The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from legally recognized Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in Zimbabwe. This call is part of the Good Governance in Local Authorities (GGLA) Project, which aims to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in local governance. The initiative seeks to empower communities and strengthen institutions to deliver equitable and inclusive services across various local authorities.
Project Overview
The GGLA Project is a collaborative development effort designed to enhance good governance at the grassroots level. It supports local authorities in adopting more participatory and accountable approaches to decision-making. The program recognizes that effective governance cannot be achieved without the meaningful involvement of civil society. CSOs play a crucial role in bridging the gap between government and citizens, amplifying community voices, and ensuring public resources are used efficiently and transparently.
Through this call, the project aims to identify and partner with capable organisations that can lead impactful initiatives, particularly in the areas of social accountability and youth inclusion. These partnerships will enable local authorities to co-create sustainable solutions with citizens, ensuring that local governance structures respond effectively to community needs.
Thematic Priority Areas
- Social Accountability
The first priority area focuses on improving transparency and citizen engagement in governance. Applicants are encouraged to propose initiatives that enhance the responsiveness of local authorities through participatory governance platforms. Projects may include public budget tracking, citizen scorecards, or mechanisms that allow communities to monitor service delivery and hold duty bearers accountable. The goal is to strengthen trust between local authorities and the people they serve, ensuring equitable access to basic services such as water, sanitation, and housing. - Youth Inclusion
The second area emphasizes the active participation of young people in governance processes. Organisations are invited to design projects that build the capacity of youth to engage constructively with local authorities. These projects should foster civic education, leadership training, and advocacy skills that empower young people to influence policy decisions. By encouraging collaboration between youth groups and local governments, the project aims to create an environment where young people become agents of change within their communities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, organisations must meet the following requirements:
- Be legally registered as a Civil Society Organisation or NGO in Zimbabwe, or demonstrate an ongoing registration process.
- Have a proven track record of at least five years in implementing development-oriented or governance-related programs.
- Demonstrate institutional capacity to plan, manage, and report on donor-funded projects, including sound administrative and financial systems.
- Possess an established presence or partnership network at the local level, particularly with community-based organisations or local authorities.
- Have experience in citizen participation, youth empowerment, or social accountability initiatives.
Applications from organisations that promote gender equality, disability inclusion, and sustainable development are highly encouraged.
Grant Information
Selected organisations will receive financial support to implement projects over a period of up to two years. The size of the grant will depend on the scope, quality, and expected impact of the proposed initiative. Projects must demonstrate clear objectives, measurable results, and alignment with the GGLA Project’s overarching goals of inclusive and accountable governance.
In addition to financial assistance, successful applicants may receive capacity-building support in areas such as project management, advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation. The program seeks to build long-term institutional resilience within the civil society sector, enabling CSOs to sustain their governance work beyond the project’s timeframe.
Submission Guidelines
Interested organisations must complete and submit the official Expression of Interest (EOI) form along with all required supporting documents by 11 November 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. The EOI should outline the proposed project, target beneficiaries, expected results, and implementation plan.
After the initial review, shortlisted organisations will be invited to submit detailed project proposals and budgets. Final selections will be based on merit, relevance, and potential for impact.
Key Considerations
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that their proposals:
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of local governance challenges;
- Include strategies to promote citizen engagement and youth participation;
- Present sustainable solutions that can continue after project funding ends; and
- Highlight partnerships with local authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
This call represents an opportunity for CSOs to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of accountable governance in Zimbabwe. By working together, civil society and local authorities can build stronger, more transparent institutions that reflect the voices and aspirations of all citizens.
Deadline: 11 November 2025
Eligible Applicants: Legally registered CSOs and NGOs based in Zimbabwe
