Digital Action Lab (DAL) is a program focused on supporting civil society partners in countries with restricted civic space. It aims to collaborate with organizations actively engaged in promoting inclusive democracy, with a particular focus on historically excluded groups such as rural communities, indigenous peoples, women, youth, and the LGBT+ community. DAL aims to develop and test various digital support and interventions, aiming to strengthen organizing, advocacy, and campaign capacities of the participating partners. The selected organizations will receive a grant to contribute to the expansion of civic and democratic freedoms, both online and offline.
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The Digital Action Lab (DAL) spans over 6 to 9 months, offering a comprehensive and structured schedule for participating civil society partners. The timeline is designed to facilitate collaboration, testing, and implementation of digital support and interventions. Throughout the year, participants engage in activities aimed at strengthening their organizing, advocacy, and campaign capacities. The program’s duration ensures a thorough exploration of successful approaches and lessons learned, with opportunities for documentation and knowledge sharing. This extended timeframe allows for meaningful contributions to the expansion of civic and democratic freedoms, aligning with the overarching goals of the DAL initiative.
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The Digital Action Lab (DAL) is offered free of charge for participating organizations. There are no costs associated with participation, ensuring accessibility and support for civil society partners in countries with restricted civic space. The program is funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the European Union.
CIVICUS is a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists working to strengthen citizen action and civil society throughout the world. More than 17,000 members from over 175 countries make up our vibrant and Majority World led alliance. Since 1993, we build solidarity among activists across borders and network and resource civil society around the world.
Location:
OnlineBenefits
The Digital Action Lab supports civil society organisations to strengthen their ability to use digital tools for democratic action through a structured yet flexible approach that combines learning, practice, and collaboration.
- Digital Skills & Strategic Support: Participants receive hands-on support to strengthen their digital skills and develop practical strategies for advocacy, participation, and accountability. This includes guidance on using digital tools safely and effectively in challenging civic and political environments.
- Peer Learning & Collaboration: Participants join a trusted peer learning space where civil society actors share experiences, discuss common challenges, and learn from one another. Through facilitated exchanges, organisations gain new perspectives, practical ideas, and context-based solutions grounded in real-world practice.
- Experimentation & Innovation: Participants are supported to develop and test new digital solutions and approaches within their own work. The Lab encourages learning by doing, allowing organisations to adapt, improve, and refine their initiatives based on what works in their specific contexts.
- Financial Support for Action: The Lab provides financial support to help organisations participate fully in the programme and to implement the digital initiatives they develop. This ensures that ideas generated through the Lab can be translated into concrete action.
- Documentation & Knowledge Sharing: Participants are supported to document their approaches, successes, and lessons learned through case studies, infographics, videos, and other accessible formats. These knowledge products are shared through the Digital Democracy Initiative knowledge hub and CIVICUS networks, supporting wider efforts to strengthen civic and democratic freedoms.
Eligibilities
- Applicants must be based in OECD DAC ODA-eligible countries
- Preference for organisations in obstructed or repressed civic space contexts
- Local offices of Global North-based organisations are not eligible
- Civil society organisations (formal or informal), networks, movements, and coalitions
- Individual activists formally affiliated with a civil society organisation
- Priority to underrepresented and marginalised actors, including women, youth, LGBTQI+, Indigenous Peoples, and grassroots groups
- Active work on democracy and/or civic space issues
- Some experience using digital tools in advocacy, organising, or service delivery
- Ability to manage grant funding and commit staff time for the 9-month programme
- Ability to work and submit deliverables in English
