Call for Applications: Civil Society Fund Plus Programme (Ethiopia)

The European Union-funded Civil Society Fund Plus (CSF+) Programme, implemented by Christian Aid and its partners, is accepting applications for its second funding round to strengthen local and grassroots civil society organizations (CSOs) in Ethiopia. The programme offers grants of up to €50,000, combined with capacity strengthening and proposal development support, for projects that promote civic space, good governance, peacebuilding, women’s rights, youth empowerment, and social accountability.

What is the Civil Society Fund Plus (CSF+) Programme?

The Civil Society Fund Plus (CSF+) is a four-year, European Union-funded programme designed to strengthen Ethiopia’s civil society sector by improving organizational capacity, protecting civic space, and promoting inclusive governance.

Implemented by Christian Aid and partner organizations, the programme supports local and grassroots CSOs working with marginalized communities and encourages stronger participation in governance, policy dialogue, advocacy, accountability, and sustainable development.

The initiative combines financial grants, capacity development, and technical support to help organizations increase their long-term effectiveness and sustainability.

Background

Running from February 2025 to January 2029, the CSF+ Programme operates in:

• Addis Ababa
• Central Ethiopia
• South Ethiopia
• Tigray

The programme recognizes the essential role of civil society organizations in promoting democratic governance, protecting human rights, supporting vulnerable communities, and strengthening social cohesion across Ethiopia.

During the second funding round, 20 additional civil society organizations will receive funding and tailored organizational development support.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen local civil society organizations.
• Protect and expand civic space.
• Promote democratic governance.
• Improve social accountability.
• Empower women and youth.
• Support peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
• Strengthen organizational capacity.
• Promote inclusive development and human rights.

Key Highlights

• Programme Name: Civil Society Fund Plus (CSF+) Programme
• Funding Source: European Union
• Implementing Organization: Christian Aid and Partners
• Project Duration: 12–18 months
• Programme Period: February 2025 – January 2029
• Target Regions: Addis Ababa, Central Ethiopia, South Ethiopia, and Tigray
• Funding Available: Up to €50,000, depending on grant category
• Additional Support: Capacity strengthening and proposal development training

Focus Areas

Projects should contribute to one or more of the following thematic priorities.

Civic Space and Civil Society Development

Projects may support:

• Protection of civic space.
• Strengthening civil society organizations.
• Advocacy initiatives.
• Policy engagement.
• Institutional development.

Governance and Social Inclusion

Activities may promote:

• Good governance.
• Citizen participation.
• Inclusive decision-making.
• Public accountability.
• Equal access to services.

Youth Empowerment

The programme encourages:

• Youth leadership.
• Youth participation in governance.
• Civic engagement.
• Skills development.
• Youth voice and agency.

Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution

Projects may include:

• Conflict prevention.
• Peacebuilding initiatives.
• Social cohesion.
• Community dialogue.
• Prevention of irregular migration.

Women’s Rights and Leadership

Supported activities include:

• Women’s leadership development.
• Gender equality.
• Women’s participation in governance.
• Protection of women’s rights.
• Community empowerment.

Social Accountability

Projects may strengthen:

• Accountability for public services.
• Community monitoring.
• Citizen engagement.
• Transparency initiatives.
• Public participation.

Cross-Cutting Priorities

Applicants are encouraged to integrate:

• Gender equality.
• Social inclusion.
• Conflict sensitivity.
• Community ownership.
• Sustainability.
• Human rights.
• Democratic principles.
• Good governance.
• Children’s rights.
• Rights of women.
• Rights of youth.
• Rights of persons with disabilities.
• Networking and coalition-building.

Funding Categories

The programme offers three funding levels.

Micro Category I

• Grant Amount: Up to €10,000

Micro Category II

• Grant Amount: €15,000–€30,000

Meso Category

• Grant Amount: €30,000–€50,000

Funding level depends on applicant eligibility and organizational capacity.

Who Can Apply?

The programme welcomes applications from:

• Local civil society organizations.
• Grassroots organizations.
• Community-based organizations.
• Civil society associations.
• Grassroots networks.
• Emerging organizations.
• Medium-sized civil society organizations.

Priority is given to organizations working with:

• Women.
• Youth.
• Persons with disabilities.
• Other marginalized communities.

