EU Civil Society Fund Plus (CSF+) Round Two 2026: Apply for Grants, Capacity Building, and Networking Opportunities for Local and Grassroots CSOs in Ethiopia

<p data-start="165" data-end="489">The <strong data-start="169" data-end="213">Civil Society Fund Plus (CSF+) Programme</strong>, financed by the <strong data-start="231" data-end="254">European Union (EU)</strong> and implemented by <strong data-start="274" data-end="291">Christian Aid</strong> together with its national co-beneficiaries, has officially launched its <strong data-start="365" data-end="416">Round Two Call for Expression of Interest (EOI)</strong> for local and grassroots Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ethiopia.</p> <p data-start="491" data-end="989">This funding opportunity seeks to strengthen the capacity, sustainability, and influence of smaller and emerging CSOs that are working to improve governance, democracy, peacebuilding, human rights, social inclusion, and community development. Through financial support, organizational capacity strengthening, and networking opportunities, the programme aims to empower civil society organizations to become stronger and more credible actors in promoting good governance and sustainable development.</p> <p data-start="991" data-end="1142">The programme is inviting eligible organizations operating within the target regions to submit Expressions of Interest before the application deadline.</p> <p data-start="1144" data-end="1228"><strong data-start="1144" data-end="1228">Application Deadline: Tuesday, 4 August 2026, before 17:00 (5:00 PM) local time.</strong></p> <h1 data-section-id="9j98wm" data-start="1235" data-end="1287">About the Civil Society Fund Plus (CSF+) Programme</h1> <p data-start="1289" data-end="1610">The Civil Society Fund Plus (CSF+) is a <strong data-start="1329" data-end="1352">four-year programme</strong> funded primarily by the European Union to strengthen civil society organizations in Ethiopia by promoting an enabling civic environment, democratic participation, inclusive governance, and constructive dialogue between policymakers and civil society actors.</p> <p data-start="1612" data-end="1709">The programme officially commenced on <strong data-start="1650" data-end="1669">1 February 2025</strong> and will run until <strong data-start="1689" data-end="1708">31 January 2029</strong>.</p> <p data-start="1711" data-end="1828">Christian Aid is implementing the programme in partnership with three Ethiopian national civil society organizations:</p> <ul data-start="1830" data-end="1965"> <li data-section-id="3jwgdb" data-start="1830" data-end="1882">Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Forum (ECSF)</li> <li data-section-id="j6v39q" data-start="1883" data-end="1921">Civil Society Resource Center (CSRC)</li> <li data-section-id="fv3k1" data-start="1922" data-end="1965">Chura Abugida Artistic Association (CAAA)</li> </ul> <p data-start="1967" data-end="2211">Together, these organizations are working to build stronger, more resilient, and more effective local civil society organizations capable of addressing the needs of marginalized communities while contributing to national development priorities.</p> <h1 data-section-id="fjy79w" data-start="2218" data-end="2238">Programme Coverage</h1> <p data-start="2240" data-end="2313">The CSF+ Programme is currently being implemented in the following areas:</p> <ul data-start="2315" data-end="2438"> <li data-section-id="pwrtff" data-start="2315" data-end="2348">Addis Ababa City Administration</li> <li data-section-id="1bnf032" data-start="2349" data-end="2382">Central Ethiopia Regional State</li> <li data-section-id="f86rmg" data-start="2383" data-end="2414">South Ethiopia Regional State</li> <li data-section-id="tthpzu" data-start="2415" data-end="2438">Tigray Regional State</li> </ul> <p data-start="2440" data-end="2513">Eligible organizations should be operating within these target locations.</p> <h1 data-section-id="1eoj7ib" data-start="2520" data-end="2539">Programme Funding</h1> <p data-start="2541" data-end="2576">The programme has a total value of:</p> <p data-start="2578" data-end="2592"><strong data-start="2578" data-end="2592">€4,046,471</strong></p> <p data-start="2594" data-end="2624">Funding contributions include:</p> <ul data-start="2626" data-end="2702"> <li data-section-id="1rm3ive" data-start="2626" data-end="2666"><strong data-start="2628" data-end="2666">85% financed by the European Union</strong></li> <li data-section-id="126xstf" data-start="2667" data-end="2702"><strong data-start="2669" data-end="2702">15% financed by Christian Aid</strong></li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="11b5t6g" data-start="2709" data-end="2728">Programme Targets</h1> <p data-start="2730" data-end="2852">The CSF+ Programme seeks to create long-term impact by supporting hundreds of civil society organizations and communities.