SWA Catalytic Funding 2026: $10,000 Grant Available for WASH Advocacy Initiatives

For organisations working to ensure that water, sanitation and hygiene receive stronger political attention and long-term investment, the SWA Catalytic Funding 2026 provides an opportunity to turn advocacy ideas into practical initiatives that can contribute to meaningful change.

SWA Catalytic Funding 2026 for WASH Advocacy Projects

The SWA Catalytic Funding 2026 is intended to support advocacy initiatives that can help strengthen political prioritisation, sustainable financing, accountability and collaboration within the WASH sector.

Rather than simply providing general organisational funding, the programme focuses on advocacy activities capable of influencing policy, encouraging government action and supporting sustainable responses to water and sanitation challenges.

This makes the opportunity relevant to eligible civil society organisations already working on issues such as water security, sanitation, hygiene, climate resilience, gender equality, public accountability and sustainable development.

$10,000 WASH Advocacy Grant for Eligible Civil Society Organisations

Selected organisations will receive a USD 10,000 grant to support eligible advocacy activities.

The funded project will have a three-month duration, beginning from the receipt of funding or the agreed project start date.

Organisations receiving funding will also be required to provide narrative and financial reports after completing their activities.

Who Can Apply for SWA Catalytic Funding 2026?

The call is specifically open to Sanitation and Water for All Civil Society partners.

Applicants should therefore confirm their status as an eligible SWA Civil Society partner before preparing and submitting an application.

Proposed advocacy initiatives should:

• Align with the applicant organisation’s objectives.
• Align with the SWA Strategic Framework 2020–2030.
• Address at least one of the programme’s stated priority areas.
• Focus on advocacy capable of contributing to stronger action in the WASH sector.

Applications are available in English, French and Spanish, giving eligible partners the flexibility to apply in one of the available programme languages.

Priority Areas for the SWA WASH Advocacy Grant

Applicants should ensure their proposed projects address at least one of the priority areas identified under the funding opportunity.

Political Prioritisation of Water and Sanitation

Projects may focus on efforts to increase the political priority given to water and sanitation and encourage decision-makers to give greater attention to WASH challenges.

Government Commitments and Sustainable WASH Financing

Another priority area is helping translate government commitments into concrete action and sustainable financing for water and sanitation.

Advocacy initiatives may therefore explore ways to strengthen implementation, financing and accountability around existing commitments.

Water Security, Climate Resilience and Economic Development

Applications may also connect water security with climate resilience, economic strength and social wellbeing.

This area recognises the wider role that reliable water and sanitation services can play in resilient communities and sustainable development.

Additional Themes Encouraged Under SWA Catalytic Funding

While proposals can address the main priority areas, the programme particularly encourages applications focused on several important themes.

WASH Advocacy on Elections and Citizen Engagement

Eligible civil society organisations can develop advocacy initiatives around elections and citizen engagement, particularly where these activities can help place water and sanitation issues within public discussions and decision-making processes.

Water Security and Climate & Economic Resilience

Projects can explore the relationship between water security, climate resilience and economic resilience, highlighting the importance of sustainable water systems to communities and economies.

Gender-Focused Water and Sanitation Advocacy

The funding opportunity also encourages gender-focused WASH advocacy. Organisations working to address gender-related challenges in access to water, sanitation and hygiene can consider this theme when developing their proposals.

Civil Society Advocacy for Sustainable Financing

Another encouraged area is the development of civil society approaches that promote sustainable financing for water and sanitation.

Accountability in the WASH Sector

Applicants can also focus on accountability, including advocacy approaches designed to strengthen transparency, citizen participation and follow-through on WASH commitments.

Geographic Scope of the SWA Catalytic Grant 2026

The funding opportunity is available to eligible SWA Civil Society partners operating at national and regional levels.

The geographic scope includes:

• Africa
• Asia
• Latin America
• Global contexts

This broad geographic scope allows eligible SWA Civil Society partners working in different regions to develop advocacy initiatives relevant to their specific WASH environments.

What Will Successful SWA Grant Applicants Receive?

Successful applicants will receive funding and support for eligible advocacy activities under the programme.

• USD 10,000 grant funding
• Three months to implement the supported project
• Support for eligible WASH advocacy activities

Grant recipients will be expected to complete reporting requirements, including narrative and financial reports, after the completion of their activities.

How to Apply for SWA Catalytic Funding 2026

Eligible SWA Civil Society partners interested in the opportunity should prepare their proposed advocacy initiative and complete the required application form and budget template.

The forms and templates are available in:

• English
• French
• Spanish

Applicants should ensure that their proposed activities align with their organisation’s objectives, the SWA Strategic Framework 2020–2030 and at least one of the programme’s priority areas.

Apply for SWA Catalytic Funding 2026