Keseb is now accepting pitches for the Keseb Democracy Innovation Lab 2026 (iLab), an eight-month hybrid programme designed to support early-stage innovations that strengthen belonging, inclusivity, and resilience in diverse democracies. The inaugural iLab focuses on the theme: \u201cReimagining community-building for inclusive and resilient democracies.\u201d<\/p>\n
This initiative aims to identify and support 10 promising projects that are testing new approaches to community-building, democratic participation, cross-group belonging, and inclusive governance.<\/p>\n
Applications close 2 February 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. A separate nomination deadline for project leads is set for 16 January 2026.<\/p>\n
Selected project teams will participate in an eight-month hybrid programme<\/strong> that includes virtual sessions and in-person gatherings. Participants receive:<\/p>\n USD 10,000 in seed funding<\/strong> at the end of the programme<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Capacity-building in future visioning, innovation development, and long-term planning<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Sessions with leading futures-thinking and foresight experts<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Individualized support from the Keseb team and subject-matter experts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Peer learning within a transnational community of innovators<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Opportunities to contribute to future global innovation principles<\/strong> for democracy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Inclusion in the Keseb Community<\/strong> for continued collaboration and engagement<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Keseb invites applications from innovators working on non-partisan, not-for-profit, early-stage projects<\/strong> focused on strengthening community-building in diverse democracies. Eligible projects may fall into one of the following categories:<\/p>\n The project has been conceptualized but not yet implemented.<\/p>\n The project is being piloted or implemented and is less than two years old.<\/p>\n The project has existed for more than two years and is now being relaunched or taking a new strategic direction to test an innovation.<\/p>\n Eligible applicants may be:<\/p>\n Democracy practitioners<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Grassroots activists<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Journalists or storytellers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Community organizers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Researchers or academics<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Technologists<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Artists<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Or innovators from other fields<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The Project Lead<\/strong> must:<\/p>\n Be significantly involved in the project<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Be able to participate in virtual and in-person sessions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Be proficient in English for programme participation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Successful applications will demonstrate:<\/p>\n Projects must clearly articulate how they aim to foster cross-group belonging, inclusivity, and democratic resilience.<\/p>\n The Project Lead should have relevant lived or professional experience that supports effective implementation and growth.<\/p>\n Projects should offer imaginative solutions that envision the future of community-building over the next 20\u201330 years.<\/p>\n Projects should show clear promise either as local or national solutions with transnational applicability, or as transnational models with local relevance.<\/p>\n Applicants must demonstrate openness to shared learning, collective problem-solving, and engagement within a global pro-democracy community.<\/p>\n To qualify, projects must:<\/p>\n Align with the theme \u201cReimagining community-building for inclusive and resilient democracies\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Be early-stage, non-partisan, and not-for-profit<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Have a committed Project Lead actively working on the project<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ensure the Project Lead can participate in iLab activities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ensure English proficiency adequate for participation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Keseb also provides a Quick Eligibility Quiz<\/strong> on their website.<\/p>\n Submit your pitch by:<\/strong> 2 February 2026, 11:59 PM ET<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Nominate a Project Lead by:<\/strong> 16 January 2026, 11:59 PM ET<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Keseb may close submissions early if volume is high, but will provide a 48-hour notice window.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Learn more and submit your pitch:<\/strong> https:\/\/keseb.org\/ilab\/<\/a><\/p>\n If you or someone you know is developing fresh approaches to building community in diverse democratic contexts, this is a strong opportunity to gain support, resources, and an international network.<\/p>\n\n
Who Should Apply<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Idea Stage<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Pilot or Implementation Stage<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Post-Pilot Redesign Stage<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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What Keseb Is Looking For<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. Commitment to Inclusive and Resilient Democracies<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. Strong Project Leadership<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. Futures-Oriented Innovation<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4. Potential for Impact<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5. Willingness to Collaborate Across Borders<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Eligibility Criteria<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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How to Apply<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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