Safe and Inclusive Digital Civic Engagement in Somaliland
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.
Opportunity Description
CEF is inviting eligible civic actors to submit Concept Notes under Window 2: Safe and Inclusive Digital Civic Engagement in Somaliland.
This funding opportunity seeks to strengthen safe, inclusive, and constructive digital civic engagement by supporting civic actors, media actors, youth-led initiatives, and other relevant stakeholders to utilize digital platforms and hybrid civic spaces to promote participation, accountability, dialogue, social cohesion, and collaborative engagement.
The opportunity recognizes both the growing importance of digital spaces for civic participation and the increasing risks associated with misinformation, polarization, online harm, and exclusion. It aims to support innovative, contextually grounded approaches that strengthen information integrity, digital safety, inclusion, and meaningful participation across Somaliland.
Objectives of the Opportunity
CEF seeks initiatives that contribute to:
Safe and inclusive digital civic engagement by expanding constructive participation, civic dialogue, accountability, and meaningful participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups.
Digital information integrity and constructive engagement through approaches that address misinformation, digital harm, hate speech, polarization, and online exclusion.
Digital civic ecosystem strengthening and collaborative engagement by improving coordination, learning, and collaboration among civic actors, media actors, influencers, private sector actors, diaspora networks, and public institutions.
The Process
Submission of Proposal
Concept notes must be submitted electronically through the CEF submission portal. Email submissions will not be accepted.
Applicants must use the information provided under Annex 1- Concept Note Format and Content Requirements in their response to this Call.
Concept notes must not exceed eight(8) PowerPoint slides, excluding annexes. A template has been provided on this portal.
The Two step Grant Application 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.
Clarifications (if required)
CEF may reach out to shortlisted applicants for additional information or clarification during the evaluation process.
Selection and Notification
The applicant whose application is accepted will be notified for award of subcontract by CEF prior to expiration of the bid validity period. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified.
Who can apply:
CEF invites Concept Notes from:
Somali civil society organizations including networks
Media actors
Digital initiatives
Youth-led organizations
Minimum Requirements:
Be registered as a legal entity in Somaliland.
Tax compliant.
Applicants and partners not listed on UN or EU sanctions lists.
Duration & Award Type
Performance Period: September 2026 – August 2028
Award Type: Milestone-Based Grant
Funding Ceiling: USD 1,000,000
Key Dates:
Proposal Submission Deadline: 6 July, 2026 at 17:00 EAT
Submit your Proposal via the CEF Submission Portal using the available templates before the deadline. Click here to watch the tutorial video on how to submit your application.
Please note, all templates necessary for your submission are present on the CEF Submission Portal
Virtual Pre-Bid Session : 24 June 2026, 14:00 EAT
Submit clarification questions by: 25 June 2026
Answers to clarification questions will be posted here on 27 June, 2026.
Support & Submission Updates
If you experience technical challenges during submission, or need to update a submitted proposal before the deadline, please email:
procurement@somalicef.org
and copy:
Please ensure requests are submitted at least 4 hours before the submission deadline, as reopening requests will not be accepted during the final 4 hours before the deadline.
For procurement-related questions, please contact CEF via:
Please note:
CEF does NOT accept submissions by email. All proposals must be submitted through our portal.