Non Government Organisations

NGO program estimate

$27.6 million

NGOs play an important complementary role in delivering a high quality aid program. Besides mobilising Australian public support for development, NGOs are well placed to strengthen civil society in partner countries through their strong links with communities and partnerships with local organisations. They also provide specialist skills for community development, thereby enhancing sustainability.

The AusAID–NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) supports accredited Australian NGOs to undertake cost-effective, practical and direct poverty reduction activities. Under this scheme, the Australian Government supplements funds provided by the Australian community. In 2005–06, funding for the ANCP will be $27.0 million, an increase of $1.4 million. The government will work cooperatively with NGOs on program delivery and enhancing administration and accountability, as well as supporting improvements in project design, management, implementation and evaluation.

Building on the NGO Cooperation Agreements established during 2004–05 will remain a priority. The Cooperation Agreements, funded through country programs, represent a fundamental shift in the nature of engagement between NGOs and AusAID country programs. Through these agreements, the government will maximise collaborative, strategic engagement by a range of Australian NGOs at the policy level, and within country strategies, through being able to draw on the delivery capacities of selected NGOs.

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