•Must be a registered non-governmental organisation (NGO) or civil society organisation (CSO)

•Must hold registered charitable or non-profit status with official documentation in the country of registration

•Must have a documented track record in international development, poverty reduction, or human rights programming

•Must submit audited annual accounts covering recent operating years demonstrating sound financial standing

•Must maintain robust governance structures, risk management frameworks, and child/adult safeguarding policies

•Proposed projects must align with Ireland's policy for international development ('A Better World') and focus on reaching those furthest behind

The Civil Society Fund (CSF) is a competitive grant mechanism managed by Irish Aid (Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland). The fund supports civil society organisations in implementing development projects focused on poverty alleviation, promoting gender equality, strengthening good governance and human rights, and fostering climate adaptation in developing countries. Grant recipients are selected through an annual call for proposals based on strategic alignment, feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and expected community impact.

•Multi-annual or single-year project grant funding typically ranging up to €400,000 per annum depending on the funding stream

•Direct coverage of project operational, implementation, and community intervention expenses

•Financial support for monitoring, evaluation, research, and project learning activities

•Contribution towards allowable direct staffing and eligible indirect administrative costs associated with project delivery