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Program

Strengthening Civil Society in the Maldives

In the Maldives, we help civil society organizations work with local councils so communities have a stronger voice in planning, decisions, and public accountability.

In the Maldives’ dispersed island communities, civil society organizations need better capabilities, networks, and pathways to help shape local services, development priorities, and public accountability.

Our programming across the Maldives helps civil society play a larger role in advancing community-driven local development and governance. With funding from the European Union, it supports civil society organizations to coordinate more effectively with local councils, participate in planning and decision-making, and promote accountability in the use of public resources. By strengthening collaboration between civil society and local government, the program helps foster responsive services and development outcomes that reflect community values and priorities.

Impact

Awarded 10 grants to civil society organizations across the Maldives

For locally led initiatives focused on community engagement, local governance, environmental resilience, digital safety, women’s leadership, and economic opportunity for all people and communities.

Generated evidence on the challenges and opportunities facing Maldivian civil society

To inform policy dialogue and contribute to a more enabling environment for civic participation.

Conducting organizational assessments with local civil society partners

To identify strengths, address priority capacity gaps, and support long-term institutional sustainability.

APPROACH

The program combines organizational capacity development, evidence-based learning, grant support, and structured dialogue. Through stakeholder mapping and organizational assessments, civil society partners identify their strengths, institutional gaps, and training priorities. Tailored training, mentoring, and grants then help them strengthen their internal systems, build networks, and develop the skills needed to contribute to policymaking, local planning, and advocacy.

The program also creates opportunities for civil society organizations, local councils, national institutions, and the European Union to exchange knowledge and work together. Local pilot initiatives test practical models for constructive engagement, decision-making that reflects community values and priorities, and public accountability that can be sustained and adapted over time.