SO 3: Contribute towards stronger emergency and sustained support

Our work strengthens both rapid response mechanisms and long-term support structures for civil society organisations facing challenges. We recognise that different contexts require different forms of solidarity, from immediate assistance in crisis situations to sustained advocacy for systemic change. Our approach includes:

• Crisis and resiliency: We provide timely support to civil society groups and activists through the Crisis Response Fund, which will be scaled through DDI Resilience Grants. The CIVICUS Solidarity Fund offers direct support to members facing challenges in restrictive environments. The Monitor team assists the Advocacy and Campaigns team with statements in response to emergencies, ensuring rapid solidarity communications. With European Union (EU) funding, we provide flexible support and medium-term assistance to those recovering from or adapting to changing circumstances. Funding from the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development focuses on emergency solidarity grants.
• Sustained support structures: The DDI programme activates regional support mechanisms in six regions: Latin America, MENA, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, East Asia and East Europe/Central Asia. Programming will include three regional hackathons to foster innovation and collaboration, a second cohort of the Digital Action Lab and four targeted Elections Grants to address digital threats to civic participation in priority countries. Sub granting systems are being strengthened to channel resources more efficiently, with improvements to cashflow management enhancing our indirect support capabilities. A youth compensation plan will be implemented to support young activists’ vital work.
• Recognition and visibility: The Nelson Mandela-Graça Machel Innovation Awards continue to recognise civil society innovation, highlighting effective practices and inspirational leadership. As part of the UNMute Civil Society campaign, we advocate for the creation of a Civil Society Day to promote civil society’s essential role, and the appointment of a Civil Society Envoy to ensure meaningful representation of civil society perspectives across UN work.
• Ecosystem development: We work toward strengthening and influencing philanthropy ecosystems to better support civil society. By facilitating an enabling environment for the Learning, Listening and Leading community, we foster knowledge exchange and collaborative approaches. The DDI programme will produce timely research pieces to inform work on resilience and digital rights.
• Organisational integrity: We maintain rigorous auditing to ensure accountability and transparency in our operations. Our systems, processes and policies are regularly assessed to ensure they remain fit for purpose as both threats and opportunities evolve.

How we will measure progress

Learning question:

How is our work supporting the ecosystem for activists and organisations at risk?

Indicators: 

• Number of fully operational regional support mechanisms – Target: 5
• Policy changes towards stronger and sustained crisis support ecosystem – Target: 2
• Total amount of funds disbursed through subgrants
• Number of activists/organisations receiving financial support