Annual Program Statement for Democracy Commission Small Grants Program 2020

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A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Skopje Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce the funding opportunity through its Democracy Commission Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Abstracts/executive summaries may be submitted at any time for consideration before the closing date of this annual program statement on June 1, 2020. Awards will be made on a rolling basis, pending the availability of funds. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Background The U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS) in Skopje is soliciting proposals for grants from non-for-profit, non-governmental organizations and independent media in North Macedonia that focus on one of the priority areas specified below. Grant Priority Areas Funding will be available for projects that address the priority areas below: Rule of Law and Government Accountability – These projects should address improving the rule of law, judicial independence, good governance, and the fight against corruption. By addressing these issues, projects should contribute to a more robust citizen-responsive government with strong democratic institutions. Citizen Participation – These projects should support strengthening of democratic institutions in North Macedonia, including increasing the participation and representation of citizens from all different backgrounds in civic life. Cybersecurity and Disinformation – These projects should promote cybersecurity, media literacy, and countering propaganda and disinformation efforts. Youth Development and Women Empowerment – These projects should support activities aiming to 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 improved business climate and economic policies, promote private sector growth and entrepreneurship, attract foreign investors, and create jobs. The abstracts/executive summaries will be reviewed in three rounds: received by April 1, 2020; received by May 1, 2020; and received by June 1, 2020. What projects are not funded? 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 research; ·        Institutional development or support of an organization; ·        Activities that duplicate existing projects; and ·        Individuals or organizations from outside of North Macedonia. Evaluation criteria The Democracy Commission will evaluate proposals according to the following criteria: ·        Relevance of topic ·        Clarity in goals, activities, and target group ·        Please explain how you will measure success. What are the expected outcomes of your project? ·        Sensible budgeting ·        Longer-term sustainability, where applicable ·        The ability of the applying organization to successfully carry out the project aims.

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