The purpose of a new Ukraine Civil Society Sectoral Support Activity is to improve the operating environment for civil society and strengthen the institutional capacities of civil society organizations (CSOs) to advance the self-reliance of the civic sector in Ukraine. The Activity will be implemented by the ISAR “Ednannia” as a prime implementing partner in a consortium with the Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research (UCIPR) and the Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law (CEDEM).
Why should it be important?
Ukrainian civil society has served as a critical driver for democratic reform in the country for the past 25 years. It has functioned as a short-term mobilizing force, capable of rallying millions of citizens to the street in protest of corrupt government practices, thereby bolstering the Government of Ukraine (GOU) commitment to advancing more inclusive, accountable, equitable policies. At the same time, civil society has also functioned as a long-term institutional counterweight to the government, with the capacity to move reform processes forward, deliver good quality services, and provide professional input into policy solutions. This ability to serve as a force for advancing both country commitment and country capacity makes civil society in Ukraine unique when compared to other post-Soviet countries. Despite these strengths, key weaknesses remain in the following areas
What is our purpose?
To improve the operating environment for civil society and strengthen the institutional capacities of civil society organizations (CSOs) to advance the self-reliance of the civic sector in Ukraine.
What kind of activities are we planning?
- Strengthen institutional capacities of civil society organizations.
- Improve the legal enabling environment for civil society.
- Enhance research and learning of civil society sectoral challenges, opportunities, and best practices.
Do we have a long-term and sustainable approach?
The Activity will focus on the ability of Ukraine’s civil society sector to sustainably advance the country's commitment and capacity for self-reliance over the long term. Sectoral sustainability includes the organizational capacities of civil society, the legal operating environment, and newly emerging threats related to illiberal effects on the sector. The Activity will use a coalition-based approach to further strengthen the sustainability of Ukrainian civil society. The Activity will provide technical and financial support to a wide range of civil society organizations and groups, including registered CSOs, Kyiv-based, regionally based, and locally based CSOs, newly registered CSOs, informal and unregistered groups, voluntary initiatives, civic movements, and others.
