Deadline: 20-Nov-23
The USAID Civil Society Engagement Program invites Georgian civil society organizations (CSO) and CSO networks to submit their grant applications to the Strategic Support and Policy Grants (SSPG) program.
SSPG will support applications addressing one of the following priority areas for Georgian citizens – education, healthcare, and social protection – through policy activism and advocacy.
Funding Information
- The USAID Civil Society Engagement Program will award a maximum of three grants of up to $80,000 each under this RfA.
- Grant funds may be used only for activities directly related to the implementation of the project, except for any proposed institutional/capacity development activities.
- The duration of project activities should last a minimum of 12 months and should not exceed 18 months.
Funded Activities
- Communications and public outreach must be at the heart of all projects. Applicants are expected to raise general public’s understanding of the targeted problem(s) and mobilize citizens’ support for sustainable policy solutions through online and/or offline communications and advocacy campaigns, and engage citizens, communities, and other stakeholders in the solution of the targeted problems. Grantees will be expected to increase their institutional capabilities for policy communication and outreach. The Program’s partner, Zinc Network, will assist selected grantees in redesigning their communication plans and delivering effective campaigns through a learning-by-doing approach.
- Applicants are expected to incorporate evidence into their advocacy and communication efforts, which may be drawn from existing studies, newly acquired data, or overseas policy solutions. Original research is not a strict requirement.
- In addition to communications activities, project activities may encompass low-intensity research (such as desk research, quick surveys, focus groups, and evidence synthesis), on-site monitoring and supervision, information dissemination, the development of e-solutions to increase citizen engagement, and collaboration with stakeholders. However, most efforts and resources should be dedicated to policy activism, public outreach and communication. Besides, SSPG funds can be used to cover not only the project costs for addressing the targeted priority issue(s), but also organizational development expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
- Issue-specific CSOs registered in Georgia or CSO networks/partnerships are eligible to apply to the SSPG program. This includes community-based organizations, social movements, grassroots groups, watchdog organizations, policy research and advocacy oriented CSOs and think tanks working predominantly in one, two, or all the priority areas. Registered applicant organizations are encouraged to partner with other organizations, networks and individuals with relevant resources, expertise, and knowledge.
- Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have at least two years of operational experience. As a rule, the USAID Civil Society Engagement Program does not provide “start-up” funding under the SSPG program. It may make an exception if sufficient evidence is presented to show that the organization’s directors and experts have adequate prior experience, and the organization fills a niche in a policy area that has been underserved in the past.
- Have a transparent system of bookkeeping that follows Georgian legislation and International Accounting Standards (IAS). If such a system is not in place, the grantee must work closely with the USAID Civil Society Engagement Program to ensure that accurate expense reports are prepared, and a transparent bookkeeping system is put in place.
- Must not be in debt. The grantee must have fulfilled any debt obligations to the state or have arranged for debt collection prior to receiving the first disbursement of grant funds.
- Must operate as an independent organization with no political affiliation.
- Civil servants, political appointees, members of the current parliament, staff of public companies, and/or leaders of political parties cannot participate in a grant project as the director. In most cases, these individuals will be excluded from being grant-remunerated participants in the project.
For more information, visit USAID.