Georgian Gov’t to establish State Grants Management Agency for NGOs

The Georgian government is planning to create a State Grants Management Agency, a public legal entity responsible for issuing grants to civil society organizations.

A draft law proposing the agency’s establishment has already been submitted to Parliament for expedited review. The government will oversee the allocation of state funds to selected public organizations in accordance with legal regulations.

According to the explanatory note attached to the bill, 20 million GEL has been allocated in the 2025 state budget to support civic initiatives. This funding will cover both the creation and operation of the agency as well as grant distribution. The agency is expected to employ approximately ten people.

The document emphasizes the importance of civil society organizations in a democratic state, noting that such groups play a vital role in governance through their watchdog, think tank and service provider functions. It highlights that many European countries financially support NGOs to encourage their development while maintaining a structured and transparent funding system.

The initiative also addresses the current foreign donor dominance in NGO financing, arguing that international funding often dictates the agenda of Georgian civil society organizations. The government’s proposed solution is to create a state-controlled agency that will distribute grants to organizations whose activities align with Georgia’s national development priorities.