Deadline: 1-Jul-23
The Embassy of the United States in North Macedonia announces an open competition for organizations/independent media to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to carry out a program (or programs) that support the development of democratic institutions.
Program Objectives and Priority Areas
- Funding will be available for projects that address the priority areas:
- Rule of Law and Government Accountability – Projects should address strengthening the rule of law, judicial independence, good governance, and the fight against corruption. Projects should foster a more robust citizen-responsive government with strong democratic institutions.
- Citizen Participation – Projects should support strengthening democratic institutions in North Macedonia, including increasing participation and representation of citizens from all backgrounds in civic life.
- Cybersecurity and Disinformation – Projects should promote cybersecurity, media literacy, and efforts to counter propaganda and disinformation.
- Youth Development and Women Empowerment – Projects should prepare young people, and especially women, to start their own businesses; combat youth emigration; and promote greater minority participation in North Macedonia’s economy. By addressing these issues, projects should contribute to an improved business climate and economic policies; promote private sector growth and entrepreneurship; attract foreign investors; and create jobs.
- Environmental Protection – Projects should promote solutions to environmental issues through joint efforts by individuals (especially youth), community organizations, association of citizens, and local governments.
Funding Information
- Length of performance period: One to twelve months
- Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $24,000.
Participants and Audiences: Applicants should clearly define the target audience(s) which they are able to realistically reach/influence with the project activities. Broad target audiences such as general public, youth, everyone etc. should be avoided.
Priority Region: Activities must be implemented in North Macedonia.
Eligibility Criteria
- The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations from North Macedonia only; and
- Independent media from North Macedonia only.
Funding Restrictions
- The Democracy Commission Grants Program cannot fund:
- Projects supporting partisan political activity;
- Humanitarian/social aid and charities or charitable activities;
- Professional development for individuals, including conferences and trips abroad;
- Commercial or trade activities;
- Fundraising campaigns;
- Scientific or medical research;
- Institutional development or support of an organization;
- Activities that duplicate existing projects; and
- Individuals or organizations from outside of North Macedonia.
For more information, visit Democracy Commission Small Grants.