In 1994, Romania was undergoing a profound transformation following the fall of the communist regime. The need to build a strong, vibrant civil society was more pressing than ever. In this context, Civil Society Development Foundation (CSDF) was established as part of a regional initiative of the European Commission. The founding vision was simple yet bold: to provide critical support to Romania’s non-governmental organizations by equipping them with the resources and expertise needed to thrive.
About us
Who are we and what we do
CSDF quickly grew into a key enabler of civil society in Romania, supporting NGOs as central actors in democratic development. Project funding for grassroots organizations has been complemented by training, consultancy, and strategic support to help strengthen internal structures. Seeds of civic engagement were planted, leading to the creation of an infrastructure capable of responding rapidly and effectively—not only in moments of major crisis, such as the Covid-19 pandemic or the war in Ukraine—but also in the everyday work of empowering citizens, amplifying their voices, and providing them with the means to drive meaningful change in their communities.
CSDF has played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing a legislative environment conducive to NGOs and civic engagement, actively contributing to the design and advocacy of policies that safeguard and foster this sector, vital for democracy. Among the major funding programmes managed by CSDF are Phare, the EEA & Norway Grants, the Swiss Contribution, and others, all of which have significantly contributed to the sustainable development of NGOs in Romania.
CSDF has long recognized the value of international cooperation, forging networks and partnerships with peer organizations across borders. These collaborations have enabled Romanian NGOs to benefit from shared experience, adopt best practices, and amplify their impact beyond the national level.
Today, CSDF stands as a leading force within the non-governmental sector—both in Romania and across the region—helping to shape a civil society that is resilient, responsive to social challenges, and committed to the advancement of human rights, transparency, and civic participation.
Mission
We mobilize organizations and resources and we act for a strong civil society that is relevant at national and European level.
Vision
A democratic society, aligned to European values, in which each person is respected and represented.
Our values
Civic engagement
Integrity
Performance-oriented
Respect for diversity
Respect for the rule of law
Transparency
Teamwork
Respect for human rights
Some of the services we offer to companies and institutions interested in supporting a healthy and sustainable civil society:
Simple and complex grant schemes
Capacity building programmes
for NGOs that benefit of sponsorship and internal CSR departments
Due diligence
for the purpose of collaborating with specific organizations
Thematic learning programs
(diversity and inclusion, human rights, legislation, etc.)
Tailored HR Social Programs
(internal pro bono and volunteering programs, employee giving, social team buildings, etc.)
Consultancy
in knowing, understanding and interacting with the civic sector
CSDF representation
International level
The representatives of CSDF involved at regional/European level hold mandates in the European Economic and Social Council (Ionuț Sibian, Executive Director), Expert Council on NGO Law/ Council of Europe (Simona Constantinescu, Head of development & advocacy) and European Civic Forum (Ștefania Andersen, Head of Operational Unit).
In advisory structures at national level
For the 2021-2027 programming period, CSDF is a member of:
- Monitoring Committee of the National Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRP)
- Partnership structures for the Education and Employment Operational Program
- Partnership structures for the Social Inclusion and Dignity Program
- Coordinating Committee for the Management of the Partnership Agreement (CCMAP)
For the 2014-2020 programming period, CSDF is a member of:
- Monitoring Committee of the OP Administrative Capacity 2014-2020 (MC OPAC)
- Monitoring Committee of the Human Capital OP 2014-2020 (MC HCOP)
- National Rural Development Network under the Rural Development Program, including Local Action Groups on the “LEADER” approach 2014-2020
Team
Board
Cătălin-Răzvan Crețu
President
Gabriel Bădescu
Member
Iulius-Albert Rostaș
Member
Simona-Nely Gherghina
Vice President
Angela Cristea
Member
Virginia-Elena Oțel
Vice President
Karen Pamela Fogg
Member
Staff
Cristina Abdula
Financial Officer
Crina Baciu
Financial Officer
Marian Bojincă
Regranting Coordinator
Gena Calotă
Financial Coordinator
Sorin Coman
Grant Systems Manager
Vlad Dumitrescu
Capacity Building Coordinator
Georgiana Grigore
Implementation Processes Coordinator
Mihai Ioniță
Administrative Officer
Anca Nicovescu
Head of Grantmaking Programmes
Paula Lorena Sabou
Grants Officer
Dalisa Strugariu
Project Manager
Daniela Uceanu
Financial Officer
Răzvan Bogză
Creștem.ONG Manager
Gabriel Alexandrescu
IT Officer
Camelia Badea
Coordinating Editor at Știri.ONG
Cristina Bunea
Financial Officer
Paul Chioveanu
Grants Officer
Simona Constantinescu
Head of Development & Advocacy
Mihaela Gheață
Communication Expert
Ileana Hargalaș
Grants Officer
Viorelia Manda
Programme Manager
Oana Calenciuc
Oana Calenciuc
Argentina Scînteie
Financial Officer
Raluca Teodor
Grants Officer
Iulia Vizi
Communication Expert
Natalia Șeremet
Communication Expert
Ştefania Andersen
Head of Operational Unit
Irina Bejan
Programme Director
Gabriela Bunea
Financial Officer
Laura Cireașă
Programme Coordinator
Andreea Drăgan
Grants Officer
Ioana Ilie
Grants Officer
Alina Năstase
Office Manager
Bianca Oprea
Legal Adviser
Ionuț Sibian
Executive Director
Oana Țigănescu
Grants Officer
Aurora Zănescu
Economic Director
Alexandra Soare-Prodan
Programme Manager
Ioana Șurubaru
Capacity Building Expert
Annual reports
Contact us
Address
21 Str. Nerva Traian
Sector 3, Bucharest
Romania
Stay up to date with CSDF’s activities!
30 years of CSDF
30 years of CSDF
30 years of CSDF
30 years of CSDF
30 years of CSDF
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