Foundation for Civil Society

The Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) is an independent Tanzanian not-for-profit development organization that serves as a catalytic support mechanism for the country's civil society sector. It was conceived in 2002 out of a confluence of purpose between leaders of the Tanzanian civil society movement and a group of development partners, who sought to enhance CSO engagement in national poverty reduction programs, increase development aid harmonization, and streamline donor support to civil society. FCS was registered as a legal entity in September 2002 and began operations in January 2003. Over the years it has grown into a nationally anchored institution that describes itself as an intermediary support mechanism for CSOs in Tanzania. FCS works through strategic partnerships with civil society organizations, community groups, and other development actors. Its stated mission is to contribute to sustainable and inclusive development in Tanzania through strengthening capabilities and sharing resources. The organization has managed over $76 million in grants from an institutional budget of approximately $130 million, supporting more than 6,000 CSOs across all thirty-one regions of Tanzania, including both Mainland and Zanzibar. It estimates that its work has reached around thirty-one million Tanzanians, contributing substantially to good governance processes. FCS's programmatic focus has evolved over time. Its expertise and programs include Livelihoods, where it enhances civil society participation and influence in trade in Tanzania with a focus on consumer protection and inclusive trade; Civic Space, where it strengthens civil society to foster inclusive participation and democratic governance; and Sector Sustainability, which builds sustainability and resilience for civil society actors across Tanzania. The organization has shifted from traditional capacity building toward a more dynamic capacity-strengthening model. FCS is funded by a range of partners, including the European Union, the Ford Foundation, the Wilde Ganzen Foundation, and TradeMark Africa. It operates a Civil Society Organizations Resource Centre in Dodoma, the capital city of Tanzania, as a one-stop centre for the CSO sector and a knowledge hub for different stakeholders. Its revised strategy extends from 2025 to 2030, shifting from traditional five-year plans to a longer-term orientation designed as a living document that accommodates key democratic processes in Tanzania in 2029 and 2030 and aligns with the conclusion of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2030.

The idea to establish the Foundation for Civil Society was born out of a confluence of purpose between some leaders of the civil society movement and a group of development partners in 2002. This was motivated by, among other things, a need to enhance CSOs' engagement in national poverty reduction programs, increase development aid harmonization, and streamline development partners' support to CSOs. FCS was thus conceived as an intermediary support mechanism for CSOs in Tanzania. It was registered as a legal entity in September 2002 and started its operation in January 2003, and has over the years grown to be an independent Tanzanian not-for-profit development organization that is anchored in Tanzanian civil society. Since its inception, FCS has significantly strengthened the capacity of Tanzania's civil society sector, empowering CSOs and citizens to drive democratic governance and improve the quality of life. From 2002, FCS has managed over $76 million in grants from an institutional budget of approximately $130 million, supporting more than 6,000 CSOs across all thirty-one regions of Tanzania, including both Mainland and Zanzibar. Through these efforts, it has reached an estimated thirty-one million Tanzanians, thereby contributing substantially to good governance processes. External reviews commend FCS for fostering the proliferation of civil society organizations, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, and for maintaining a leadership role in civil society despite the shrinking operational space post-2015. Throughout its journey, FCS has made substantial contributions to good governance, public accountability, and the protection of rights for marginalized groups. FCS has evolved its approach to civil society support, shifting from traditional capacity building to a more dynamic and impactful capacity-strengthening model. Its programs have covered Livelihoods, Civic Space, and Sector Sustainability. The organization established the Civil Society Organizations Resource Centre in Dodoma, the capital city of Tanzania, as a one-stop centre for the CSO sector and a knowledge hub for different stakeholders. Changes in the operating context have necessitated a mid-point reorientation of its latest strategy. Shifts in the funding landscape mean that FCS can no longer function primarily as a re-grant mechanism supported by a few highly interested bilateral partners. The current national, regional, and global development discourses also require it to adapt strategically to remain relevant, competitive, and resilient. Its revised strategy extends from 2025 to 2030, shifting from traditional five-year plans to a more long-term orientation. This change accommodates the need for a long-term vision, especially considering key democratic processes in Tanzania in 2029 and 2030 and aligns with the conclusion of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2030. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the development landscape, this strategy is designed as a living document, with direction and progress assessed periodically and amendments made as necessary, including at least one significant iteration planned around the midpoint of the strategy.

• 2025

  Revised 2025-2030 Strategic Plan adopted, shifting from five-year plans to a long-term orientation.

• 2015

  Post-2015 shrinking operational space for civil society noted; FCS maintained a leadership role.

• 2003

  FCS started its operation in January 2003.

• 2002

  FCS conceived by civil society leaders and development partners; registered as a legal entity in September 2002.

An independent, Tanzanian-anchored intermediary support mechanism for the civil society sector, shifting from traditional capacity building to a dynamic capacity-strengthening model.

• Grants to civil society organizations

• Capacity strengthening programs

• Livelihoods program

• Civic Space program

• Sector Sustainability program

• Civil Society Organizations Resource Centre in Dodoma

1. 1Foundation For Civil Society (FCS)thefoundation.or.tz
2. 2FCS Our Storythefoundation.or.tz
3. 3FCS Careersthefoundation.or.tz
4. 4FCS Strategythefoundation.or.tz
5. 5Foundaton for Civil Societywikidata.org