ISKRA – Increasing Sectoral Know-how for Rights-based Advocacy

ISKRA – Increasing Sectoral Know-how for Rights-based Advocacy addresses the growing fragmentation, marginalisation and diminishing policy influence of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Croatia. The Needs Assessment prepared by the Fund Operator in 2025, identifies an increasingly difficult operating environment, characterised by shrinking civic space, political polarisation, financial insecurity and weakened mechanisms for meaningful participation in policymaking. The prolonged absence of a renewed national framework for civil society development, alongside weakened institutional mechanisms for civil dialogue, has undermined structured cooperation between CSOs and public authorities.

Within the sector, dependence on short-term project funding, excessive administrative burdens, precarious employment and staff burnout reduce organisations’ ability to sustain advocacy and address shared structural challenges. Existing networks lack adequate resources for continuous coordination, while organisations frequently work in isolation. Limited access to research, policy analysis and effective communication tools further constrains their collective influence and public visibility.

These barriers disproportionately affect smaller, grassroots and rural organisations, particularly those led by or representing marginalised groups. Their perspectives often remain underrepresented in both policymaking and sector-wide initiatives. ISKRA responds to the need for sustained, inclusive coordination that enables diverse organisations to define common priorities, develop evidence-based proposals and jointly advocate for an enabling environment for civil society.

ISKRA aims to strengthen civil society’s collective capacity to shape the legal, policy and funding conditions in which it operates, and to reinforce its role in protecting human rights and democratic values. Implemented by Community Foundation Slagalica in partnership with SOLIDARNA Foundation and Association SMART, the project will establish a collaborative advocacy platform that brings together organisations across thematic fields and national, regional and local levels.

An Advocacy Forum and thematic working groups will enable participating organisations to identify shared challenges and coordinate action on issues such as public funding, employment rights within the sector and participatory democracy. Extensive national consultations will inform a civil society-led “shadow” National Plan for Civil Society, providing a common basis for dialogue with public authorities and contributions to relevant national and EU policy processes. At least three thematic policy proposals will be developed and promoted, grounded in priorities identified by participating CSOs.

Research and digital tools for monitoring civic space will strengthen the evidence available for advocacy, culminating in a Croatian Civic Space Report in 2028. A national public awareness campaign will communicate civil society’s contributions to citizens’ rights and democracy. Peer mentorship, training and knowledge exchange will support meaningful participation, particularly among smaller and underrepresented organisations.

The platform will be developed through shared ownership and dedicated coordination. A mid-term review will assess its development and explore arrangements for continued sectoral cooperation beyond the project.

ISKRA aims to engage at least 100 CSOs in a more connected, inclusive and effective framework for sectoral cooperation and advocacy. Participating organisations will strengthen their ability to analyse common challenges, formulate evidence-based policy positions, communicate their contribution to society and engage collectively with decision-makers.

The project will produce an operational advocacy platform, a jointly developed “shadow” National Plan for Civil Society, at least three thematic policy proposals, digital civic space monitoring tools, the Croatian Civic Space Report and a national awareness campaign. These outputs will provide shared knowledge, practical tools and coordinated channels for sustained advocacy.

The direct beneficiaries will be CSOs working across human rights, environmental protection, social justice, anti-discrimination and other relevant fields. Particular attention will be given to grassroots and rural organisations, Roma-led and youth organisations, women’s and LGBTIQ+ organisations, and organisations led by migrants and foreign workers. Their participation will help ensure that common advocacy priorities reflect experiences and needs that are frequently excluded from policy discussions.

Public institutions will benefit from structured dialogue and evidence-based proposals to improve civil society policy, funding and participation mechanisms. Citizens, especially communities experiencing discrimination and exclusion, will benefit indirectly from organisations better equipped to represent their concerns and defend their rights.

In the longer term, ISKRA seeks to contribute to more transparent and responsive public funding and policymaking, stronger recognition of civil society’s democratic role, and sustained cooperation across the sector. It directly contributes to CSF Output 3.2, “An enabling environment for civil society supported”.