Month: February 2021

In 2020, RACI collaborated with the co-management of the Fund of the New Zealand Embassy of Argentina and Paraguay.

RACI received and evaluated a total of 299 (two hundred ninety-nine)[1] project proposals from both countries. The majority received came from Argentina, with 270 (two hundred seventy) project proposals, while from Paraguay 29 (twenty-nine) projects proposals were received. 

RACI evaluated all proposals with the same evaluation system, analyzing the following categories: profile of the organization, viability of the project, characteristics of the project, rigorousness of the project and analysis of the budget.

The majority of project proposals received in Argentina, 212 (two hundred and twelve) in total, corresponded to the topic “Social & economic inclusion”, followed by “Gender equality” with 138 (one hundred thirty-eight) projects. The topics “Climate change and resilience” and “Social and health issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic” received 99 (ninety-nine) projects each. Fewer proposals were received for the topic “Strengthening democratic institutions and citizen participation”, 47 in total. In the case of Paraguay, the majority of the projects received corresponded to “Gender equality”, with 20 (twenty) projects submitted, followed by “Social and economic inclusion”, with 19 (nineteen) projects, and “Social and health issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic”, with 17 (seventeen) projects. 

Upon completion of the project evaluations, the organizations selected by the New Zealand Embassy were Asociación Fe y Alegría Paraguay, Fundación 500RPM para el Desarrollo de las Energías Renovables, Fundación Huellas para un Futuro, Fundación Techo Argentina y Voy con Vos Asociación Civil. 

Each organization presented innovative projects, strongly committed to improving the quality of life of its inhabitants in the different areas proposed by the New Zealand Embassy Fund.

Asociación Fe y Alegría Paraguay presented the project “Teko ka´avo Green and artisan micro-enterprises” in response to the problem of high rates of poverty and extreme poverty in peri-urban areas of the country, associated with the prevalence of informal work, seeking to reduce it through sustainable enterprises.

Fundación 500RPM para el Desarrollo de las Energías Renovables presented the project “Renewable energy to drive the development of Patagonia’s Mapuche communities: access to water for sustainable family farming” that seeks to strengthen the economies of family farming through access to water with renewable energies for productive uses of high nutritional and commercial value, in technically and financially sustainable productive units.

Fundación Huellas para un Futuro presented the project “PHASE III – Sustainable Agricultural Production. Product marketing with added value for the benefit of rural families and indigenous communities of Kaa’guy Porá”, dedicated to completing the infrastructure (enclosure of the shed and water drilling) to complete the registration procedures that will allow the commercialization of the agro-ecological production of local residents and indigenous communities.

Fundación Techo Argentina, presented the project “Improving Our Humble Neighborhood”, that seeks to guarantee the improvement in the conditions of accessibility to the community of Villa Avalos in terms of circulation and the environment, contributing to the social production of reducing inequality gaps and enhancing the organizational practices of the worktable.

The RACI Argentina team, together with members of Jóvenes Contra la Violencia, Grupo Faro and Alianza ONG, was certified in the innovative methodology of Design Thinking.

This Diploma was carried out by Innovation for Change (I4C) in collaboration with Wake Up Academy during two intensive days held on February 18 and 19.

The Diploma emerged as a need from Innovation Laboratories to strengthen the capacities of Civil Society Organizations which, in the face of the pandemic caused by the Covid-19 virus, had to face new challenges and make great efforts to develop ideas that promote collaboration in the search for innovative solutions for the problems that the country and the region are facing.

The Design Thinking methodology is a tool widely used by different teams to find solutions to social or organizational problems. It focuses on finding ideas that address concrete problems and are viable in the long term. In addition to this, the characteristic of this tool is that it addresses the specific needs of a group of people or a community, understanding their particular situation in order to generate projects with greater impact.

Design Thinking consists of five fundamental stages, which are carried out after having identified a complex problem. These steps are: empathize, define, devise, prototype and test, in each of them a process of analysis, creativity and design is carried out. It is an innovative way to devise workable solutions with positive results.

