Deadline: 31-May-21
The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade announces an open competition for local, non-profit civil society or non-governmental organizations (CSOs or NGOs) to submit applications to support the objectives of the Democracy Commission Small Grants.
Program Objectives
- The U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section has set aside funds for the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program specifically designated to strengthen democracy and protect human rights and to empower local organizations to advance these changes and reforms in the Republic of Serbia, including in local municipalities outside Belgrade
- Grant activities may take any number of forms, including trainings, conferences, workshops, courses,academic competitions, spelling bees, summer camps (focused on language study, sports, etc), cross-border exchanges,curriculum development, exhibits, hackathons or app development, online projects, mock trials or moot court competitions, simulations and role-playing activities (e.g., Model Congress, Model United Nations), film or theater festivals, performances, or other activities.
Program Themes
The Embassy is seeking applications focusing specifically on the themes below:
- Participatory Democracy: Promoting increased participation by informed citizens – especially, but not limited to, university students and youth – in the democratic process. Supporting effective advocacy on behalf of communities or groups, promoting government responsiveness to constituents, strengthening transparency, and combating corruption. Education of voters and young people, even if they cannot yet vote, about policy choices and the decision-making processes. Public debate over matters of public interest or concern.
- Human Rights: Promoting tolerance of, understanding of, and equality for vulnerable populations, particularly, but not limited to, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), ethnic and religious minorities, the LGBTQ community, migrants and refugees, victims of gender-based violence or human trafficking, etc. Furthering gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Funding Information
- Total available funding: $275,000.
- Award amounts: awards may range from a floor (minimum) of $10,000 to a ceiling (maximum) of $50,000.
- Number of awards anticipated: 10 awards (dependent on dollar amounts of the grants)
- Length of performance period: Any length of time up to a maximum of 15 months (including the 3 month evaluation period).
- Funding Instrument Type: Grant or Fixed Amount Award
- Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 15 months or less
Participants and Audiences: Based on the challenges or problems, objectives, themes, and potential activities mentioned above, PAS expects that the participants or primary audiences for your project could be instructors and school administrators (all levels: K-12 and tertiary), learners (any level of proficiency, from beginner to fluent speakers), students (high or university level), and members of specific professions related to your selected Program Theme.
Eligibility criteria
- To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be a local, non-profit civil society or non-governmental organizations (CSOs or NGOs) or an independent media outlet legally registered in Serbia.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=332430