In 2010 Sida is working with 15 framework organisations. About 500 Swedish NGOs and other groups were involved in development cooperation programmes in more than 100 countries together with more than 2000 organisations and associations.
Sweden’s embassies are also an important source of support for CSOs. They work with local organisations, and promote their engagement in local decision-making and policy. This support is in addition to Sweden’s support of the work of international organisations such as the United Nations.
Overall, Sweden aims to promote vibrant and democratic CSOs, based on their roles as the voice of poor and marginalised groups, and provider of services such as health and education.
SIDA’s support of CSOs is focused on:
- Activities that are aligned to the current development cooperation strategy.
- The capacity of civil society organisations to be strengthened by focusing on the development of the organisation’s decision-making structures and systems, internal and external communication, and actual performance.
- Organisations and networks that strengthen the role of civil society as an arena for citizens’ engagement, and promoting transparency, cooperation and networking among organisations.
- Opportunities that promote CSOs role to influence the design and implementation of poverty reduction strategies, in dialogue with the governments in partner countries.
One distinguishing feature of this cooperation is its diversity in terms of both scope and emphasis. While some activities may only reach a few people, others could help change conditions for a significant proportion of the world’s poor.
Instructions
On the basis of the CSO strategy, beginning on March 15, 2010 Sida's Instructions for Grants from the Appropriation Item Support via Swedish Civil Society Organisations govern the provision of grants to the Swedish CSOs with which Sida has entered into an agreement concerning a framework grant within the appropriation item. The instructions consist of two parts. The first part describes the objectives and priorities within the appropriation item as well as Sida's assessment criteria. In Part II, the special requirements and rules that apply for the appropriation item, including guidelines for applications and reporting by framework organisations are presented.
