Civil society resilience strengthening

Serbian civil society has a vibrant history but faces obstacles in performing its democratic role as watchdog, advocacy and citizen engagement platform. Cooperation between civil society and government institutions has been strained and affected by a non-enabling environment.

In addition, civil society lacks a proactive, sectorwide strategy to improve its operating environment, limiting its ability to effectively respond and live up to its role. Civil society organizations face a range of internal and external challenges in the areas of legal, cyber, disinformation, financial sustainability and poor public image, among others. Despite a weakened relationship, there are still opportunities for civil society to engage in dialogue with the government and achieving a democratic debate.

Objective 1: Improved ability of civil society organizations to respond to new and emerging civic spaces challenges

Objective 2: Improved Enabling Environment for Civil Society

Risultati principali attesi:  

• Constituency base of civil society is expanded to include non-traditional actors.
• Sectoral integrity and cooperation between CSOs is enhanced.
• CSO financial sustainability is improved.
• Civil society meaningfully cooperate with the government in policy making and implementation.
• Legal enabling environment is improved.
• Civil society public image is improved.

USAID (Delegated cooperation)

Indirect contract partner:

Consortium - Partners Global (lead), Partners Serbia, Canvas, European Center for Non-profit Law, Civic Initiatives, DT Institute