The US government through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on Thursday launched the “Citizens’ Voice Project”, providing $45 million in grants for initiatives designed by Pakistani civil society organizations. The project is aimed at fostering citizens’ engagement in policy advocacy and governance in the sectors of energy, economic growth, agriculture, education, and health. “The Citizens Voice Project is part of the United States Government’s long-term commitment to support Pakistan’s development priorities and the self-sufficiency of the country’s communities, organizations, and institutions,” said USAID’s Director for Pakistan Dr Andrew Sisson while addressing representatives of the Pakistani non-governmental organisations at the launch of the project.
Through this project, the US government would issue up to 500 grants over the next three years focusing on select geographic areas and issues. In the first cycle of awards, the project will issue up to $2.6 million of grants to fund activities related to citizens’ dialogue on municipal services, energy sector reforms, and water rights. The Citizens’ Voice Project is one of several grants projects funded by USAID to support Pakistani-led initiatives throughout the country. The project is implemented by the Trust for Democratic Development (TDEA). Information about the project and the grants available can be found at www.cvpa-tdea.org.