Grant Proposal for Cape Verde: Application for Support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED)

O NED — National Endowment for Democracy, support for NGOs represents a crucial opportunity to strengthen Cape Verdean civil society and deepen its democratic institutions. Cape Verde, an archipelago in the Atlantic, has emerged as a model of democracy and stability in West Africa. However, the continued development of this model requires support for and investment in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that work to defend human rights, promote good governance, transparency and civic participation.

We recognise the vital role that the National Endowment for Democracy plays globally in supporting initiatives that promote democratic values. In Cape Verde, a number of NGOs carry out commendable work, often with limited resources, in areas such as civic education, women’s empowerment, environmental protection, press freedom and the fight against corruption. Support from the NED would enable these organisations to expand their reach, strengthen their institutional capacities and implement projects with greater impact and sustainability.

The main aim of our grant scheme is to support innovative projects that seek to strengthen democratic culture in Cape Verde. We intend to focus on initiatives that promote civic and political literacy amongst young people, increase the participation of marginalised groups in decision-making processes, and strengthen citizens’ oversight of public institutions. We believe that by investing in these pillars, we are contributing to a more robust, inclusive and resilient democracy.

Projects to be funded are expected to demonstrate clear objectives, well-defined methodologies and measurable indicators of success. Priority will be given to proposals that develop partnerships with other civil society organisations, the government and the private sector, in order to maximise the impact and sustainability of the initiatives. NED has a proven track record of investing in transformative ideas, and we are confident that, with your support, we can drive significant change in Cape Verde.

The deadline for submitting proposals is 21 September 2026. For further information on the eligibility criteria and the application process, please visit the following link: https://www.ned.org/apply-for-grant/en/.