</p> <p data-start="2854" data-end="2876">The programme aims to:</p> <ul data-start="2878" data-end="3278"> <li data-section-id="5zycok" data-start="2878" data-end="2941">Provide direct sub-grants to <strong data-start="2909" data-end="2941">60 local and grassroots CSOs</strong></li> <li data-section-id="onm6vd" data-start="2942" data-end="3014">Deliver tailored organizational capacity strengthening to <strong data-start="3002" data-end="3014">120 CSOs</strong></li> <li data-section-id="xh70ks" data-start="3015" data-end="3110">Support approximately <strong data-start="3039" data-end="3062">430 CSOs indirectly</strong> through networking and collaboration activities</li> <li data-section-id="t2k8x8" data-start="3111" data-end="3200">Enable participating organizations to reach approximately <strong data-start="3171" data-end="3200">120,000 community members</strong></li> <li data-section-id="1d7oti9" data-start="3201" data-end="3278">Prioritize women, youth, and persons with disabilities as key beneficiaries</li> </ul> <p data-start="3280" data-end="3311">During the first funding round:</p> <ul data-start="3313" data-end="3421"> <li data-section-id="deu8uv" data-start="3313" data-end="3372"><strong data-start="3315" data-end="3372">20 local and grassroots organizations received grants</strong></li> <li data-section-id="148i504" data-start="3373" data-end="3421">Project implementation began in <strong data-start="3407" data-end="3421">March 2026</strong></li> </ul> <p data-start="3423" data-end="3469">Round Two now seeks to identify an additional:</p> <ul data-start="3471" data-end="3505"> <li data-section-id="1qup4m9" data-start="3471" data-end="3505"><strong data-start="3473" data-end="3505">20 local and grassroots CSOs</strong></li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="pdvajw" data-start="3512" data-end="3560">Purpose of the Call for Expression of Interest</h1> <p data-start="3562" data-end="3814">The second-round Expression of Interest is designed to identify promising local organizations that can implement community-driven initiatives addressing governance, democratic participation, social inclusion, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.</p> <p data-start="3816" data-end="3958">The programme particularly seeks organizations working with marginalized communities while promoting citizen participation and accountability.</p> <h1 data-section-id="1n7irmy" data-start="3965" data-end="4006">What Successful Applicants Will Receive</h1> <p data-start="4008" data-end="4074">Selected organizations will benefit from several forms of support.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1e8uvwc" data-start="4076" data-end="4099">1. Financial Support</h2> <p data-start="4101" data-end="4240">Successful organizations will receive sub-grants to implement community-based initiatives aligned with the programme&#8217;s thematic priorities.</p> <p data-start="4242" data-end="4360">Funding will support projects that directly benefit local communities while strengthening civil society participation.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1divib3" data-start="4367" data-end="4404">2. Tailored Capacity Strengthening</h2> <p data-start="4406" data-end="4520">Beyond funding, participating organizations will receive customized organizational development support, including:</p> <ul data-start="4522" data-end="4711"> <li data-section-id="118yaqv" data-start="4522" data-end="4543">Training programmes</li> <li data-section-id="1sqrrwe" data-start="4544" data-end="4555">Workshops</li> <li data-section-id="1ldiw3h" data-start="4556" data-end="4578">Technical assistance</li> <li data-section-id="1w8ul4k" data-start="4579" data-end="4617">Organizational development resources</li> <li data-section-id="1qpth9b" data-start="4618" data-end="4711">Capacity-building activities designed to improve long-term sustainability and effectiveness</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="vvp0zd" data-start="4718" data-end="4748">3. Networking Opportunities</h2> <p data-start="4750" data-end="4841">The programme will also facilitate collaboration among civil society organizations through:</p> <ul data-start="4843" data-end="4974"> <li data-section-id="15e6h40" data-start="4843" data-end="4869">Knowledge-sharing events</li> <li data-section-id="1qqv51b" data-start="4870" data-end="4894">Strategic partnerships</li> <li data-section-id="3i2yz8" data-start="4895" data-end="4915">Learning exchanges</li> <li data-section-id="1wf24hy" data-start="4916" data-end="4935">Networking forums</li> <li data-section-id="73v54e" data-start="4936" data-end="4974">Collaborative advocacy opportunities</li> </ul> <p data-start="4976" data-end="5108">These activities are intended to strengthen cooperation among CSOs while creating a stronger enabling environment for civil society.