Open Grant Opportunity to Advance Inclusive and Transparent Elections (Zambia)

Deadline: 27-Feb-2026

CIVICUS, through its Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI) and the Enable and Amplify Project, invites Zambian civil society organisations to lead short-term digital election interventions. Projects focus on combating misinformation, enhancing electoral integrity, and promoting civic engagement among marginalised groups, including women, youth, and girls. Funding supports three- to six-month interventions running between April and September 2026.

Programme Overview

The Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI) aims to strengthen democratic processes in Zambia by enabling civil society actors to implement targeted digital interventions during the electoral period. The initiative addresses challenges including:

• Misinformation and disinformation around elections

• Electoral integrity concerns

• Low civic participation among marginalised populations

Through the Enable and Amplify Project, CIVICUS, in partnership with Global Focus, supports local civil society actors to expand inclusive democracy and protect civic space using digital tools.

Focus Areas

Eligible interventions should focus on:

• Countering election misinformation: Conducting assessments of misinformation trends, developing fact-checking initiatives, creating counter-narratives, and collaborating with social media platforms

• Digital electoral monitoring: Designing tools to track election results, report incidents, and strengthen observer training

• Advocacy and civic engagement: Promoting inclusive participation, particularly for women, girls, youth, and marginalised groups

• Evaluation and learning: Capturing lessons learned, disseminating outcomes, and sustaining civic engagement beyond the election period

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must be:

• Legally registered civil society organisations based in Zambia

• Experienced in at least one thematic area (misinformation, electoral monitoring, advocacy, or civic engagement)

• Capable of national and sub-national implementation

• Able to communicate in English and submit deliverables accordingly

• Joint proposals from two organisations are encouraged, especially where collaboration enhances expertise and outreach

Project Duration and Timeline

• Project Period: 3–6 months

• Implementation Window: April 2026 – September 2026

• Activities will be coordinated with the DDI team, with ongoing guidance and support from CIVICUS

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Your Proposal

• Define the intervention objectives, target groups, and digital strategies

• Include a timeline, methodology, and expected outcomes

• Highlight capacity to reach marginalised populations and strengthen democratic engagement

Step 2: Develop Implementation Plan

• Collaborate with the DDI team to agree on an actionable plan

• Include roles, responsibilities, and deliverables for each partner

Step 3: Submit Application

• Ensure legal registration and relevant organisational documentation

• Submit a detailed proposal through the CIVICUS online application portal

Step 4: Project Execution

• Execute activities in line with agreed-upon plan

• Monitor outcomes and maintain regular reporting to DDI

• Conduct evaluation to capture lessons learned and inform future initiatives

Expected Outcomes

• Improved accuracy of election-related information

• Increased trust and transparency in electoral processes

• Enhanced civic participation among women, youth, and marginalised groups

• Strengthened digital monitoring capacity for civil society

• Documentation of lessons learned to inform future interventions

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate experience in digital civic engagement or electoral monitoring

• Provide clear methods for countering misinformation

• Highlight your networking capacity with other civil society organisations

• Include a detailed budget and timeline aligned with intervention objectives

• Show commitment to inclusive participation and sustainability beyond the election

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the DDI Zambia grant?
   Legally registered Zambian civil society organisations with experience in electoral monitoring, digital engagement, or countering misinformation.

2. Can two organisations submit a joint proposal?
   Yes, joint applications are encouraged to enhance expertise, outreach, and project impact.

3. What is the project duration?
   Interventions can last 3–6 months between April and September 2026.

4. What thematic areas are prioritised?
   Misinformation, digital electoral monitoring, advocacy for civic engagement, and inclusivity for marginalised groups.

5. Are organisations outside Zambia eligible?
   No, applicants must be legally registered and operational in Zambia.

6. Will CIVICUS provide support during project implementation?
   Yes, CIVICUS provides guidance, oversight, and technical support throughout the project.

7. Is there a requirement for reporting and evaluation?
   Yes, partners are expected to monitor outcomes, evaluate interventions, and submit reports on lessons learned.

Conclusion

The Digital Democracy Initiative Zambia Grant provides an opportunity for civil society organisations to strengthen democratic processes, combat election-related misinformation, and promote civic engagement among marginalised groups. By leveraging digital tools, advocacy, and monitoring strategies, participating organisations can make a measurable impact on the integrity and inclusivity of Zambia’s electoral system.

For more information, visit CIVICUS.