Democracy Commission Small Grants Program (Kosovo)

Deadline: 31-Mar-2024

The U.S. Embassy in Pristina, Kosovo announces an open competition for not-for-profit organizations to submit applications to carry out program(s) aimed at enhancing the resilience of civil society organizations (CSO), empowering underserved communities, and fostering interethnic collaboration.

Program Goal

• The 2024 Democracy Commission Small Grants Program has two primary goals. The first goal is to support the growth of Kosovo’s democratic institutions and foster a participatory civil society where citizens understand their role in decision-making and actively engage in civic duties. The second goal is to empower Kosovo’s underserved communities, increase their competitiveness in the labor market, and overcome inter-ethnic divisions through reconciliation and joint activities.

Program Objectives

• This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aims to solicit submissions that align with the program’s objectives through innovative and well-structured activities. Potential applicants should submit a comprehensive plan outlining their approach to one or both of the following objectives:
  • Objective I: Strengthen the Resilience and Effectiveness of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
    • Resilient and effective CSOs catalyze the development of democratic institutions and processes. The program seeks to enhance the resilience and participation of CSOs in the decision-making process and position CSOs as public opinion leaders to effectively advocate for community concerns. The program also aims to strengthen CSOs’ ability to hold government institutions at both central and local levels accountable. Potential applicants may consider directing their activities towards the following sub-objectives:
      • Building sustainable and new collaborations among CSOs
      • Building a vibrant and participatory civil society
      • Increasing government transparency and accountability
      • Advocating for equitable provision of services for all communities
  • Objective II: Empower Underserved Communities and Promote Inter-ethnic Collaboration
    • The program aims to equip youth from underserved communities with marketable skills and bring together diverse ethnic groups in interactive settings to improve inter-ethnic collaboration. The aim is to cultivate the next generation of leaders by providing them with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to succeed in higher education and increase their employability potential in their chosen field.
    • Potential applicants are encouraged to incorporate the following activities into their program design, which are not listed in any particular order. This list serves as a starting point and applicants are encouraged to suggest additional or more impactful activities that align with the objective.
      • English language classes in innovative and multiethnic learning environments
      • STEAM and maker space activities, including animation and coding
      • Non-formal education activities
      • Civic engagement projects
      • Multiethnic youth networking or training camps
      • Sports and arts activities

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $350,000
• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $50,000
• Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months
• Number of awards anticipated: up to 8 awards (dependent on amounts)
• Anticipated program start date: Applicants should plan to submit their proposals 3 – 6 months before they intend to begin their program activities.

Outcomes

• 2024 Democracy Commission Small Grants Program’s long-term expected outcomes are:
  • Sustainable Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that hold government institutions accountable through active community and citizen engagement at all levels of government.
  • Improve inclusivity and integration for underserved communities and ethnic minorities in all aspects of society in Kosovo’s multi-ethnic democracy.

Participants and Audiences

• Applicants must provide at least one primary program demographic from the following:
  • Youth in Transition: This audience includes youth, ages 14 – 18, high school students and students transitioning into higher/technical education; and 18 – 23, graduate students and youth transitioning into the job market.
  • Emerging Decision Makers: This audience includes people ages 24 – 35, who are future leaders in business, technology, education, government, and public administration. They include entrepreneurs, social activists, and civil servants with three to five years of work experience and have been identified as “rising stars.”
  • Established Influencers: This audience includes people ages 35+, including but not limited to alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs and public figures at the top of their industry (e.g., innovators, technology leaders, business owners, academics, civil society leaders, and politicians), who can exert a positive influence on society.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  • Local not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations;
  • Independent media outlets, registered in Kosovo.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.