Strengthening Civil Society in Estonia: Insights from the NGO Fund Consultation

1. Civil society Stakeholder consultation - Estonia Patrizia Brandellero, Senior Sector Officer, FMOTallinn, 21 November 2011 Reducingdisparities Strengtheningrelations

2. Timeline for Estonia

3. Estonian NGO Fund – past and future Overall positive implementation 2004-09 • Good implementation of 190 projects, many small grants, oversubscription • Successful management by OEF, feedback, capacity building, publicity • Focus – close alignment with needs • Democracy and civil society development • Environment and sustainable development • Social integration and local development • Capacity building and advocacy strengthened • Few bilateral projects and contacts

4. Evaluation 2004-9 Recommendations - Focus • Consult NGOs on priorities • Target funding to ensure impact and address high demand • Focus on strategic processes that lead to change and sustainability: institutional strengthening, networking, policy and strategy development, advocacy and watchdog activities, increasing civic participation • Address key areas of concern (human rights, democratic processes, social inclusion…)

5. NGO Programmes 2009-14 Objective Strengthened civil society development and enhanced contribution to social justice, democracy and sustainable development Applicants Non-profit voluntary organisation established as a legal entity, having a non-commercial purpose, independent of local, regional and central government, public entities, political parties and commercial organisations. Religious institutions and political parties are not considered NGOs

6. NGO Programmes 2009-14 – Expected outcomes • Active citizenship • NGO/public partnerships • Democratic values • Advocacy and watchdog • Networks and coalitions of NGOs • Capacity of NGOs • Sustainable development and environment • Services • Empowerment

7. NGO Programmes 2009-14 – Areas of support Core areas (at least one third of support) • Democracy, Human rights including minorities rights • Good governance and transparency • Participatory democracy • Combat racism and xenophobia, Anti-discrimination • Social inequalities, poverty and exclusion, including in rural areas • Gender equality and Gender-based violence Additional eligible areas and activities • Environmental protection and climate change • Provision of welfare and basic services At least 10% for children and youth-driven organisations and or activities

8. NGO Programmes 2009-14 – Suggested activities • Advocacy • Awareness raising activities • Multicultural dialogue activities • Participation in policy and decision-making processes • Capacity-building and organisational support to NGOs • Strengthening governance • Network and coalition building • Mutual learning and dissemination • Education and training • Cultural initiatives to promote key areas

9. SET-UP: NGO Programmes 2009-14 Management • Programme/Fund Operator autonomous of government, have links to the sector • Operator encouraged to propose actions to strengthen capacity • Possibility for predefined projects Rules and modalities – Terms of Reference • Up to 90% grants for projects, in-kind up to 50% of co-financing • Complementary actions at Programme level for exchanges with donor and other Beneficiary states • Proportionality in management and reporting • Advance payment system

10. NGO Guideline 2009-14 – Partnership Bilateral relations • Contribute to objective and outcomes • Strategic exchanges developed at Programme level • Facilitation in contact building, mutual benefit Flexible Bilateral funding available: • Funds at national level (0.5% of total allocation) for outreach/networking PO/DS • Funds at Programme level (1.5% of costs) including: • Seed money to develop partnerships • Know-how exchange with partners/contacts • bilateral exchange/best practice/learning Contacts through www.ngonorway.org for Norway Partners can also be from BS, or bordering country outside the EEA

11. Estonian NGO Programme – outline • Allocation of €2.3M • Operator to be appointed by FMO • OEF applicant for Fund Operator role • Programme to address core areas and relevant concerns • Memorandum specific concerns on NGO Programme: • Multicultural dialogue • Integration of national minorities • Developing social services including for children and youth • Capacity building Consultation with NGOs to provide further input

12. Key questions Focus: Strategic targeting to support key priorities and promote sustainability • How can we ensure strategic and sustainable support to NGOs in Estonia? • Which areas and activities should we specifically target? What are the needs? • How can we promote the role of NGOs in advocating, raising awareness and promoting participation? Set up: Solid programme management options to maximize impact • What can we learn from the past? • What set up will best support and promote the sector? Bilateral: Options for increased cooperation? • What are the challenges and opportunities?

13. www.eeagrants.org www.norwaygrants.org