Gorgian Gov't introduces State Grants Agency to 'support' national priorities

The Head of the Government Administration of Georgia, Levan Zhorzholiani, announced the creation of a new State Grants Management Agency aimed at supporting civil society organizations that align with national priorities.

Zhorzholiani stated that many civil society organizations previously funded by foreign actors failed to serve the country’s national interests. In response, the government decided to take a more direct role in supporting NGOs through a dedicated state-funded grant system.

“Providing grants to strengthen civil society is a well-established practice, especially in Western countries. Many EU states have similar programs aimed at empowering public organizations,” said Zhorzholiani.

He emphasized that recent developments have highlighted the need for civil society organizations to genuinely contribute to key areas such as education, science, democratic institutions, and human rights. According to Zhorzholiani, the new agency will fund projects that match Georgia’s national goals and values.

The agency will focus on priority areas including democratic development, human rights and freedoms, economic growth, reconciliation and civic equality, as well as healthcare, sports, youth, education, agriculture, and environmental protection.

Zhorzholiani also underlined that all grant competitions will be transparent and fair. “These organizations must truly serve the public and the interests of the Georgian people—not the other way around,” he said.