Building the Future: A Learning Hub for CSOs Under 5 Years Old

USPEaK is a women-led organization committed to promoting civic engagement, good governance, and inclusive education across Lebanon. With nearly a decade of experience in organizational development, USPEaK has supported over 90 civil society organizations in strengthening their internal capacities and building lasting partnerships with donors. Through tailored training, hands-on mentorship, and networking opportunities, USPEaK has helped CSOs—especially those in closed and marginalized communities—grow more strategic, accountable, and sustainable.

We understand the real and evolving needs of emerging local NGOs, including the hurdles they face in securing funding, aligning with donor expectations, and navigating complex compliance environments.

About the Learning Group
To continue supporting this critical segment of civil society, USPEaK is launching a capacity-building learning group designed for young, registered civil society organizations that are less than 5 years old. This initiative is implemented as part of the broader Leaders Academy Project, funded by the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. It aims to empower a new generation of CSOs to scale their impact, deepen their expertise, and become more competitive and visible in the development sector.

Over four months, 8–10 selected CSOs will take part in seven full-day workshops delivered in person in Beirut. The sessions are interactive, practical, and focused on core organizational skills and institutional growth.

Tentative workshop topics include:

• Strategic Planning
• Proposal Writing
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)
• Finance and Budgeting
• Fundraising and Evaluation of Proposals
• Policy Writing and Advocacy
• Protection and Safeguarding Policies

Following the training series, participants will gather for a Lessons Learned Day to reflect on their progress, share best practices, and explore future collaborations. The journey will culminate in a public final event, where participating organizations will showcase their work and connect with potential donors, partners, and allies who can support their next steps.

Tailored to Your Needs
Recognizing that no two organizations are alike, USPEaK will conduct a needs assessment with each shortlisted CSO to customize the learning experience. This ensures that the training responds to actual gaps and emerging challenges, rather than offering one-size-fits-all content. The final selection of workshop topics may be adjusted based on this assessment to maximize relevance and benefit.

Why It Matters
Many new CSOs operate with passion and commitment, yet face barriers in grant writing, compliance, and strategy development that limit their ability to scale. This initiative bridges those gaps, equipping emerging organizations with the internal systems, knowledge, and donor-readiness required to implement impactful and fundable projects.

• Participation in this learning group will help organizations:
• Strengthen their institutional credibility
• Align with donor priorities and compliance frameworks
• Build relationships within the CSO and donor ecosystem
• Access more funding opportunities through improved proposals and systems

Eligibility Criteria

• Registered as a CSO in Lebanon
• Founded in 2019 or later
• Actively working on social, economic, or governance-related issues
• Committed to full participation in all 7 workshops and the final event
• Represented consistently by 1–2 core staff or decision-makers

Timeline

• Applications open till July 31, 2025
• Needs assessment begins after shortlisting
• Final selection announced by August 18, 2025
• Workshops held over 4 months in Beirut
• Final event scheduled after training completion

Apply now to strengthen your organization’s future.

This initiative is not just about learning—it’s about transforming your organization into a confident, capable, and connected actor that can serve your community more effectively and sustainably.