About Estonian National Foundation of Civil Society (NFCS)

Welcome to the National Foundation of Civil Society (NFCS), established in 2008 by the Estonian Ministry of the Interior. As a non-profit civil society fund, our primary mission is to build the capacity of Estonian Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and to foster an environment that encourages and supports civic action throughout Estonia.

History and Background

In the 1990s, following the restoration of Estonia’s independence, the majority of funding for Estonian CSOs came from Western countries. However, state funding was limited and not specifically designed for capacity building. By the end of the 1990s, as Estonia was recognized as a stable democratic country, foreign support for CSOs began to decrease significantly. This shift highlighted the need to develop national strategies to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of civil society.

In 2002, the Estonian Civil Society Development Concept was created. This document outlined the future goals, principles of cooperation, and the respective roles of the public sector and CSOs. A key proposal of this concept was the establishment of a national foundation dedicated to supporting and developing civil society.

NFCS Today

Since its inception in 2008, NFCS has played a central role in implementing the Estonian Civil Society Development Concept and subsequent 5-year Civil Society Development Plans. Our work involves a range of activities, including providing financial support through grants and projects, facilitating cooperation between CSOs and the public sector, and promoting best practices in civic engagement. We strive to create a vibrant and resilient civil society that contributes to the well-being and development of Estonia.

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our activities, international cooperation opportunities, and the various ways we support and collaborate with civil society organizations.