OGP Helen Darbishire Fund 2025: Grants for Civil Society Organizations Supporting Open Government
Apply Now: OGP’s Helen Darbishire Fund for Civil Society (2025–2027) – Strengthening Open Government Through Civil Society Action
Empowering Civil Society for Open Government Reforms
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is happy to announce the Helen Darbishire Fund for Civil Society (HDFCS), a strategic initiative geared toward strengthening open authorities reforms throughout OGP’s 74 member international locations. This fund honors the legacy of Helen Darbishire, a distinguished champion of human rights and entry to data, and former OGP Steering Committee member.
The fund is designed to boost civil society capability, foster multi-stakeholder collaboration, and assist sustainable open authorities processes—notably in international locations dealing with monetary constraints.
Call for Applications: 2025–2027
In response to world reductions in bilateral help and different funding sources, OGP is launching a centered name for functions underneath this pilot iteration of the HDFCS. The 2025 spherical will subject 8 to 10 grants, primarily starting from USD 10,000 to USD 25,000, with a most of USD 50,000 accessible in distinctive instances.
- Implementation interval: 6 to 18 months
- Application deadline: July 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Languages accepted: English, Spanish, or French
Grants are outcome-driven and designed to fill quick gaps that threaten the progress of open authorities reforms in OGP international locations with restricted resourcing.
Eligibility Criteria
The fund is open to civil society organizations (CSOs) in any of the 74 OGP member countries, with a deal with nations the place open authorities efforts are underfunded and in danger.
Applicants should:
- Be legally registered non-profit organizations inside their nation.
- Operate in OGP member international locations not presently topic to:
- Have a confirmed observe file of supporting OGP processes (e.g., contributions to nationwide motion plans or membership within the nation’s multi-stakeholder forum (MSF)).
- Submit both:
- A letter of assist from their nationwide MSF (most well-liked), or
- A letter of assist from the nation’s OGP Point of Contact or a high-level authorities lead
Additional Notes:
- Applications from home CSO consortia are permitted (one lead group have to be recognized).
- Only one grant might be awarded per nation throughout this cycle.
Purpose of the Grants
The HDFCS goals to guard and assist very important OGP processes in international locations dealing with funding challenges, guaranteeing reforms aren’t stalled resulting from monetary constraints.
Projects ought to display:
- A transparent rationalization of how the grant will maintain or advance open authorities reforms.
- Feasibility and implementation capability of the CSO or consortium.
- The skill to mobilize related stakeholders throughout the OGP ecosystem.
- A robust sustainability technique, notably in native or nationwide monetary contexts.
What OGP Is Looking For
Priority might be given to organizations that:
- Improve collaboration through the co-creation and implementation of OGP nationwide motion plans.
- Enhance inclusiveness and responsiveness to citizen wants.
- Effectively convene authorities and civil society actors.
- Show a sensible and achievable strategy aligned with the present reform atmosphere.
Grants are versatile and can contemplate the variety of OGP contexts and civil society wants.
Funding Details
- Most grants will vary from USD 10,000 to USD 25,000
- In uncommon, justified instances, grants as much as USD 50,000 could also be awarded
- Projects could run for 6 to 18 months, relying on scope and price range
- Co-funded initiatives should clearly present how HDFCS assist enhances current funding
Application Timeline
- Deadline to ask questions: June 20, 2025 (by way of e-mail: hdfcsfund@opengovpartnership.org)
- Final application deadline: July 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
- Application methodology: Submit by means of the official on-line application type (HERE)
- Funding determination notifications: Mid to late August 2025
- Project begin date: As early as September 2025
Selection Process
All functions might be reviewed by a various analysis committee composed of OGP Support Unit employees and exterior specialists. The committee will assess:
- Regional and country-specific contexts
- The technical benefit and viability of the proposed venture
- The group’s prior engagement with OGP
- Civil society collaboration efforts and open authorities experience
Contact Information
For extra particulars, questions, or clarifications:
Email: hdfcsfund@opengovpartnership.org
Website:
The Helen Darbishire Fund for Civil Society is a vital alternative for civil society actors to bolster open governance at a time of accelerating monetary and democratic pressures. Don’t miss the possibility to scale your influence—apply by July 6, 2025.
For extra Opportunities please go to the Opportunities for Youth‘s web site!
OGP Helen Darbishire Fund 2025: Grants for Civil Society Organizations Supporting Open Government