Strengthening Civic Space and Local Capacities

Overview

SYCAC works to strengthen civic space and build the institutional, technical, and organizational capacities of local civil society organizations, community-based organizations, grassroots networks, informal community structures, and local leaders.

This pillar is based on the principle that local communities should not remain passive recipients of assistance. They should have the capacity, space, and tools to identify their priorities, participate in decision-making, design locally relevant initiatives, and lead their own recovery and development processes.

Our Approach

SYCAC combines structured organizational capacity assessments with tailored training, coaching, mentoring, and ongoing technical accompaniment.

Support is designed according to the needs of each organization or community structure and may cover governance, leadership, strategic planning, project management, financial management, fundraising, communications, digital skills, safeguarding, accountability, and organizational sustainability.

Where appropriate, this support is complemented by small grants that allow local organizations to apply their learning through initiatives designed and implemented in response to locally identified needs.

Civic Participation and Local Governance

Work under this pillar promotes participatory and inclusive local governance, constructive engagement between communities and local authorities, and broader civic participation.

SYCAC supports dialogue and consultation processes that enable communities to communicate their needs, influence local priorities, participate in planning, and hold relevant actors accountable.

Particular attention is given to expanding the meaningful participation of women, young people, and marginalized groups in community processes and local decision-making.

Local Networks and Community Structures

SYCAC works through a broad network of Syrian-led local partners, including community-based organizations, women- and youth-led volunteer teams, grassroots initiatives, and Peace Clubs.

These partnerships provide a foundation for locally rooted programming and strengthen cooperation, knowledge exchange, and collective action among local civil society actors.

Long-Term Results

Through this pillar, SYCAC seeks to contribute to stronger, more organized, and more sustainable local organizations and community structures.

The intended long-term result is a wider and more inclusive civic space in which local actors are able to design, implement, and sustain their own initiatives, while communities participate more effectively in shaping the decisions and priorities that affect their future.