Deadline: 31-Dec-23
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) has announced the Open Internet for Democracy Initiative to support local private sector or civil society organizations in implementing digital rights advocacy initiatives in their local contexts.
Selected advocacy projects will seek to address a specific law, policy, or tactic that hinders democratic engagement in the digital space. Preference will be given to applicants operating in countries that are experiencing high levels of decline in digital rights and internet freedom, as well as organizations that are seeking to scale a digital rights project that shows potential for greater impact.
While the unprecedented reliance on the internet has created new opportunities for democratic and economic engagement, challenges abound. Disruptive tactics to stifle freedoms online and new legislation that suppresses digital rights have resulted in global internet freedom declining for the 13th consecutive year in 2023, according to Freedom House. Now more than ever, it is vital to advance multi stakeholder initiatives that push back against a closing internet space and defend digital rights essential for democracy’s survival in the digital age. To address this growing challenge, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) established the Open Internet for Democracy Initiative to support digital rights advocates from the local private sector, civil society, and independent media from across the Global Majority to protect internet freedom in their local and regional contexts, as well as at the international level.
Examples of potential projects may include but are not limited to:
- Convening constructive multi-stakeholder dialogues between the local private sector, civil society, independent media, and key decision-makers to examine the human rights implications of new technologies (e.g., digital rights implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence)
- Identifying specific digital rights gaps in the development or implementation of a new law or policy (such as legislation focused on data privacy or protection)
- Exploring the social and economic impacts of internet disruptions in a particular country or region.
Funding Information
- Funding Ceiling: Grant amounts given to successful applicants will be a maximum of USD $10,000 based on the need and scope of the proposed intervention.
- Anticipated Number of Awards: 2
- Anticipated Start Date: February 2024
- Project Implementation Period: February 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024
Expectations
- Organizations that are awarded a small grant will be expected to:
- Implement a digital rights or internet freedom advocacy initiative that brings together diverse stakeholder groups, including the local business community, civil society organizations, and/or government in the applicant’s home country or region.
- Actively participate in regularly scheduled check-ins with the CIPE Global team.
- Complete narrative and financial reports on the project (specific details will be outlined in the grant agreement if selected).
- Participate in at least one regional or global dialogue on internet freedom or digital rights issues throughout the course of the project.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants should be independent registered local private sector or civil society organizations located in the Global Majority countries that have previous digital rights experience.
- Preference will be given to previous and/or current CIPE partner as well as organizations interested in implementing or scaling a digital rights advocacy initiative that responds to a specific challenge impacting digital rights and internet freedom in the applicant’s local context.
- Applicants must also be able to demonstrate previous experience working on digital rights or internet freedom topics and a desire to engage with diverse stakeholders throughout the project.
For more information, visit CIPE.