Egypt launches Civil Society Support Fund to boost role of NGOs

Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy on Monday launched the Civil Society Support Fund (CSF), aimed at financing projects run by associations and NGOs, and inaugurated the fund’s first annual conference.

The event was attended by senior government officials, lawmakers, and international partners, including the EU and UN.

Morsy said the fund, created under the 2019 NGO law, seeks to redefine the role of civil society as a full partner in development, moving from the concept of grants and aid to a results-based financing model. The scheme will link disbursements to performance indicators, independent evaluations, and transparent monitoring.

She added that the fund would prioritise projects promoting women’s empowerment, youth participation, inclusion of people with disabilities, and climate justice. Digital platforms will be used to simplify access to funding, manage data, and improve oversight.

Morsy thanked President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for what she called his historic support for civil society in Egypt. She also highlighted the Egyptian Red Crescent’s role in coordinating humanitarian assistance to Gaza, citing more than 35,000 volunteers who worked over the past 700 days.

The minister said the fund will encourage partnerships not only in financing and implementation but also in project design and governance, involving government agencies, the private sector, research institutions, civil society groups, and development partners.

“The Civil Society Support Fund is a unique Egyptian public body and national donor for civil society. It will empower, support and coordinate efforts to maximise impact and deliver sustainable development,” Morsy said.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English