The Centers for Pluralism (CfP) program was begun in 1992 by the Institute for Democracy in Eastern Europe in a region-wide effort to support democratic development through common initiatives and cross-border cooperation among independent non-governmental organizations trying to rebuild civic life on the rubble of communism. It was the first regional response to address the common challenges being faced by democratic activists in all postcommunist countries and has brought together civic forces across geographic, national, ethnic, and religious borders in an effort to share experiences, build common programs, and foster a regional community dedicated to pluralist and democratic values.

Centers for Pluralism are NGOs having broad civic programs and a regional focus that are selected as coordinating points for civic development within their own countries and centers of cooperation for NGOs in other countries. There are now twenty Centers in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Chechnya, Crimea, Croatia, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kosova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, and Slovakia. IDEE provides assistance to help Centers develop their own programs as well as establish cross-border contacts and cooperation with NGOs in other countries. Additionally, IDEE furthers NGO development through a small grants program that has helped nearly 100 NGOs.

Centers for Pluralism and CfP Partner Organizations meet semi-annually to exchange information and experiences, develop common programs, and network to strengthen civil society in the region. Common programs have been developed addressing similar problems faced in postcommunist countries, such as the need for civic education, assistance to emerging NGOs, teaching young political leaders in democratic theory and practice, training NGO management skills, fostering inter-ethnic tolerance, and promoting independent and cross-border monitoring of elections. A regional internship program gives NGO activists the opportunity to gain concrete information and experiences from counterparts in other countries. As a result of Centers for Pluralism initiatives, participating NGOs have expanded their programs, capabilities, contacts, and funding, allowing them to reach a broader community of thousands of NGOs and activists throughout the region.

The Centers for Pluralism program brings this broader community together through its information data base and clearinghouse of over 5,000 NGOs and through the Centers for Pluralism Newsletter, which is published in English, Russian, Azeri, Belarusan, and Ukrainian editions. The Newsletter publishes useful information for NGOs in areas of management, fundraising, programming, and civic education, and lists the activities and contact information of more than 1,000 NGOs. In addition to fostering contacts among NGOs across borders, the Newsletter serves as a key resource for Western donors and other organizations providing assistance in the region.