Russia Civil Society Support Program (CSSP Russia)
The Russia Civil Society Support Program (CSSP Russia) strengthened the nongovernmental (NGO) sector in Russia, promoting an environment of constructive dialogue between government and civil society.
Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), CSSP Russia built the capacity of NGOs to advocate for citizen interests and compel government leaders to address these needs in developing responsive policy decisions. CSSP Russia engaged hundreds of NGOs, associations, and representatives from governmental and nongovernmental sectors in advancing civil society development in the Russia.
This project is now closed.
Goals
• Consolidate the Russian NGO community along thematic and professional lines
• Strengthen the NGO sector’s capacity to develop and advocate for policies that address citizens’ needs
• Establish constructive partnerships between civil society leaders and local, regional, and federal governments
Background
CSSP was designed to overcome the rifts in civil society infrastructure that hinder Russian citizens from expressing their needs in an articulate and productive manner and at the same time prevent policymakers from hearing and responding to citizen interests. Too often the government develops social policy without considering the needs and interests of those who will be affected by such policies. A lack of collaboration and dialogue between the government and NGOs, who represent citizen interests, leads to ineffective policies and unmet needs.
Project Activities
Third Sector Development: CSSP Russia supported NGO sector development by facilitating collaboration between special interest NGOs and third sector professionals. Through social policy research and coalition-building activities, NGOs enhance their organizational capacity to create advocacy goals from evidence-based research. CSSP’s grant funding supported coalitions and alliances, and fostered the creation of over 30 regional and inter-regional coalitions to advocate for housing rights, education reform, women’s rights, environmental protection, healthcare, government transparency, and rights of people with disabilities in 20 regions of the Russian Federation.
Advocacy and Policy Analysis Skills Development and Training: IREX supplemented grant funding with mentorship and training in strategic advocacy design, implementation, and evaluation, establishing venues where NGOs can come together to collaborate as a sector. CSSP established a number of forums for networking and professional exchanges among NGOs. By encouraging cooperation and information-sharing with research-oriented organizations, CSSP empowered Russian NGOs to provide informed input into social policy development.
Forums for Policy Dialogue between NGOs and the Government: Trainings on NGO networking and communications between civil society leaders and policymakers build the foundation for federal-level working groups to promote better collaboration between NGOs and the government. By engaging legislative and executive authorities in dialogue, NGOs effectively represent citizen interests in analyzing social policy and bringing about positive change.
Additional Links
Contact
Project Facts
Supported over 500 civil society advocacy campaigns addressing local and federal legislation
Engaged over 1,200 NGOs/CSOs in alliance building, advocacy, social policy research, NGO/ Government dialogue, working groups, training, and institutional capacity building
Built the capacity of six thematic alliance grantees in the fields of education, public health, housing, and local self-government, representing over 111 member NGOs and associations across Russia
Addressed 259 positive modifications to enabling legislation and regulation for Russian civil society
