ISAR-Georgia final report : amendment to grant # NIS-2-22-00-01 -- environmental and information monitoring network project in the NIS

Rapidly, in only two years time, and with relatively little money, ISAR-Georgia has helped the Georgian NGO sector to sculpt a niche for itself in Georgian society. With ISAR support, the sector has grown rapidly to include over 100 NGOs, mostly environmental groups, attracting the interest of U.S. NGOs and foundations working in Georgia, winning the recognition of and forging cooperative relationships with the government, business, and international entities, and seeking funding from various sources other than ISAR. ISAR has accomplished this through a small grants program, innovative training programs, and by increasing the number and quality of resources available to the NGOs. As for ISAR, it has created an innovative management structure and initiated systems for collecting and disseminating information. The Institute has established its credibility within the region, maintaining the image of a nonpartisan organization, and has become recognized as a leader in the NGO movement -- it is frequently consulted about the status of civil society in Georgia, training, and grant programs for NGOs. (Author abstract, modified)