Working Beyond Government - Evaluation of AusAID’s Engagement with Civil Society in Developing Countries

Civil society in developing countries can be a powerful agent for change. Alongside government and private sector actors, civil society can contribute to positive and sustainable development in partner countries in many ways, including by delivering better services, enhancing social inclusion, and making governments more effective, accountable and transparent.
AusAID has a long history of working with civil society in developing countries. A significant proportion of the aid program is spent on activities involving civil society organisations. Current funding arrangements represent a deepening commitment to long-term partnerships. For example funding of $50 million to 2016 was recently allocated to the ongoing Church Partnership Program in Papua New Guinea (PNG)—a partnership between seven mainstream PNG church
denominations, their counterpart Australian faith-based non-government organisations (NGOs), AusAID and the PNG Government. Since 2002, AusAID has partnered with BRAC, a large Bangladeshi development NGO, with annual funding currently around $30 million per year. The 2011 aid policy statement An Effective Aid Program for Australia indicates the Australian Government will continue to increase its assistance to civil society organisations.