Open Call for Grant Applications

Supporting Democratic
Participation in Brazil - 2026

Action for Democracy invites applications from Brazilian civil society organizations working to strengthen democratic participation ahead of Brazil’s 2026 general elections.

At a moment of heightened polarization, institutional distrust, and widespread exposure to disinformation, civil society plays a critical role in ensuring that citizens are informed, engaged, and able to participate meaningfully in democratic processes. Through this open call, Action for Democracy seeks to support organizations with the reach, credibility, and strategic capacity to mobilize voters, promote informed civic participation, and reinforce democratic norms at scale.

About the Supporting Democratic Participation Grant

Action for Democracy’s Supporting Democratic Participation Grants are designed to support Brazilian civil society organizations working to strengthen democratic engagement ahead of the 2026 general elections. These grants aim to empower organizations that promote voter participation, advance non-partisan civic education, counter disinformation, and encourage inclusive democratic participation across Brazil.

This initiative forms part of Action for Democracy’s broader effort to support civil society in regions experiencing democratic pressure and rising political polarization. In Brazil, the program recognizes the critical role that civil society organizations play in mobilizing citizens, promoting informed participation, and reinforcing democratic norms during an important electoral cycle.

Grant Details

Grant size: up to USD 50,000
Duration: Up to 9 months
Geographic focus: Brazil
Application type: Open call (competitive)
Language: Applications may be submitted in Portuguese or English.

Funds may be used flexibly to support programmatic activities, staff time, digital tools, outreach costs, and other expenses directly related to electoral empowerment and mobilization.

Timeline

Call opens: March 15, 2026
Application deadline: July 31, 2026
Grant decisions communicated: Rolling / within 4–6 weeks of submission
Project implementation: May – Dec 2026

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

Registered civil society organizations, NGOs, or non-profit initiatives based in Brazil
For-profit companies or social enterprises implementing projects that serve a public-interest purpose and align with the goals of this funding opportunity.
Organizations with a demonstrated track record in civic engagement, democracy promotion, human rights, or community organizing
Groups operating at the national, regional, or local level, including grassroots and community-based organizations

We welcome applications from organizations working with youth, women, Afro-Brazilian communities, Indigenous populations, first-time voters, and other historically underrepresented groups.

Applicants should demonstrate:

Proven Impact: Experience in civic engagement, public advocacy, or defending democratic processes
Community Reach: The ability to mobilize and engage citizens, particularly underrepresented or disengaged communities.
Strategic Capacity: Clear plans to implement initiatives that promote informed participation and strengthen democratic norms ahead of the 2026 elections.

What We Fund

Projects should focus on one or more of the following areas:

Voter Education and Civic Literacy: Non-partisan initiatives that inform citizens about voting rights, electoral processes, and democratic participation
Voter Mobilization and Engagement: Campaigns and outreach efforts encouraging citizens to participate in the electoral process
Community-Based Organizing: Local initiatives that strengthen civic participation and democratic awareness
Countering Disinformation: Monitoring, research, and initiatives that address disinformation affecting voter participation
Accessible Civic Information: Development and dissemination of non-partisan content explaining voting processes and democratic participation
Innovative approaches to engaging disengaged or skeptical voters

All supported activities must be non-partisan and focused on democratic participation rather than support for political parties or candidates.

Strategic Support

Grantees will gain access to Action for Democracy’s global network and partners, receiving support such as:

Strategic guidance and consultation to strengthen project implementation
Opportunities to connect with a broader network of civil society organizations working to defend democratic participation
Access to resources and expertise supporting civic engagement and democratic resilience