1. Norwegian Civil Society Sector and the Active Citizens Fund
Csilla Czimbalmos
November 2018

2. Norwegian Helsinki Committee

3. NHC’s role
Contact point coordinating information-sharing and promoting bilateral cooperation between civil society organisations in Norway and the beneficiary countries.

4. Civil society in Norway
NGOs
Large, dynamic and innovative sector
80 % of Norwegians are members of one or more organisations(s)

5. Recognized role of civil society
Establish channels of political influence
Evaluate and criticise the work of the government
Engage and educate the public
Train members to understand democracy and its rules
Provide a wide range of services
Represent the interests of different groups in the society

6. Tendencies Decrease in the overall number of local organizations
Increase in the number of organizations with national outreach
Possible reason: better registries for organizations, social media and internet based outreach

7. Tendencies
On local level: increase in organizations involved in cultural activities and sports as well as in organized local communities
On national level: dominated by professional associations (business, employment, unions) with an increase in organizations working with social and societal issues, cultre and leisure
Possible reason: better registries for organizations, social media and internet based outreach

8. Tendencies
The national and local level are more or less independent of each other.
Local organizations arrange activities for their own members
National outreach organizations organize activities for a wider target group
Possible reason: better registries for organizations, social media and internet based outreach

9. Tendencies
Membership in organizations is in slight decline (service provision for public and volunteers have become more important than membership)
Increase in amount of volunteering (over man years in 2014 from about in 2009).
Possible reason: better registries for organizations, social media and internet based outreach

10. Political involvment and outreach
Regular contact with decision making bodies has decreased, but the number of contacts has increased
Contact with parliament and ministries
Decrease in traditional corporative representation of organizations in decision-making bodies, but at the same time wider spectre of strategies to influence decision-making
Lobby
Advocacy
Campaigns addressing specific causes

11. Areas of most interest

12. Competencies and contribution
Advocacy, awareness raising and outreach to citizens
Citizen activism, volunteering and civic participation
Capacity building of civil sector, including sustainability, networking and accountability
Partnership between NGOs, public and private sector entities
Participation in policy and decision-making processes, including promoting an enabling environment for civil society  

13. Why a Norwegian partner?

14. Key elements of success
Common understanding of important values
Common understanding of content and strategy
Developing the project together
Good project planning
Building good and sustainable relations
Long-term perspective
Agreement of financial framework

15. Tools for partnerships www.ngonorway.org

16. NGO database

17. REGISTER FROM NOVEMBER 13!

18. More information NGOPartnershipPortal www.ngonorway.org