This opportunity allowed the teams from each organization to carry out activities to understand the application of this methodology and thus transmit this knowledge by facilitating Design Thinking sessions.

From RACI we want to thank Wake Up Academy and Innovation for Change (I4C) for giving us the opportunity to continue training and learning to strengthen Civil Society Organizations.

CIVICUS has launched a new online browser, facilitating access to resources and calls for proposals for Civil Society Organizations. This tool continues working towards CIVICUS’ mission, which pursues the goal of strengthening Civil Society and encouraging the advent of a better, fairer and more equitable world.

The browser allows anyone to access a list of financial resources, courses and trainings, job opportunities and advice, among others, and organizes them by theme and region.

This development responds to the vision of CIVICUS, linked to the emergence of a global community of informed, inspired and committed citizens to face the challenges that affect humanity. Thus, the new resource is a fundamental tool so that Civil Society Organizations can embark on the path of integral development.

For more information, visit: https://civicus.org/explorador/. 

Presentation of the “PERSPECTIVA CÍVICA” Study

Research for the incidence in times of Covid-19.

 

On Wednesday, March 10, we will be presenting the most recent RACI´s publication, a qualitative-quantitative study carried out during the first months of the pandemic. This seeks to understand and reflect in what way the events derived from compulsory social isolation have affected the functioning of Civil Society Organizations and their ability to reach the communities in which they operate and to carry out their missions and visions.

At RACI, we consider it necessary to document this process for various reasons. In the first place, to make visible the role that social organizations have had in supporting numerous vulnerable communities during the worst months of social isolation. Second, to analyze, based on data generated in the field, what has been the impact of the pandemic on CSOs and what has been their response capacity – identifying the main challenges and strengths they face in this framework. Finally, it seeks to provide a relevant perspective to think about actions and solutions, as well as to reflect on the scenarios that arise from now on for the Social Sector.

Perspectiva Civica is a periodic survey carried out by RACI that seeks to take the pulse of Civil Society, that is, to identify the conditions in which Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) work and develop in Argentina and the region . It is based on an individual perception survey open to the organization’s leaders and their work teams, who give an account of their opinions regarding the general state of the Social Sector, their main future concerns, as well as the main strengths, weaknesses and CSO needs.

Soon Perspectiva Civica will launch its first regional study, which will seek to provide reliable and comparable data for Civil Society in Latin America and the Caribbean. That is why, to put this study in context, and anticipating the imminent launch of Civic Perspective in Latin America and the Caribbean, we convened a panel of experts from Argentina and the region, composed of: Anabel Cruz (CDI, Rendir Accounts), Gabriel Berger (UDESA), Orazio Belletini (Harvard / Fuegos), Pilar Arcidiácono (UBA / CONICET), Tamar Hahn (CINU).

 

The appointment is Wednesday, March 10 at 9:30 a.m. ¡sign up!

 

We are waiting for you all!

 

ACIJ launches Romper la Rueda, a podcast on corruption for Argentina and Latin America.

In this first cycle of 10 interviews with local and regional specialists, ACIJ addresses some of the most relevant dimensions of the phenomenon of corruption. These conversations seek to contribute to the reflection on concrete solutions to combat corruption from a human rights perspective. Access the episodes 

Corruption is a complex phenomenon, composed of multiple social, political, and economic dimensions. It produces greater inequality in multiple ways, distorts the collective purposes of public spending, reduces the legitimacy of state and business decisions, and lowers levels of confidence in democracy and the rule of law. In general terms, corruption undermines the pillars of democracy and affects human rights in various ways.

On the other hand, the dimensions that make up the phenomenon of corruption are also numerous. The role of the judiciary, political financing, procurement and contracting systems, public ethics laws, control bodies and the participation of the private sector are some of the issues that must be addressed when talking about corruption. The complexity of the subject has led to the interest of professionals from the most diverse fields of knowledge: economics, political science, sociology, journalism, law, among many others. 

Therefore, through Romper la Rueda, ACIJ seeks to contribute to the construction of a quality and accessible debate on the phenomenon of corruption, which gathers the knowledge and experiences of specialists who have been working on the subject for years and whose purpose is to shed light on the specific causes and consequences of one of the great scourges of contemporary societies. 

