On 7 May 2025, the Government of Timor-Leste, through the Office of Support to Civil Society (Gabinete de Apoio à Sociedade Civil – GASC), under the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, announced the approval of 191 civil society organizations to receive public grants. The selected organizations—comprising NGOs, community-based organizations (CBOs), foundations, associations, and churches—were chosen through an open call for proposals.
The grants will support a diverse range of activities, including infrastructure development, governance training, and other community-driven initiatives aligned with each organization’s strategic priorities. This marks a significant step forward in strengthening the sustainability of civil society in Timor-Leste.
The transparent allocation of public funding to a diverse group of civil society actors demonstrates a tangible improvement in the enabling environment for civil society by enhancing the financial sustainability and operational capacity of civil society organizations. By institutionalizing a transparent and recurring grant mechanism, the government is helping to ensure that civil society actors have the financial means to carry out their missions effectively.
Continued monitoring will be important to assess the inclusiveness, transparency, and long-term impact of this funding initiative.