Community-Building Initiatives Program

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The Embassy of the United States of America in Azerbaijan is pleased to announce a call for proposals to support community-building initiatives that will increase the ability of local communities to identify and solve their problems and stimulate greater civic participation. It will also fund innovative individual initiatives to enhance Azerbaijan’s prosperity and well-being. The competition is open to all well-developed, innovative community-building initiatives that will help build vibrant communities that are able to address local needs and collaborate on solutions. Proposals should connect to the following thematic areas: · Raising environmental awareness and/or enhancing communities’ ability to address environmental issues, with a view also toward Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29. Activities in this area could include public advocacy campaigns and community projects. The success of selected projects will be measured by the number of locally involved participants and number of problems tackled, as well as outcomes that demonstrate the program’s efficacy at both community, or wider geographical area determined by the program objectives. · Helping local citizens to identify their community problems and create ways of solving those problems through volunteerism and/or in cooperation with community groups, such as associations, volunteer groups, NGOs. The success of selected projects will be measured by the number and quality of the newly established community groups, as determined by program objectives, and results-oriented initiatives they catalyze. · Advocating for disadvantaged communities by creating opportunities for their development and capacity-building, including provision of legal services. The success of selected projects will be measured by the number of clients and the outcome of their cases as well number of educated citizenry able to solve their legal issues. Proposals should include a mechanism to demonstrate how they will measure client satisfaction with their services, as well as a description of the project's post-funding-period sustainability plan (e.g., through a capacity-building component). · To pursue knowledge and practices in northern regions that can lead to more  environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations, support low-income families, and increase entrepreneurship opportunities for vulnerable women. Participants and Audiences: The intended participants for potential projects are groups or individuals representing economically and socially disadvantaged communities, including IDPs, women and girls, persons with disabilities, and young people.