</p> <h1 data-section-id="ncppk5" data-start="5115" data-end="5139">Priority Project Areas</h1> <p data-start="5141" data-end="5233">The programme welcomes projects contributing to one or more of the following thematic areas:</p> <h2 data-section-id="1j50fu0" data-start="5235" data-end="5253">Good Governance</h2> <p data-start="5255" data-end="5269">Projects that:</p> <ul data-start="5271" data-end="5390"> <li data-section-id="1q4j60t" data-start="5271" data-end="5308">Strengthen participatory governance</li> <li data-section-id="ax7711" data-start="5309" data-end="5333">Promote accountability</li> <li data-section-id="1v0eed0" data-start="5334" data-end="5367">Encourage citizen participation</li> <li data-section-id="6dpj2y" data-start="5368" data-end="5390">Improve transparency</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1dph2dz" data-start="5397" data-end="5411">Civic Space</h2> <p data-start="5413" data-end="5430">Initiatives that:</p> <ul data-start="5432" data-end="5535"> <li data-section-id="1fmtn4k" data-start="5432" data-end="5456">Protect civic freedoms</li> <li data-section-id="1rij1sp" data-start="5457" data-end="5496">Create enabling environments for CSOs</li> <li data-section-id="1nw6z2f" data-start="5497" data-end="5535">Strengthen independent civil society</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1oxyjnh" data-start="5542" data-end="5576">Governance and Social Inclusion</h2> <p data-start="5578" data-end="5597">Projects promoting:</p> <ul data-start="5599" data-end="5688"> <li data-section-id="whri7a" data-start="5599" data-end="5626">Inclusive decision-making</li> <li data-section-id="1x0oknx" data-start="5627" data-end="5648">Equal participation</li> <li data-section-id="83o33a" data-start="5649" data-end="5671">Community engagement</li> <li data-section-id="oe1nhg" data-start="5672" data-end="5688">Social justice</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="cp5wtb" data-start="5695" data-end="5715">Youth Empowerment</h2> <p data-start="5717" data-end="5733">Activities that:</p> <ul data-start="5735" data-end="5828"> <li data-section-id="1tkks0w" data-start="5735" data-end="5764">Strengthen youth leadership</li> <li data-section-id="1u5o22y" data-start="5765" data-end="5795">Increase youth participation</li> <li data-section-id="eyazxf" data-start="5796" data-end="5828">Promote youth voice and agency</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="107gv76" data-start="5835" data-end="5875">Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution</h2> <p data-start="5877" data-end="5897">Projects focused on:</p> <ul data-start="5899" data-end="5992"> <li data-section-id="lm7sew" data-start="5899" data-end="5920">Conflict prevention</li> <li data-section-id="qfcy40" data-start="5921" data-end="5931">Dialogue</li> <li data-section-id="sli80c" data-start="5932" data-end="5947">Peacebuilding</li> <li data-section-id="jd82po" data-start="5948" data-end="5974">Community reconciliation</li> <li data-section-id="xen2dl" data-start="5975" data-end="5992">Social cohesion</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="sq68we" data-start="5999" data-end="6031">Women&#8217;s Rights and Leadership</h2> <p data-start="6033" data-end="6055">Activities supporting:</p> <ul data-start="6057" data-end="6139"> <li data-section-id="o04cnb" data-start="6057" data-end="6078">Women&#8217;s empowerment</li> <li data-section-id="158ipcv" data-start="6079" data-end="6096">Gender equality</li> <li data-section-id="16mmzjv" data-start="6097" data-end="6117">Women&#8217;s leadership</li> <li data-section-id="1x0oknx" data-start="6118" data-end="6139">Equal participation</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1i9i6qu" data-start="6146" data-end="6179">Preventing Irregular Migration</h2> <p data-start="6181" data-end="6271">Projects that address the drivers of illegal migration while creating local opportunities.