Quarterly Progress Report No. 7: January 1 – March 31, 2016 Moldova Partnerships for Sustainable Civil Society (MPSCS)

The project aims to improve the capacity of Moldovan civil society to represent citizens' interests, influence policymaking, and sustain the sector's democratic role for the future. The project meets three objectives: Objective 1, which focuses on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) more effectively representing their constituencies; Objective 2, which aims to develop the institutional capacity of strategic partners; and Objective 3, which seeks to create an enabling environment more conducive to long-term sustainability of civil society. Under Objective 1, twenty-one MPSCS Engage Program (EP) and Support Program (SP) grantees continued organizing proposed activities in line with their implementation plans. These organizations invited national and local public authorities to roundtables, press clubs, and workshops to ensure their constituencies' rights are secured in line with best international practice. Grantees also worked efficiently with media to inform the public about the situation of their target groups, such as the Moldovan elderly, people with disabilities, youth, women, employees, and employers, and what should be done to improve the situation. The People with Disabilities Rights program continued to serve 188 people with special needs through individual assistance and consultancy and trained 60 persons in PWD rights protection and involvement in government decision-making. Nine subgrantees of Fundatia Est-Europeana – FEE (East Europe Foundation) completed their grants during the quarter and met their project objectives. Under Objective 2, capacity building activities were conducted to develop the institutional capacity of strategic partners. Support was provided to a local market for capacity development services and providers, and technical assistance was offered to MPSCS partners and other CSOs. Under Objective 3, efforts were made to enhance CSOs' expertise in advocacy and civic oversight. Support was provided for the implementation of the CSO strategy, and the legislative framework was revised and improved to promote the sustainability of civil society. Domestic resources were mobilized for CSO financial sustainability, and a media campaign was launched to counter false and biased information. Challenges faced during the reporting period included the need to address the enabling environment for civil society, which remains a significant challenge in Moldova. Despite these challenges, MPSCS continued to make progress in achieving its objectives and contributing to the development of a more sustainable and effective civil society in Moldova. The project's next quarter will focus on continuing the implementation of the Engage Program and Support Program, as well as the People with Disabilities Rights program. Capacity building activities will also continue, and efforts will be made to enhance CSOs' expertise in advocacy and civic oversight. The project will also continue to work on revising the legislative framework and improving its implementation to promote the sustainability of civil society.