Switzerland Provides 2 Million Euros for Estonian Civil Society

The Swiss ambassador in Helsinki, Maurice Darier, deputy secretary general of the Ministry of Finance Ivar Sikk and the head of the National Foundation of Civil Society Agu Laius signed an agreement yesterday providing 2.3 million euros for the development of third sector-public sector partnership. The Ministry of Finance will co-fund the initiative for 300 000 euros, with Switzerland providing the rest.

The NFCS will distribute the funds to civil organizations through various grant programs, with an emphasis on cooperation with the public sector in the field of social services, including both prevention and containment. According to both the deputy secretary general and NFCS head Laius, the project underlines the effectiveness and development of Estonian civil society as well as its readiness to take on a more substantial role.

The project is a part of the Estonian-Swiss development program, which provides the country with 34 million euros over five years (2007-2012). The program is coordinated by the Ministry of Finance.

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