Implemented as part of CIVICUS’ global Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI), the Regional Support Mechanism seeks to build a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem for digital democracy in a region facing shrinking civic space, disinformation, and growing digital risks. By supporting locally led solutions, regional cooperation, and shared learning, the initiative aims to ensure that civil society actors have the tools, resources, and solidarity they need to protect civic space, advance human rights, and strengthen democratic participation online.

Project objectives

Strengthening the capacities of civil society organizations and activists to use digital tools to advance democracy and human rights;
Providing flexible financial support for formal and informal civic actors, including marginalized communities, through the awarding of 100 grants (institutional and action);
Development of a regional network for learning, cooperation, and solidarity between organizations and activists;
Encouraging inclusive, locally-led solutions to support and grow civic space.

Activities within the project

Open calls for grants–for organizations, informal groups, and activists using digital solutions for democratic participation;

Financial support through:

Institutional grants to strengthen organizational stability;
Small grants for the growth and development of activist initiatives and grassroots organizations;

LINK EECA–non-financial support, which includes:

Online training and mentoring through the Hive Mind platform;
Regional and local knowledge exchange networks;
Expert support for digital security, communications, and advocacy;

Local Capacity Building Hubs (CapHubs)–civil society organizations that will act as regional support and networking hubs;

A program for exchange and practical learning among civic actors through a one-month stay in an organization from another country;

TechSoup Digital Activism Program's flagship regional event, MEGAPHONE, for CSOs and activists and E-society.mk, a space managed by Metamorphosis Foundation for connecting, learning, and joint action.

Countries in focus

Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine.

Thematic areas

Digital rights and security;
Civic participation and digital activism;
Advocacy and strengthening of the civic space;
Inclusion of youth, women, LGBTI+ communities, and marginalized groups.

Project duration: 01.12.2025 – 30.11.2026.

Project activities are aimed at civil society organizations, activists, and informal initiatives that want to advance their digital capacities and contribute to a more inclusive, resilient, and democratic community. Participants gain access to financial support, expert knowledge, regional networks, and the opportunity to turn their ideas into sustainable and impactful solutions.

🎥 To find out more about the initiative, watch this short insightful explainer video:

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ℹ️ The DDI Programme is co-funded by The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The EU Commission, and The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation.

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DIGITAL SPARK: Call for Grants

Open call: 30.1.2026
Deadline: 23.2.2026, 16:00 CET

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 project 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.

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 types:

10 Institutional Stability Grants: USD 13,000 (LOT 1)
90 Strategic Growth Small Grants: up to USD 4,500 (LOT 2)

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, led by TechSoup's Digital Activism Program team, which provides tailored capacity‑building, digital learning, expert support, and peer exchange.

To be eligible for this grant type, an applicant ought to:

Be a 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, Turkey, 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.

To be eligible for this grant type, an applicant ought to:

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, Turkey, 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 cannot apply for both lots. !!!

Evaluation Criteria (100 points total)

Criterion - Description - Points

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

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

Expected Timeline

Phase and Dates

Call launch 30.01.2026

Info Session for applicants 12.02.2026

Submission deadline 23.02.2026

Evaluation & selection 24.02 – 25.03.2026

Grant agreements signed 01.04.2026

Implementation period: April – September 2026 (6 months)

If you have any questions, please submit them to GrantsEECA@metamorphosis.org.mk no later than 13.02.2026.

All questions will be included in the FAQ section available here on 16th of February, and there will be no individual answers via email.

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