</p> <h2 data-section-id="62brml" data-start="6278" data-end="6302">Social Accountability</h2> <p data-start="6304" data-end="6355">Initiatives promoting accountability in delivering:</p> <ul data-start="6357" data-end="6419"> <li data-section-id="90g9s7" data-start="6357" data-end="6374">Public services</li> <li data-section-id="15eas9h" data-start="6375" data-end="6395">Community services</li> <li data-section-id="1ipwesy" data-start="6396" data-end="6419">Government programmes</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="vutqy9" data-start="6426" data-end="6442">Who Can Apply?</h1> <p data-start="6444" data-end="6485">The programme welcomes applications from:</p> <h3 data-section-id="71isby" data-start="6487" data-end="6539">Local and Grassroots Civil Society Organizations</h3> <p data-start="6541" data-end="6560">Organizations that:</p> <ul data-start="6562" data-end="6704"> <li data-section-id="18sjyh7" data-start="6562" data-end="6613">Have operational experience within target regions</li> <li data-section-id="uwgfo0" data-start="6614" data-end="6704">Maintain a physical office or operational presence in the region where they are applying</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1xt5xqi" data-start="6711" data-end="6740">Networks and Associations</h3> <p data-start="6742" data-end="6828">Organizations representing multiple civil society organizations with shared interests.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1sg6hg" data-start="6835" data-end="6851">CSO Networks</h3> <p data-start="6853" data-end="6873">Networks working to:</p> <ul data-start="6875" data-end="6983"> <li data-section-id="hwyn15" data-start="6875" data-end="6898">Promote collaboration</li> <li data-section-id="o443m9" data-start="6899" data-end="6928">Encourage knowledge sharing</li> <li data-section-id="1g28sci" data-start="6929" data-end="6983">Advocate for enabling environments for civil society</li> </ul> <p data-start="6985" data-end="7010">These may operate within:</p> <ul data-start="7012" data-end="7050"> <li data-section-id="1f1xkdu" data-start="7012" data-end="7025">Addis Ababa</li> <li data-section-id="1woy2mg" data-start="7026" data-end="7050">Target regional states</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="12frokb" data-start="7057" data-end="7078">Priority Applicants</h1> <p data-start="7080" data-end="7157">The programme particularly encourages applications from organizations led by:</p> <ul data-start="7159" data-end="7209"> <li data-section-id="17b7v5i" data-start="7159" data-end="7166">Women</li> <li data-section-id="1hsx1oh" data-start="7167" data-end="7181">Young people</li> <li data-section-id="1f9s1p2" data-start="7182" data-end="7209">Persons with disabilities</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="1jwi5nr" data-start="7216" data-end="7242">Eligibility Requirements</h1> <p data-start="7244" data-end="7319">Applicants should carefully review the official guidelines before applying.</p> <p data-start="7321" data-end="7363">Eligible organizations should demonstrate:</p> <ul data-start="7365" data-end="7514"> <li data-section-id="1lkmey6" data-start="7365" data-end="7389">Operational experience</li> <li data-section-id="1qdt3lg" data-start="7390" data-end="7429">Physical presence within target areas</li> <li data-section-id="jwebww" data-start="7430" data-end="7467">Commitment to community development</li> <li data-section-id="1xc7q46" data-start="7468" data-end="7514">Alignment with programme thematic priorities</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="plflsp" data-start="7521" data-end="7535">How to Apply</h1> <p data-start="7537" data-end="7584">Applicants should follow these steps carefully.</p> <h2 data-section-id="wa67o7" data-start="7586" data-end="7631">Step 1: Download the Application Documents</h2> <p data-start="7633" data-end="7642">Download:</p> <ul data-start="7644" data-end="7744"> <li data-section-id="1ogjdz8" data-start="7644" data-end="7696">Expression of Interest Application Form (Annex II)</li> <li data-section-id="1rfvfqw" data-start="7697" data-end="7725">EOI Guidelines (Annex III)</li> <li data-section-id="1agr2ta" data-start="7726" data-end="7744">Declaration Form</li> </ul> <p data-start="7746" data-end="7777">The documents are available in:</p> <ul data-start="7779" data-end="7809"> <li data-section-id="1l7hnru" data-start="7779" data-end="7788">English</li> <li data-section-id="18ymvmd" data-start="7789" data-end="7798">Amharic</li> <li data-section-id="aiwnwh" data-start="7799" data-end="7809">Tigrigna</li> </ul> <p>Learn more and <a href="https://caidmicrosites.z33.web.core.windows.