After more than 30 years from the Communist regime, Romanian civil society in rural and small-town areas is still in an incipient phase. Furthermore, today it is further negatively impacted by COVID-19. The project aims to research the level of development, networks, and capacity of civil society organizations în Țara Făgărașului. Our research is a part of a border effort driven by the Țara Făgărașului Community Foundation to build a mechanism for continuously enhancing the capacity of civic society în Țara Făgărașului. Our aims are to involve 100 local civic initiatives in a process adapted to their specific needs and meant to increase their capacity and sustainability, working together for a green, competitive and inclusive Europe.

The aim of the project is to provide NGOs in Făgăraș County with opportunities to increase organizational capacity. The first stages include the mapping of civil society in the region and the creation of two hubs (resource centers) to serve Făgăraș Country on a long-term basis.

The following activities will be offered to non-governmental organizations in the area are:

• training courses on organizational management and governance;

• facilitating a dialogue between NGOs in the area;

• access to learning and collaboration experiences;

• shaping a network of non-governmental organizations in the area and supporting collaboration within the network;

• access to common workspaces and learning resources dedicated to civil society organizations.

NGOs allow people who care about their community to contribute actively to community life. Whether we are talking about better education, a better healthcare system, a more developed business environment, or support for people facing social challenges, civil society is the keyword for all of us to strengthen the communities we serve. That is why the project for developing the capacity of NGOs in Făgăraș County aims to start with an analysis of the civil society in the area.

About the Active Citizens Fund Romania program

The Active Citizens Fund Romania program is financed by the EEA Grants 2014-2021.

The overall objective of the Grants is to reduce economic and social disparities and to strengthen bilateral relations between the 15 beneficiary and donor states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway). The program is administered by the consortium of the Foundation for Civil Society Development, the Partnership Foundation, the Resource Center for Roma Communities, the PACT Foundation, and Frivillighet Norge, which acts as a Fund Operator designated by the FMO - Grants Financial Mechanism Office EEA and Norway.

Active Citizens Fund Romania aims to strengthen civil society and active citizenship and increase the capacity of vulnerable groups. With a total allocation of EUR 46,000,000, the program aims to develop the long-term sustainability and capacity of the civil society sector, stepping up its role in promoting democratic participation, active citizenship, and human rights while strengthening bilateral relations with donor states Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. For more information about Active Citizens Fund in Romania, please visit www.activecitizensfund.ro. For more information on EEA and Norwegian Grants, visit www.eeagrants.ro.

Duration Oct. 2021 - Apr. 2024 

The project “Development of the capacity of NGOs in Țara Făgărașului” is carried out by the Făgăraș Community Foundation in partnership with the Făgăraș Research Institute and the Mihai and Maria Frățilă Foundation and is funded by the Active Citizens Fund, funded by Iceland and Norway, Liech SEE 2014 - 2021.

Departments/units: Policy Analysis and Outreach Department, Research Department, Center on Global Affairs and Post Development

Regions: Romania, Țara Făgărașului

Topics: Philanthropy and Community Development, Civil Society, European Union