What We Support

1.       Accountability of Public Institutions

In a democratic society, civil society actors are one of the most effective vehicles for keeping public institutions accountable and the promotion of good governance in the public sphere. Specifically, civil society actors may achieve this through mechanisms such as, but not limited to:

· watchdog activities (monitoring of public practices, policies and institutions);

· contribution to the development and implementation of public policies;

· advocacy;

· investigative journalism;

· strategic litigation.

Proposals should prove that the project will intoduce significant benefit for the general public, or for a defined minority, through the achievement of transparency and accountability in public institutions or by highlighting serious problems caused by disfunctionalities of the public institutions.

2.       Civic Engagement and Community Mobilization

The growing apathy of individual citizens and constituencies and a diminishing interest in public affairs endanger the foundation and stability of democracy. Stimulating participation on all levels of public life is a primary role for civil society actors. Part of this strategy should include consistent efforts to:

· educate and empower the public on their rights and role as citizens in a democracy;

· raise public awareness on critical issues;

· strengthen organizations’ and groups’ capacity to generate public debate on topics of importance;

· bring new voices into the public debate;

· develop civil society actors’ public communication skills;

· encourage critical thinking and real public debate;

· other 

3.       Solidarity in Social Life

Social solidarity is related not only to the problems of integration of disadvantaged groups that have become economically and socially marginalized throughout the region but it concerns also the connections between people through a community of interests, objectives and standards.  Solidarity in social life helps the people in need find out how to solve their problems.

Civil society actors are, inarguably, one of the only voices available to speak for these groups.

The CEE Trust will support projects offering fresh ideas how to stimulate:

· mutual understanding and acceptance;

· care of the mainstream society for the poor, the elderly, the excluded;

· engagement of all parties (disadvantaged groups, NGOs, educational organizations)

· efficient partnerships to address problems of marginalized groups.

Applicants can focus on one or more areas if the proposed approach meets the challenge.

Please note that the CEE Trust does not support provision of social services for disadvantaged groups.

4.       Supportive Environment for Civil Society

Fragmentation and lack of domestic financial support in civil society are problems impeding its ability to act as a strong public voice. In some cases, the legal and fiscal environment surrounding civil society actors throws up significant barriers to their function. With an increased fight-for-survival, there is often more rivalry than cooperation and joint action on certain root issues. Within this category, the CEE Trust encourages submission of proposals that focus on, but are not limited to:

· supporting innovative sustainability mechanisms for the sector;

· encouraging consolidation;

· building partnerships and cross-sectoral cooperation;

· promoting philanthropy on all levels;

· advocating a legal and fiscal environment that enables civil society actors to fulfill their role.

Applicants can focus on different areas if the proposed approach meets the challenge.