ANTIGUA DIGEST

The CIVICUS Digital Action Lab (DAL) is a global initiative under the Digital Democracy Initiative designed to strengthen civil society organizations through digital innovation, funding, and capacity-building. 

The programme focuses on empowering organizations—especially those operating in challenging or restricted civic environments—to effectively use digital tools to enhance civic participation, advocacy, and democratic engagement.

The primary purpose of the programme is to equip civil society actors with the skills, resources, and support needed to integrate digital strategies into their work. Through a structured, hands-on approach, participants learn how to design, test, and scale digital solutions that address real-world challenges related to governance, human rights, and citizen engagement.

Key objectives include strengthening digital advocacy, improving organizational capacity, and fostering innovation in civic engagement. The programme emphasizes practical learning, enabling participants to build sustainable digital systems, improve communication strategies, and leverage data for decision-making.

Participants benefit from a comprehensive support package that includes funding, mentorship from global experts, peer learning opportunities, and access to international networks. The programme also encourages collaboration and co-creation, allowing organizations to refine their ideas and implement impactful digital projects within their communities.

Overall, the Digital Action Lab plays a critical role in strengthening democratic ecosystems by supporting grassroots organizations and enabling them to harness technology for social change, advocacy, and inclusive participation in governance.

Who Can Apply

• Civil society organizations (CSOs)

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

• Grassroots movements and networks

• Digital advocacy groups

• Organizations working on democracy, human rights, or civic engagement

Eligible Activities

• Digital advocacy and campaigning

• Civic engagement and participation initiatives

• Development of digital platforms or tools

• Strengthening organizational digital systems

• Community engagement through technology

• Human rights and democracy-focused projects

Funding & Terms

• USD $10,000 – $30,000 per organization

• Programme duration: ~9 months

• Includes:

1.Grant funding for project implementation
2. Technical support and mentorship
3. Training workshops and peer learning

• Funding tied to implementation of a digital project or pilot initiative

Applicant Requirements

• Must be a civil society organization (not individuals)

• Must be based in a Global South country

• Must be working on civic space, democracy, or advocacy

• Must propose a digital project or solution

• Must be able to commit to the full programme duration

Key Steps for Applicants

1. Visit the official CIVICUS Digital Action Lab page.

2. Review eligibility criteria and programme guidelines.

3. Develop a digital project concept aligned with civic engagement goals.

4. Prepare organizational and project details.

5. Complete the online application form.

6. Submit before the deadline.

7. Await selection and onboarding instructions.

Eligible Countries 

Open to Global South countries, including:

Caribbean Countries

• Cuba

• Dominica

• Dominican Republic

• Grenada

• Guyana

• Haiti

• Jamaica

• Saint Lucia

• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

• Suriname

Latin American Countries

• Argentina

• Belize (geographically Central America, often grouped with Caribbean in development contexts)

• Bolivia

• Brazil

• Colombia

• Costa Rica

• Ecuador

• El Salvador

• Guatemala

• Honduras

• Mexico

• Nicaragua

• Panama

• Paraguay

• Peru

Additional Notes for Applicants

• Priority given to:Youth-led organizations
  Women-led initiatives
  Grassroots and marginalized communities
  

• Strong focus on innovation and real-world impact

• Projects should demonstrate scalability and sustainability

• Experience with digital tools is beneficial but not mandatory

Antigua Digest Note

At Antigua Digest, we encourage civil society organizations and grassroots groups to leverage opportunities like the CIVICUS Digital Action Lab to strengthen their digital capacity and expand their impact. This programme is especially valuable for organizations working in advocacy, community engagement, and social change, providing both funding and the tools needed to thrive in a digital world.

 Programme period: June 2026 – February 2027 (approx.)The integration of online training and local project implementation makes this a unique and valuable opportynity. They also include at least one in-person or collaborative workshop. Programme period: June 2026 – February 2027 (approx.)

Official Links

• Official Program Website: https://www.civicus.org/index.php/what-we-do/enabling-and-resourcing/digital-democracy-initiative/digital-action-lab

• Application Page: Available via CIVICUS portal https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hCv-gZOrAkOaP9HTyphNq2ubGn3KvkpGlTF86-9uqZZUNlpWSkpTUVMxQ0FQUDFOVDJYUjVJMk1PMi4u

• Contact Information: info@civicus.org

Need Help Applying?

Antigua Digest offers support services for individuals, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations and MSMEs seeking grant funding.

We can assist you with:

• Project concept development and alignment with grant criteria

• Proposal writing (narrative, budget, logical framework)

• Review of eligibility and compliance with terms

• Submission monitoring and follow-up

Contact us at admin@antiguadigest.com for tailored assistance with your submission.