In each chapter, fundamental referents on the subject are interviewed, chosen according to criteria of gender equity, age diversity, and a wide range of roles and belongings, in order to reach a wide audience that includes those who regularly follow this agenda, but also those who have never had an approach to the subject.

Romper la Rueda seeks to be a contribution to the generation of a quality public conversation on corruption, which helps to dimension the phenomenon adequately, while providing arguments to build the conditions for the possibility of structural changes that are necessary in our countries for its prevention, detection and punishment.

 

You can listen to the interviews through the Spotify platform in this link

 

Episode 1 | La máquina de la corrupción (The Corruption Machine), with Natalia Volosín 

 

Episode 2 | Corrupción y derechos humanos (Corruption and human rights), with Claudio Nash  

 

Episode 3 | El rol del periodismo en la investigación de la corrupción (The Role of Journalism in the Investigation of Corruption), with Hugo Alconada Mon

 

Episode 4 | | El crimen organizado como motor de la corrupción (Organized Crime as a Driver of Corruption), with Claudia Escobar

 

Episode 5 | Captura del Estado y conflictos de intereses (State Capture and Conflicts of Interest), with Ana Castellani

 

Episode 6 | Corrupción y Constitución (Corruption and the Constitution), with Roberto Gargarella

 

Episode 7 | Causas y Efectos de la Corrupción (Causes and Effects of Corruption), with Bonnie Palifka

 

Episode 8 | Empresas transnacionales, corrupción y derechos humanos (Transnational Corporations, Corruption and Human Rights), with Maria Laura Bohm

 

Episode 9 | Poder Judicial e Impunidad (Judiciary and Impunity), with Federico Delgado

 

Episode 10 | Activismo ciudadano y lucha contra la corrupción (Citizen Activism and the Fight Against Corruption), with Juanita Olaya

The Innovation for Change (I4C) Hub, with the support of Tides Center, has the mission to enable civil society to defend civic space and thus has launched the Innovation Fund for Civil Society Organizations from Latin America and Caribbean that work to strengthen civil society through innovation. 

RACI opens this new call for proposals to provide support to an average of 5 (five) local, national and regional organizations from Latin America and the Caribbean, with financial resources – up to USD 10,000 each- to target challenges related to one or more of the following areas:

• Sustainability
• Transparency and accountability
• Promoting an enabling environment

 

The LAC I4C Hub aims to: 

• Strengthen and empower LAC region CSOs to protect civic space through seed granting innovative movements and initiatives that creatively tackle community challenges related to i) sustainability; (ii) transparency and accountability; or (iii) promoting an enabling environment. 
• Generate innovative practical tools that positively impact community challenges related to i) sustainability; (ii) transparency and accountability; or (iii) promoting an enabling environment to be shared and be made available for replication across I4C LAC and the I4C network.

 

Who can apply?

Only Non-for-profit Civil Society Organizations can apply to the Innovation Fund. The Program will not accept proposals from individuals, business companies or governments. 

 

How long should the project last and how much funding could be applied?

Projects should last up to 4 (four) months. The Fund will provide up to USD 10,000 per project. Only one proposal per CSO will be accepted.

Selected CSO´s should submit a mid-term progress report and a final report upon completion. Provision of funds will be subjected to the approval of these reports.

 

What activities will not be funded?

• Travel and accommodation
• Proselytizing or political activities

 

How to apply

RACI will be responsible for receiving and assessing the applications. To apply, Organizations should:

1. Download the application form “Innovation Fund LAC – Application Form”
2. Complete the application form. The form should be:
   1. Clearly written in English or Spanish.
   2. Accompanied by additional information, budgets, purchase order from suppliers of goods and services (where applicable).
   3. Signed by a responsible member of the applying organization.
3. Attach the “Innovation Fund LAC – Application Form” at the following Google Form link: https://forms.gle/mfo4kYPxsk9RPePX9 and complete with the required information. 

