The Civic Innovation Fund (CIF), hosted by The CIVICS Innovation Hub and supported by the Robert Bosch Stiftung, has launched its latest call for projects for the 2025–2026 cycle. The Fund provides a unique opportunity for young organizations in the field of civic education to access financial support and turn their innovative project ideas into reality. Each selected initiative will receive €10,000 to support piloting, incubation, and scaling over a 12-month period.
This funding call reflects CIF’s mission to strengthen democratic engagement and foster resilience in societies across Europe and beyond. By supporting innovative approaches to civic education, CIF seeks to empower young NGOs and their partners to create long-term impact and advance democratic culture.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for funding, projects must meet the following conditions:
- Focus Area
Projects must be startups in the field of civic education, aiming to strengthen democratic competencies that enhance participation, social cohesion, and resilience. Eligible formats include, but are not limited to:- Workshops and training programmes
- Cultural interventions and artistic initiatives
- Eyewitness talks or storytelling events
- Exhibitions and public engagement campaigns
- Scientific studies and scenario methods
- Digital tools such as apps or augmented reality storyboards
- Topical Alignment
Projects should address one or more of the following themes:- Trust in civic education – linked to the upcoming NECE Festival 2026: TRUST
- Democratic resilience – strengthening systems and communities against democratic backsliding
- Loneliness and radicalisation of young people – tackling social isolation and preventing extremism
- Polarisation and peacebuilding with polarised groups – bridging divides and fostering dialogue across differences
- Partnerships
Each project must be implemented through a transnational partnership involving at least one partner (individual, organization, or institution) from Europe, including wider Europe. The main implementing organization must be based in a European country. Partnerships are encouraged to cross sectors, but at least one participating organization should come from the formal or non-formal/informal civic education sector. - Principles
Proposals must embed diversity, interdisciplinarity, and inclusiveness as core values throughout design and implementation.
Funding Details
- Grant amount: €10,000 per selected project
- Funding period: 12 months (pilot, incubation, and scale-up support)
- Deadline for applications: 20 October 2025, 11:59 pm CEST
This support is designed to give young civic education NGOs the resources and visibility needed to experiment, innovate, and grow.
Why Apply?
The Civic Innovation Fund offers more than financial support. It provides access to a European network of civic educators, opportunities for cross-border collaboration, and alignment with key regional debates on democratic resilience and trust in civic education.
By securing CIF funding, NGOs and civic education actors can:
- Test and refine innovative methods of civic engagement.
- Strengthen democratic literacy and competencies among youth and communities.
- Collaborate with international partners to increase scale and impact.
- Contribute to urgent debates on democracy, participation, radicalisation, and polarisation.
- Position their work within the broader context of the NECE Festival 2026 and related European civic initiatives.
How to Apply
Interested organizations are invited to submit their proposals before the 20 October 2025 deadline. Applications must clearly outline the project concept, expected outcomes, and alignment with CIF’s thematic priorities and eligibility requirements.
Further details, including the proposal form and application guidance, can be found on The CIVICS Innovation Hub’s website.
Additional Opportunities
Beyond this funding call, organizations and individuals working in civic education are also encouraged to join the Civic Educators’ Map, a platform designed to connect educators across Europe, foster exchange, and amplify visibility.
Conclusion
The Civic Innovation Fund 2025–2026 presents an invaluable opportunity for young NGOs in civic education to bring bold and creative ideas to life. By addressing themes such as trust, resilience, radicalisation, and polarisation, the Fund helps strengthen democratic culture and ensure that societies remain inclusive, participatory, and resilient in the face of global challenges.
With €10,000 available for each selected initiative and strong emphasis on collaboration and diversity, this call empowers civic educators to pilot transformative projects with lasting local and transnational impact.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the funding organization. For any inquiries, please contact funding organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
