Lifeline has supported over 511 CSOs to conduct short-term advocacy initiatives to counter closures of civic space.
"Because of Lifeline’s support, we were able to find new allies in the church and in academia—using first-hand testimony and videos, we are bringing to their attention the massive campaign against human rights defenders and CSOs."
- Filipino CSO Representative
Responding to a Global Crackdown
Civil society organizations (CSOs) are under increasing under attack around the world as governments and non-state actors crackdown on fundamental freedoms; 2017 marked the 12th consecutive year of decline in global freedom (Freedom of the World Report). Governments may undertake smear campaigns to undermine human rights organizations and enact repressive civil society legislation, including prohibitions on foreign funding, restrictive association laws, and anti-terror laws. Together these restrictions have criminalized the important work of civil society and made many CSOs' operating environments untenable.
Photo Credit: © Samuel Astorga
What are Lifeline Advocacy Grants?
Lifeline rapid response advocacy grants give local CSOs the resources to push back against closures of civic space as they arise. Lifeline advocacy grants are highly flexible, and can support a wide variety of activities, such as community mobilization, policy and legal analysis, civil society coalition building, strategic litigation, awareness raising campaigns, and advocacy capacity building.
Photo Credit: © Paula Gonzalez
How to Apply for Advocacy Grants
All Lifeline partners listed below provide advocacy grants; each organization has its own selection criteria and should be contacted directly.
Photo Credit: © Bianca Josaphat
Applications can be made directly to CIVICUS' Crisis Response Fund
Applications and inquiries can be made to ICNL by mailing [email protected]
Applications and inquiries can be made to Freedom House at [email protected]
Applications and inquiries can be made to SILC by mailing [email protected]