Call for Proposals: Transformative Capacity Development Program for CSOs in Zimbabwe
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The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum and COSPE, with support from the European Union, have launched a Call for Expressions of Interest for community-based organizations, civil society organizations, and CSO coalitions in Zimbabwe.
This initiative is part of the CS4Zim program, which focuses on enabling civil society actors to become stronger drivers of transformative change in the country. The opportunity seeks to strengthen the leadership, governance, and management structures of organizations so that they can address development and human rights challenges more effectively.
The program will select about seventy organizations across Zimbabwe’s ten provinces, with a strong focus on groups that work with women, youth, people with disabilities, children, and other vulnerable communities. Applications are encouraged from organizations that are led by or serve marginalized groups. The program will target different organizational levels, from entry-level staff to senior management and board members, with customized capacity-building support designed to close skill gaps and promote sustainable leadership within civil society.
Organizations selected for this program will benefit from tailored development interventions. These may include support for governance and strategic planning, financial and human resource management, improved project design and monitoring, stronger advocacy and communication strategies, and enhanced fundraising and partnership-building skills. The program also aims to provide specialized training in areas such as gender equality, disability inclusion, and digital transformation, depending on the unique needs of each organization.
The approach combines training workshops, coaching, mentorship, peer learning, and digital resources to ensure effective knowledge transfer. Participation requires a strong commitment to learning and applying new skills in practice. Organizations must be legally registered as private voluntary organizations in Zimbabwe or demonstrate progress toward registration to qualify. They should also have a good reputation in their communities and readiness to implement community interventions.
One of the significant benefits of participating is the chance to apply for financial support in the future. In 2026, a separate competitive call for sub-grants will be launched exclusively for organizations that complete the program. While participation does not guarantee funding, it provides access to expert mentorship, tailored interventions, and increased opportunities for collaboration and sustainability. For organizations dedicated to advancing human rights and development in Zimbabwe, this program presents a valuable platform to strengthen internal capacity and expand their long-term impact.
