Improving the Regulatory Environment for Civil Society Organizations in Tunisia | NEAAC ACBURGR 17 010

Opportunity Information: Apply for NEAAC ACBURGR 17 010

The grant opportunity titled "Improving the Regulatory Environment for Civil Society Organizations in Tunisia" focuses on strengthening how civil society organizations (CSOs) are legally recognized, regulated, and supported in Tunisia. The core purpose is to modernize and improve the country s Decree Law of Associations through technical and legal assistance, so that the rules governing CSOs better promote fiscal transparency while still protecting the ability of civil society to operate freely. A major theme running through the project is balancing two priorities that can sometimes be in tension: improving accountability and oversight, but doing so in a way that avoids unnecessary restrictions or heavy handed government interference in civic activity.

A central part of the project is support for a comprehensive reform process for the Decree Law of Associations. Rather than treating reform as a closed government exercise, the opportunity explicitly emphasizes an inclusive process that incorporates input from CSOs and relevant subject matter experts. In practical terms, this means the work is expected to involve structured consultation, legal and policy analysis, and drafting or revising proposed legal language in ways that make fiscal reporting and compliance clearer and more workable. The goal is not only to update the legal framework, but also to improve transparency through the way the reform is developed, ensuring that stakeholders can see how decisions are made and why particular regulatory approaches are chosen.

Another major component targets the administrative side of regulation, specifically how the government registers and oversees CSOs. The project aims to build government capacity by training officials responsible for registration and oversight, with an emphasis on improving expertise, consistency, and transparency in how rules are applied. Alongside training, the opportunity calls for the creation of a digital platform for CSO registration. This platform is intended to make the registration process more transparent and fair, reduce discretionary decision making, and limit opportunities for corruption or abuse. Digitizing registration can also standardize workflows, create clearer records, and provide applicants with more predictable procedures and timelines.

The project also includes a direct capacity building element for CSOs themselves. Training seminars are planned to clarify CSO responsibilities under the law and to explain proper registration procedures. This reflects an understanding that compliance improves when requirements are understandable, accessible, and communicated consistently. By helping CSOs navigate legal obligations and administrative steps, the project aims to reduce unintentional noncompliance and create a healthier, more predictable operating environment for civil society.

From a funding and administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary cooperative agreement, meaning the funding agency anticipates substantial involvement in guiding or collaborating on the work during implementation. The opportunity was issued by Assistance Coordination under Funding Opportunity Number NEAAC ACBURGR 17 010 and falls under the activity categories of Law, Justice and Legal Services and Other, with CFDA Number 19.600. The total award ceiling is 750,000 dollars, and the opportunity anticipated a single award (Expected Awards: 1), suggesting a preference for one lead implementer capable of managing the full package of legal reform support, government and CSO trainings, and development of the digital registration platform. Eligible applicants include a broad mix of entities such as public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, for profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses. The opportunity was created on 2017-06-15 with an original closing date of 2017-07-31.

Overall, the grant is designed to improve the regulatory environment for civil society in Tunisia by making laws and procedures clearer, fairer, and more transparent. It combines legal reform work, government capacity building, digital modernization of registration systems, and practical training for CSOs, all aimed at increasing public trust, reducing corruption risks, and supporting an open civic space where organizations can function without undue constraints while still meeting reasonable transparency and compliance expectations.

• The Assistance Coordination in the law, justice and legal services, other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Improving the Regulatory Environment for Civil Society Organizations in Tunisia" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.600.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-06-15.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2017-07-31. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $750,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.

Apply for NEAAC ACBURGR 17 010

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: