Civil Society for Democracy

Outcome 1: Increased civic engagement in public life through participatory advocacy of civil society.

Outcome 2: CSOs have strengthened their constituency relations and improved their organizational capacities.

Risultati principali attesi:  

• Different civil society initiatives have been supported to successfully engage in participatory advocacy.
• Champions of democracy have been promoted as role models for contribution to the development of democracy.
• Grantees have been trained to: i) build and strengthen constituency relations; ii) engage in effective resource diversification; and iii) improve internal governance and financial management.

Risultati fasi precedenti:   Switzerland is a longstanding and recognised supporter of democracy and civil society in Kosovo. Within the previous programme (Democratic Society Promotion; 2011-2023), over 180 civil society initiatives were supported. Over the years, the civil society has achieved good results particularly in the areas of rule of law, transparency, accountability, human rights and gender equality. During this period, the public trust in civil society increased from 19% in 2012 to 51% in 2023. In parallel, democracy in Kosovo advanced and - in contrast to civic space shrinking trends in many other countries - the space for civil society was protected. Additionally, together with other donors, the local partner (KCSF) was supported in initiating a localised, revamped and more comprehensive regranting scheme for civil society.

• Pooled funding with other development partners (Sweden already started, possibly Denmark, etc.)
• Complementarity with the EU and USAID initiatives implemented also with KCSF
• Synergies with other Swiss interventions: DEMOS, WIP, IWRM, PHRD, etc.