10 PTF-supported projects in Argentina were recently reviewed confirming that small, short, one-off projects can make a difference even if they are barely a drop in the bucket of fighting corruption. Political will, stakeholder collaboration, and continuity of effort were key determinants of success in the short and longer terms.…...
Learning from Unsatisfactory Results – Questions on Implementing Capacity
Donors must be especially rigorous in identifying and assessing the implementing capacity of civil society organizations CSOs seeking support. There are many CSOs with a determination to improve governance in their countries, but do they have the capacity to do so? Screening grant applicants in this regard can be difficult,…...
Strengthening Understanding of How Civil Society Contributes to Curbing Corruption
Workshops involving donors and CSO project implementers can yield solid outcomes when there is a common purpose and sharp focus. A PTF – ACT workshop in Kenya concluded with a bold “Vision of the Future” that encapsulates decisions on how to strengthen work by listing what CSOs and what governments…...
Pro-Active Project Planning – Serbian Example
Considerations of three PTF-supported projects in Serbia, all of which impacted sensitive political and judicial developments, highlighted the crucial need for sponsors (donors – in this case PTF) to pursue sound and substantial planning to provide an enhanced assurance of positive outcomes and a greater ability to assist the project-implementing…...
Champions Can Be Essential to Project Success – Example Cameroon Education Projects
In seeking to enhance governmental transparency and accountability constructive engagement with public officials works much better than denouncing malpractice and confronting public officials, argues the author. Project experiences in Cameroon highlight the roles of champions – a person, or a group of people in official positions - who believe that…...
Why Puerto Rico Should Look to Uganda in the Fight Against Police Corruption
In October 2010, 61 Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) officers were arrested on charges related to corruption. Specifically, the police were failing “to police sex crimes and incidents of domestic violence” and participating in “discriminatory policing practices that target individuals of Dominican descent.” They also abused their power in conducting…...