Abstract
In the first part, Czech Republic's transition after 1989 will be briefly outlined. The modernization process of the last 30 years put the country on the track of integration into European and global political organizations, economy and culture and it generated far-reaching changes in all spheres of social life.
New problems have emerged, such as building a knowledge economy and strengthening social cohesion vis-a-vis domestic and international challenges. Democracy in the Czech Republic has withstood the crisis of mainstream political parties and the rise of populist political groupings since 2010.
In the second part, I am going to focus on the contribution of civil society to democracy and social development in the Czech Republic. The not-for-profit sector has experienced a sustained growth since the early 1990s.
NGOs became an important force in social service provision, social innovation, interest representation, or public interest advocacy. While many NGOs receive funding from the government or the EU, they also tap on other sources of support.
Private and corporate philanthropy as well as mass giving is an expanding phenomenon. Informal citizen groups and grass-roots initiatives influence local policies especially in larger towns and the capital, Prague.
After 30 years of growth and capacity building, Czech civil society stands in good shape to make the Czech Republic more democratic, pluralistic and innovative.