Civil Society Strengthening Network - CSSN

The Civil Society Strengthening Network (CSSN) is a non- governmental organization (NGO) established and registered in 2020 by a network of young advocates. It was created in response to the demand from youth-led CSOs seeking alternative programming approaches during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. CSSN offers customized capacity-sharing, mentorship, and educational programmes for emerging organizations in need of strengthening their organizational systems and enhancing private-sector, Civil society, and local government Collaboration. CSSN implements its mandate through two programs: 1. The Civil Society Strengthening Academy (CSSA), which aims to promote capacity-sharing, especially among youth- and women-led civil society organizations. This takes a different shape depending on the context and needs, e.g., online learning, monthly mentorship, and workshops. 2. The Civil Society Strengthening Fund (CSSF): CSSN supports local organizations to manage and coordinate microgrants so that they can gain meaningful impact using fewer resources. It takes on the administrative role of coordinating the grants, engaging with beneficiaries, documenting impact stories and reporting. CSSN's Vision is a world where the Civil Society sector is sustainably transforming communities. It's Mission: To strengthen Civil society, local government, and private sector relations as key stakeholders in sustainable community development. Core Objectives: 1. To develop tools, knowledge, and skills required for effective CSO, Government, and private sector engagement in local governance and service delivery; 2. Build the capacity of CSOs, local government, and the private sector in sustainable development; 3. Establish Civil Society Strengthening facilities and programs as social enterprises. CSSN has a network membership of 23 Civil Society Organisations of which 5 are network CSOs with over 20 members.