Deadline: 04-Mar-2026
The Civil Society Fund (CISU) in Denmark provides financial support to grassroots civil society organisations for development interventions in partnership with local organisations in developing countries. Grants range from DKK 500,000 for first-time applicants to DKK 4 million for established organisations, with eligibility based on organisational experience, membership, and financial transparency. The program prioritises partnerships, capacity-building, and sustainable impact in global development projects.
Overview of the Program
The Civil Society Fund (CISU) is designed to strengthen Danish grassroots organisations engaging in development interventions abroad.
Key objectives include:
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Supporting first-time applicants to engage in meaningful development work
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Providing larger grants for experienced organisations with proven track records
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Promoting partnerships with local organisations in developing countries
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Ensuring financial transparency and accountability for funded interventions
The program encourages sustainable, impactful development interventions aligned with international cooperation priorities.
Funding Opportunities
1. Small Programme – First-Time Applicants
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Grant amount: Up to DKK 500,000
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Enables new organisations to launch development projects
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Supports first-time engagement in partnerships with local organisations abroad
2. Larger Grants – Established Organisations
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Grant amount: Up to DKK 4 million
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Eligibility requires:
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At least one year of organisational activity
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Completion of at least one prior intervention with a budget of over DKK 200,000
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Previous intervention funded by CISU or under similar reporting requirements
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Designed to scale interventions and support organisations with a proven track record
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must be private civil society organisations legally domiciled in Denmark, meeting the following criteria:
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Leadership: Chairperson or majority of board members must be Danish citizens or hold permanent residency, unless special dispensation is granted
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Statutes: Organisations must have approved statutes
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Membership or Contributors:
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Grants up to DKK 500,000: At least 25 paying contributors
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Grants above DKK 500,000: At least 50 paying contributors
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Contributions can come from members, volunteers, or financial supporters in the current or previous fiscal year
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Umbrella organisations: At least one member organisation must meet these requirements
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Financial Transparency: Organisations must submit audited accounts, including annual financial statements
Who Is Not Eligible?
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Commercial foundations, consulting firms, or educational institutions
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Legally established organisations such as folk high schools
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Organisations with existing strategic or fund agreements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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Projects already eligible for other Ministry of Foreign Affairs–funded programs
Focus Areas
The Civil Society Fund prioritises interventions that:
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Partner with local organisations in developing countries
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Promote sustainable development outcomes
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Strengthen organisational capacity and collaboration
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Support first-time applicants to engage in global development work
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
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Ensure the organisation is a legally registered civil society entity in Denmark
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Verify membership or contributor requirements
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Confirm financial transparency through audited accounts
Step 2: Determine Grant Type
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Small Programme: For first-time applicants, up to DKK 500,000
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Large Grant: For established organisations, up to DKK 4 million, with prior intervention experience
Step 3: Develop a Project Proposal
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Outline partnership plans with local organisations in developing countries
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Define objectives, activities, and expected outcomes
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Include detailed budget, timeline, and financial reporting plan
Step 4: Submit Application
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Follow CISU’s official guidelines for application submission
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Include all supporting documentation (audited accounts, statutes, membership/contributor proof)
Expected Outcomes
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Successful first-time and experienced applicants implement sustainable development projects
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Strengthened partnerships between Danish grassroots organisations and local organisations abroad
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Enhanced organisational capacity and experience in global development initiatives
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Transparent, accountable financial management for all funded interventions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting applications without audited accounts
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Failing to meet membership or contributor requirements
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Proposing interventions already funded under other Ministry programs
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Lack of clear partnership or development objectives
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Ignoring eligibility requirements for leadership and organisational structure
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum grant available?
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DKK 500,000 for first-time applicants
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DKK 4 million for established organisations
2. Who is eligible to apply?
Private civil society organisations legally domiciled in Denmark with approved statutes, sufficient contributors, and audited accounts.
3. Can commercial entities apply?
No. Commercial foundations, consulting firms, and educational institutions are not eligible.
4. Are first-time applicants eligible for large grants?
No. Larger grants require prior experience and at least one completed intervention with a budget over DKK 200,000.
5. Can umbrella organisations apply?
Yes, provided that at least one member organisation meets membership or contributor requirements.
6. What are the focus areas for funding?
Projects must partner with local organisations in developing countries, promote sustainable development outcomes, and strengthen organisational capacity.
7. Are strategic or fund agreement holders with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs eligible?
No, applicants with existing strategic or fund agreements with the Ministry are not eligible.
Conclusion
The Civil Society Fund offers Danish grassroots organisations a valuable opportunity to engage in development interventions abroad, from first-time initiatives to large-scale projects. By prioritising partnerships, capacity-building, and sustainable outcomes, the program supports transparent, accountable, and impactful projects that strengthen civil society and contribute to global development goals.
For more information, visit CISU.
