Azerbaijan approves 'single window' rules for NGO financing

Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers has approved new rules for financing non-governmental organizations through a "single window" mechanism, a move aimed at ensuring a unified approach to the allocation of state financial support for NGOs and increasing the transparency of relevant procedures.

Report informs that the decision was signed by Prime Minister Ali Asadov.

The document provides for the coordination of all types of state financial support for NGOs through the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of Azerbaijan.

This includes funding provided by state bodies, as well as municipalities. The new mechanism also applies to the Youth Foundation, the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA), the Social Services Agency and other bodies that provide support to NGOs.

The rules define the mechanism for implementing competitive and non-competitive financing, state orders, subsidies and other forms of support for NGOs. The process will be coordinated through the "State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations" information system, which operates on the basis of e-government. The Agency for State Support to NGOs is the owner and operator of the system.

The main purpose of the decision is to establish a unified mechanism for state financing of the non-governmental sector, increase transparency and accountability, and ensure coordinated and electronic management of funding processes.

The new rules set out procedures for providing small, large and travel grants, mechanisms for implementing state orders, and the procedure for financing outside competitive processes.

The document also establishes project evaluation criteria, conditions for providing financial support and mechanisms for monitoring the use of allocated funds.