News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The space available for civil society, activists, and citizens have been under attack over the past decade. The report confirms a recent acceleration of the trend of ‘closing’ or ‘shrinking’ civic space. Triggered by both state and non-state actors through legal means like repressive laws, as well as through para-legal tactics, the backlash affect progressive
Read more →The publication is the second in a series of reports which analyzes the effects of the Corona crisis management on institutions, political and civil rights, parties, civil society, as well as external factors. While the governments have managed to prevent the healthcare systems from collapse, there is relaxation of the measures affecting civil and political
Read more →Governments are taking exceptional steps in response to COVID-19, such as enforcing social distancing and quarantine measures. Prohibitions against people gatherings have had a dramatic impact on civic space across the globe. A healthy civic space is vital in times of crisis, from nurturing innovative pandemic responses to ensuring vulnerable communities receive the proper support.
Read more →The Black Sea NGO Forum announced the start of the Leadership and Organizational Resilience in Times of Uncertainty Program, which aims to provide a unique space for learning, reflections, and thoughtful adaptation for CSO leaders and their organizations. Combining mentoring, coaching and training on adaptive leadership, organizational resilience and people’s skills, the Leadership Program guides
Read more →The COVID-19 pandemic has been a shock to the systems across the world. During this period, the society preparedness is essential. For non-profits and funders, investing in strong listening practices is a pivotal way to ensure that they are ready for the next crisis. The article presents four key listening competencies that non-profits and funders
Read more →The article indicates that citizens who would generally be using feedback to demand accountability of the institutions that serve them, are restricted in the activities they can perform. Even in places where restrictions are not so stringent, people may not feel safe to continue monitoring. The article provides the answer to the question: can civil
Read more →The strategic goal of the publication prepared by the Vladimir Potanin Foundation is to identify optimal ways of philanthropy transformation and to provide NGOs with substantial information in their transition to the new, post-crisis development. The publication looks to provide an analysis of the factors, contexts, and principles influencing philanthropy of the future, as well
Read more →The article presents three approaches philanthropy might take to the current crisis. First, there is the motion toward austerity; the second approach is toward faster and bigger charity. The third and final approach is a mutual aid, based on the idea that everyone has needs that should be met, and that everyone has something to
Read more →The project’s primary goals are to build the capacity of media professionals and journalism students in verification, fact-checking, content production, and to enhance public service broadcasters’ understanding of media and information literacy (MIL) and to improve their ability to deliver MIL campaigns to the public. Proposed topics should encompass topics predicted with the project objectives,
Read more →The main topic of the Call is the contribution to the 17 SDGs integrated with the latest EU policies, as well as the framework for the long-term transformation of the Western Balkans. The actions need to be aligned to the SDGs, with a particular reference to SDG 11 (making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe,
Read more →The Call aims to support local grassroots organizations, community associations, traditional and new leadership institutions, and informal networks that work for the rights of the victims, fostering society–authorities relations putting the dignity and wellbeing of victims. The global objective of the Call is to: support local civil society initiatives in building sustainable capacities for effective
Read more →NED encourages applications from organizations working in diverse environments, including newly established democracies, semi-authoritarian countries, repressive societies, and countries undergoing democratic transitions. NED is interested in proposals from local, independent organizations for nonpartisan programs that are looking to: promote and defend human rights and the Rule of Law; support freedom of information and independent media;
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