Non-Governmental Organisations

The Ministry of Social Development has taken steps to strengthen the role of NGOs, improve coordination among them, support their activities and events, and encourage their participation in seminars, conferences, and workshops organised by the Ministry. Along with the public and private sectors, civil institutions are considered the third most effective economic and social force in the Kingdom. They play an active role in addressing societal problems resulting from changing social and economic circumstances. 

Financial Grants Programme for NGOs

In 2006, the Ministry of Social Development adopted a new methodology for the provision of financial grants that mainly supports development projects being implemented by NGOs. This transformed the grant policy from subsidies and monetary assistance into financial support for projects that offer tangible value to the community. 

The Ministry established the Civil and Social Work Fund to manage several programmes, including grants. In line with the principle of social partnership, the fund engages the private sector in helping to finance NGOs development projects. The fund’s membership includes representatives of the Ministry of Social Development, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, three national banks, and three local companies. Its Board of Directors has been entrusted with setting its general policy and monitoring the implementation of the grants programme. In addition to the annual support allocated by the Kingdom, which is estimated at about BD100,000, the private sector also contributes with donations, gifts, and subsidies.

Accordingly, an organisation wishing to receive a financial grant can request it for an existing or planned development project, if it adds value to society.