Community-based organizations
Community-based organizations (CBOs) are grassroots groups formed to serve the interests of families or stakeholders in communities. They often emerge through schools, churches, neighborhoods, ethnic groups, sports, or cultural activities. CBOs may or may not be formally registered as NGOs. They can be based purely on volunteer participation and contributions, on membership and membership fees, or on fund-raising that is organized by the community. In many countries where the Soros foundations operate, CBOs do not exist in large numbers or are difficult to find. In less open societies, CBOs are often suppressed.
CBOs can bring goods and services, volunteer participation, or matching funds to a partnership. As a partner, the Soros foundations may provide resources to expand existing community-based programs.
Partnership with CBOs in programs initiated by the Soros foundations can be invaluable for:
CBOs are distinctive in their high commitment to their work. After all, they often represent the main stakeholders in a project. CBOs can mobilize and move ahead quickly, once convinced of their own interest and the integrity of the partnership. Partnering with CBOs requires extensive, skilful consultation and building of trust. This process can be time-consuming, especially in the early stages of partnership.
It may be necessary to screen CBOs for the quality and sustainability of their efforts, and their reliability as a partner. This can be done by attending their meetings, visiting their offices or sites, and interviewing others in the community.
CBOs often don't have office infrastructure or full-time staff. The Soros foundations should not expect polished partnership proposals from these organizations at the outset of cooperation. In some countries, it might be necessary for the Soros foundations to stimulate and support the formation of CBOs before community partnerships are possible.
