Local Civil Society Capacity Building Initiative

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to enhance and further develop the organizational capacity of local civil society organizations (CSOs) in the MENA region. CSOs are flexible, dynamic, adaptive, localized, efficient, and innovative, making them complementary to governments and positioning them to execute a needs-based, demand-led approach. The common obstacles facing CSOs are linked to the difficulties in scaling-up and ensuring sustainability. Research shows that by developing a vision, planning strategically, and building organizational and leadership capacity, CSOs become more adept at being self-reflective and effective. Stemming from the knowledge that a mature, respected, and credible civil society is essential for encouraging participatory governance, NEA/AC asserts that CSOs can help increase governments' legitimacy and channel citizens' demands effectively.