1.10.2009.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced today it is awarding an additional $4.3million to help civil society organizations in Serbia better represent the needs of ordinary people, and for civil society to become a more influential and trusted partner of businesses and the government.

Through its Civil Society Advocacy Initiative (CSAI) launched in 2006, USAID has already committed $14 million for civil society organizations and projects managed by the Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC). The overall goal of CSAI is for the citizens of Serbia to take responsibility for defining their future while building a more democratic and prosperous Serbia moving towards European integration.

By providing grants, training, and technical assistance, CSAI works to support civil society organizations to advocate effectively for political, economic, and social issues that consolidate Serbia 's democratic transition and to pursue the adoption of reform-oriented laws, policies, action plans, strategies, and regulations. CSAI also works closely with civic organizations to effectively monitor the implementation of key legislation critical to improving the lives of Serbia 's citizens.

ISC has to date achieved numerous results, including supporting the nation-wide “Oplaneti se” environmental campaign and helping establish the annual VIRTUS excellence award recognizing outstanding companies in the area of corporate philanthropy. ISC has also supported initiatives aimed at improving the election process in Serbia as well as those encouraging increased government accountability and transparency, and helped establish the Business Leaders Forum, a coalition of leading companies promoting corporate social responsibility in Serbia .

Additional funds will be used to increase the number of grants awarded to civil society organizations, strengthen advocacy at the grassroots through an increased number of regional trainings and further invest in strategic initiatives that engage citizens to help build and shape the future of Serbia .

For more information please visit http://serbia.usaid.gov/ or www.iscserbia.org