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Apply Here</strong></a></p> <h2 data-section-id="qwafn7" data-start="7816" data-end="7846">Step 2: Read the Guidelines</h2> <p data-start="7848" data-end="7865">Carefully review:</p> <ul data-start="7867" data-end="7965"> <li data-section-id="16l82hi" data-start="7867" data-end="7889">Eligibility criteria</li> <li data-section-id="1xraz9o" data-start="7890" data-end="7914">Application procedures</li> <li data-section-id="nblwtv" data-start="7915" data-end="7939">Required documentation</li> <li data-section-id="10j4j8r" data-start="7940" data-end="7965">Submission instructions</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1yyvjdg" data-start="7972" data-end="8007">Step 3: Complete the Application</h2> <p data-start="8009" data-end="8018">Fill out:</p> <ul data-start="8020" data-end="8068"> <li data-section-id="1kp30eb" data-start="8020" data-end="8049">Expression of Interest Form</li> <li data-section-id="1agr2ta" data-start="8050" data-end="8068">Declaration Form</li> </ul> <p data-start="8070" data-end="8111">Attach all required supporting documents.</p> <h2 data-section-id="cwnaqu" data-start="8118" data-end="8152">Step 4: Submit Your Application</h2> <p data-start="8154" data-end="8209">Applicants may submit their application through either:</p> <h3 data-section-id="6y31qi" data-start="8211" data-end="8220">Email</h3> <p data-start="8222" data-end="8250">Send completed documents to:</p> <p data-start="8252" data-end="8300"><strong data-start="8252" data-end="8300"><a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="8254" data-end="8298">eucsfplusapplicationround2@christian-aid.org</a></strong></p> <p data-start="8302" data-end="8304">OR</p> <h3 data-section-id="19vmewb" data-start="8306" data-end="8343">Hand Delivery / Postal Submission</h3> <p data-start="8345" data-end="8388">Submit to the physical addresses listed in:</p> <p data-start="8390" data-end="8425"><strong data-start="8390" data-end="8425">Annex III, Section 7.4, Table 1</strong></p> <h1 data-section-id="1tvmib4" data-start="8432" data-end="8464">Important Application Deadline</h1> <p data-start="8466" data-end="8514">All applications must be received no later than:</p> <p data-start="8516" data-end="8542"><strong data-start="8516" data-end="8542">Tuesday, 4 August 2026</strong></p> <p data-start="8544" data-end="8581"><strong data-start="8544" data-end="8581">Before 17:00 (5:00 PM) Local Time</strong></p> <p data-start="8583" data-end="8624">Late applications will not be considered.</p> <h1 data-section-id="1geis8l" data-start="8631" data-end="8663">Why Organizations Should Apply</h1> <p data-start="8665" data-end="9112">The Civil Society Fund Plus Programme offers much more than grant funding. Successful organizations will gain long-term institutional support through technical assistance, networking opportunities, and organizational development. This holistic approach helps local and grassroots organizations become stronger, more sustainable, and better positioned to influence governance processes while delivering meaningful impact to underserved communities.</p> <p data-start="9114" data-end="9624">Organizations working in governance, democracy, peacebuilding, women&#8217;s empowerment, youth development, disability inclusion, and social accountability stand to benefit significantly from participating in this EU-funded initiative. By combining financial resources with capacity development and collaborative networking, the programme strengthens the overall civil society ecosystem in Ethiopia and empowers organizations to become credible partners in advancing inclusive development and democratic engagement.</p> <p data-start="9114" data-end="9624">For more information, visit the <a href="https://caidmicrosites.z33.web.core.windows.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>official website</strong></a></p> <p data-start="9114" data-end="9624">Discover more global grant opportunities on OFY, <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=grant" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>VISIT HERE</strong></a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/07/08/eu-civil-society-fund-plus-csf-round-two-2026-apply-for-grants-capacity-building-and-networking-opportunities-for-local-and-grassroots-csos-in-ethiopia/">EU Civil Society Fund Plus (CSF+) Round Two 2026: Apply for Grants, Capacity Building, and Networking Opportunities for Local and Grassroots CSOs in Ethiopia</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>