Since its launching, TAG has demonstrated that there is a committed Lebanese constituency willing to work hard and creatively to address corruption in all sectors. By the final year, TAG has provided nearly $6.5 million in grants to support more then 183 local NGO and civic initiatives that increase public awareness and action by citizens, employees, consumers, investors and youth in many diverse sectors throughout Lebanon.  These 183 projects reflect a diversity of interests, and the need to increase transparency and good governance in a wide range of sectors emphasizing democratic practice, rule of law, citizen participation, and lobbying. Grant recipients represent a broad spectrum of the NGO community and civic leaders from all regions of Lebanon.

Over the course of the project, AMIDEAST/Lebanon has worked closely with local NGOs and civic leaders. This interaction has helped to refine each project's design and implementation, to ensure that project goals and deliverables are focused and successful.

For more information on the type of TAG grants over the years, please check out the links below:

FY 2009 - 2010

FY 2007 - 2008

FY 2005 - 2006

FY 2003 - 2004

FY 2001 - 2002

Back to TAG Main Page.

Women’s rights advance. The Institute of Progressive Women (IPW) project “Custodial Bank Accounts – End Gender Discrimination” achieved a breakthrough in Lebanon when AMIDEAST Country Director Barbara Batlouni was the first woman allowed to open a bank account for her minor children in Lebanon. This was made possible after the IPW used the TAG grant to pressure the Association of Banks in Lebanon (ABL) into issuing a circular to all their member banks informing them that there is no objection to mothers’ opening savings accounts for their minor children as beneficiaries.

Women’s Rights

A breakthrough in Lebanon was achieved to allow mothers to open bank accounts for their minor children, successfully removing this obstacle to women’s equal rights in Lebanon. By mobilizing citizens at the grassroots level nationwide, and also employing effective lobbying and media campaigns, the project was able to eliminate this decades-old ban.

Consumer Protection

Consumer protection was improved with the development of a new GIS application system for the Consumer Protection Directorate at the Ministry of Economy and Trade, which will allow for better streamlining and focusing of inspectors’ efforts.

Strengthening NGO Finances

A customized software application was designed and developed to address the financial and accounting requirement of Lebanese NGOs. This Program for Enhancement of Transparency and Accountability (PENTA) software and training was provided to over 250 Lebanese civic organizations.

Higher Education

Transparency And Accountability Grants (TAG)

TAG Exhibit and Announcement of Project Continuation

On May 28, 2002, USAID and AMIDEAST hosted an exhibit for the TAG project under the patronage of H.E. Vincent Battle, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon. All 28 TAG-funded projects were showcased, providing hundreds of political, business, and civic leaders an opportunity to see the activities conducted and meet directly with the NGOs, individuals, and government representatives who designed and conducted these projects. The exhibit was also the venue for the U.S. embassys announcement of continued support for the TAG project, which will continue until early 2004. Updated grant criteria and application packages were distributed to attendees interested in developing new project ideas.

Transparency and Accountability Grants (TAG) Project

USAID and AMIDEAST Announce The Launching Of Transparency And Accountability Grants

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and AMIDEAST-Lebanon announced a new project in May 2001 to provide assistance to Lebanon. The Transparency and Accountability Grants (TAG) project will provide $500,000 in small grants to local organizations for activities that address corruption and promote good governance. This project is a continuation of media, journalism, and local government programs launched by USAID-Lebanon in 1999.

In describing the importance of this program, Jon Breslar, the Director of USAID in Lebanon, commented, Over the past two years we have found increasing commitment on the part of the government, the private sector, and civil society to eliminate corruption in Lebanon. This is crucial not only for economic growth and investment, but for all aspects of Lebanons development. These TAG grants represent another step in promoting an open and transparent environment in which Lebanon can thrive and prosper.

AMIDEAST, an American non-governmental organization, has operated in Lebanon since 1967. AMIDEAST has been conducting educational and developmental programs throughout the Middle East and North Africa for 50 years, noted AMIDEAST-Lebanon Director Barbara Shahin Batlouni, and we look forward to working with Lebanese organizations to launch new activities in an area which is so important for Lebanons development.

TAG Grants  are up to $50,000.00, and will be given to local organizations or individuals to conduct short-term, high-impact activities that help strengthen transparency and accountability in Lebanon. Activities which partner local organizations with government agencies are especially encouraged, thereby building a public-private partnership in the effort to increase transparency.

Country Director: Barbara Shahin Batlouni 

Administration
Office Manager: Lina Khalil
Development Officer: Raya Kalash
Communication Specialist: Farah Chihadeh 
Junior Accountant: Sara Itawi
IT Manager: Elias Daou 
Customer Service Representative: Milia Merhi

Cisco Entrepreneur Institute
Institute Program Manager: Chantal Souaid  

Enlarged Advisory Board Strengthens Support for Entrepreneurship in Lebanon
Washington, DC, and Beirut, December 15, 2011—AMIDEAST is pleased to welcome five new members to the AMIDEAST/Lebanon Advisory Board (ALAB) of prominent Lebanese business and civic leaders.