Policy Advocacy, Research, and Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue in Somaliland
About CEF
The Civic Engagement Facility (CEF), supported by Sweden and 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
This funding opportunity supports Somaliland-based think tanks, research institutions, and universities to contribute to more informed discussions on governance, peace, and stability through credible research, inclusive dialogue, and policy engagement.
CEF seeks approaches that generate evidence, facilitate constructive engagement among research institutions, civic actors, and decision-makers, and strengthen the translation of research into accessible, policy-relevant insights. Applicants are encouraged to propose locally grounded, adaptive, and context-driven approaches that respond to Somaliland's priorities and demonstrate how research, dialogue, and engagement can reinforce one another to support more informed and constructive policy discussions.
Objectives of the Opportunity
CEF seeks initiatives that contribute to:
Evidence generation and policy analysis by producing credible, relevant, and accessible research that strengthens understanding of governance and public policy issues.
Dialogue and policy engagement by bringing together research institutions, civic actors, public authorities, and other stakeholders to exchange perspectives, validate findings, reduce polarization, and support cooperative problem-solving.
Influence, communication, and uptake by translating research and dialogue outcomes into accessible, policy-relevant insights and supporting continued engagement with policy processes and decision-makers.
The Process
Submission of Concept Notes
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 I – Concept Note Format and Content Requirements when preparing their submission.
Concept Notes must not exceed eight (8) PowerPoint slides, excluding annexes. Templates are available on the portal.
Two-Step Grant Application Process
This funding opportunity follows a two-step grant application process.
Step One includes the submission and evaluation of Concept Notes. The three highest-ranked applicants will be invited to present their concepts and respond to clarification questions. The highest-scored applicant following the presentations will undergo a Due Diligence and Capacity Assessment (DDCA).
Step Two begins with an invitation to shortlisted applicants who successfully complete the DDCA to develop a full proposal. This is followed by proposal review and a collaborative co-design process with the CEF team to refine the intervention, implementation approach, and results framework before the grant is awarded.
Clarifications (if required)
CEF may request additional information or clarification from shortlisted applicants during the evaluation process where necessary.
Selection and Notification
Following the evaluation, presentations, DDCA, proposal development, and co-design process, successful applicants will be notified and invited to enter into a grant agreement. Applicants who are not successful will also be informed of the outcome.
Who can apply:
CEF invites Concept Notes from Somaliland-based:
Think tanks
Universities
Research institutions
Applications may be submitted by individual organizations or consortia involving other research institutions, civic actors, and technical support partners.
Where a consortium is proposed, the lead applicant must be a Somaliland-based organization, and the roles and contributions of each partner must be clearly explained.
Minimum Requirements:
Applicants must:
Be registered as a legal entity in Somaliland.
Be compliant with applicable tax obligations.
Ensure that the applicant and any consortium partners are not listed on United Nations Security Council or European Union sanctions lists.
Duration & Award Type
Performance Period: October 2026 – September 2028
Award Type: Milestone-Based Grant (or another grant modality as determined through the DDCA)
Funding Ceiling: USD 1,000,000
Number of Anticipated Awards: One award
Key Dates:
Application Submission Deadline: 17 August, 2026 at 17:00 EAT
Submit your application 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 also present on the CEF Submission Portal*
Virtual Pre-Bid Session : 6 August 2026 at 14:00 AM EAT (Concluded)
Submit clarification questions by: 7 August 2026 at 17:00 PM EAT
Answers to clarification questions plus pre-bid presentation deck will be posted here on 9 August, 2026.
Support for Technical Challenges
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.
If you have clarification questions about this specific opportunity, please contact CEF via:
Please note:
Check deadline for submitting clarification questions above before you proceed. CEF does NOT accept submissions by email. All proposals must be submitted through our portal.