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Dear Reader, Happy New Year! Here is the first newsletter of the year from CISU, and it truly is a mixed bag: A fantastic piece of news, a terrible piece of news, and an important correction to an application form. Read about all three and more below. Happy reading, happy New Year, and apologies for the mistake, Kim Jensen DERF Extension Secures Support Until 2028
The agreement between CISU and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the Danish Emergency Relief Fund (DERF) has been extended until 2028.
- The extension is an important step in ensuring continued funding for civil society in its efforts to assist people in need. We are pleased that DERF can continue its work for several more years, says Christoph Lodemann, DERF fund manager.
The agreement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the consortium behind DERF â CISU and Save the Children Denmark â thus brings renewed stability for organizations operating in humanitarian crises.
A Necessity in a Time of Crisis
The world faces a range of major challenges, including conflicts and natural disasters affecting millions of people. Civil society plays a crucial role in providing aid to vulnerable groups.
- DERF is an indispensable funding opportunity that ensures civil society organizations can respond quickly to urgent needs. The extension of the agreement is absolutely essential to supporting these efforts, says Jeef Bech, Head of Secretariat at CISU.
The extension depends on the approval of the 2025 Finance Act, but the fund is already open for new applications and alerts.
Global Aktion Hit by Fire
In the early hours of Monday, January 12, Global Aktion's premises in Nørrebro were devastated by a fire. The fire is being investigated as arson. Due to graffiti referencing the organizationâs work in occupied Western Sahara, there is suspicion of an attack targeting Global Aktion, one of CISUâs founding member organizations.
CISUâs Chairperson, Torsten Malmdorf, along with the rest of the secretariat, is deeply shocked by the incident.
- This is terrible news, and we stand in strong solidarity and sympathy with the many dedicated volunteers and employees of Global Aktion, who, beyond the initial shock, now face the challenge of continuing their work despite the loss of premises, computers, and materials, he says.
The police are currently investigating the case, and if it turns out to be a politically motivated attack, it is deeply concerning, Torsten Malmdorf adds.
- It is crucial that organizations working on global engagement and solidarity are not hindered in their ability to carry out their mission, he says.
Read more on Global Aktion's website
Report Praises Danish Efforts
A report from Radboud University in the Netherlands sheds light on how citizen-driven networks in Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France contribute to global solidarity and development. In Denmark, CISUâs member organizations have been particularly active, and the study highlights their advanced work in supporting locally-led development.
The report, authored by Professor Sara Kindbergen together with an international research team, examines how citizen-driven initiatives â called "Citizen Initiatives for Global Solidarity" â operate across various organizational frameworks. Anders Reimers Larsen, an advisor at CISU, explains:
- Itâs about people coming together â often around a kitchen table â to make a difference. In Denmark, this typically takes the form of associations, while in the Netherlands it often happens through foundations, he says.
Despite structural differences, the study identifies a shared driving force: a deep commitment to influencing societies and creating sustainable solutions.
Read more here
Listen to a podcast about the report here
Error in Application Formats
There is an error in the application format for the "Large Project" under the Civil Society Fund. Unfortunately, a sub-question under section 3.4 was omitted. A new format has now been uploaded, along with an explanation and an apology, which you can find here.
You can also download the application form directly here.
Join Us and Make an Impact
On April 26, CISU invites you to this yearâs General Assembly, where association democracy will be celebrated â this year with a special focus on CISU's 30th anniversary. The day will feature important decisions about the organizationâs future, opportunities for networking, and a chance to commemorate three decades of contributions to civil society.
You can already register for the General Assembly, which will once again take place in Odense.
Please note: Proposals for amendments to the bylaws must be submitted to CISU no later than February 26.
Other proposals for discussion at the General Assembly must be submitted to CISU by April 5 â three weeks before the event.
Registration can be completed via the link here, and proposals should be sent via email to cisu@cisu.dk.
Get Help with Applications
On January 20, two separate courses on applications will be held.
The first is "Crafting a Strong Neighbor Fund Application" at Vartov in Copenhagen. The course is aimed at CISU members â both new and experienced â with a focus on improving the quality of applications to the Neighbor Fund.
Participants will learn how to write precise project descriptions, set clear objectives, and structure professional applications. The course also provides insights into the Neighbor Fundâs guidelines and assessment criteria.
Read more and register at CISU's website.
The second course is "Writing a Strong Application for Communication Grants." This webinar is aimed at individuals currently applying for or planning to apply for communication grants under OpEn.
Participants will receive practical advice and inspiration for crafting a strong application. The webinar will also review changes to the communication grant guidelines, updated in the fall of 2024 based on feedback from previous applicants. Additionally, a management consultant will provide an overview of administrative requirements, with a particular focus on sole proprietorships and individual applicants.
Register via this link
CISU Highlighted as a Model for the Social Sector
At the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housingâs major conference on December 17, 2024, regarding core funding for civil society organizations' social work, CISUâs model was highlighted as an inspiration. With 150 attendees, including the Minister for Social Affairs and seven social spokespersons, CISUâs model was presented as an example of efficient fund management within politically defined frameworks.
The discussion centered on two models: the Civil Society Industry Association's model, which advocates for management through the civil service, and CISU's model, which entrusts civil society with the responsibility of distributing funds. CISUâs model was particularly praised for being well-suited to smaller grants, focusing on support for development and innovation.
According to *Altinget*, the ministerâs statement after the conference reflects openness to both models.
Read Altingetâs analysis here |
