Press Releases

United States Awards Six Grants to Civil Society Groups Working to Advance Democracy In Egypt

March 3, 2005

Ambassador David Welch today announced the award of grants to six Egyptian civil society groups working to promote community participation and democracy. The ceremony took place at the American Embassy in Cairo.

Ambassador Welch said, "By awarding these grants, the U.S. government is supporting Egyptian-led efforts to build and to deepen democratic debate and expression in Egypt."

The six civil society groups include the following:

United Group for its project: "Promoting Transparent Elections in 2005 and Beyond;"

Egyptian Association for Developing and Disseminating Legal Awareness for its project: "Promoting Democracy within Egyptian Political Parties;"

Egyptian Association for Supporting Democracy for its project: "Future Leaders Workshop and Community Meetings;"

New Horizon Association for Social Development for its project: "Empowering Youth in Old Cairo;"

Ibn Khaldun Center for Development Studies for its program: "Political and Electoral Rights Program;"

Alliance for Arab Women and its work in: "Combating Terrorism through Community Participation."

Egypt Launches Egyptian Non-governmental Organization (NGO) Support Center (ENGOSC)

March 6, 2005

The U.S.-funded NGO Service Center (NGOSC) today celebrated its success in strengthening Egyptian civil society by participating in the launch of the Egyptian NGO Support Center on March 6. Officials of the government of Egypt, donors, corporate heads, representatives of NGOs, and members of the local and foreign press were in attendance.

Deputy Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mary Ott remarked: “Tonight marks both the successful conclusion of the NGO Service Center Project and the launching of a legacy institution, the Egyptian NGO Support Center. This festive occasion reminds us all that Egyptian civil society is vibrant and ready to play a key role in Egypt’s development.”

The U.S.-funded NGO Service Center has worked with over 300 Egyptian NGOs and trained over 10,000 individuals affiliated with NGOs over the past five years. The Center has helped Egyptian NGOs to better advocate for the rights of children with special needs and to raise women’s awareness of their civil and political rights. It has helped NGOs to further the critical work of civil society by promoting advocacy, the exchange of information, and networking.

Building on these achievements, ENGOSC has launched a legal consultation and advocacy program for NGOs to help them make better use of the legal system. It is also launching the “In Search of Excellence” Corporate Awards Program to encourage the private sector to become more involved with the NGO sector.