Important: these grants are only for organisations based in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Individuals and organisations in other countries can’t apply. If that’s you, see the related opportunities at the end.
Accountability Lab has announced Cohort 3 of the DDI South Asia Micro-Grants, with funding of up to US$5,750 per organisation. The grants support civil society groups that use digital tools to strengthen democratic participation, civic engagement and accountable governance.
About the Programme
The grants are part of the Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI), a global programme that supports civil society and democracy in the digital age. In South Asia, Accountability Lab hosts DDI’s funding mechanism, the South Asia Diversity Fund (SADF), which channels accessible, transparent funding to grassroots civil society. Accountability Lab says it has already given microgrants to nearly 150 civil society organisations across South Asia.
Key Details
- Programme: DDI South Asia Micro-Grants, Cohort 3 (2026)
- Managed by: Accountability Lab (South Asia Diversity Fund)
- Funding: up to US$5,750 per organisation
- Eligible countries: Bangladesh and Pakistan only
- Deadline: not confirmed; check the official DDI South Asia website
Benefits
- a micro-grant of up to US$5,750 for a digital democracy or civic engagement project
- a place in the growing DDI South Asia network of civil society partners
- visibility for locally led work on digital inclusion and accountable governance
Eligibility
According to the announcement, the following organisations based in Bangladesh or Pakistan can apply:
- non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- community-based organisations (CBOs)
- civil society organisations (CSOs) and civil society networks
- social enterprises
Projects should use digital technology to strengthen democratic participation, civic engagement, digital inclusion or accountable governance. Check the full eligibility rules in the official call before applying.
How to Apply
- Visit the DDI South Asia website and its Events & News page for the official Cohort 3 call, guidelines and application form.
- Confirm the deadline and eligibility rules there. We couldn’t verify the deadline independently.
- Prepare a short project plan and budget showing how digital tools will support civic participation in your community.
- Submit your application through the official channel listed in the call.
Only apply through the official DDI South Asia or Accountability Lab channels. Never pay a fee to apply for a grant.
Tips
- Keep your project small, practical and achievable within a short timeline, as micro-grants usually are.
- Show clear community need and how you’ll measure results.
- Explain why digital tools are the right approach, and how you’ll include people with limited internet access.
- Partner with other local groups to strengthen your proposal.
