Call for Concept Notes to support Think Tanks & Research Institutions for Policy Advocacy, Research & Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue
About CEF
The Civic Engagement Facility (CEF), supported by Denmark, aims to expand civic space and strengthen collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector around Somali people's priority issues. It provides catalytic funding to strengthen civil society networks, support innovative channels for civic engagement , and foster more inclusive citizen-government dialogue to drive collective action towards a people-centered governance agenda.
What We Want to Support
Initiatives that:
Create inclusive spaces for dialogue and decision-making.
Connect evidence to policy and dialogue, so they reflect Somali people’s real experiences and priorities.
Bring together different actors: government, civil society, community leaders (including traditional elders and religious leaders), and the private sector to plan and problem-solve together.
Support the participation of women, youth, and other groups whose voices are often left out.
This Opportunity has two complementary and interconnected Lots. Applicants may submit Concept Notes for only one Lot. Applications for both will lead to disqualification.
Lot 1: National Dialogue and Policy Research
Cooperation at National level
Research and dialogue on national level priorities in alignment with government frameworks.
Lot 2: Sub-National Dialogue and Local Problem-Solving
Collaboration at State and District levels
Bringing authorities, civic organizations, and community groups together to build trust, share evidence, and jointly address governance and service delivery issues.
The Process
The selected applicant or consortium will be invited to develop their full proposals followed by a co-design process. During this co-design process, they will work closely with the CEF team to align their proposal with CEF objectives. The co-design process will help finalize methodologies, budgets, timelines, deliverables, and performance indicators, ensuring that interventions are inclusive and results oriented.
Who Can Apply
Registered research institutions, think tanks, universities, and civil society organizations that produce evidence and facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement.
Consortia are encouraged.
Minimum Requirements
Authorized to operate in Somalia.
Tax compliant.
Applicant and partners not listed on UN or EU sanctions lists.
Grant Size & Duration
Up to USD 1,000,000 per Lot (one award per Lot).
Performance period: 24 months.
Award type: Milestone-based grant agreement.
How to Apply
Submit a Concept Note (max 8 PowerPoint slides -see template below)
Key Dates
Virtual pre-bid session: 4 December, 2025 at 14:00 EAT
Join the call now
Submit clarification questions by: 8 December, 2025
Clarification questions should be submitted only through the form on the CEF Website. No phone or in-person inquiries will be accepted. Responses to clarification questions will be posted here on 10th December, 2025.
Concept Note submission deadline: 18 December, 2025 at 14:00 EAT
Once you click the below link to submit register to our grants application systems, please look for Call for concept notes for LOT 1 or Call for concept notes for LOT 2