December 2023 - Following nine years of successful partnership as a USAID subgrantee, which included organizational capacity development support, in 2023 the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM) received its first direct award from USAID/Cambodia. CCIM has championed the promotion of independent media, diverse expression, access to information, and internet freedom since 2007. Aiming to inform and empower Cambodians to engage in civic life, CCIM has been a leader in journalist training, advocacy for better regulation, and news production. The signing of its first direct award with USAID represents a major milestone in the growth of this dynamic Cambodian organization, which will amplify its impact and sustainability.
CCIM submitted its first proposal for funding to USAID in 2015. In response, USAID/Cambodia began the vetting process by implementing USAID’s standard Non-U.S. Organization Pre-award Survey (NUPAS), which resulted in 21 recommendations that CCIM would need to address before USAID could proceed with funding. The recommendations related to enhancing CCIM’s organizational procedures, and building the requisite capacity and systems to manage USAID funds.
CCIM took the NUPAS experience as an opportunity to grow, and developed a comprehensive plan, with the help of USAID, to address the recommendations. CCIM deliberately improved its financial management and grew its capacity. The recommendations offered by USAID aligned with requirements from other donors, so improvements also helped CCIM secure funding from other donors, including the Open Society Foundation, European Union, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), several bilateral embassies, and more.
During this time, CCIM also gained valuable experience working as a subgrantee of a USAID award. In 2023, in response to an Annual Program Statement issued by the Mission, CCIM submitted an application that aligned with USAID/Cambodia’s core governance objectives. The technical merits of the application triggered a second NUPAS assessment in 2023, which revealed that over half of the 2015 findings had been addressed. CCIM was able to swiftly address the remaining issues, positioning it to receive USAID funds directly.
CCIM’s organizational development efforts paid off when USAID awarded the organization a $1 million grant in September 2023 to strengthen the capacity of communities and civil society organizations to promote human rights. While complying with USAID’s rules and regulations once seemed daunting, CCIM’s leadership now views the organization’s transition from a subgrantee to a prime grantee as a turning point in its pursuit of its organizational goals.
By obtaining a direct grant from USAID/Cambodia, CCIM finds itself in a stronger position as a local partner. This achievement not only opens doors for additional funding opportunities, but also serves as a testament to U.S. support for CCIM's vital work in promoting fundamental freedoms. The direct grant ensures a substantial portion of USAID funding contributes to impactful programming, directly benefitting Cambodians. It also further bolsters local capacity. While operating as a subgrantee for other activities served as a development opportunity, CCIM's new, elevated status as a direct grantee and prime implementing partner strengthens its position in advancing positive change needed in Cambodia.
"We were motivated to apply because we believe in our capacity to implement USAID projects on our own, having experience with USAID-funded projects. As this is our first experience as a prime grantee, we experienced some challenges complying with the administrative requirements, but we were able to address and overcome them.” – CCIM Staff
CCIM's journey to become a trusted partner of USAID/Cambodia is a testament to its commitment to Cambodia’s development, media environment, and civil rights. This partnership with USAID demonstrates the organization's perseverance, resilience, and capacity for growth, which impacts not only the organization, but also the communities it serves.
USAID recognizes the preeminent role local organizations play and aims to increase its partnerships with these essential development partners. That’s why globally, as well as in Cambodia, USAID is expanding the share of its programs that are locally led, in which a diverse group of local actors define priorities, help inform project design, and take ownership of resolving their development challenges.