Deadline: 15-Aug-24
The U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to organize bilateral exchanges targeting emerging and influential voices from North Macedonia and the USA, for development capacity to address issues in their communities.
Program Objectives
- The Public Affairs Section (PAS) sponsors exchanges for emerging and influential voices in politics, democracy, and governance to foster civic leadership, and cross-party cooperation to advance North Macedonia’s stability, security, and EU accession. Participants, including youth wings of major political parties, political influencers, local officials, political analysts, think-tank representatives, and others, will develop the capacity to address relevant societal issues.
- The program features periodic bilateral (two-way) exchanges between the USA and North Macedonia and may include peers from neighboring countries like Bulgaria to promote regional stability. Selection of participants will be coordinated with the U.S. Embassy.
- Topics include democratic governance, policymaking, electoral and judicial systems, local government, elections, freedom of media, and active citizenship. The program aims to build lasting professional relationships and friendships between emerging leaders in North Macedonia and the U.S. and seeks to incorporate a regional component.
Funding Information
- Total available funding: $120,000
- Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $85,000 to a maximum of $120,000
- Length of performance period: Proposed programs should be completed in twelve to eighteen (12-18) months.
- Number of awards anticipated: Between one and three awards (dependent on amounts)
- Anticipated program start date: October 2024
Participants and Audiences
- Applicants should clearly define specific, realistic, target audience(s). Broad target audiences such as general public, youth, everyone etc. should be avoided.
- Audiences who are considered a priority for grants funded under this NOFO are:
- Youth and young adult leaders between 20 and 35 years;
- Political Influencers and analysts; and
- Social and Community leaders and local officials.
- Please note that proposals addressing audiences not listed above can still be eligible, but such proposals must clearly indicate why addressing the proposed audience is especially important to achieving the goals stated in this NOFO.
Priority Region
- North Macedonia and USA
Eligibility Criteria
- The following organizations are eligible to apply: Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations from the USA and North Macedonia only.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.