Youth - Led Collective Action Across Somalia
About CEF
The Civic Engagement Facility (CEF), supported by Sweden, the Netherlands 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 youth-led collective action across Somalia.
Young Somalis already organize through volunteer initiatives, student associations, social enterprises, sports and cultural groups, digital platforms, peacebuilding initiatives, and other forms of collective action.
CEF seeks to strengthen these efforts by helping young people build partnerships, mobilize resources, strengthen collective influence, and engage constructively with communities and decision-makers.
The opportunity promotes locally led, inclusive, adaptive, and conflict-sensitive approaches. Rather than prescribing thematic priorities or geographic locations, applicants are encouraged to identify the issues, partnerships, and forms of collective action most relevant to their context. Particular emphasis is placed on local ownership, resource mobilization, and sustainability.
Objectives of the Opportunity
CEF seeks initiatives that contribute to:
Youth-led Collective Action and Civic Participation by strengthening youth-led collective action so young people organize, collaborate, mobilize resources, and engage more effectively with communities and decision-makers.
Networks, Partnerships, and Collective Influence through collaboration, shared learning, knowledge exchange, and partnerships among youth-led initiatives and other stakeholders.
Local Ownership, Resource Mobilization, and Sustainability by strengthening local ownership, financial contributions, locally mobilized resources, partnerships, and volunteerism beyond the grant period.
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
Step One: Submission and evaluation of Concept Notes, presentations by shortlisted applicants, and Due Diligence and Capacity Assessment (DDCA).
Step Two: Full proposal development, co-creation with the CEF team, proposal review, and award.
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:
Somali youth-led organizations
Somali civil society organizations with demonstrated experience supporting youth leadership, participation, development, and collective action
Youth networks
Associations
Community-based organizations
Social enterprises
Volunteer initiatives
Student organizations
Innovation groups
Other civic actors
Illustrative initiatives may include arts and culture, sports, storytelling, civic participation, peacebuilding and social cohesion, innovation, livelihoods, climate resilience, education, and other locally identified development priorities.
Minimum Requirements:
Applicants must:
Be registered as a legal entity in Somalia.
Be compliant with applicable tax obligations.
Not be listed on United Nations Security Council or European Union sanctions lists.
Applications may be submitted by individual organizations or consortia. Partnerships are encouraged where they strengthen implementation while preserving meaningful youth leadership and ownership.
Duration & Award Type
Performance Period: October 2026 – September 2028
Award Type: Milestone-based grant agreement (or another grant modality as determined through the Due Diligence and Capacity Assessment)
Funding Ceiling: USD 1,950,000 total, with up to three awards of USD 650,000 each.
Key Dates:
Application Submission Deadline: 25 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 : 12 August 2026 at 14:00 AM EAT
Submit clarification questions by: 13 August 2026
Answers to clarification questions plus pre-bid presentation deck will be posted here on 15 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.