The Mongolian government's efforts to safeguard democracy have received a significant boost from the British Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, which has announced a £75,000 fund to support civic engagement and youth voter projects across the country. With concerns growing over a narrowing of civic space and declining youth participation, particularly outside the capital city, this initiative aims to empower local civil society organisations (CSOs) and enhance voter education initiatives for young people.
Under the scheme, non-profit organisations are invited to submit proposals in two distinct areas. The first strand, with up to £40,000 allocated, focuses on bolstering civic space and strengthening civic participation by equipping rural and local CSOs with the tools and networks needed to monitor elections and hold politicians accountable for their promises. The second area, with a budget of up to £35,000, is dedicated to youth-centred voter education and debates, aiming to support groups in developing accessible initiatives tailored specifically for young and rural audiences.
Projects funded under this call are expected to commence by October 2026 and conclude by the end of December 2027. Proposals must outline clear objectives, relevant activities, and a coherent delivery approach, supported by measurable outputs and outcomes. While costs can be presented in Mongolian Tugrik (MNT), an equivalent value in pounds sterling (GBP) must also be provided.
Eligibility for the funding is restricted to registered non-profit organisations and consortia led by non-profit entities, which must demonstrate relevant experience and capability to deliver activities across Mongolia, including its more remote rural areas. The competitive bidding process will assess proposals based on their relevance, local knowledge, innovation, potential impact, value for money, and risk management strategies.
This initiative comes as evidence suggests that while Mongolia's civic space remains relatively open, there are growing constraints on civil society actors in regions beyond Ulaanbaatar. Recent elections have seen a noticeable decline in voter turnout, especially among young and first-time voters. Strengthening rural civic engagement and improving access to non-partisan information are therefore identified as crucial priorities ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
Proposals must be submitted in English to Enquiries.Mongolia@fcdo.gov.uk by 11:59 pm Ulaanbaatar time on 29 July 2026. Due to the anticipated volume of applications, feedback will not be provided to unsuccessful applicants.