Resource Center Supports Civil Society in China’s Far West
Villagers in Minhe County, Qinghai contribute volunteer labor for constructing a road.
Societies prosper when citizens become stakeholders. That’s the belief behind Eurasia Foundation’s targeted expansion into civil society development in China. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are playing an increasingly important role in the development of western China, and EF is working to improve NGOs’ skills in the areas of financial management and other topics to ensure organizational sustainability.
In many geographically isolated regions, such as the province of Qinghai, NGOs have limited access to other NGOs and operational necessities. To bridge these gaps, EF recently launched its Qinghai NPO Resource Center Program at the end of 2006.
Based in the provincial capital, the Qinghai Resource Center has provided consultations to local community groups and hosted visitors from more than 80 different organizations since January, 2007. Earlier this month, the Center conducted its first training—a proposal writing workshop—attended by participants from 20 community groups and nascent NGOs. As part of the workshop, Center staff assisted participants in completing and submitting proposals to domestic and international donors.
EF and local staff plan to hold seven additional trainings on a variety of topics: financial management, volunteer recruitment, fundraising and integrated rural development, among others.
Throughout the two and a half year program, EF will work with the Qinghai Resource Center to ensure its long-term financial viability. As the regional interest in grassroots development builds, the skills and training provided by the Center will enhance the capacity of local NGOs to not only meet the direct needs of their communities, but also guarantee their own sustainability.
