The Ministry of Social Solidarity said it approved 1,828 foreign grants worth EGP 13bn during fiscal year (FY) 2025/2026, provided by 610 donor entities and benefiting 515 non-governmental associations and foundations. The ministry stressed that the grants were aligned with actual development needs.
The figures were outlined in a report received by Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsi from Amr Hosny, Head of the Central Unit for Associations and Civil Work, detailing the unit’s main achievements during FY2025/2026.
In the report, Hosny said the Central Unit for Associations and Civil Work performs a comprehensive regulatory and facilitative role aimed at directing funding towards development activities in accordance with the Law Regulating the Exercise of Civil Society Work and its executive regulations.
This includes reviewing funding applications and approving them after verifying that the purposes of the grants are consistent with legally permitted areas of civil society work, in accordance with the law and the principles of transparency and governance.
He stressed that fundraising licences are among the legal mechanisms provided for under the Law Regulating the Exercise of Civil Work and its executive regulations.
The report identified the main approved fundraising methods, including opening bank accounts, using text messages, collection companies, and organising charitable events and competitions.
It also revealed that the number of valid fundraising licences reached 481, while 351 fundraising licences had been closed out.
The report noted that the main purposes of fundraising licences include social assistance and services, healthcare services, and care for vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities.
An analysis of fundraising methods showed that digital channels, including banks and collection companies, accounted for the largest share, representing 88% of all fundraising methods, compared with other channels.
The report noted that the unit had issued regulatory decisions and circulars to organise civil society activities and strengthen the governance of donations and grants, while standardising review and assessment procedures and reducing the time and effort required of associations and foundations.
The report explained that Egypt’s civil society sector is one of the main pillars supporting sustainable development efforts, serving as a key partner in implementing the state’s social and economic programmes and services.
The number of civil society organisations registered with the Ministry of Social Solidarity is estimated at 35,779. These include 66 licensed foreign non-governmental organisations, 27 regional federations, 50 specialised federations, and the General Federation of NGOs and Foundations.
The report noted a relatively balanced geographical distribution of civil society organisations across the country, with the largest share concentrated in Greater Cairo governorates, followed by governorates in Lower Egypt and then Upper Egypt.
During FY2025/2026, 407 new associations and foundations were registered, while permits were issued to six foreign non-governmental organisations.
According to the report, this reflects growing interest in establishing civil society organisations amid regulatory and legislative facilitation measures introduced in Egypt’s civil society sector.
The report also outlined the main purposes and activities of civil society organisations. Local community development and sustainable development topped the list, followed by social assistance, healthcare, cultural and scientific services, economic development, human rights, disability-related activities and other areas.
The report also provided a detailed account of the Central Unit for Associations and Civil Work’s management of civil society organisations’ affairs, including coordination with external entities and the Asset Seizure Committee, as well as monitoring and evaluation activities aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability.