NGO's and Civil Society

WORLD BANK IN KAZAKHSTAN ANNOUNCES A GRANT COMPETITION FOR NGOS UNDER THE CIVIL SOCIETY SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FUND FOR 2010

ASTANA, February 12, 2010 – The World Bank Country Office in Kazakhstan is pleased to announce launch of the grant competition under the Civil Society Social Development Fund (formerly known as World Bank Small Grants Program, further on - CSF) for the total amount of US$ 45,000 for nonprofit, nongovernmental, nonacademic organizations of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Any institution involved in development broadly defined may apply for a grant. Usually individual grant cannot exceed US$ 5,000. Applications are accepted in the World Bank Offices in Almaty and Astana till April 2, 2010.

Activities supported by the CSF are intended to promote dialogue and dissemination of information, and enhance partnerships with key players in support of the development process. In 2010, the CSF will support projects focusing on engagement of population in the development processes. Priority will be given to projects implemented in the rural areas. Special attention will be paid to projects aimed at building capacity of civil society organizations in identification of potential projects, project management, and leveraging funds. The CSF does not provide financing for political activities of any scope and level.

Series of seminars will be conducted for potential CSF grant competition participants in February-March aimed at increased understanding of the CSF goals, purposes, and selection criteria by the target audiences. Dates, time, and venues of these seminars will be communicated through the World Bank internet site. Information on the CSF selection criteria, guidelines for participation, and application package can be found at http://www.worldbank.org.kz/ or obtained in the World Bank Offices in Astana and Almaty.

The Civil Society Social Development Fund, which operated as the WB Small Grants program till 2007, was created in 1983. While working in Kazakhstan from 1998 to 2009 the CSF has supported 92 projects for the total amount of US$ 378,000.

The World Bank's Civil Society web site provides CSOs with information and materials on the World Bank’s evolving relationship with civil society throughout the world. In addition, the World Bank's Europe and Central Asia Region website, deals with civil society issues specific to the region.

Here we will be placing information that can be of interest for CSOs working in and for Kazakhstan.  This site is dedicated to information on ongoing policy consultations, funding sources, operational partnerships, and other development-related issues.