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Second Call for Proposals: Supporting Civil Society Participation in Policy-Making and Dialogue in Central Asia

The EU-funded Civil Society Facility in Central Asia, implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) with technical expertise provided by the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR), announces a new Call for Proposals to support civil society initiatives in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The call aims to strengthen the capacities, networks and participation of civil society organizations (CSOs) in policy-making and dialogue at national and regional levels, contributing to more inclusive, transparent and accountable governance.

In addition to advocacy, capacity building, community engagement and networking, the call encourages initiatives focused on research, evidence generation, documentation of good practices, knowledge-sharing and regional learning. These activities are expected to strengthen civil society's ability to contribute expertise and evidence-based recommendations to policy and decision-making processes.

A total of USD 225,000 is available under this call, with grants of up to USD 15,000 per applicant for projects lasting between 3 and 12 months.

Five Thematic Priority Areas

The call welcomes proposals addressing one or more of the following areas:

1. Climate Change and Environmental Protection

Initiatives supporting community climate resilience, sustainable environmental practices, green entrepreneurship and inclusive environmental governance. Projects may also focus on participatory research, environmental data collection, documentation of local knowledge and regional exchange of evidence and solutions.

2. Digital Transition and Transformation

Projects advancing inclusive, secure and rights-based digital transformation, including digital rights advocacy, AI governance, digital literacy, civil society participation in digital lawmaking and evidence-based analysis of digital policies and emerging technologies.

3. Governance, Social and Responsible Business

Initiatives promoting transparency, public accountability, accessible government services and responsible business conduct. Activities may include policy research, civic monitoring, capacity building, multi-stakeholder dialogue and knowledge exchange on business and human rights.

4. Women's Empowerment

Projects advancing gender equality and women's rights through initiatives addressing gender-based violence, economic empowerment, leadership and networking. Research, data collection, evidence-based advocacy and cross-country knowledge exchange are also encouraged.

5. Youth Engagement in Policy and Decision-Making

Initiatives strengthening meaningful youth participation in civic life, policy-making and decision-making. Activities may include youth-led advocacy, participatory research, capacity building, mentorship, peer learning and the development of sustainable youth networks and dialogue mechanisms.

Applicants may propose projects addressing one or several complementary thematic areas. Proposals involving cross-border cooperation are particularly encouraged.

Who Can Apply?

The call is open to legally registered entities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, including:

  • National non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
  • Civil society and grassroots organisations
  • Foundations
  • For-profit entities proposing activities of a non-profit nature

Preference will be given to eligible civil society organisations from rural and provincial areas, women-led organisations, initiatives supporting persons with disabilities and gender equality, and proposals promoting cross-country collaboration.

Each registered organisation may submit only one application. A single proposal may address multiple thematic priorities, provided they are complementary and their connection is clearly demonstrated.

Funding and Duration

  • Total funding available: USD 225,000
  • Maximum grant per applicant: USD 15,000
  • Project duration: Minimum 3 months and maximum 12 months
  • Application language: English

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through UNOPS Grant+, the online grant management platform.

Applicants should:

  1. Create an individual profile on https://grantplus.unops.org.
  2. Register their organization on the platform.
  3. Find the funding opportunity using reference number UNOPS/FO/2026/127.
  4. Complete and submit the required application documents through Grant+.

The application must include the proposal, declarations, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) implementing partner self-assessment, financial proposal and results framework.

Application deadline: 30 November, 2026

Online Information Session

An online information session on submitting proposals through Grant+ will take place on 11 November 2026 at 11:00 Astana time.

Join via Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/pgj-eiix-nko

Interested organizations are encouraged to attend the session and carefully review the application requirements.

Requests for clarification regarding the call must be submitted through the Clarifications section of the relevant funding opportunity in Grant+.