BACKGROUND:

The Office for Cooperation with Civil Society (OCCS) was established in 2011 to support dialogue between the Serbian Government and civil society organizations (CSOs).  OCCS supports the creation of relevant legislative frameworks and CSO engagement in decision making processes, especially those related to EU accession. In addition, it promotes transparent funding of CSOs at the local and national levels and leads overall coordination efforts between the Government and civil society.  

On February 14, 2014 USAID signed a government-to-government agreement with OCCS, launching the Civil Society Enabling Environment (CSEE) Project.  

ACTIVITIES:

The project supports the creation of the first National Strategy for Civil Society, which identifies legal and institutional constraints to civil society development. The strategy also provides mechanisms for civil society and public institutions to strengthen their cooperation. The project provides training of local government officials on improving collaboration with CSOs, builds OCCS’s capacity to conduct further outreach, and is developing a web platform aimed at promoting greater links between the public and CSOs. The web platform provides citizens a catalog of CSOs with information about what they do and how citizens and businesses can engage with and support them.  

RESULTS:

• Brought more than 400 CSOs and public officials together to develop the National Strategy for Civil Society;
• Supported open dialogue between civil society and the government on various initiatives, including improving prospects for local philanthropy;
• Trained local government representatives from over 166 municipalities on ensuring transparency in spending public funds for CSO activities and on promoting greater inclusion of CSOs in local policy decision making;
• Developed a CSO online platform that maps current CSOs in Serbia, their areas of focus, contact information, upcoming activities, and other relevant resources.  

Project funded by:

U.S. Agency for International Development; USAID/Serbia

Project implemented by:

The Government Office for Cooperation with Civil Society. 

Key counterparts:

Government of Serbia ministries and offices; Civil Society Organizations; and others

Where we work:

Nationwide

Project duration:

February 2014 – December 2015

Total amount: 

$214,834

Contact:

Palata Srbija, Bulevar Mihaila Pupina 2, 11000 Belgrade
Phone: +381-11 311-3895
Fax:     +381-11 311-3859
E-mail:  office@civilnodrustvo.gov.rs
Website: www.civilnodrustvo.gov.rs;www.ocdoskop.rs