Deadline: Unspecified

Applications for the Civic Space Lab Reformers’ Program 2025 are now open. The Reformers’ Program provides comprehensive, tailored support to governments to address civic space challenges and strengthen civic freedoms. They help you design and implement effective reforms that create sustainable improvements in civic space while building lasting capacity for productive government-civil society collaboration.

The Reformers’ Program supports these core components of civic space:


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  • Freedom of Assembly: Enabling peaceful gatherings and protecting demonstrators
  • Freedom of Association: Simplifying CSO registration and operations
  • Freedom of Expression: Protecting critical voices while maintaining reasonable limits
  • Media Freedom: Ensuring journalistic independence and safety
  • Digital Rights: Safeguarding online freedoms and privacy

Benefits

Governments will receive:

  • Expert Facilitation: Dedicated specialists to guide your reform process and maintain momentum
    • Customised support specific to your country’s context and institutional environment
    • Practical implementation assistance to turn policy into reality
  • Technical Expertise: Access to specialists in civic space standards and best practices
    • Assistance with legislative drafting and policy development
    • Consultation on institutional design and governance structures
    • Comprehensive assessment of your regulatory frameworks
  • Peer Learning Network: Connect with other government reformers who have successfully navigated similar challenges
    • Direct advice from officials who understand your position
    • Structured relationships with clear objectives and measurable outcomes
  • Resource Mobilisation: Support for securing implementation funding
    • Introductions to international donors and partners interested in supporting civic space reforms
    • Assistance with developing compelling funding proposals
  • Recognition: Showcasing of transformational reforms
    • Consideration for the Open Gov Challenge on Civic Space
    • Visibility through OGP communications channels

Strong performers within the Reformers’ Program will be invited to join the Civic Space Lab Leaders’ Group.

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Eligibility

Open to:

  • Countries undertaking meaningful democratic reforms or working to improve civic space conditions.
  • Administrations with demonstrated ministerial-level commitment to addressing civic space challenges through concrete policy actions.
  • Government institutions with a mandate to enhance civic participation and protect democratic freedoms.

Application

To apply to join the Reformers’ Program, submit a letter from a government minister or equivalent institutional leader that outlines:

  • A statement of commitment to strengthening civic freedoms and improving civic space in your country
  • Current civic space challenges that you wish to address
  • Specific areas of focus (e.g., freedom of assembly, association, expression, media freedom, or digital rights)
  • Existing reform initiatives related to civic space that are already underway
  • Ministerial-level support and institutional framework available to implement reforms
  • Willingness to collaborate with civil society organisations in developing solutions
  • Expected outcomes and how the Reformers’ Program me would help achieve them
  • Preferred type of deliverable (Civic Space Strategy, Civic Space Action Plan, or Targeted Civic Space Reform)
  • Commitment to knowledge sharing with other participating countries


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For more information, visit Civic Space Lab Reformers’ Program.

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