USAID Civic Initiatives Support Program (USAID CIS) – Quarterly Performance Report #5

The program aims to support Jordanian civil society organizations (CSOs) in promoting democracy, rights, and governance. The program is divided into three components: Subawards in Support of Jordanian Civic Initiatives, Capacity Building for Sustainability, and Enhancing Government-CSO Engagement. Component I: Subawards in Support of Jordanian Civic Initiatives focuses on providing grants to CSOs to support their activities in promoting democracy, rights, and governance. During the fourth quarter of 2014, FHI 360 monitored the activities of the Democracy, Rights & Governance grantees (DRG) and began planning for Phase II awards to IRC and CDFJ. The organization also issued a no-cost extension for Al Hayat and monitored Schema's implementation of the Partnerships for Jordan's Development (PJD) project. In addition, FHI 360 issued 21 awards to CIS Round 1 applicants, bringing the total to 27, and conducted grants orientation sessions. The organization also provided technical assistance and mentoring as required. Furthermore, FHI 360 completed processing the 310 CIS Round 2 applications, held Grant Evaluation Committees (GECs), and began due diligence for the 30 short-listed applicants. Component II: Capacity Building for Sustainability focuses on building the capacity of CSOs to sustain their activities over time. During the fourth quarter of 2014, FHI 360 received applications for the Institutional Strengthening Fund APS (ISF) and convened a GEC. The organization conducted due diligence and issued two awards: Rasheed for Integrity and Transparency and the Jordan Green Building Council. FHI 360 also monitored subcontractors' implementation of Round 2 of the Internal Strengthening for Change (ISC) project and finalized joint strategic planning curricula. The organization held two "M&E Fundamentals" workshops and completed certification of M&E trainers. Additionally, FHI 360 delivered Project Design & Proposal Writing courses for CSOs in Ajloun, Madaba, and Ma'an. Component III: Enhancing Government-CSO Engagement focuses on enhancing the engagement between the government and CSOs. During the fourth quarter of 2014, FHI 360 coordinated feedback from the Registry of Societies and USAID on the cost-benefit analysis research of the CSO sector on Jordan's economy. The organization facilitated preparations for the Registry's strategic planning process and held a meeting with the Minister of Social Development and USAID. Cross-Cutting Initiatives include mentoring grantees and partners on gender and inclusion strategies, continuing the design of a study tour to Washington, DC, for the Higher Council for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities, and holding a coordination meeting for IPs on FHI 360 assessment tools. FHI 360 also met with USAID to review the Year II Workplan and secured AOR approval with minor programmatic adjustments. The program has made significant progress in promoting democracy, rights, and governance in Jordan. The majority of DRG grantees are involved in in-depth preparatory and research phases, holding consultations with stakeholders, analyzing laws, regulations, policies, and practices. FHI 360 has also completed Institutional Capacity Assessments for each grantee, assisting them to prioritize capacity building interventions. The program has also supported the development of CSOs in Jordan, providing them with grants, technical assistance, and mentoring. The program has also enhanced the engagement between the government and CSOs, facilitating preparations for the Registry's strategic planning process and holding a meeting with the Minister of Social Development and USAID. Overall, the USAID CIS program has made significant progress in promoting democracy, rights, and governance in Jordan. The program has supported the development of CSOs, enhanced government-CSO engagement, and promoted the capacity building of CSOs to sustain their activities over time.