DIGITAL SPARK: Call for Grants

Due to technical issues with the application, which will be available at 12:10 PM CET, the application deadline is extended until 19:00 CET.

Open call: 30.1.2026
Deadline: 23.2.2026, 19:00 CET

Eligible applicants:

Civil Society Organizations, activists and informal groups in eligible countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, more specifically Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Only Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) legally registered are eligible for Institutional Stability Grants. For the Strategic Growth Small Grants, there is no need to be registered as a CSO. Please read the complete description of the two lots below and consult the Guidance for Applicants.

Grant size:

10 Institutional Stability Grants: USD 13,000

90 Strategic Growth Small Grants: up to USD 4,500

About the Program

The Digital Spark Call is part of the Regional Support Mechanism project, implemented by the Metamorphosis Foundation and TechSoup’s Digital Activism Program team, in partnership with CIVICUS and under the Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI) that covers the Global South. The program aims to strengthen inclusive and resilient civic space by supporting civil society actors that advance digital rights, media integrity, and civic innovation. The grants will enable civil society organizations to develop or scale digital democracy initiatives: tools, campaigns, and capacity efforts that promote participation, accountability, and human rights in the digital sphere.

The grants aim to:

Support organizations developing innovative digital tools or advocacy models for civic engagement and transparency.
Strengthen organizational resilience and sustainability of local CSOs.
Foster inclusion by enabling grassroots and marginalized voices to use technology for democratic participation.
Enhance regional collaboration and peer learning through participation in the DDI learning network.

Grant Types

LOT 1 Institutional Stability Grants (USD 13,000)

For established, legally registered CSOs to strengthen core operations, expand digital democracy programming, and act as Local Capacity Hubs (CapHubs) in their communities. Grantees should organize at least one local networking or learning event and one advocacy or awareness-raising campaign. Institutional grantees will have the opportunity to send or host one representative from another organization for a one-month Fellowship exchange. All costs regarding the Fellowship will be covered directly by the Metamorphosis Foundation. However, the host is expected to provide assistance regarding logistics (organizing the accommodation of the participant and providing a working space).

All grantees under this Lot will participate in the non‑financial mechanism, which provides tailored capacity‑building, digital learning, expert support, and peer exchange.

To be eligible, the applicant must:

Be legally registered, non-profit CSO.

Be in one of the eligible EECA countries: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan.
Propose an action related to digital democracy, digital rights, civic participation, or human rights. Propose initiatives using digital tools for inclusion and democratic participation.
Commit to ethical and rights-based use of digital tools.
Apply only for this grant type (applicants cannot apply for both lots).
Applicants must show the capacity to implement the proposed initiative.
Be able to act as a Local Capacity Hub, including hosting at least one local networking/learning event, and hosting or sending participants for a one-month Fellowship.

LOT 2 Strategic Growth Small Grants (up to USD 4,500)

For smaller or emerging CSOs, informal groups and individual activists, to pilot new digital democracy initiatives or strengthen advocacy in local communities, especially those representing women, youth, LGBTQI+, rural, or other marginalized groups.

All grantees under this Lot will participate in the non‑financial mechanism, which provides tailored capacity‑building, digital learning, expert support, and peer exchange.

To be eligible, the applicant must:

Be legally registered, non-profit CSO or individual activist or informal group.
Be in one of the eligible EECA countries: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan.
Propose an action related to digital democracy, digital rights, civic participation, or human rights. Propose initiatives using digital tools for inclusion and democratic participation.
Represent or work with women, youth, LGBTQI+, rural, or other marginalized groups.
Commit to ethical and rights-based use of digital tools.
Apply only for this grant type (applicants cannot apply for both lots).
Applicants must show the capacity to implement the proposed activity.

Project Eligibility (both lots)

The proposed action must use technology or digital methods.
The project must relate to inclusive democracy, civic participation, transparency, or human rights.
Applicants must show the capacity to implement the activity.

Only ONE application per applicant. The same organization can not apply for both lots.

Evaluation Criteria (100 points total)

Criterion	Description	Points
Relevance	Alignment with DDI objectives and thematic focus	25
Impact	Clear expected outcomes on civic participation, inclusion, or digital rights	25
Feasibility	Realistic implementation plan, budget, and risk mitigation	20
Innovation	Novel approaches or tools enhancing democratic engagement	15
Inclusion	Engagement of marginalized or underrepresented groups	10
Sustainability	Potential for continuation beyond grant period	5

A Regional Selection Committee composed of representatives from consortium partners and regional experts will review applications.

Expected Timeline

Phase	Dates
Call launch	30.1.2026
Info Session for applicants	12.2.2026
Submission deadline	23.2.2026
Evaluation & selection	24.2 – 25.3.2026
Grant agreements signed	1.4. 2026
Implementation period	April – September 2026(6 months)

If you have any questions, submit them to GrantsEECA@metamorphosis.org.mk no later than 13.2.2026.

Please check the FAQ section here.

Register for the Info Session for applicants here. Once registered you will receive a Zoom link to join the Info Session that will be held on 12^th of February at 10:00 CET.

Video recording from the Info Session here.

How to Open, Complete, Save, Print, and Send the Application Form

Video with Instructions how to submit the Application form

Apply here!

Annex А Grants Application Form.docx

Annex B Budget and Financial Report

Annex C Administrative Criteria.docx

Annex D Portfolio of Similar Past Projects

Annex E Data protection & Ethics Statement.docx

Guidelines for Grant Applicants.docx

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