On 20 April, 18 civil society representatives in Gavar were informed about the opportunity to submit grant applications for the development and monitoring of public policies for CSO coalitions (networks) within the framework of the EU funded “Commitment Constructive Dialogue” project.
Mr. Artak Saribekyan, Deputy Project Manager and the Grants Coordinator, introduced the terms of applying for grants.
He mentioned that at this stage of the project, the first phase of grants for the CSO coalitions (networks) is announced. During this phase CSOs can form coalitions consisting of at least 4 organisations, which will conduct activities in one of the 9 targeted areas (Justice, Human Rights, Public finance management, business, education, social sphere: social inclusion of children with disabilities, agriculture, economy, and energy).
Artak Saribekyan particularly emphasised the fact that CSOs should submit applications by April 30.
It should be added, that the Project conducts visits to different cities of Armenia to inform CSO about grants.
Mr. Marat Atovmyan, Coordinator of the Mentor’s Group of the Project, Mentor in the Justice Sector, presented the new law on “Non-Governmental Organisations” and the recent amendments to it.
He informed that as a result of legislative changes, non-governmental organisations can now use the term “Armenia” freely in the name of organisations. Marat Atovmyan also spoke about the need for a change in the charter and some of the nuances in it.
The “Commitment Constructive Dialogue” Project is implemented with the financial support of the European Union by a Consortium of civil society organisations, which are the Armenian Lawyers’ Association (lead organisation), Agora Central Europe (NGO based in the Czech Republic), the Armenian Centre for Democratic Education-CIVITAS, the International Centre for Human Development, the SME Cooperation Association and the Union of Communities of Armenia. The project aims at strengthening the ability of CSOs to focus on constructive and strategic policy engagement with local and central government partners.