West Bank and Gaza Active Citizenry Activity Quarterly Progress Report Year 1 Quarter 3

The project focuses on enhancing the institutional capacities of Palestinian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to effectively respond to their constituents' needs. ACA's objectives include enhancing the institutional capacity of civil society organizations, increasing participatory community development and civic participation, and promoting transparency, accountability, and advocacy efforts. The project recognizes the critical role of Palestinian civil society in various aspects of Palestinian life, including human rights, health, education, gender equality, water, and environment. In Year 1, Quarter 3 (April 1 to June 30, 2023), ACA achieved several milestones. The project signed its first grant agreement with the Jerusalem Princess Basma Center for the "Heart-to-Heart" project, which aims to increase access to rehabilitation services for children with disabilities in Gaza. The project also completed a co-design process with 28 civil society organizations, resulting in early institutional capacity strengthening for all participating organizations. ACA received 69 grant applications, with 42 being evaluated and 12 being invited to the full application stage. The project also submitted its Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) tool, which will help CSOs better understand the importance of GESI and apply a gender perspective in their projects. The tool will be introduced to CSO partners during a GESI orientation. ACA's Q3 activities and accomplishments are the result of intensive efforts by the project team across the West Bank and Gaza. USAID's approval of several grant applications in the latter portion of Q3 has set the stage for awarding many more grants in the coming quarter and achieving ACA's Year 1 goals. The project aims to increase citizens' participation and support for Palestinian civil society to advocate for positive changes and improve living conditions. ACA works with Palestinian NGOs to enhance their institutional capacities, raise citizens' awareness and engagement, and advocate for their issues. The project has three main objectives: 1. Enhanced governance and institutional capacity of CSOs. 2. Increased participatory community development and civic participation. 3. Promoted transparency, accountability, and advocacy efforts. ACA recognizes the critical role of Palestinian civil society in various aspects of Palestinian life, including human rights, health, education, gender equality, water, and environment. The project is committed to supporting Palestinian civil society to become more active in public decision-making and advocacy for citizens' rights and demands. In the coming quarter, ACA plans to submit additional grant applications to USAID and continue its outreach and engagement efforts with Palestinian NGOs. The project will also introduce its GESI tool to CSO partners and conduct institutional GESI assessments to identify gaps and develop effective technical interventions to achieve gender equality and social inclusion. ACA's activities and accomplishments in Q3 are summarized in the text box to the right, which highlights the project's progress in various areas, including: * 237 EOIs (Expressions of Interest) * 215 registrations * 69 outreach visits * 168 GSAs (Grant Summaries) * 28 co-designs * 28 MARCs (Modified Appreciative Review of Capacity) * 26 full applications received * 21 approved by the GDC (Grant Decision Committee) * 5 rejected by the GDC * 17 PAFRs (Pre-Award Financial Reviews) * 17 ERCs (Environmental Review Checklists) * 28 vetting requests * 17 grant full applications submitted to USAID * 11 grant full applications approved by USAID * 1 grant awarded (Princess Basma)