CSO Development

In Bhutan, a civil society organization (CSO) is a local nonprofit organization that is not part of the government but complements the government’s efforts and plays a significant role in the development of the country. In a small country like Bhutan, CSOs play a major role in mobilizing and sensitizing communities more effectively than do government institutions; draw attention to new development challenges that require political attention; encourage greater development effectiveness by promoting accountability; and become service providers in areas of need, such as education, health, and governance. Developing a strong civil society also reinforces democracy, the practice of democratic procedures, and the experience of personal responsibility for the public good.

Capacity Building for Civil Society Organizations

Since the Civil Society Act was established in 2007, the number of CSOs in Bhutan continues to grow. With the increasing demands and needs of a rapidly developing society, these CSOs must develop strategic plans in fulfilling their roles and accomplishing their missions. With these needs in mind, the Bhutan Foundation has mapped out steps that would continue to build on the current success and vitality of the existing CSOs by providing them with opportunities to build their organizational capacity through development workshops and training as well as space for greater collaboration among the nation’s CSOs.

The Civil Society Development Program works to strengthen and support civil society organizations’ ability to deliver to the people and to serve the public while promoting high standards in accountability, ethics, and management.

Project Objectives

Help build capacity among CSOs and facilitate better collaboration among the various organizations.

Improve CSO organizational capacity and extend professional help through workshops in management, finance, marketing, fundraising, and public relations.

Contribute toward building a proficient civil society sector and encourage the public to identify, select, and support effective organizations.

Build and maintain a forum where CSOs may share and disseminate information and eventually maintain a comprehensive database of information on the activities of civil society organizations in Bhutan.

47 CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS HAVE BEEN REGISTERED SINCE THE CSO ACT IN 2007

THE GAP BETWEEN WHAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN PROVIDE AND WHAT IS REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE THE DEVELOPMENT ASPIRATIONS OF THE COUNTRY CAN BE BRIDGED BY A SOUND AND EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT SECTOR

Local CSOs actively work with the Bhutan Foundation

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CSO workshop participants

QuickBooks licenses provided

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USD in grants facilitated to CSOs in Bhutan

Did you Know?

We help to build capacity among CSOs and facilitate better collaboration among various organizations.

CSOs play a major role in mobilizing and sensitizing communities more effectively.

Developing a strong civil society also reinforces democracy.

Our Partners

The Bhutan Foundation believes that CSOs play an important role in any society in filling critical gaps and that, if functioning correctly, they can effectively complement the role of government. Bhutanese society is no different, and the gap between what the new democratic government of Bhutan can provide and what is required to achieve the development aspirations of the country can be bridged by a sound and effective nonprofit sector. The Bhutan Foundation partners with local CSOs to facilitate and implement many of its important mandates and advocates the need to establish a strong CSO sector.

Photos from the Field

How You Can Help

The Bhutan Foundation needs your support to provide capacity-building tools and training materials to the CSOs. These resources enable them to gain exposure to the latest management and financial techniques that would help them in their organizational development and efficiency. By supporting Bhutan’s budding nonprofit sector, you will be able to help improve Bhutanese society by bridging critical gaps in areas like developing rural communities, empowering women, providing much-needed opportunities to new entrepreneurs, and much more.