The growth of civil society has been one of the most significant trends in international development. Partnerships between governments, businesses and civil society organizations (CSOs) are now one of the most effective ways to raise standards of living and achieve sustainable development.

Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a critical role in helping to amplify the voices of the poor in the decisions that affect their lives.

The World Bank recognizes the important role that CSOs play in meeting the challenges of development and welcomes the opportunity to work with civil society.

This site is dedicated to information on ongoing policy consultations, funding sources, operational partnerships, and other development-related issues.

Funding for Civil Society Organizations

Small Grants Program

The Small Grants Program (SmGP) is one of several facilities or programs supported by the World Bank that provides grants to NGOs and other organizations of civil society.

The SmGP aims to make development more inclusive and equitable by providing funds for activities that support the civic engagement of marginalized and vulnerable groups.

Accordingly, grants focus on empowering people who have been historically excluded from society's decision-making processes, such as women, youth, people from racial and ethnic groups, people with low-income, and people from rural areas.

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Development Marketplace

The Development Marketplace is another mechanism by which the World Bank provides funds to CSOs. Established in 2000, the initiative is an open competition of innovative proposals. The proposals accepted by the Development Marketplace have to be submitted in partnership with at least one other organization - e.g., an NGO partnering with another NGO, bilateral/multilateral development agency (including from the UN family), government, academic/research institution or foundation, or private business. Proposals submitted can address a multiplicity of issues from sustainable development to information technology.

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Other Resources for Civil Society Organizations

The World Bank seldom funds Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) directly. The most common way for a CSO to receive project funds is by working as a paid consultant or contractor to the borrower (government). World Bank-financed projects are sometimes designed to include mechanisms for channeling funds to CSOs—the most significant examples are the social funds. In addition, CSOs may be contracted directly by the World Bank to fulfill a variety of specific functions, such as assisting with project design, implementation and supervision.

Resources for Mobilizing Funding for Development Projects (145KB, MS Word)

Grant Resources for Civil Society Organizations