Civic Innovation Fund (CIF) 2026: Financial and Economic Literacy Call – Apply Now

The Civic Innovation Fund (CIF) 2026 opens a call for financial and economic literacy projects through youth-led organisations and civic education startups across Europe. The grants award up to €10,000 to successful applicants to support pilot, incubation, or scale-up activities. The deadline for applications is 16 February 2026 at 11:59 PM CET.

About The Civic Innovation Fund (CIF) Grant

The Civic Innovation Fund (CIF) 2026: Financial and Economic Literacy is managed by THE CIVICS Innovation Hub, which is a pan-European nonprofit that supports civic education and participation across Europe. 

The 2026 Financial and Economic Literacy Call is sponsored by the ERSTE Foundation and supports formal and informal civic education startups and youth-led organisations with up to €10,000 in funding. The fund aims to address societal and economic challenges, improve the impact of civic society and improve the declining trust in public institutions. 

Funding Size

• Typical grant amount: €10,000
• Maximum award: €10,000
• Project duration supported: 8 months (April 1 – December 1 2026)

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Who Can Apply for the Civic Innovation Fund (CIF)

• Eligible organisation types:

• • Civic education startups
  • Youth-led organisations
  • Nonprofits
  • Educational institutions

• Registration requirements:

• • Civic education startups that have been in operation for at least 3 years.
  • Projects must be completed as a partnership with other organisations or individuals.
  • All projects must be completed in Europe and should focus on formal or informal civic education.
  • Geographic eligibility: Europe

• Sector or thematic focus:

• Civic education
• Societal and economic challenges
• Youth-led projects

Application Process

• Visit the official grant portal to submit an application before February 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM CET
• Submissions must focus on projects that align with the foundation’s goals and focus on civic education
• Applications are reviewed by the panel, and successful applicants will be contacted for the next stage.

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Required Materials

• Project proposal 
• Proof of registration
• Proof of partnership with an individual or organisation
• Prior work experience

Key Dates

• Application deadline: February 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM CET
• Project implementation period: 1 April – 1 December 2026
• Notification timeline: Not specified.

Selection Notes

• The grant is competitive with limited spaces, with a focus on literacy and civic education projects. 
• Priority focus areas: 
• Civic education 
• Literacy projects
• Youth-led projects
• Societal and economic impact
• Exclusions: projects that do not focus on:
• Civic education
• Societal and economic challenges

Official Source of the Civic Innovation Fund (CIF)

• Official Application Page: https://app.guestoo.de/public/event/46e82095-ee7c-462a-a19c-c787a34158f3?lang=en#top