Egypt on Monday launched a new fund to support the projects of non-governmental associations and foundations, a renewed partnership between the state, civil society, and international partners, including the European Union.
The launch of the Civil Society Support Fund, held under the theme “Towards a Supportive and Enabling Environment for Emerging Civil Society Initiatives,” aims to empower local communities and was attended by several ministers, members of parliament, and representatives from civil society, the private sector, and development partners.
“We are launching today a new chapter in the partnership between the state and civil society,” Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy said in her opening address. “We are not just inaugurating a passing event; we are dedicating a public policy that redefines the role of civil society as an authentic partner in development.”
Morsy thanked President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for his “historic support” for civil society in Egypt. She said the new fund would operate on the principle of “results-based financing,” linking funding to agreed-upon performance indicators and transparent monitoring. She also stressed that the fund is committed to a legal framework that balances compliance and flexibility, with “flexible, fast, and clear” procedures.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, EU Ambassador to Egypt Angelina Eichhorst highlighted the fund’s role in addressing the complex challenges facing communities. “We are proud to have supported the development of the Civil Society Fund through our Equal Opportunities and Social Development Project,” she said. “The EU firmly believes that a vibrant, independent, and empowered civil society is essential for sustainable development.”
Minister of Local Development, Manal Awad, who also attended, said the fund represents “an important step towards empowering civil society institutions and supporting innovative youth initiatives.”
Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, said the launch of the fund, which will support projects based on innovation and technology, “opens new horizons in the path of digital Egypt.” He highlighted the collaboration between his ministry and the Ministry of Social Solidarity to empower civil society and stated that “human creativity and technological progress will remain the two basic pillars for achieving comprehensive sustainable development.”
Morsy also highlighted the important role of the Egyptian Red Crescent in coordinating humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip, noting that over 35,000 volunteers have worked over the past 700 days to deliver assistance. She also praised the work of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work.
