Deadline: 10-Jan-2026
The Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) is inviting applications from civil society organisations to implement community-driven programs that reduce violent extremism. The fund provides core funding, capacity-building, and support for both Principal Recipients and Sub-recipients to deliver locally tailored initiatives that strengthen resilience and social cohesion.
Overview
GCERF’s Consolidated Core Funding Mechanism is designed to empower civil society organisations (CSOs) to implement initiatives that mitigate risks of violent extremism. By combining financial support with targeted capacity-building, GCERF helps organisations design and deliver locally relevant programs while building institutional strength and accountability.
Key Objectives
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Strengthen community resilience against violent extremism.
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Support locally driven, context-specific programming.
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Build capacity of CSOs to manage resources and deliver measurable impact.
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Enhance collaboration between larger Principal Recipients and smaller grassroots Sub-recipients.
Funding Structure
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Principal Recipients: Experienced organisations leading consortia, managing grants, and providing capacity-building to Sub-recipients.
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Sub-recipients: Smaller, community-based organisations with deep local knowledge and trust, implementing grassroots programs.
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Emergency Grants: Rapid support for newly engaged countries addressing urgent risks of radicalisation.
Who is Eligible?
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Legally registered civil society organisations operating on a non-profit basis.
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Organisations committed to GCERF’s Code of Conduct.
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Ineligible entities: National governments, for-profit companies, or organisations failing to meet accountability standards.
How It Works
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Application Submission: Eligible CSOs submit proposals highlighting their approach to community-driven resilience programs.
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Capacity-Building Integration: GCERF provides technical support and training to strengthen organisational and programmatic capacity.
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Consortium Management (if applicable): Principal Recipients manage grants for Sub-recipients, ensuring effective resource distribution.
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Implementation: CSOs deliver locally tailored programs to reduce risk factors for violent extremism, engaging communities directly.
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Monitoring and Evaluation: Activities are assessed for effectiveness, outcomes, and alignment with local priorities.
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Emergency Response (Optional): Rapid funding is available for urgent interventions in new countries.
Why It Matters
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Community-Led Solutions: Ensures programs reflect local realities and address the root causes of violent extremism.
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Capacity Strengthening: Builds institutional and operational capabilities of CSOs to sustain long-term impact.
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Collaborative Governance: Country Support Mechanisms coordinate stakeholders for program relevance and effectiveness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting proposals from ineligible entities (governments, for-profits).
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Lack of clear community engagement strategy or local context analysis.
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Insufficient description of capacity-building plans for Sub-recipients.
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Overlooking emergency funding opportunities in newly engaged countries.
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Failing to adhere to GCERF’s Code of Conduct and accountability standards.
FAQ
1. What types of organisations can apply?
Legally registered non-profit civil society organisations committed to GCERF’s Code of Conduct.
2. Can for-profit or government entities apply?
No, only independent non-profit CSOs are eligible.
3. What is a Principal Recipient?
An experienced organisation that manages grants, leads a consortium, and provides capacity support to Sub-recipients.
4. What is a Sub-recipient?
A smaller, community-based organisation that implements grassroots initiatives within GCERF-supported programs.
5. Is emergency funding available?
Yes, GCERF can provide rapid grants in newly engaged countries to address urgent community needs.
6. How is local context considered?
Country Support Mechanisms ensure alignment with local priorities, engaging governments, donors, CSOs, and private sector actors.
7. What types of activities are supported?
Programs that strengthen resilience, reduce vulnerability to radicalisation, and engage communities in peacebuilding and social cohesion.
Conclusion
GCERF’s Consolidated Core Funding provides civil society organisations with the resources, guidance, and capacity-building needed to implement impactful, locally grounded initiatives that strengthen community resilience and reduce violent extremism. By leveraging Principal Recipients and Sub-recipients, GCERF ensures both grassroots reach and institutional effectiveness, promoting sustainable, community-led solutions globally.
For more information, visit GCERF.