 

The deadline to apply is 26 March 2021 at 6pm (Buenos Aires time). Projects received after that date and time will not be considered for evaluation.  

If you have any further question please write to fondoinnovacionalc@raci.org.ar

The Regional Center for Latin America and the Caribbean for Innovation for Change will be conducting a number of virtual Innovation Labs for the region. These are training and learning spaces between various social actors, entrepreneurs, opinion leaders, consultants and others, to create strategies and promote solutions to current problems, through the development of prototype projects based on the Design Thinking methodology. 

It is a space that also seeks to promote the use of digital platforms as a means of learning for the development of innovative solutions and motivate healthy competition, through co-design and collaboration processes.

One lab will be developed by each subregion: one in the Northern Triangle of Central America, one in the Caribbean, other in the Andean Region and one in the Southern Cone. The last one will be organized by RACI for organizations, leaders, consultants and entrepreneurs from  Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay.

The call to participate in the Innovation Labs will open soon and the dates of the activities will be  2 and 3 March 2021. The theme is:   “Strengthening transparency in access and management of resources from different sectors, in the face of the covid-19 crisis”.

During this two days, the methodology and the problem to be worked on will be explained. There will also be teamwork sessions to design a solution prototype. After the lab, the teams will have 10 days to finish defining their prototipos, which will be presented to a jury. The winning team will receive a $3,000USD seed fund to run their prototype.

Very soon we will be sharing the instructions to register!

 

Aid Atlas is an innovative platform that allows you to explore international development financing online. It gives the user the opportunity to know how many funds the funders, countries or regions allocated to certain development goals. 

Aid Atlas receives funding from the Swedish Agency for International Development, the Stockholm Centre for Sustainable Finance and the support and technical adviser to Transparent Supply Chains for Sustainable Economies (TRASE).

Its main objective is to publish a complete picture of the issuer of funds, its destination, what it is used for and the magnitude of its impacts. This platform enables researchers and organizations to streamline the tracking process to hear funding flows. Aid  Atlas exposes all requested information in an orderly manner and explains the impact that funding has on the ground to which it was earmarked.

Its interface is very intuitive. In it you can filter the data you want to know and automatically the page will expose reports and statistical charts for a better understanding. All public  Aid Atlas data comes from the OECD database, such as the  Creditor  Reporting  System  (CRS). It also integrates other data sources such as those of the World Bank.

Funding is an issue of paramount importance to third-sector organizations, countries, regions or multilateral agencies. For this reason, the platform was created with the purpose of knowing how effective development financing is in those sectors that receive it. 

Through Aid Atlas reports you can learn if there are funding gaps and in which sector are most funds concentrated in. Knowing these realities, you can work directly to make aid effective and balanced. In turn, the platform strengthens the democratic system and government indicators by identifying gaps in their funding and aid systems. As a result, they can organize and encode data about projects and programs.

For more information, visit:  https://aid-atlas.org/.

The year 2020 was marked by a multiplicity of challenges, both economic and health-related, arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and its tumultuous effects on societies across the globe. However, these have not been the only obstacles that nations have had to face and still confront to this day. The crisis resulting from the pandemic has exposed and brought to the forefront the inequalities that have marked society over the past decades. Thus, in a new context of social protest, civil society organizations have raised their voices to demand change and promote greater equity in all spheres of life. In this new scenario, certainly more critical than any other time in history, donations play a fundamental role in addressing the disparities that persist structurally in the daily life of society.

At this critical juncture, the future is uncertain, but the horizon also holds exceptional opportunities for civil society leaders, who will play a critical role in promoting a more equitable and resilient society; this new year presents a time of new opportunities for innovation and learning for both civil society organizations and philanthropists.

In 2021, a number of events will shape the future and the actions of CSOs. First, a greater commitment to equitable and inclusive strategies with the goal of addressing race and gender-based issues will continue to take hold within nonprofit institutions. This process has already been evident over the past year, as Candid identified a total of $4.2 billion in funding from funders and donors to address racial inequality.

