The Civil Society Foundation bolsters those independent and diverse voices and initiatives that serve Georgia’s European aspirations, protection of human rights and freedom of media, integration of minorities and establishment of social justice in the country.
About us
For almost 30 years, the team of the Civil Society Foundation (former Open Society Georgia Foundation) has been committed to promoting and developing civil society in Georgia.
The Civil Society Foundation is a platform bringing together people, organizations and coalitions for democratic change and public good. Through grant funding of the civil sector, initiative groups and people who support the values of a democratic society, and engagement in important advocacy campaigns, the Civil Society Foundation bolsters those independent and diverse voices and initiatives that serve Georgia’s European aspirations, protection of human rights and freedom of media, integration of minorities and establishment of social justice in the country. The Foundation strives to be a driving force behind the European vector of our country remaining vigilant with civil society in its efforts to fight corruption, oppression and authoritarianism.
For almost three decades, the Foundation’s investment in the development of an open and democratic society in Georgia have amounted to more than USD 118m. This support was endowed to strengthen youth, women, children, refugees, students, professional groups, socially vulnerable groups, persons with health problems or disabilities.
Team of the Civil Society Foundation managed to achieve significant changes by supporting newly established organizations, initiative groups and active citizens, motivating advocacy campaigns, educational initiatives, publications and the discussion platforms.
Our stories
Stories about people, diverse activities and initiatives that come together for democratic change and the public good.
The Civil Society Foundation (CSF) is the successor of the mission and history of the Open Society Georgia Foundation. Since 1994, the Open Society Georgia Foundation has been part of the global network of Open Society Foundations. In parallel with structural, managerial and geographical changes taking place in the global network, the Civil Society Foundation was transformed into a local organization and keeps on with the priority areas under a renewed status and under the new name “Civil Society Foundation”. The Foundation remains loyal to its mission and values and remains to be a global network partner in the region.
For almost three decades, the Foundation’s investment in the development of an open and democratic society in Georgia have amounted to more than USD 118m. This support was endowed to strengthen youth, women, children, refugees, students, professional groups, socially vulnerable groups, persons with health problems or disabilities.
The Foundation played an important role in reaching democratic changes; it has empowered society in times of war, social upheaval, or the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides, has made significant contribution to advancing key reforms in public health, expanding space for participatory democracy and civic engagement, protecting human rights and the rule of law, and empowering free and independent media.
Pivotal achievements in the history of the Civil Society Foundation
Youth Education
Thousands of young people have received education from Western universities or local educational programs with the support of the Foundation.
Children’s Hospice
Since 1999, the Foundation has been introducing palliative care in the country for people with chronic and untreated deseases, and in 2017 the first children’s hospice in Georgia was opened.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage
With the Foundation's investment of more than USD 1.5 million, samples of monastic painting and frescoes were preserved, several church buildings were strengthened and e-archives were created.
Doctors with Extended Qualification
With the support of the Foundation and its Austrian partner, more than 700 representatives of the medical field have already participated in Salzburg seminars. This opportunity is still open for professionals.
Hepatitis C Elimination Program
In 2011, the Foundation launched an advocacy campaign to promote access to Hepatitis C diagnostics and treatment. Local and international cooperation made it possible to implement this program, first in penitentiary institutions, and then throughout the country.
International Assessment of the August War
After the August War, the first report on facts and documentary material about cruel and inhuman acts committed en masse on the territory of Georgia was prepared with the support of the Foundation. The report uniting personal stories of more than 1,000 people affected by the war was one of the first documents sent to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Media Development
Over the years, regional and online media supported by the Foundation have become a reliable source of information for the public.
Valuable Legislative Changes
With the involvement of the Foundation, changes were made in around 30 laws on legal assistance, personal data protection, operative-search measures, and people with disabilities.
Accessible and Decent Environment for People with Disabilities
With the involvement of the Foundation, the construction adapted to the needs of people using wheelchairs was regulated by legislation, and the service of personal assistant for the people with disabilities was established.
Free Education Program for Ethnic Azerbaijani Entrants
For 5 years, Azerbaijani entrants living in Kvemo Kartli region have been preparing for national exams with the '4+1 Program' launched with the support of the Foundation.
Support to Citizens During COVID-19
During the time of COVID-19, the Foundation invested almost USD 900,000 to respond to important informational, social, economic, psychological, labor, educational and other needs of the citizens of Georgia.
Georgia’s Independent Stand at the Frankfurt Book Fair
Georgian publishing houses and writers presented an independent stand and concept at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2023 and 2024 with the support of the Foundation. Georgia’s independent stand was the response of representatives of the literary sphere boycotting the policy of the Ministry of Culture.
Supporting Independent Georgian Cinema at the Berlinale
With the support of the Foundation, the Georgian Film Institute has presented twice with a Georgian stand at the Berlinale. This is especially important in the context when more than 450 Georgian filmmakers are boycotting the Georgian National Film Center – the only public structure that finances Georgian cinema.
Monitoring the Implementation of the EU's 12 Priorities and 9 Steps
Together with partner non-governmental organizations, the Foundation regularly assessed the fulfillment of the conditions defined for Georgia by the EU for granting the Candidate Status and opening negotiations on accession to the EU.
Monitoring of the Association Agreement
The Foundation took an active part in the development of the annual Action Plan for the implementation of the Association Agreement and continues to monitor the implementation of reforms envisaged by the EU-Georgia Association Agreement.
Free Legal Aid
Eventually to the cooperation between the Foundation and the Ministry of Justice in 2004-2012, a Free Legal Aid Service was opened in Georgia, which annually serves more than 30,000 people free of charge.
Observation Mission – My Vote for EU
CSF is a member of the observation mission My Vote for EU uniting 30 Georgian Civil Society organizations, which aimed to observe the October 26, 2024, elections at all polling stations and initiate/join the campaign "My Vote to the European Union". Conducting a robust pro-EU campaign and election observation became critically essential in this period, serving not only an evaluative role but also, crucially, a preventive one against potential violations.
Election Media Center
On the initiative of the Foundation, the media center, operating on election days, is the only means for the media and public at large to continuously get unbiased information about the results of election observation by local NGOs.
A Study of the Context of Torture of Prisoners in Penitentiary Institutions and its Systematicity
A research document prepared by the Foundation is the only document of its kind that assesses the situation in Georgian prisons in 2003-2013.
Community-based (home) Mental Health Service
After large psychiatric institutions had been dissolved, community-based services reduced the need for hospitalization of patients in psychiatric institutions by 90%.
Homelessness and Adequate Housing
Eventually to the research and subsequent advocacy campaign supported by the Foundation, the Government of Georgia took responsibility to elaborate a National Housing Policy within the framework of Open Government Action Plan.
The goal of the program is to protect human rights, equality and democracy in Georgia by bolstering human rights organizations and activists, and also through creating a common ground for communication and cooperation.
The goal of the program is to increase government accountability. These activities include both raising awareness among Georgian citizens about Georgia’s accession to the European Union, and monitoring and preparing reports on the implementation of our country’s commitments to the European Union.
The goal of the program is to support online media organizations in the capital and regions and empower the Media Advocacy Coalition. The program, together with its partners, implements advocacy campaigns to protect the media and freedom of speech.
The goal of the program is to support the protection of the rights of national minorities, extend their capabilities and participation in public and political life for the development of an inclusive society in Georgia.
