OBJECTIVE

• To strengthen the learning and networking of the CSOs and CSO networks from the Western Balkans and Turkey implementing or are interested in implementing FSTP-related projects, especially at the regional, multi-country level.
• To foster communication among CSOs and CSO networks with the contracting authorities, professionals and other organisations working in the field of FSTP support.
• To promote the FSTP concept and its practices through publishing case studies, and materials, providing information and organising capacity-building and networking events.

Key topics:

• Selection process: Examples of simplified guidelines for subgrantees and preparation of accountable and transparent selection criteria.
• Help-desk: Examples of sound, prompt and continuous help desk support to local CSOs and grassroots organisations during the pre-application and implementation process of FSTP programmes.
• Monitoring: Share of monitoring practices, presentation of different examples of types of databases developed by re-granting organisations in order to keep their organisational memory, and follow up the financial and activity implementation of the sub-grantees.
• Capacity development (FSTP implementers): Examples of self-assessment tools developed by re-granting organisations in order to assess their capacities, accountability and transparency. Key topics in terms of the capacity development needs of re-granting organisations, such as financial management of FSTP projects, how to build up an equal relationship with the sub-grantees and how to ensure flexibility during the implementation of FSTP programmes.
• Capacity development (sub-grantees): Practices of needs analysis and examples of self-assessment tools, capacity development and mentoring activities as well as important points and challenges to be taken into consideration during the development of needs analysis, capacity development and mentoring activities. A resource hub for the sub-grantees where they can find the necessary information in terms of financial and activity reporting.
• Promotion and networking: Promotion of cross-thematic networking between CSOs and CSO networks and overcoming the challenges experienced during networking and experience sharing among small and big-scale CSOs.
• Legal assistance to sub-grantees: Different strategies and good practices of legal assistance in terms of eliminating the rights violations that sub-grantees face and responding to the legal assistance needs.

METHOD

Launching event online and establishing a LinkedIn group of Community of practice for:

• CSOs and CSO networks from the Western Balkans and Turkey implementing or are interested in implementing FSTP-related projects, especially at the regional, multi-country level;
• EU funds and programmes contracting authorities and institutions;
• Interested professionals and organisations operating in the WBT region.