CFAs: Strengthening Civil Society Organizations in Djibouti

Deadline: 16-Apr-2026

The European Commission is inviting civil society organisations in Djibouti to apply for grants of EUR 450,000–EUR 481,000 to strengthen local governance, public policy engagement, and sustainable development. Funded initiatives should enhance civil society participation, build organisational capacity, and promote economic and social empowerment for women, youth, and vulnerable groups. The total indicative budget is EUR 962,000.

Programme Overview

The Thematic Programme for Civil Society Organizations aims to reinforce the role of civil society as an independent actor contributing to governance, development, and community resilience in Djibouti. The programme supports local organisations in policy advocacy, regional development plan implementation, and the economic and social empowerment of vulnerable groups.

Key Objectives

• Strengthen the enabling environment for civil society organisations in Djibouti.

• Enhance inclusive participation in national development policy dialogue and governance processes.

• Build organisational capacity to improve effectiveness, sustainability, and development impact.

• Promote economic and social empowerment for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

Priority Areas

1. Governance and Policy Engagement

   • Strengthening civil society participation in public action, political dialogue, and advocacy.

   • Promoting strategic advocacy at local and national levels for the adoption of policies supporting community development.

2. Capacity Building

   • Developing institutional and operational capacity to implement regional development plan priorities.

   • Supporting collaboration between civil society organisations and regional councils.

3. Economic and Social Empowerment

   • Initiatives targeting women, youth, unemployed individuals, refugees, migrants, disabled people, orphans, out-of-school children, and single mothers.

   • Activities may include economic development projects, skills training, and local job creation.

Eligible Activities

• Governance and advocacy projects supporting policy dialogue at local and national levels.

• Capacity-building programmes enhancing organisational efficiency and development impact.

• Economic initiatives fostering social inclusion, employment, and entrepreneurship.

• Collaborative projects with regional councils to implement regional development plans.

Funding Details

• Total Indicative Budget: EUR 962,000.

• Individual Grant Range: EUR 450,000 – EUR 481,000.

• Grants support projects aligned with the programme’s governance, capacity, and empowerment objectives.

Eligibility Criteria

• Legally established non-profit organisations, including NGOs and civil society organisations.

• Djiboutian organisations must be effectively registered in Djibouti as national or international associations.

• Applicants must demonstrate capacity to implement governance, development, or empowerment projects effectively.

Expected Impact

• Strengthened local civil society capable of meaningful participation in governance and public policy.

• Enhanced collaboration between civil society and regional councils, improving regional development plan implementation.

• Economic and social empowerment for women, youth, and vulnerable groups contributing to sustainable community development.

• Improved institutional capacity and long-term sustainability of civil society organisations in Djibouti.

Tips for Applicants

• Emphasise collaboration with regional councils and alignment with local development priorities.

• Clearly demonstrate impact on governance, public policy engagement, and vulnerable group empowerment.

• Provide evidence of organisational capacity and previous successful project implementation.

• Highlight inclusivity, gender equality, and sustainability in project design.

FAQ – Djibouti Civil Society Grants

1. Who can apply? Legally established non-profit organisations and civil society organisations registered in Djibouti.

2. What is the total funding available? EUR 962,000.

3. What is the grant range? EUR 450,000 – EUR 481,000 per project.

4. Which groups are prioritised? Women, youth, unemployed individuals, refugees, migrants, disabled people, orphans, out-of-school children, and single mothers.

5. Are international organisations eligible? Yes, if effectively registered as national or international associations in Djibouti.

6. Can organisations collaborate with regional councils? Yes, collaboration is encouraged to implement regional development plans.

7. What types of activities are eligible? Governance advocacy, capacity building, economic empowerment, and social development initiatives.

Conclusion

The European Commission’s Thematic Programme empowers civil society organisations in Djibouti to actively contribute to governance, public policy, and sustainable development. By funding advocacy, capacity-building, and empowerment initiatives, the programme strengthens local communities, promotes inclusivity, and ensures long-term impact for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

For more information, visit EC.