The Foundation for Culture and Civil Society (FCCS) was established in March 2003 as an independent social organization by a group of Afghans concerned with the fate of Afghan culture and the strengthening of Afghan civil society. Its board member include senior member of the Academy of Sciences, the Human Rights Commission , the Judiciary, members of artists' and research organisation of Kabul University and the Director of the National Museum.

The Foundation is registered with the Ministry of Justice as an independent social foundation. Its staff is fully Afghan, although it benefits from the advice given by foreigners. The Chairman, Mir Ahmad Joyenda, is a veteran in government and international agency work and has wide experience in culture and research activities. It is headquarted in a historic building in the centre of Kabul, where it can accommodate up to 300 people in its weekly socio-cultural events.

The Foundation's main objective is to become a focal point for all activities promoting modern Afghan culture and the strengthening of civil society. It is at once a motor for national development, within the framework of the peace process and national reconstruction efforts, and a bridge to the rest of the artistic and intellectual communities of Afghanistan.

The Foundation has received core support from the World Bank and the Open Society Institute, and is negotiating a 2.5 million Euro contract with the European Commission for the implementation of a nationwide small grants programme to support local culture and civil society initiatives.

It has received funds its projects from UNAMA, the Swiss Development and Co-operation, Oxfam-Navib, the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission, and the Embassies of Norway and of the Netherlands.

In 2003 the Foundation inaugurated a Culture Centre in Kabul which provides a platform for Afghan performing and fine arts, academic lectures and social activities such as workshops and seminars. Every Saturday it holds an event, and it is open in the evenings and on free days for its members and guests. The Centre has attracted many Kabulis who are interested in culture, and is already functioning as one of the motors of Afghan culture revival.

The Foundation has established linkages with partners, international or Afghan, to initiate activities in the provinces with local artists and civil society groups. These range from travelling theatre campaigns to local music festival and from advocating women's rights in remote areas to holding round tables on pressing social or culture issues.

The Foundation also helps Afghan artists travel abroad, and hosts events organised by Afghan artists or researchers living abroad. On the other hand, it has provided a platform for foreign artists visiting in Afghanistan, to expose the Afghan public to foreign culture forms.

Finally, in order ensure more citizens' participation in the peace and reconstruction process, the Foundation for Culture and Civil Society is talking part in nationwide outreach efforts to involve as many local partners and community-based organisations as possible in such processes as the Constitutional Loya Jirga, election, and good governance.