Georgia’s ruling party proposes amendments to Law on Grants amid criticism of foreign-funded NGOs

The ruling Georgian Dream party has initiated amendments to the Law on Grants, aiming to establish a new legal entity under government control – the State Grant Management Agency.

The move comes amid the Government’s criticism of foreign-funded NGOs, which the authorities call “foreign agents”.

The proposed agency will be responsible for “supporting public organizations operating in Georgia and issuing grants”.

According to the draft law submitted to Parliament, the agency is expected to employ approximately 10 people. The annual payroll for the agency will be determined by a separate by-law following its establishment.

The legislation outlines the financial framework for the agency, stipulating that 20 million GEL from the 2025 state budget, allocated for the “support of civil initiatives,” will be used to set up the agency and fund its operations, including the issuance of grants.

The initiators of the draft law have requested an expedited review process in Parliament. If approved, the amendments could significantly alter the grant allocation system in Georgia, centralizing oversight under the new government-controlled agency.