Call for Proposals: Defending Digital Rights and Civic Space Online (Grants up to $23,000)

Funder: International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL)
Grant Amount: Up to $23,000 USD
Eligible Regions: Organizations in OECD-DAC Recipient Countries (including Lao PDR, Southeast Asia, and developing nations worldwide)
Application Format: Online via Google Form
Review Process: Rolling basis (Early applications encouraged)
Final Deadline: October 9, 2026
Project Completion Date: October 31, 2027

About the Opportunity

The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) is accepting proposals for its Digital Rights Program. The grant supports civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and community advocates working to safeguard fundamental freedoms and open civic space online.

Grants of up to $23,000 USD are available to fund advocacy, legal reform, applied research, and capacity-building projects.

Thematic Focus Areas

Proposals should address civic space and digital rights in one or more of the following five areas:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance
Surveillance & Right to Privacy (e.g., facial recognition, spyware, smart cities)
Data Protection & Independence of Data Authorities
Freedom of Expression Online
Access and Inclusion Online

Priority consideration will be given to projects addressing government procurement of surveillance tech, data protection authority oversight, or public consultations on digital public infrastructure.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility: Open to registered non-profit organizations (CSOs, NGOs, NPAs, foundations, and academic/research institutions).
Location: Must be based and operating in an OECD-DAC Recipient Country (e.g., Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, etc.).
Coalitions: Unregistered community groups, tech collectives, and informal networks may participate as consortium partners under a registered lead non-profit.
Language: Applications must be completed in English.

Application Steps

Applications are reviewed in two phases:

Phase 1 (Initial Screening): Submit your project concept, problem statement, objectives, and estimated budget summary through the official online form.
Phase 2 (Shortlisted Applicants): Selected organizations will be invited to submit a full proposal and detailed line-item budget.

How to Apply

👉 Submit your proposal here:
Apply Now – Online Application Form

📧 Questions or Technical Issues?
Send an email to digital@icnl.org with the subject line:
“Defending Digital Rights and Civic Space Online”