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Digital Spark Call for Institutional Stability Grants

Deadline: 23-Feb-2026

The Digital Spark Call under the Regional Support Mechanism provides USD 13,000 Institutional Stability Grants to support civil society organizations advancing digital democracy, civic participation, and digital rights across eligible Eastern Europe and Central Asia countries. Implemented by Metamorphosis Foundation and TechSoup, the call strengthens inclusive civic space through digital tools, advocacy, and capacity-building.

Overview

The Digital Spark Call is part of the Regional Support Mechanism project under the Digital Democracy Initiative, which aims to strengthen inclusive, resilient, and rights-based civic space in the digital era.

The programme supports civil society organizations in developing and scaling digital democracy initiatives that promote participation, accountability, transparency, and human rights, particularly in contexts where civic space is under pressure.

Implementing Partners and Initiative Framework

The Digital Spark Call is implemented by:

  • Metamorphosis Foundation

  • TechSoup’s Digital Activism Program team

In partnership with:

  • CIVICUS

The call operates within the broader Digital Democracy Initiative, covering countries across the Global South, with this specific lot targeting eligible countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Core Objectives of the Programme

The programme focuses on strengthening civil society’s role in the digital sphere by supporting initiatives that:

  • Advance digital rights and freedoms

  • Strengthen media integrity and counter disinformation

  • Promote civic innovation and digital participation

  • Support accountability and human rights online

  • Enhance organizational resilience and sustainability

  • Foster inclusion of grassroots and marginalized communities through technology

  • Encourage regional collaboration and peer learning

Funding Structure and Grant Details

Lot 1: Institutional Stability Grants

Under Lot 1, eligible organizations may apply for Institutional Stability Grants.

Key grant details include:

  • Grant amount: USD 13,000 per organization

  • Grant type: Core-support-oriented, time-limited institutional grant

  • Target group: Established civil society organizations

These grants are designed to strengthen organizational capacity while expanding digital democracy programming at the local and regional level.

What the Grant Supports

Institutional Stability Grants may be used to:

  • Strengthen core organizational operations

  • Expand or scale digital democracy initiatives

  • Develop digital tools or online civic campaigns

  • Build internal digital, advocacy, and organizational capacity

  • Support the organization’s role as a Local Capacity Hub

Local Capacity Hub Responsibilities

Organizations selected under Lot 1 are expected to act as Local Capacity Hubs in their communities.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Organizing at least one local networking or learning event

  • Implementing at least one advocacy or awareness-raising campaign linked to digital democracy

  • Sharing knowledge, tools, and practices with peer organizations

Fellowship and Non-Financial Support

Fellowship Exchange Component

All Institutional Stability grantees will participate in a one-month Fellowship exchange.

Key points include:

  • Organizations may host or send a representative to another organization

  • Fellowship costs are covered by the Metamorphosis Foundation

  • Host organizations must support logistics such as accommodation arrangements and workspace

Non-Financial Support Mechanism

Grantees also receive tailored non-financial support, including:

  • Capacity-building and organizational development support

  • Digital learning and training opportunities

  • Expert guidance on digital democracy and rights-based technology use

  • Peer exchange within the Digital Democracy Initiative learning network

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be legally registered, non-profit civil society organizations

  • Be based in an eligible Eastern Europe and Central Asia country, including Albania

  • Have sufficient operational and implementation capacity

  • Demonstrate ethical, secure, and rights-based use of digital tools

Eligible Project Focus

Proposed initiatives must relate to at least one of the following:

  • Digital democracy

  • Digital rights and freedoms

  • Civic participation and accountability

  • Human rights in the digital space

Organizations applying under this lot must apply only for the Institutional Stability Grant and commit to acting as a Local Capacity Hub.

Why This Funding Matters

Digital technologies increasingly shape civic participation, access to information, and human rights.

This funding opportunity:

  • Strengthens civil society resilience in restrictive digital environments

  • Supports democratic participation and accountability online

  • Elevates grassroots and marginalized voices through technology

  • Builds regional networks and shared learning across borders

  • Enhances long-term sustainability of civil society organizations

How to Apply for the Digital Spark Call

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Confirm organizational eligibility and legal registration status.

  2. Identify a digital democracy or digital rights challenge relevant to your context.

  3. Design a clear initiative aligned with the programme’s objectives.

  4. Demonstrate capacity to act as a Local Capacity Hub.

  5. Prepare an application outlining activities, expected outcomes, and organizational capacity.

  6. Submit the application according to the Digital Spark Call guidelines.

Applicants should ensure their proposal reflects ethical, inclusive, and rights-based digital engagement.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying as an unregistered or informal group

  • Proposing activities unrelated to digital democracy or rights

  • Failing to demonstrate capacity to act as a Local Capacity Hub

  • Weak explanation of ethical and rights-based technology use

  • Ignoring fellowship or networking obligations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main objective of the Digital Spark Call?

The call aims to strengthen inclusive and resilient civic space through digital democracy initiatives led by civil society organizations.

How much funding is available under Lot 1?

Each Institutional Stability Grant provides USD 13,000.

Who can apply for the Institutional Stability Grant?

Legally registered, non-profit civil society organizations based in eligible Eastern Europe and Central Asia countries may apply.

Are individuals or informal groups eligible?

No. Only legally registered civil society organizations are eligible.

What is a Local Capacity Hub?

A Local Capacity Hub is an organization that supports peer learning, networking, and advocacy on digital democracy within its community.

Is participation in the fellowship mandatory?

Yes. All Institutional Stability grantees are required to participate in the one-month Fellowship exchange.

Does the programme offer non-financial support?

Yes. Grantees receive tailored capacity-building, expert guidance, digital learning, and peer exchange opportunities.

Conclusion

The Digital Spark Call – Institutional Stability Grants offer a strategic opportunity for civil society organizations to strengthen digital democracy, rights-based civic engagement, and organizational resilience.

By combining financial support, fellowship exchange, and targeted capacity-building, the programme empowers civil society to lead inclusive and sustainable digital transformation across the region.

For more information, visit Metamorphosis Foundation.