Terms of Reference

Terms of Reference - September 2025

CIVICUS is in search of expert support to assist with:

Conducting a global mapping and brief research of available models, infrastructures, tools, and tactics that can inform the design and development of the Coalition Hub prototype. The Coalition Hub seeks to test new approaches to community-led resourcing—both financial and non-financial—for civic space initiatives.

About us

CIVICUS is a growing global alliance of more than 15,000 members in 175 countries. We work together to expand civic and democratic space. We strive to promote excluded voices, particularly from the global south.

Our Strategic Plan is built on the assumption that we are stronger when we work together. Expanding civic and democratic space requires a collective effort where our members and allies design and test sustainable solutions and deliver impact at scale.

To make this happen, CIVICUS works on five core objectives:

1. Generate timely knowledge and analyses on civil society actions in relation to civic and democratic space.
2. Coordinate targeted advocacy to defend and expand civic and democratic space.
3. Contribute to stronger emergency and sustained support ecosystems for activists and organisations at risk.
4. Strengthen public discourse on civic space and reinforce civil society narratives.
5. Build counter power with the most affected groups and their movement

Background and Context

In an era of increasing funding disruptions to civil society and exacerbated threats to civic space—from donor budget cuts in Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden to the USAID shutdown—there is an urgent need to rethink how we fund and sustain civil society and citizen action.

In response to these funding disruptions, CIVICUS convened the Global Solutions Lab (GSL) in Bangkok which brought together civil society actors from the Local Leadership Lab (LLL), Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI), Innovation Awards, VUKA! Youth Action Lab, and Innovation for Change (I4C), together with bilateral donors and community philanthropy actors, for three days of strategy, reflection, and co-creation.

Our goal was to provide a vital space to define how we guide transition, ensuring that local actors play a central role in decision-making and implementation.

Together, participants co-created three prototypes:

• Community-led Pooled Fund Model: Centering governance, fundraising, and grantmaking within grassroots communities themselves, with compliance delegated locally, flexible funding structures, and safeguards to balance trust and accountability.
• Civil Society-Donor Dialogues: A multi-stakeholder platform to foster values-based collaboration and shape shared approaches to funding civil society.
• Coalition Hub: A coordination mechanism to bridge capacity gaps and improve access to both financial and non-financial resources for CSOs.

Now we are looking for expert support to refine these prototypes.

Goal of the Consultancy

The consultancy will conduct a global mapping and brief research of available models, infrastructures, tools, and tactics that can inform the design and development of the Coalition Hub prototype. The Coalition Hub seeks to test new approaches to community-led resourcing—both financial and non-financial—for civic space initiatives.

The mapping will focus on:

1. Solidarity-based and collective ownership models.
2. Emerging technological infrastructures such as blockchain, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and other participatory digital tools.
3. Non-financial resources such as peer-learning platforms, protection and solidarity networks, and other participatory and agile infrastructures that help operationalizing the above.

The ultimate goal is to identify innovations, opportunities, and strategic gaps that will enable the Coalition Hub to act as a transformative, participatory, and scalable infrastructure for civic space resourcing.

Background About The Coalition Hub

The Coalition Hub is designed to function as a connector, amplifier, and accelerator for resourcing civil society initiatives working across thematic and regional boundaries. Rooted in solidarity, inclusivity, collective ownership, and locally-led development, the Hub aims to support advancing civic space globally by testing innovative approaches to resourcing.

The Hub will:

1. Explore how emerging technologies and decentralized infrastructures can expand civic space and democratic participation.
2. Leverage solidarity-based resourcing practices that center community-led and participatory approaches.
3. Support both established and emerging civic actors in accessing financial and non-financial resources needed to build collective power.

This consultancy will lay the foundation that enables the Coalition Hub to mobilize through relevant, innovative, and scalable opportunities.

Scope and Objectives

The consultant will conduct a global mapping to identify and synthesize:

Community-led and solidarity resourcing models:

1. Financial and non-financial mechanisms (e.g., DAOs, blockchain-based resourcing, pooled funds, participatory grantmaking, peer-to-peer solidarity funds).
2. Platforms, tools, and infrastructures enabling collective ownership and participatory decision-making.

Non-financial infrastructures and tools: Peer-learning platforms, digital commons, legal defense networks, capacity-building programs, digital safety and security infrastructures, and advocacy or solidarity networks relevant to civic space and digital democracy.

Partnership and collaboration opportunities: Potential allies, coalitions, anchor institutions, and technological platforms that could be leveraged for co-creation, visibility, and infrastructure sharing.

Strategic gaps and recommendations: Identification of underserved areas and duplication risks, and actionable recommendations for leveraging innovative financial and non-financial mechanisms to advance the Coalition Hub’s prototype.

Deliverables

Inception Report & Action Plan (max 3 pages):

• Understanding of consultancy objectives.
• Proposed methodology and research tools.
• Tentative list of stakeholders/initiatives to be consulted.
• Clear timeline for deliverables.

Mapping Report (Excel database + Narrative report, 7–15 pages): Structured mapping of both financial and non-financial initiatives, categorized by:

• Region/location: local, regional, or global
• Type of support: blockchain/DAO models, digital platforms, mentorship, knowledge-sharing, advocacy, solidarity/protection, alliance-building.
• Thematic focus: both civic space related or civil society oriented in general, can include humanitarian and development initiatives.
• Accessibility: open, invite-only, referral-based, with special attention to Global South relevance.

Gap Analysis and Strategic Opportunities Report (3–5 pages + presentation):

• Identification of gaps in financial and non-financial support.
• Highlight underserved regions, movements, or communities.
• Evidence-based recommendations for strategic entry points and priorities for the Coalition Hub prototype.

Experience Required

Essential:

1. Proven experience in civic space, , and/or movement infrastructure development.
2. Knowledge of global non-financial resourcing models, solidarity practices, and civic tech.
3. Strong experience conducting research, stakeholder interviews, and synthesising complex information clearly.
4. Familiarity with locally-led development, movement-building or civil society collaborations.
5. Strong writing and presentation skills in English.

Preferred:

• Based in or with strong connections to the Global South.
• Fluency in French, Spanish or another major UN language is a plus.

Timeline & Estimated Days

The consultancy will run for 7-10 working days between 20 September and 5 October 2025.

Budget

Please provide a financial proposal including daily rates, anticipated research or communication costs, and any relevant taxes or fees. All figures must be expressed in USD.

Application Process

Interested consultants should submit a single PDF proposal (maximum 10 pages, CVs in annex) including:

• Introduction: Background and motivation.
• Approach: Methodology, timeline, and proposed tools or strategies.
• Experience: Relevant past work and 2 references or testimonials.
• Budget: All-inclusive cost estimate with daily rate and budget notes.

Please submit your proposal to carolina.vegarivas@civicus.org by September 17th 2025 with the subject line: Coalition Hub mapping consultancy

Applicants from traditionally excluded communities or based in the Global South are especially encouraged to apply.