Unleashing Tech for Democracy
The Digital Action Lab (DAL) empowers civil society actors operating in restricted civic spaces to harness digital tools, strengthen resilience, and take effective action for inclusive and democratic participation.
What the Digital Action Lab Does
The Digital Action Lab supports civil society organisations to strengthen their ability to use digital tools for democratic action through a structured yet flexible approach that combines learning, practice, and collaboration.
Digital Skills & Strategic Support
Participants receive hands-on support to strengthen their digital skills and develop practical strategies for advocacy, participation, and accountability. This includes guidance on using digital tools safely and effectively in challenging civic and political environments.
Peer Learning & Collaboration
Participants join a trusted peer learning space where civil society actors share experiences, discuss common challenges, and learn from one another. Through facilitated exchanges, organisations gain new perspectives, practical ideas, and context-based solutions grounded in real-world practice.
Experimentation & Innovation
Participants are supported to develop and test new digital solutions and approaches within their own work. The Lab encourages learning by doing, allowing organisations to adapt, improve, and refine their initiatives based on what works in their specific contexts.
Financial Support for Action
The Lab provides financial support to help organisations participate fully in the programme and to implement the digital initiatives they develop. This ensures that ideas generated through the Lab can be translated into concrete action.
Documentation & Knowledge Sharing
Participants are supported to document their approaches, successes, and lessons learned through case studies, infographics, videos, and other accessible formats. These knowledge products are shared through the Digital Democracy Initiative knowledge hub and CIVICUS networks, supporting wider efforts to strengthen civic and democratic freedoms.
How It Works
The Digital Action Lab is a 9-month, cohort-based programme that supports civil society organisations from application to impact.
1. Call for Applications
2. Selection
3. Co-Design & Learning
4. Funding
5. Implementation & Accompaniment
6. Peer Learning & Exchange
7. Impact & Knowledge Sharing
Eligibility Criteria
- Civil society organisations (formal or informal), networks, movements, and coalitions
- Individual activists formally affiliated with a civil society organisation
- Priority to underrepresented and marginalised actors, including women, youth, LGBTQI+, Indigenous Peoples, and grassroots groups
- Applicants must be based in OECD DAC ODA-eligible countries
- Preference for organisations in obstructed or repressed civic space contexts
- Local offices of Global North-based organisations are not eligible
- Active work on democracy and/or civic space issues
- Some experience using digital tools in advocacy, organising, or service delivery
- Ability to manage grant funding and commit staff time for the 9-month programme
- Ability to work and submit deliverables in English
DAL Impact Across Practice, Data, and Stories
DAL Podcast
Voices from the Field
The DAL Podcast features conversations with civil society actors, partners, and practitioners. Each episode shares real experiences, challenges, and lessons emerging from the Digital Action Lab, grounded in practice across diverse contexts.
DAL Knowledge Productions
Learning beyond the cohorts
DAL produces and shares knowledge products that document approaches, successes, and lessons learned from across the programme. These include publications, case studies, infographics, and videos that support wider civil society learning and practice.
DAL in Numbers
A quick overview of the scale and reach of the Digital Action Lab.
civil society organisations
empowered
DAL Stories
Stories from participants and partners highlighting how ideas turn into action, and how digital approaches contribute to stronger civic participation and democratic practice.
Do you have any questions?
Find the answers to all of our most frequently asked questions
Mailing List
If you want to receive update and engagement opportunities from the Digital Democracy Initiative, please join our mailing list:
Contact information
For inquiries or further information, contact the DAL team
Supported by
