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Democracy Commission Small Grants Program – Georgia

Deadline: 20-Feb-23

The U.S. Embassy Tbilisi announces an open competition for Democracy Commission Small Grants Program (DemCom).

The United States initiated in 1994 as a flexible mechanism to enable embassies to support local democratic initiatives in the countries of Central, Eastern Europe, and the post-Soviet States.

The implementing body at each mission is the Democracy Commission, chaired by the Deputy Chief of Mission and including the Public Affairs Officer, Cultural Affairs Officer, other members of the Country Team, and representatives of U.S. Government agencies.

Program Objectives
  • The purpose of the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program is to award grants for specific projects that support democracy, enhance the development of democratic institutions and foster education of civil society in Georgia.
Theme

The Project proposals must address at least one of the following themes:

  • Economic Growth
    • Rural Economic Development/Entrepreneurship Development/Social Entrepreneurship;
    • Sustainable Rural Development and Preservation of Cultural Heritage;
    • Tourism Development (Agro/Culinary Tourism, Eco Tourism, Health and Wellness Tourism, Cultural Tourism, etc.);
    • Basic Education;
    • Entrepreneurship Education in Higher Education Institutions.
  • Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
    • Women Empowerment;
    • Inclusion of Ethnic and Religious Minorities and other excluded or marginalized groups;
    • Civic Integration of People with Disabilities/Inclusive Education;
    • Protection of Children’s Rights and Child Welfare.
  • Civic Engagement and More Informed Citizenry
    • Journalism Education and Professionalism;
    • Regional Media Development;
    • Capacity Building and Advocacy for Local CSOs;
    • Cyber Security, Strategic Communications and Digital Diplomacy.

NOTE: Basic education projects may include strengthening public schools for grades 1-12 through teacher training and professional development, online learning, mental health and social-emotional learning, literacy and critical thinking, virtual platforms and innovative programs for students including school libraries, science and tech labs, and enrichment programs.

Award Information
  • Total Amount Available: $ 450,000;
  • The maximum amount of a grant is $50,000 per project;
  • Length of performance period: up to 12 months;
  • A number of awards anticipated: Depending on budget request award amounts.
Funding Restrictions

Allowable and Unallowable Budget Items:

  • Grants may not provide for infrastructure needs that are not sustainable once grant funds are depleted;
  • Salaries, overhead, equipment, and other administrative expenses are allowable only as they relate to specific project activities and are in accordance with grant guidelines.  Salary or honoraria should be listed according to rate of pay and percentage of time spent on program-related activities.  While salary expenses are permissible for indigenous personnel, payment of honoraria and other expenses for foreign experts will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis;
  • Funds may not be used to pay for travel to the United States or for travel grants.  Projects involving regional travel will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must have a clear justification outlining why the travel is integral to the project;
  • Funds may not be used to provide direct social services to populations, such as health care, childcare, food subsidies, etc.;
  • Funds may not be used for alcohol, entertainment, “contingency” or “miscellaneous” costs;
  • Funds may only be used for food expenses under special circumstances.  When these costs cannot be supported by cost share, they should be clearly justified and limited to a maximum of ten percent of the total award amount.  This includes expenses associated with individual per diems for grant-related activities.
Eligibility Criteria

The following organizations are eligible to apply

  • Georgian not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental Organizations;
  • Legal Entities of Public Laws, LEPL organizations;
  • Higher Education Institutions;
  • Independent media outlets registered in Georgia.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Georgia.