The Moldova Partnerships for Sustainable Civil Society (MPSCS) project strengthens the capacity of Moldovan civil society to represent citizens’ interests, influence policymaking and sustain the sector’s democratic role for the future. The project, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, also produces and disseminates an awareness-raising campaign on Moldova’s proposed integration to the European Union while empowering organizations to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities.

Effective constituent representation

A focal point of the project is to expand the opportunities for transparent interaction between civil society, citizens and government at both the local and national levels. FHI 360 funds competitive subawards and provides hands-on technical trainings, mentoring and consulting services to mission-driven civil society organizations throughout the country to enable them to more effectively engage and represent their constituents.

Strong and sustainable local partners

MPSCS is strengthening the institutional capacity of civil society organizations through assessments, development planning, training, coaching and mentoring to improve their governance, financial management, procurement, project management and fundraising skills. MPSCS is also supporting a local market for capacity development services and providers that will improve the long-term prospects for the sustainability of civil society organizations.

Within a year of start-up, MPSCS helped to launch a social contracting mechanism enabling the Government of Moldova to contract civil society organizations to provide social services.

Legal and regulatory framework reform

MPSCS is improving the legal and regulatory framework governing civil society. Through individualized technical assistance, workshops, exchanges and mentoring for civil society organizations and government institutions, the project is creating an enabling environment that fosters the growth and effectiveness of civil society.

In its first year, MPSCS helped to simplify and streamline registration of civil society organizations and voluntary dissolution processes and introduced a one-stop-shop to reduce bureaucracy and make the process for these organizations more transparent.