Eligible Geographic Areas

Projects must operate within one of the programme’s target regions:

• Addis Ababa
• Central Ethiopia
• South Ethiopia
• Tigray

Capacity Strengthening Support

In addition to grant funding, selected organizations will receive:

• Organizational capacity development.
• Technical mentoring.
• Proposal development support.
• Training workshops.
• Guidance throughout project implementation.

This integrated approach helps organizations strengthen both their projects and long-term institutional sustainability.

Selection Process

The programme follows a two-stage application process.

Stage 1: Concept Note

Applicants submit a short concept note outlining:

• Project idea.
• Objectives.
• Expected impact.
• Target beneficiaries.

Stage 2: Proposal Development

Shortlisted applicants will:

• Participate in proposal development training.
• Receive technical guidance.
• Prepare and submit a full project proposal.

Final funding decisions will be made after evaluation of the complete proposals.

Expected Outcomes

The programme aims to achieve:

• Stronger local civil society organizations.
• Improved civic participation.
• Enhanced governance and accountability.
• Greater inclusion of marginalized communities.
• Increased youth engagement.
• Stronger women’s leadership.
• Improved social cohesion.
• Sustainable organizational growth.

How to Apply

Interested organizations should:

1. Review the official CSF+ funding guidelines.
2. Confirm eligibility for the appropriate grant category.
3. Prepare a strong concept note aligned with programme priorities.
4. Submit the concept note before the application deadline.
5. Participate in proposal development training if shortlisted.
6. Develop and submit a full proposal with support from the programme.
7. Complete the grant assessment process.

Why This Programme Matters

Civil society organizations play a critical role in promoting inclusive development, protecting rights, and strengthening democratic governance.

The CSF+ Programme helps organizations:

• Expand their impact.
• Improve organizational capacity.
• Access financial resources.
• Build sustainable partnerships.
• Increase community participation.
• Promote accountability and transparency.
• Support long-term social change.

By combining funding with organizational development, the programme creates stronger and more resilient civil society institutions across Ethiopia.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly explain the community need your project addresses.
• Demonstrate meaningful engagement with marginalized groups.
• Show realistic and measurable outcomes.
• Align your proposal with CSF+ thematic priorities.
• Highlight your organization’s local experience.
• Include sustainability and community ownership plans.
• Demonstrate collaboration with local stakeholders where appropriate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common issues:

• Submitting an incomplete concept note.
• Failing to demonstrate alignment with programme priorities.
• Proposing activities outside the target regions.
• Presenting unrealistic budgets or timelines.
• Overlooking gender equality and social inclusion.
• Providing unclear implementation or sustainability plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Civil Society Fund Plus (CSF+) Programme?

CSF+ is a European Union-funded initiative implemented by Christian Aid and its partners that supports Ethiopian civil society organizations through grants, capacity strengthening, and technical assistance.

2. How much funding is available?

Funding is available through three categories:

• Up to €10,000 (Micro Category I)
• €15,000–€30,000 (Micro Category II)
• €30,000–€50,000 (Meso Category)

3. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include local, grassroots, emerging, and medium-sized civil society organizations, associations, and grassroots networks working with marginalized communities in the programme’s target regions.

4. Which regions are eligible?

Projects must be implemented in one of the following regions:

• Addis Ababa
• Central Ethiopia
• South Ethiopia
• Tigray

5. What sectors does the programme support?

The programme supports civic space, governance, youth empowerment, women’s rights, peacebuilding, social accountability, human rights, social inclusion, and organizational capacity strengthening.

6. Is there support beyond grant funding?

Yes. Selected organizations receive tailored capacity strengthening, technical mentoring, and proposal development training in addition to financial support.

7. How does the application process work?

Applicants first submit a concept note. Shortlisted organizations receive proposal development training before preparing and submitting a full proposal for final evaluation.

Conclusion

The EU-funded Civil Society Fund Plus (CSF+) Programme provides an important opportunity for local and grassroots civil society organizations in Ethiopia to strengthen their impact through grants of up to €50,000 and comprehensive organizational development support. By investing in governance, civic participation, peacebuilding, women’s leadership, youth empowerment, and social accountability, the programme contributes to building stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable civil society institutions across Ethiopia.