The Fund for Joint Capacity Development is once again open for applications after being tied closer to Global Focus’ work with challenging and shifting power (im)balances.

Danish civil society organisations and their partner(s) in the global majority can now apply for projects between 50.000-400.000 DKK aimed at strengthening equitable partnerships through joint learning and capacity development. Global Focus is also recruiting two new members of the Grant Committee, for anyone interested in working closely with the Fund (see details in the bottom of the page). 

The call for shifting the power, localisation, local leadership, decolonisation and equitable partnerships has far from subsided during the tumultuous period the sector has been through in the last year. 

Across civil society, organisations continue to navigate a rapidly changing landscape shaped by political uncertainty and funding cuts. At the same time, conversations about power, equity and transformation remain central. While momentum is strong, turning these ambitions into concrete changes in partnerships requires time, reflection, and a willingness to challenge existing ways of working.

A space to work collaboratively with power and partnerships

Funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and administered by Global Focus, the Fund for Joint Capacity Development provides a dedicated space for Danish organisations and their partners in the global majority to jointly explore these challenges in practice.

The Fund supports processes that prioritise learning, dialogue, and experimentation. Rather than focusing only on technical capacity, it encourages partners to examine how power operates within their collaboration — such as how decisions are made, how resources are shared, and whose knowledge and perspectives shape the work. The aim is to strengthen partnerships and thereby implementation by fostering more equitable and reflective ways of working together. 

Building on lessons from 2025

The 2026 call builds on a particularly active year for the Fund. In 2025, seven projects were supported to explore questions of power and equity in development cooperation. The projects demonstrated a wide range of approaches. Some focused on strengthening collaboration through joint learning processes, dialogue, and the development of shared principles for partnerships. Others took a broader perspective, examining how structural dynamics — such as sector norms, communication practices, and definitions of capacity — shape relationships between organisations.

Across these diverse projects, a common insight emerged: equitable partnerships and power shifts do not happen automatically. They require deliberate effort, open dialogue, and space to test new approaches.

Ready to apply?

The Fund is open for applications until 15 September 2026, 23:59 CEST.

Two types of grants are available:

• Large grants (DKK 100,000–400,000) requiring a joint application with at least one partner in the global majority
• Small grants (up to DKK 50,000) for Danish organisations working with or alongside partners in the global majority

Guidelines, application formats, and further information can be found on the Fund’s webpage. Applicants are welcome to reach out for guidance during the application process at Denne e-mail adresse bliver beskyttet mod spambots. Du skal have JavaScript aktiveret for at vise den. 

Call for new members of the Grant Committee

Global Focus is also seeking two new members for the Fund’s Grant Committee in 2026.

The Grant Committee plays a central role in assessing applications and making funding decisions, as well as contributing to the ongoing development of the Fund. Members participate in one annual application round and are appointed for a two-year period. The estimated time commitment is approximately 20 hours per round, depending on the number of applications. 

We encourage nominations from member organisations, particularly candidates with experience in the shifting the power agenda, organisational learning, and capacity strengthening and experience sharing. 

The nomination deadline is 25 August 2026. 

Nominations (CV and letter of motivation and endorsement) should be sent to Denne e-mail adresse bliver beskyttet mod spambots. Du skal have JavaScript aktiveret for at vise den. with Denne e-mail adresse bliver beskyttet mod spambots. Du skal have JavaScript aktiveret for at vise den. cc.