Funded projects


The Afkar program funded 16 out of 83 Lebanese NGOs that applied for funding according to a call for proposals launched between June 5 2004 and September 4, 2004.
An information session about the project’s requirements and criteria was held for applicants, and the session’s minutes and FAQ were published on the Afkar website. A committee composed of experts from OMSAR and observers from the E evaluated applications according to the criteria that had been already published in the project guidelines.



The projects that were submitted were of a high standard and their objectives focused on children’s and women’s rights, addiction and awareness, dialogue, and the return of emigrants. Total funding amounted to 750,000 euros and contracts were signed with OMSAR on January 26 and 27, provided that these projects be implemented within a maximum 12 month period.
The selected organizations were announced in a press conference attended by the Minister of State for Administrative Reform Ibrahim Daher and the Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Beirut Patrick Renauld. Daher announced that the Afkar program proved two things: 1- the strength of the Lebanese civil society and its creativity and initiative to help defend human rights and launch a dialogue for a diverse and harmonious society and 2- this society’s need to obtain support so as to gain strength in the development process which is based on the cooperation between civil society and the private and public sectors.
On the other hand, Renauld assured that the EU is a firm believer in the important role of NGOs in promoting democracy. He also added that the Lebanese organizations are independent organizations that have clear perspectives and enjoy freedom of expression and dialogue. They can submit draft legislations and take measures to defend rights, raise awareness and promote civil education in many fields


The winning projects