USAID Civic Initiatives Support Program (USAID CIS) – Quarterly Performance Report #8

The program is designed to advance Jordan's defined development priorities and is in line with the Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS). The program has three main 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 subawards to support civic initiatives in Jordan. During the period from July 1, 2015, to September 30, 2015, the program monitored subawards, provided technical assistance and mentoring as required, and submitted 20 subaward packages to USAID, totaling approximately $2,384,647. The program also conducted compliance reviews for three grants and issued modifications to 32 grantees. Component II: Capacity Building for Sustainability focuses on building the capacity of grantees to sustain their programs. During the same period, the program issued the remaining shortlisted award of the Institutional Strengthening Fund APS 2014-15 and monitored implementation of the two grants. The program also monitored subcontractors' implementation of the Internal Strengthening for Change program (ISC) and finalized and launched Phase IV of the program for organizational mentoring. Component III: Enhancing Government-CSO Engagement focuses on enhancing the engagement between the government and civil society organizations (CSOs). During the period, the program coordinated feedback for subcontractor ABCD from the Registry Secretary General (SG) on the Registry of Societies' draft strategy. The program also monitored implementation of Leading Point's subcontract to develop a strategic plan for the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD)'s Disability Directorate. Cross-Cutting Initiatives include providing mentoring to grantees on gender equality, inclusion, and monitoring and evaluation, as required. The program also conducted customized sessions on gender for LOYAC and Generations for Peace, held DRG gender focal point sessions, and reviewed grantee research for gender sensitivity. As part of the program's achievements, FHI 360 finalized a cost extension of an additional $20M for activities through October 2018. The program designed two new subaward competitions (EDY RFA and DRI RFA) and closed the CIS APS 2014-15 and ISF APS. The program supported civic initiatives that advance Jordan's defined development priorities and resulted in 113 subawards/shortlisted with activities across all 12 governorates. The program's objectives for Year III include enhancing the capacities of CDCS sector-specific organizations to be change agents within their fields of expertise and in collaborating with others to advocate effectively for identified priorities. The program will continue to provide customized training and mentoring on concepts, strategies, and tactics to enable them to more effectively contribute to advancing Jordan's development. The program will also contribute to a positive enabling environment for CSOs by strengthening good governance practices and supporting the development of a national strategy for civil society based on international best practices.