programme 2026 (Cohort 3)

Job Description

Are you looking for a way to scale your civil society organisation’s digital impact? The Digital Action Lab Programme 2026 (Cohort 3), an initiative by CIVICUS in partnership with the Digital Democracy Initiative, is now open for applications. This programme supports civil society organisations (CSOs) using digital tools to strengthen democracy, civic engagement, and transparency.

If your organisation works in civic space, governance, or social impact and wants to expand its digital efforts, this programme offers funding, mentorship, and strategic support to help you grow.

About the Digital Action Lab Programme 2026

The Digital Action Lab (DAL) is a global initiative designed to help civil society organisations build, test, and scale digital solutions that enhance democratic participation and civic engagement. The programme focuses especially on organisations operating in challenging or restricted environments, where digital innovation can:

• Amplify citizen voices
• Improve access to information
• Strengthen accountability
• Enable participation in governance

Funding and Programme Support

Selected organisations will benefit from both financial and capacity-building support.

Financial Support

• Grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000

Programme Support (9 Months)

Participants will take part in a structured 9-month support programme that includes:

• Digital skills training to strengthen technical capacity
• Strategic advisory support tailored to organisational needs
• Guidance on scaling digital tools and solutions
• Assistance refining project ideas and implementation strategies

Peer Learning

• Collaboration with other organisations across regions
• Sharing of insights, experiences, and best practices
• Exposure to innovative approaches in civic engagement

Focus Areas

The programme prioritises organisations working in:

Civic Tech and Innovation

• Digital platforms and tools to improve civic participation
• Technology-driven solutions for governance and accountability

Democracy and Transparency

• Initiatives that promote openness, public trust, and accountability
• Tools that strengthen democratic institutions and processes

Citizen Engagement in Restricted Spaces

• Solutions that enable participation in environments with limited civic freedom
• Digital approaches to overcoming barriers to engagement

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Digital Action Lab Programme 2026 (Cohort 3), organisations must:

• Be a recognised Civil Society Organisation (CSO)
• Operate in areas related to democracy, civic space, governance, or social impact
• Demonstrate an interest in using digital tools to drive impact

The programme is open to organisations at different stages, including those:

• Already implementing digital solutions
• Looking to expand or scale existing tools
• Exploring new digital approaches to civic engagement

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is ideal for:

• NGOs and non-profits working in governance or civic engagement
• Organisations focused on transparency, accountability, or public participation
• Teams building or planning digital platforms, tools, or systems for impact
• Groups operating in environments where civic space is limited or under pressure

Why This Programme Matters

Many organisations have strong ideas but lack the funding, technical support, or strategic guidance to scale them. The Digital Action Lab Programme provides:

• Funding
• Training
• Mentorship
• Collaboration opportunities

It is more than a grant — it is a structured growth programme to help organisations deepen their impact.

Application Deadline

• April 30, 2026

The Digital Action Lab Programme 2026 (Cohort 3) is a prime opportunity for organisations ready to scale digital tools for democracy, civic engagement, and transparency.

Interested and qualified candidates should click the Apply Button Now.