Deadline for Applications: October 25, 2025
Grant Period: November 2025 – March 2026
Funding per Project: Up to CAD 8000
1. About the Initiative
Civic space—the environment in which civil society operates—is under historic pressure. From surveillance and legal restrictions to smear campaigns and violence, human rights defenders and grassroots actors around the world are being silenced. In exile, activists face transnational repression and disinformation campaigns designed to weaken their voice and legitimacy. Yet, across regions, local actors are resisting through creatives initiatives to reclaim public space, defend rights, and push for democratic futures.
To support these efforts, Resilient Societies in collaboration with Cooperation Canada is launching a global research initiative, Advancing Research from the Frontlines of Repression, supported by International Development Research Center (IDRC). The project will fund up to 8 small-scale, action-oriented research projects, led by emerging researchers, grassroots leaders, and exiled activists.
Findings will feed directly into the Ottawa Global Civic Space Summit (April 21-23, 2026). The summit is a new international platform convening civil society, academia, governments, philanthropy, and the private sector to advance coordinated action in defense of civic space.
2. Objectives
Through this initiative, we aim to:
- Generate evidence on how civic space is closing—and how communities are resisting.
- Promote inclusion by centering the expertise of grassroots, exiled, and underrepresented researchers.
- Inform policy and practice with research that produces actionable recommendations for governments, donors, and international organizations.
- Build capacity through mentoring and peer learning for emerging researchers and activists.
- Foster solidarity by connecting researchers with global advocacy and policy spaces.
3. Thematic Research Areas
Applicants may propose research under any of the following broad themes of the Civic Space Summit:
- Resilient Civic Spaces and Solidarity Across Borders
- The Digital Battleground: Technology, Surveillance, and Free Expression
- Financing Freedom: Rethinking Support for Civil Society
- Intersectional Movements: Inclusion in Civic Space
- Youth and the Future of Civic Engagement
- Climate Justice and Civic Space
- Democracy Beyond Elections: Civic Space as Everyday Democracy
- Powering Pluralistic Civic Spaces
- Advancing Gender Justice
- Advancing Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation
- Revitalizing the Multilateral System
4. Eligibility
This call is open to:
- Civil society organizations (CSOs) working in countries where civic space is under pressure, or those working from exile. CSOs need to be registered. Individuals activists are not eligible.
- Applicants from the “Global South” are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Women, gender-diverse, and marginalized groups will be prioritized.
5. Funding and Support
- Each project will receive up to CAD 8000 (inclusive of all research costs) for research implementation.
- Research may include, but not limited interviews, oral histories, participatory action research, or desk-based studies.
- Selected researchers will participate in:
- A virtual orientation (October/November 2025)
- Mentorship sessions (on as needed basis)
- Peer learning spaces with other researchers in the cohort
- Researchers will be supported to present findings at the 2026 Ottawa Civic Space Summit (in-person or virtually).
6. Timeline
- Launch of Call: October 2025
- Deadline for Applications: October 25, 2025
- Selection and Notification: By October 30, 2025
- Research Period: November 2025 – February 2026
- Submission of Final Outputs: February –
- Presentation at Summit: April 2026
7. Application Process
Applicants should submit the following materials: Maximum 4 pages (excluding CVs)
- The proposal should include:
- Project title and thematic area
- Research question(s) and relevance to civic space
- Proposed methodology
- Ethical considerations and risk mitigation
- Expected outputs (research report, policy brief, blog, infographic, etc.)
- Budget details
- Timeline
- CV or bio of the researcher(s) (max. 2 pages)
- Statement of interest (max. 300 words)
8. Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed using the following criteria:
- Relevance to civic space and thematic areas
- Clarity and feasibility of research design
- Commitment to participatory, ethical, and inclusive approaches
- Representation of marginalized or underrepresented voices
- Potential for impact on policy and practice
9. Submission
Applications should be submitted via email to [email protected] no later than October 25, 2025
For inquiries, please write to: [email protected]