JD2m earmarked for ‘pioneering projects’ by local civil society organisations

AMMAN — The Ministry of Social Development has allocated around JD2 million in funding to local civil societies who demonstrate commitment to implementing “on-the-ground” services that reflect positively on society.

A recent advertisement by the ministry in several dailies encourages civil society organisations to submit proposals to the Civil Societies Fund “to encourage cooperation with the voluntary sector, which will encourage the public sector to be part of the decision-making process”.

“This fund has been available since 2008, and it is supported by the state budget with an allocation of around JD2 million,” the Social Development Ministry spokesperson, Fawaz Ratrout, told The Jordan Times on Wednesday.

The ministry official said civil society is encouraged to submit proposals and “each proposal is examined carefully”.

“The funding varies depending on the submitted proposal. It could be JD5,000 or JD30,000 and is usually given to around 500 organisations,” Ratrout said.

The ad said the funding should serve youth initiatives and poverty pocket areas, help minimise poverty and unemployment, and provide job opportunities through planned projects.

“We want to stress that this is a national Jordanian fund for our civil organisations that provide on-the-ground services to encourage them to submit pioneering projects that will make social change,” Ratrout added.

The deadline for applications is May 5, according to the advertisement in local dailies.