Dynamic development facilitator
Strengthening institutional, Conveneing, operational, and relational capabilities for sustainable impact.
Capacity Development: Strengthening Civil Society
Capacity development is a core practice that FCS applies to advance its vision and enhance the impact of its outreach programs.
FCS capacity development service is modelled to ensure that supported organizations are constantly capacitated to deliver the expected results and document them accordingly to ensure that evidence of the successes achieved is shared. We believe that strengthening the capacity of civil society is central to giving voice to citizens and putting them at the centre of good governance and livelihood and economic development processes that form part of their day-to-day living. In this case, our Capacity development programme is focused on supporting performance improvement, institutional growth and organization as well as the capacity to relate and link with others
Our Capacity Development Journey
Early Years
Registration & institutionalization of CSOs
Since its inception, FCS has been a core- organization for strengthening civil society in Tanzania with over 5000 Civil society organizations (CSOs) already supported, particularly the grassroots CSOs. Depending on social dynamics and the availability of resources, capacity-strengthening efforts have varied broadly. In the early years, FCS supported the registration and institutionalization of CSOs, later strengthening the netting and networking of CSOs including regional, district, and thematic networks.
Mid-stage (2016-2020)
Focus on the capacity “to do, to be, and to relate"
From 2016 to 2020, FCS focused more on three dimensions – civil society’s capacity to do, to be, and to relate. In doing so FCS wants to see that people, organizations, and society as a whole strengthen and maintain capacity over time, in order to achieve development results.
Present (2022-2026)
Embedding partner capability strengthening within grants
In the 2022-2026 strategic period, FCS has embedded partner capability strengthening within grants. In this new capacity-strengthening approach, partners who will be recruited by FCS to be provided with grants are given more responsibilities in managing the capacity development process of their organizations.
A New Approach to Capacity Strengthening
FCS has transitioned from its previous strategy, where a dedicated department managed capacity development for CSOs, to a more partner-driven approach. In this new model, partners receiving grants can allocate up to 10% of their approved budgets toward institutional strengthening efforts.
The goal is to:
Tripartite Approach to Capacity Strengthening
In this regard, based on our experience in capacity development of the civil society sector, we have modified our approach to a vibrant civil society using three interrelated capacity development approaches as follows:
Capacity “to be”
Strengthening institutional capacity (governance, leadership, partnerships)
Capacity “to be” which relates to strengthening the institutional capacity of CSAs who need it. - This relates to institutional strengthening: improving organizational internal performance through strategies, plans, rules and regulations, legal frameworks, partnerships, leadership, organizational politics, and power structures, as well as strengthening organizational systems, processes, roles and responsibilities, sustainability, marketing and communication strategies, change management and resilience capabilities.
Capacity “to do”
Strengthening project implementation (technical & functional capacities)
Capacity “to do” which relates to strengthening project implementation capacity. - This entails the capacity to implement FCS-funded programs/projects: entailing technical capacities in managing FCS thematic projects based on specific thematic areas e.g. social inclusion, peacebuilding, livelihood PETS/SAM as well as functional capacities related to overall planning, budgeting, financial analysis, monitoring and evaluations, strategy formulation and communications, local resource mobilization, mobilizing support.
Cluster leads will be responsible for managing the technical capacities of their members. They will be required to use a wide range of methodologies such as skills training sessions, mentorship and coaching trajectories, exchange visits and study tours, reflection sessions and learning as well as peer learning sessions.
Capacity “to relate”
Strengthening partnerships & external relationships
Capacity “to relate” which aims to strengthen CSA relationships with each other, and other stakeholders. This entails capacity at the enabling environment level: including building partnerships with development actors namely: - local communities, other CSOs, the government, as well as the private sector. In addition to the capacity to manage policy and legislative environment, social-cultural aspects in a coherent and mutually reinforcing fashion.
Capacity development dimensions
As for civil society organizations that are not directly receiving grants from FCS, from time to time, FCS partners with other organizations to facilitate the capacity for CSOs. For example, FCS is a local partner of Change the Game Academy where FCS implements capacity to CSOs on Local Fundraising and Mobilizing Support courses. CSOs can access this opportunity when it is available and advertised. Partners are advised to subscribe to the FCS mailing list and visit the FCS website and social media from time to time to see if there are any available capacity-strengthening opportunities.
FCS also invites funding partners who wish to use its infrastructure and long-term experience to contact FCS to seek partnership in capacity development. FCS has a long history of capacity building for CSOs in Tanzania. Funding partners, donors, and civil society support mechanisms can partner with FCS to facilitate capacity development efforts for their subgrantees or local CSOs in Tanzania.
CSOs Receiving Grants
How FCS supports them with embedded training.
CSOs Without Direct Grants
Alternative capacity-building opportunities via partnerships.
Funding Partners
How donors can collaborate with FCS to strengthen CSOs.
Our Expertise & Projects
FCS is evolving its approach to civil society support, shifting from traditional capacity building to a more dynamic and impactful capacity-strengthening model.
Dynamic Development Facilitator
Capacity development is a core practice that FCS applies to advance its vision and enhance the impact of its outreach programmes.
Grant Making
We are committed to providing you with summary guidance on our grants and partnership management processes and procedures.
Strategic Programmes
FCS partners with CSOs, community groups, and development actors to enhance citizen engagement in development processes.