The Libyan Revolution of 2011 came in response to more than forty years of repressive, tyrannical rule. In an environment where civil society and trust in government barely existed, Libya’s Transitional National Council was recognized by the United States on July 15 and struggled to gain the recognition of its constituents and provide rapid and tailored responses to community grievances. There was an opportunity to ensure that nascent civil society organizations became community liaisons, service providers and advocates for transparent governance – and that they work toward positive community change in this pivotal and formative period.
Creative’s Community Driven Grants Program supported the growth of civil society and the improvement of non-governmental service delivery. The program promoted civic engagement through small community development projects that enhanced the capacity of new and emerging civil society groups to serve as conduits for under-represented citizen voices in the national dialogue on reform. It was funded by the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative.
In its two years, the program awarded 47 grants (30 in Benghazi and 17 in Tripoli) to nascent civil society organizations. Through the program’s partner organizations, more than 15,000 community members were mobilized in awareness raising and citizen advocacy activities. In addition, four of the 6 main partner organizations under this program continue to receive small grants from Creative under its Community-Driven Grants Program II.
The program also contributed to the national awareness of the importance of elections. More than 300 volunteers were trained in election monitoring through three master trainers, three community dialogues took place to discuss drafting of an election law, and Creative organized five workshops on the importance of public awareness of, and active participation in elections.