Launched in May 2005, the Kosovo Civil Society Program (KCSP) is a three-year initiative funded by the US Agency for International Development that assists Kosovo’s NGO community in becoming a truly indigenous, viable sector that plays an important role in representing and serving Kosovo’s diverse citizenry and shaping public policy. Specifically, KCSP works to achieve several key objectives:

IREX supports civil society-driven advocacy by providing training and mentoring in issues-based advocacy, technical assistance in the formation of a Kosovo NGO network, grants for community development partnerships and local and Kosovo-wide advocacy initiatives, and support for the development of issue-specific coalitions. These initiatives assist NGOs in moving from donor-driven agendas towards a more organic, vibrant civil society, serving as a true voice for Kosovars, and implementing advocacy efforts that reflect local priorities.

IREX is partnering with Kosovar NGOs Foundation for Democratic Initiatives (FDI) and the Advocacy Training and Resource Center (ATRC) to strengthen local capacity and support the development of Kosovo’s civil society through long-term mentoring, training, grant-giving, and technical assistance. Civil society strengthening organization Civic Action Strategies will also help grassroots organizations and coalitions build capacity and better define and implement their advocacy goals and strategies.

Program Elements

Developing civil society’s capacity to effectively advocate on behalf of Kosovo’s citizens
IREX works with advocacy coalitions to strengthen their capacity to advocate for key public policy issues while progressing toward forming a Kosovo network of NGOs that is inclusive, transparent, and has credibility with member NGOs, the public, and the authorities. In fostering NGO networks and supporting issue-specific campaigns, IREX provides technical assistance to advocacy grant recipients in effective advocacy and coalition-building techniques and use of the media in advocacy campaigns.

Increasing Kosovar NGOs’ autonomy and sustainability
Through its partnerships with FDI and ATRC, IREX is building a solid infrastructure for NGO capacity, autonomy, and sustainability. IREX technical assistance strengthens both organizations’ systems and capabilities to provide support and services to Kosovar civil society. FDI is primarily a grant-giving institution, providing funding to local NGOs for advocacy campaigns (both central and community level) and partnership and networking projects. In its expanded role as an NGO training and resource center, ATRC provides training and technical assistance to the NGO sector to improve effectiveness, sustainability, and advocacy skills while also serving as an information resource and fostering multi-party dialogue and partnerships.

Improving public perception of the NGO community
In order to gain public trust, Kosovar NGOs must incorporate high ethical standards in their management and operations and develop skills for engaging their clients. IREX is strengthening these NGOs’ ability to engage and respond to their core constituencies the local community, government authorities, and partner NGOs and is helping them improve their transparency and accountability. ATRC is developing a portfolio of public and constituent training modules that will be available to NGOs through their NGO resource center. In addition, KCSP is working with the civil society sector on developing an NGO code of ethics and is holding a series of NGO-journalist trainings and press club events on issues important to Kosovars.

IREX/Kosovo Civil Society Program
21 Tringë Smajli
Pristina, Kosovo
Tel: +381 (0)38 247 130
or: +381 (0)38 247 195
Fax: +381 (0)38 247 131
Email: information@irex-kcsp.org