- Program Civil Society
- Program Area Strengthening Civic Space
- Grant Amount $60,000
- Grant Period January 1, 2004–December 31, 2005
- Location Osijek, Croatia
- Geographic Focus Croatia
About this grant
During the 1990s, the eastern and southern regions of Croatia were devastated by war. As a result, there are large numbers of refugees and displaced people living in these regions, as well as people who want to return to their prewar homes. As Croatia prepares to join the European Union, promoting the development and integration of these regions will be a major challenge. Through this grant, the Organization for Civil Initiatives (OCI) will address the critical need to strengthen local democracy by encouraging participation in local decisionmaking and community development initiatives.Multiyear funding will enable OCI to address critical issues facing local communities in Croatia. OCI will work with six counties in eastern and southern Croatia to strengthen the role of citizens’ initiatives in community problem-solving; increase public participation in local government decisionmaking processes; and mobilize resources and support for community development from the public and private sectors.The mission of OCI, established in 1995, is to support citizens’ associations and civil initiatives in bringing about positive social change in local communities in Croatia.