Call for Concept Notes - Support to Civic Engagement around Peacebuilding and Joint Community Action in Galkayo (North and South)

Written by Yasmin Hassan

About CEF

The Civic Engagement Facility (CEF), supported by Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands, works to expand civic space and strengthen collaboration between government institutions, civil society and the private sector around issues that matter to Somali communities.

Purpose of Funding Opportunity

The concept notes stage seeks innovative, context-specific ideas that:

  • Enable civic actors, CBOs, CSOs, and community members to strengthen trust-building, cooperation, and collective action for social cohesion and shared community priorities across Galkayo.

  • Build or strengthen inclusive, trusted, and resilient community mechanisms that support joint problem-solving through participation and shared responsibility, especially across the city’s social and geographic divides.

  • Contribute to social resilience, peaceful coexistence, and cooperative community action, particularly in response to environmental, economic, social, or security pressures faced by residents on both sides of Galkayo.

Who can apply:

Registered Somali and international civil society organisations (CSOs) with the capacity to work on both sides of Galkayo can apply. Applicants must demonstrate experience in inclusive civic dialogue, peacebuilding and joint community initiatives in Galkayo.

Consortia are encouraged where they can strengthen cooperation across both sides of the city. The opportunity is limited to Galkayo.

Minimum Requirements:

  • The applicant or consortium lead must be registered as a legal entity and be tax compliant in its country or area of registration.

  • The applicant and all consortium partners must not be listed on any sanctions lists, including those of the UN Security Council and the European Union.

Grant Size & Duration

  • Funding ceiling: USD 900,000

  • Duration: 18 months

  • Preferred award type: Milestone-based grant agreement

Selection Process

  1. CEF reviews and scores the concept notes.

  2. The highest-scoring applicant proceeds to a due diligence and capacity assessment (DDCA).

  3. If the applicant passes the DDCA, CEF invites them to submit a full proposal.

  4. CEF reviews the proposal.

  5. CEF and the applicant work together to agree on how the work will be delivered in line with CEF’s objectives.

  6. Once the co-design process is complete, CEF makes the grant award.

Key Dates and How to Apply

Before applying, read the full call here and download the concept note template here. Use the template and keep your concept note to eight PowerPoint slides or fewer, excluding annexes.

Submit through the CEF Grants Submission Portal ONLY. Email and late submissions will not be accepted.

Should you encounter technical challenges during submission;
Please email procurement@somalicef.org and copy techsupport@metricsled.com at least 4 (four) hours before the submission deadlineif you have any queries regarding this opportunity, please contact us via https://www.somalicef.org/get-started. 

Yasmin Hassan