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2. The growth of independent applied budget groups
Definition: Applied Budget Groups
Budget impact on poor and low-income people
Combining applied research and advocacy
International growth: 2 phases
Catalysts and type of work

3. The case against civil society participation
Budgets must be secret or volatile markets will result.
NGOs can destroy budget integrity.
NGOs pursue sectional interests.
Government has mandate to prepare the budget.

4. CSO participation in the budget process
Identifying best practice (Brazil)
Simplify & build debate (Croatia)
Training (Mexico & South Africa)
Expenditure Monitoring & new information (Uganda and Zambia)
Human Rights monitoring
Independent analysis
Accountability (Columbia & S. Africa)

5. Examples of impact Mexico Presidential Fund
South Africa Public Finance Management Act
Russia in-kind taxation
Uganda health and education expenditures

6. CSO budget groups: Key success factors
Focus on whole process
Access to information
Alliances with legislature, Auditor-General & media
Dedicated capacity
Analytical skills
Representation challenges

7. International Budget Project
Support Civil Society Budget Work
Loose network incl. 30 countries
Activities:
Website and Newsletter
Training and technical assistance
Research
Raising profile of work and donor facilitation