Democracy and Governance

Civil society organizations - including community groups, faith groups, human rights defenders, journalists and others - are critical for community development and conflict mitigation in the West Bank and Gaza. USAID provides capacity building and grants to civil society organizations to implement social and community development projects and improve government’s responsiveness to citizen needs. USAID also supports training and peer-to-peer learning opportunities in civil society organizations to increase the organizations’ effectiveness and advocacy. 

USAID is currently doing this through the following activity:

Active Citizenry Activity

$28.78 Million • Implemented by Global Communities • 2022-2027

The Active Citizenry Activity increases citizen’s civic participation and supports their efforts to advocate for positive changes, foster equitable social and political advancement, and improve overall living conditions, prosperity, and inclusion particularly for women and youth. The Activity supports the civil society sector, Palestinian citizens, media organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to become more active in decision-making and advocacy for citizens’ rights and demands. Through this Activity, USAID will enhance civil society organizations’ (CSOs) institutional capacity. This, in turn, will enable CSOs to effectively respond to constituents’ needs, including those in marginalized communities, advocate for their issues, and raise citizens' awareness and engagement. 

Civic Participation and Community Engagement (CPCE) Activity

$5 million • Implemented by FHI Development 360 LLC • 2021-2023

The Civic Participation and Community Engagement (CPCE) activity enhances governance and builds civil society organization capacity in addition to increasing participatory community development and civic participation. CPCE helps civil society organizations better advocate and serve citizens, which will lead to increased citizen engagement and participation.

Civic Participation and Community Engagement (CPCE) Activity Factsheet