NGO/Government Cooperation at the Local Level: An International Perspective

David MooreEuropean Center for Not-for-

Profit Law (ECNL)

Need for a paradigm shift …

From … Paternalism 1-way funding

relationship Downward focus

To … Partnership Multi-faceted

relationship Joint focus toward

community needs

LocalGov’t

NGOs

CommunityNeeds

Supportive Legal Framework Access to information Consultation on issues of public

concern Participation in decision-making Participation in management of

local public services Good standards in grant-making

Compacts: A Framework for Cooperation

Agreements between local governments and NGOs to improve relationship for mutual advantage.

Shared Principles Joint Undertakings

Origin of Local-Level Compacts Transferred from central level

English Compact 100% of local authority areas

Initiated directly at local level Gydnia, Poland 1 – Develop principles in working group 2 – General meeting of local NGOs 3 – Coordinator prepared first draft

Areas of Cooperation Information and consultation Decision-making Service provision Funding Volunteering

ConsultationLocal Government Plan on

consultation Use plain language Allow 8-12 weeks Analyze feedback Be willing to

change proposals

NGO Sector Encourage

participation Be clear as to

constituency Provide objective

feedback Respect confidentiality

of information withheld

FundingLocal Government Be transparent in

assessing applicants Recognize core costs of

NGOs Be consistent in funding

conditions Promote fair access Establish fair funding

levels

NGO Sector Employment standards Management standards Financial systems

Impact “The Compact has taken us places

we never thought it would go. It has been the vehicle that has improved community relations.”

“Without the Compact we wouldn’t have had the framework to work together so effectively.”

Thank You!

For further information:www.ecnl.org

This presentation has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union under the project “Strengthening the Legal Framework for Citizen Action through Freedom of Association,” implemented by the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law. The contents of this presentation are the sole responsibility of ECNL and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.

Copyright © 2008 European Center for Not-for-Profit Law