Application Deadline: April 16, 2026
Are you an experienced practitioner who has worked to institutionalize participatory or deliberative democracy within governance systems?
Have you helped advance reforms that embed public participation in laws, policies, budgeting systems, or administrative processes?
Are you interested in supporting other reformers working to mainstream participatory governance?
The Mainstreaming Participation Accelerator (MPA) is seeking experienced practitioners to serve as mentors in its Phase II cohort.
Selected mentors will support reformers working to institutionalize participatory and deliberative democracy (PDD) within governance systems across the Global South.
About the Programme
The Mainstreaming Participation Accelerator (MPA) supports democratic reformers working to move participatory innovations—such as participatory budgeting, citizens’ assemblies, and participatory policymaking—from pilot initiatives to durable institutional practice.
Phase II of the program introduces a cascade mentorship model, where experienced reformers mentor practitioners working to advance institutional reforms in their contexts.
Mentors will participate in a structured learning programme and then support 3–5 reformers working to embed participatory governance within laws, policies, and administrative systems.
Role of Mentors
Mentors will:
- Share experience navigating institutional reform processes
- Provide guidance on mainstreaming strategies and pathways
- Support reformers in addressing political and institutional barriers
- Contribute to collective learning on institutionalizing participatory governance
Mentors will also participate in program learning sessions focused on strengthening strategies for advancing participatory governance reforms.
What Mentors Receive
Mentors will benefit from:
Participation in a global learning cohort
Engagement with practitioners working across diverse governance contexts.
Structured learning on mainstreaming participation
Training and peer exchange on institutional reform strategies.
Opportunities to contribute to global knowledge
Participation in documenting lessons and developing resources on mainstreaming participatory governance.
Access to Strategic Reform Support
A limited number of mentors may receive targeted support to advance reform-related activities.
Who Should Apply
We are looking for practitioners with demonstrated experience in advancing or supporting institutional reforms related to participatory and deliberative democracy.
Applicants may come from:
- Government institutions
- Civil society organizations
- Research or policy institutions
- Reform coalitions
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience advocating for institutional change
- Familiarity with participatory governance mechanisms
- Capacity to mentor and support other reformers
Programme Structure
The program includes two phases:
Phase I – Mentor Learning Programme
Mentors participate in structured sessions on institutional mainstreaming strategies, political navigation, and mentorship approaches.
Phase II – Cascade Mentorship
Mentors support 3–5 reformers working to advance institutional participation reforms in their contexts.
Strategic Reform Support
A limited number of Strategic Reform Support Grants will be available to mentors who demonstrate strong reform progress and clear needs for additional resources.
Grants will not be awarded at the beginning of the program. Mentors may apply for support after the mentorship phase begins and reform needs are clearly identified.
Up to 10 mentors may receive this support.
Program Timelines
Program broad timelines
- March 2026: Applications for stage 1 participants (mentors) open until April 16 2026 at 08:59 pm UTC (check your timezone here).
- April 30 2026: Stage 1 closes, shortlisted participants are notified for stage 2 submissions
- April 30 2026: Stage 2 opens and closes May 15
- May 30 2026: Due diligence and onboarding
- May 2026: The program phase 1 begins with a virtual kick-off session
- May – October 2026: Participants undergo coaching, training and mentorship, develop their action plans with the support of program team and participate in check-in sessions
- July 2026: Applications for stage 2 participants (reformers) open until September 30 2026 at 08:59 pm UTC (check your timezone here).
- October 2026: The program phase 1 ends
- November 2026 – November 2027: Program phase kick-off–mentors implement their action plans by working with their matched reformers.
- January 2027 – December 2027: Participants share learnings
Applicant Support
To support strong applications, the program will host:
Information Sessions
Up to three information sessions will introduce the program and explain the application process.
Office Hours
Applicants may join open office hour sessions to ask clarification questions about the call.
Program staff may provide guidance on eligibility and alignment with the program objectives but cannot review draft applications.
Pre-Submission Checklist
Before submitting your application, please confirm:
- A confirmed CSO–Government partnership
- A reform objective focused on institutionalization
- A plausible institutional adoption pathway
- Awareness of the political context
- Ability to support additional reformers through mentorship
How to Apply
Applications should demonstrate:
- Institutional positioning and experience
- Advocacy and reform experience related to PDD
- Knowledge of mainstreaming pathways
- Interest in mentoring reformers
Submit your application through the MPA application portal.
