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

Details:

Organization: International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL)
Grant Amount: Up to $23,000 USD
Eligible Countries: Registered non-profits in OECD-DAC Recipient Countries (including Lao PDR, ASEAN, and other developing nations)
Application Deadline: October 9, 2026 (Reviewed on a rolling basis)
Project Completion Date: October 31, 2027

Overview

The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) has launched a call for proposals to support civil society in protecting digital rights, fundamental freedoms, and civic space online.

As governments worldwide deploy new technologies, civil society plays a crucial role in advancing accountability, transparency, and public interest. This program offers grants of up to $23,000 USD to local organizations working across digital rights and legal protections.

Thematic Focus Areas

Proposals should focus on protecting fundamental freedoms across one or more of these core areas:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance
Surveillance & Right to Privacy
Data Protection
Freedom of Expression
Access & Inclusion Online

Priority Consideration:

ICNL will give stronger consideration to projects that address:

Transparency and oversight mechanisms for government procurement/deployment of technologies (e.g., surveillance, “smart city” projects, digital ID).
Strengthening the independence of data protection authorities.
Facilitating meaningful public and multistakeholder consultations during the rollout of “digital transformation” and “digital public infrastructure” projects.

Supported Activities

Grants may be used for:

Advocacy: Advocating for the adoption, amendment, or repeal of relevant laws and policies.
Capacity Building: Developing resources, training, and networks to strengthen civil society resilience.
Applied Research: Conducting research designed to inform and drive specific policy or legal advocacy goals.

Who Can Apply?

Applicant Type: Open to registered non-profit organizations (CSOs, NGOs, Non-Profit Associations).
Geographic Eligibility: Organizations must be based and registered in an OECD-DAC Recipient Country (e.g., Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc.).
Consortiums: Applicants may submit only one proposal as the Lead Organization, but can participate in multiple applications as consortium partners. Unregistered groups and coalitions may participate as consortium members under a registered lead organization.
Language: Applications must be submitted in English.

Application Process

Applications are evaluated in two phases:

Phase 1: Submit a concept through the online application form outlining the problem statement, objectives, outcomes, target actors, and budget summary.
Phase 2: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by ICNL to submit a comprehensive proposal and detailed line-item budget.

👉 How to Apply: How to Apply: Complete the ICNL Online Application Form https://shorturl.at/rRju9

📧 Questions: Email digital@icnl.org with the subject line: “Defending Digital Rights and Civic Space Online”.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submissions are strongly encouraged before the final deadline of October 9, 2026.