Civil Society Organisations are playing an ever increasing role in shaping national and international policies, delivering services and holding governments accountable.
However all too often, CSOs find that the space available to undertake these actions are closed or restricted. When open, many CSOs do not have the resources, skills and knowledge to effectively utilise the space available to its fullest potential. And in many cases, CSOs do not stand up to the same scrutiny they exact upon governments who in turn challenge their legitimacy and accountability.
The Commonwealth Foundation is here to support CSOs in meeting these challenges. Through enhancing skills and knowledge, institutional and personal capacity development and strategic advocacy, the Civil Society Capacity Development Programme empowers civil society organisations and leaders across the Commonwealth to make their voice heard.
By providing grants, delivering and supporting training, undertaking and funding research, creating resources and facilitating high level access the programme seeks to support networks, organisations and people to become a stronger and better represented group.
In boosting skills and knowledge across the Commonwealth we support citizens, civil society and public authorities to be more informed, responsible and effective decision-makers.
Capacity development
We support CSOs to acquire the skills necessary to present and enact change, utilise available platforms effectively, and realign their practices so they are more accountable to stakeholders. For example, through direct training and developing toolkits, the programme supports CSOs to accomplish these goals.
Strategic relations
Harnessing our position as an intergovernmental organisation, we strive to create space and connections for civil society and citizen voice to be heard in international decision-making arenas. The programme works to strengthen the processes and structures of the Commonwealth to create linkages across intergovernmental bodies and develop space for civil society to be heard. We support civil society representatives to take part in decision-making forums to advocate for priority setting and inclusion.
Knowledge generation
We undertake and support the development and dissemination of well-researched, relevant, up to date information on the issues that are affecting civil society in the Commonwealth today. The programme aims to support civil society to understand global realities through the multifaceted lens of the Commonwealth and offer direction and critique of what the future may hold.
Learning exchanges
Through learning exchanges and study visits the programme supports the collective development of civil society leaders around identified priority areas, to help build strong communities in the Commonwealth. This exchange will facilitate experience sharing, knowledge and information dissemination, training, and peer to peer networking and education between civil society leaders.
Civic education
Built upon an understanding of civil participation being synonymous with a ‘good society’, the programme works to educate, train and support activities that build and entrench participatory and democratic principle across the Commonwealth. The programme undertakes extensive research and training on civic education; developing materials and publications to promote practical ways to bring greater participation of people in governance.