Briefly
Program description
The Civic Innovation Fund (CIF) is a funding mechanism designed to support cross-border innovative ideas that contribute to strengthening democratic resilience and civil society. The program is implemented by THE CIVICS Innovation Hub in partnership with a consortium of organizations.
The goal of the fund is to stimulate new approaches in civic education, engage new audiences, and develop cooperation between organizations from different European countries. Priority is given to projects that offer scalable solutions to current societal challenges.
Main Information
Eligibility
Non-profit organizations (NGOs, foundations) registered in EU member states or associated countries (including Ukraine) are eligible. A mandatory requirement is a partnership with an organization from another country.
Financing
Selected projects will receive €10,000 to support pilot testing of new approaches, incubation of innovative educational formats, and scaling up of successful practices for implementation by December 2026.
Funds can be used for project activities, staff, travel, equipment, and administrative costs directly related to the project.
Supported Activities
- Developing projects that combine civic education and strengthening democratic societies with financial and economic literacy.
- Development of new educational tools.
- Organization of cross-border campaigns.
- Creation of networks and platforms for civic engagement.
Roadmap
| Stage | Date / period |
|---|---|
| Application opening | December 2025 |
| Deadline | 18 January 2026 |
| Evaluation and selection | February 2026 |
| Announcement of results | March 2026 |
| Project implementation start | April 2026 |
| Project implementation end | December 2026 |
How to Apply
1. Find a partner organization in another country.
2. Fill out the online application form via the Guestoo platform.
3. Upload the required attachments (budget, registration documents).
Evaluation Criteria
Projects must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- The project should relate to the topic of financial and economic literacy and should clearly link these topics with the broader goals of civic education, democratic participation, inclusion, and social resilience.
- The project should focus on strengthening democratic competencies that promote participation, cohesion, and resilience. Project ideas may range from workshops, training courses, cultural or community-based interventions, eyewitness talks, exhibitions, scientific studies, scenario methods, apps, or augmented reality storyboards.
- While applications from all organisations are encouraged and welcome, CIF is particularly interested in projects from startups in civic education (i.e. organisations established within the last 3 years) and youth-led organisations. Applications from these will therefore be more prioritised in the selection process.
- Projects should be carried out in a transnational partnership, with at least one partner (individual, organisation, etc.) from Europe, i.e. wider Europe, in addition to the lead partner. CIF can only provide financial support for projects based in Europe—as such, the main implementing organisation should be based in a European country. The partnership can be set up across sectors, but one of the partnering organisations should come from either the formal or non-formal civic education sector.
- Projects should incorporate the principles of diversity, interdisciplinarity, and inclusiveness.
Required Documents
- Project description in the established form.
- Detailed budget.
- Evidence of partnership (letters of intent).
FAQ
Yes, well-established NGOs are also eligible to submit applications. However, during the assessment process, priority will be given to younger NGOs and projects.
Yes, projects proposed by university teams and SMEs are also welcome. However, the projects submitted by these teams must be directly related to the field of civic education.
Eligible costs should be direct costs related to the implementation of the project. Office costs should constitute a maximum of 10%.
If applicants have difficulties finding partners, they are encouraged to check the virtual map of civic educators, which offers a wide variety of civic education partners to network and cooperate with.
Updates / Announcements
An info session for applicants will be held online; details and registration are available on the event page.
Reporting and Compliance
Grantees are required to submit interim and final reports (narrative and financial) and adhere to transparency and ethics policies.
Legal Terms
All project results must be available under open access licenses. The organizer reserves the right to audit the use of funds.