Call for Concept Notes - Strengthening the Somali civic ecosystem

About CEF

The Civic Engagement Facility (CEF), supported by Denmark, aims to expand civic space  amplify civic voices, and catalyze collective action. It does so by facilitating greater  collaboration among public institutions, civil society, and the private sector around issues  that matter to Somali communities. Through catalytic funding, CEF supports initiatives  that strengthen civic networks, promote inclusive and innovative channels for civic  engagement, and facilitate constructive dialogue between citizens and decision makers. 

Purpose of Funding Opportunity

CEF seeks to engage an implementing partner or consortium to support the following: 

• Innovative, context-driven approaches to strengthen linkages and collaboration among civic actors.  

• Facilitative approaches that enable civic actors to organize, define common positions, and engage collectively on shared issues. 

• Support including resourcing for local collective action.  
  
  

The Process

This call for concept notes follows a Two-Step Grant Application Process. Step one includes this call for concept notes, subsequent evaluation of the concept notes, and due diligence and capacity assessment (DDCA) of the highest-scored applicant. The second step starts with issuing a call for a proposal to the highest-scored applicant that passes the DDCA, review of the proposal, followed by a co-design process. The co-design process will entail collaborative discussion with the applicant to develop a mutually agreed delivery approach and alignment with CEF Strategy. This will then conclude with a grant award made to the applicant.

Who can apply:

• Independent Somali CSOs, INGOs, or consortia

• With strong facilitation capacity and non-partisanship

• Experience operating across Somalia

Minimum Requirements:

• Registered as a legal entity in Somalia and authorized to operate in all Federal Member States. 

• Tax compliant.

• Applicants and partners not listed on UN or EU sanctions lists.

Grant Size & Duration

• USD 1, 500,000 (One Million Five Hundred Thousand). 

• Performance period: 24 months.  

• Award type: Cost-Reimbursable grant agreement
  

Key Dates:

Application Deadline: 22 April, 2026 at 17:00 EAT

Submit your Concept Note (up to 8 PowerPoint slides) via the Grants Submission Portal using the available template before the deadline.

Virtual pre-bid session: 8 April, 2026 at 14:00 EAT (Passed)

Submit clarification questions by: 9 April, 2026 (Closed)

Answers to clarification questions have been posted here.