Moreover, these contributors – as well as the organizations – present themselves as funders of useful tools for the application of new philanthropic resources to address new challenges. In this sense, the obstacles that emerge are not only greater in quantity, but also structural obstacles that cannot be circumvented. Consequently, the renewal and use of new tools to address the main issues will have to be a growing trend for CSOs to contribute to the formation of a more equitable society. “Impact investment tools”, in this sense, will be essential for the promotion of change. This investment blurs the lines between philanthropy and investment, thus rethinking how people give, grant and help.

At the current juncture, still marked by the effects of the pandemic, technology will be a tool that, if used successfully, will allow CSOs to access greater funding, a simple, direct and fast approach to philanthropists and greater exposure of these organizations in society.

The transformations observed in 2020 are here to stay. The year 2021, therefore, will be one of crucial importance for donors, philanthropists, and funding groups to engage in the development of civil society organizations, as this is an indispensable stepping-stone for CSOs to address the issues of inclusion and equity that the pandemic has exposed more than ever before.

For more information, visit https://www.thenonprofittimes.com/npt_articles/the-future-of-nonprofit-economics-bellwethers-of-funding/

In a year as challenging as this one, RACI managed to carry out a marked agenda, exceeding expectations for 2020. 

Below, we inform you about the activities that the Network was able to carry out thanks to the support of its members and allies. 

Institutional Development

During 2020, the Executive Committee Elections, which are held every two years, were celebrated. This election was notable for having a record number of candidates, which reflected the growth and diversity of the Network. The election process began in July and ended in October, when the winners were announced and the Executive Committee 2020 – 2022 was formed by Daniel Pomerantz, Mariela Belski, Marisa Giraldez, Manuel Jaramillo, Natalia Gherardi, Diego Aguilar and Virgilio Gregorini.

At the same time, we carried out our year-end campaign #ArticularParaFortalecer, which aimed to review the enormous work done by Civil Society this year. Testimonials and videos from more than 15 member organizations were shared through Social Networks in order to continue promoting the culture of networking and give visibility to the work of CSOs.

During 2020 RACI collaborated with the allocation of resources to Civil Society in Argentina and the region, assisting actors linked to International Cooperation and Local Private Social Investment in the selection of social projects to obtain funding. 

In addition, internal trainings for the team were carried out to improve the performance of the tasks along several workshops and webinars exclusively to strengthen Civil Society Organizations in the following areas: Strategic Planning, Social Innovation, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership, Digital Marketing, Transparency, among others.

One of our greatest achievements in 2020 was to have been able to consolidate RACI Canada, a strategic space that will allow us to continue strengthening organizations in the region.

Impact

One of RACI’s main lines of work to strengthen Civil Society is articulation, accompanied by the dissemination and visibility of the different activities. In this sense, in 2020, more than 600 events and meetings were held with different actors of society. Among them are the Dialogues with UN Argentina on the Strategic Framework of Cooperation for Sustainable Development, the Presentation of the Directory of Local Private Social Investment, the launching of the Civic Perspective on COVID-19, a survey to record qualitative and quantitative information on how the pandemic impacted on actions and target populations.

Meanwhile, within the framework of Innovation for Change, of which RACI is a member of the Regional Executive Committee, various activities were carried out to share tools and spaces for dialogue among organizations in the region.

Articulation

As every year, RACI opened its membership during the month of May, virtually welcoming the 14 organizations that decided to start working in the network. 

In 2020, the Administrators Group was inaugurated as an initiative of the members of the network to exchange strategies in relation to the administration and finances of the organizations. 

In turn, RACI organized a cycle of Multisectoral Unconferences; spaces for unstructured dialogues, where the participants were the protagonists, which enabled the exchange of information and ideas among participants and representatives of the different sectors related to sustainable development and resource mobilization. 

Research

In this regard, RACI developed various research projects and studies such as: Directory of Local Private Investment, Perspective on Covid-19, Creation of Covid-19 Observatory, Completion of the survey and updating of the Guide to Services for Organizations, Completion of the survey on public resources for social organizations at the national level, among others.

We invite you to read the complete yearbook by clicking here.