Call for Proposals V (CfP V) under the Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) was designed as an initiative-driven grant mechanism, rather than an open call for proposals. Under this modality, Nagorikata strategically invited selected organisations with demonstrated experience, credibility, and alignment with the Programme's objectives to design and implement targeted civic engagement initiatives.
CfP V focused on advancing innovative, context-responsive interventions across priority thematic areas, including youth leadership, fellowship and capacity development, art and culture for civic engagement, peacebuilding, and the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation. The grant supports initiatives that strengthen citizen voice, promote inclusion, and foster constructive engagement between communities and institutions.
Through this curated approach, CfP V enables Nagorikata to pilot high-impact, mission-aligned initiatives, deepen partnerships with trusted actors, and generate learning that contributes to systemic change and responsive governance in Bangladesh.
Launch
Selection
Completed
Implementation
In Progress
Impact
Expected 2025
Current Status
5 organizations are actively implementing their projects across Bangladesh.
Status
Implementing
Category
Youth, Peace & Justice, Art & Culture
Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center
Consortium Partners: Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), Agrogoti Sangstha Theme 1: Transforming Youth into Leaders for Community Empowerment Project Jaagoron (জাগরণ) – Empowering Marginalized Youth for Inclusive Civic Leadership and Local Development Project Jaagoron aims to institutionalise youth-led civic engagement in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna by empowering marginalised youth as active civic actors through training, advocacy, and digital learning. Aligned with CEF’s Theme 1, it strengthens local accountability by integrating youth into governance structures, contributing to SDGs 4, 5, 16, and 17. Budget: CHF 400,000
Jaago Foundation
Consortium Partners: YouthNet Global Theme 2: Youth Fellowship Programme NexGen Graduate Fellowship Programme The NexGen Graduate Fellowship Programme empowers Bangladeshi youth (18–35) by addressing critical holistic development gaps. Moving beyond traditional education models, it offers an integrated, technology-driven platform combining life skills, professional growth, and immersive cross-sector placements in government, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Aligned with national priorities and SDGs (4, 8, 17), the fellowship cultivates adaptive leaders capable of fostering collaboration and driving inclusive, sustainable development within a resilient youth ecosystem. Budget: CHF 350,000
Rupantar
Consortium Partners: BITA, DWIP, PAARA, AIMS as well as Galleries, Collectives and Artists Theme 3: Art and Culture as Catalyst for Civic Engagement Art and Culture for Transformation, Inclusion, Voice and Engagement (ACTIVE) ACTIVE envisions a Bangladesh where art and culture shape how people connect, express themselves, and participate in public life. The project’s goal is to co-create and implement inclusive, art-based civic engagement interventions that amplify marginalised voices, strengthen cultural practices, and foster sustained dialogue between citizens and government. By establishing participatory art labs and civic platforms, the project enables historically excluded communities to reclaim cultural agency, develop critical civic awareness, and build solidarity networks that contribute to responsive governance and social transformation. Budget: CHF 300,000
Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ), BRAC University
Theme 4: Peace and Harmony among Interfaith Communities Peace and Harmony Enhancement through Learning and Assessment (PAHELA) The PAHELA project advances peace and social cohesion among interfaith and diverse communities in Chattogram by driving inclusive, evidence-based policy engagement. Rooted in the Civic Engagement Fund’s priority on interfaith harmony, it will train diverse “Peace Champions” via an intensive certificate course to lead youth-driven Peace Cafes. These Cafes will systematically document community tensions, support the development of the Chattogram Peace and Meaningfulness Index (CPMI), and engage local stakeholders to co-create inclusive interventions. Budget: CHF 250,000
Breaking the Silence (BTS)
Theme 5: Combatting Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation ShurakkhaBondhon (সুরক্ষাবন্ধন): Building a Protective Ecosystem Against Online and Offline Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation ShurakkhaBondhon aims to drive systemic change in how communities and institutions in Bangladesh prevent, detect, and respond to Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE). Using a child-centred, rights-based, and intersectional approach, it empowers marginalised children, caregivers, youth, CSOs, and government actors to build safe, responsive environments in urban informal settlements, coastal zones, and tea garden communities. The project aligns with all four CEF outcomes and contributes to SDG 16.2 by institutionalising prevention, strengthening survivor services, and amplifying community voices. Budget: CHF 250,000
Programme Gallery
Moments captured from this impactful civic engagement program.
