Democracy Commission Small Grants Program

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The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy to the Kyrgyz Republic is soliciting project proposals from civil society and independent media organizations in the Kyrgyz Republic that focus on one of the priority areas specified below. This program will be funded under the Foreign Assistance Act authorization.  All programming is subject to the statutory limitations of the funding determined. Priority themes: 1. Advancing Business Empowerment and Social Entrepreneurship: a. Problem Statement: To support efforts in achieving economic prosperity for the Kyrgyz Republic, the Public Affairs Section seeks to fund organizations that strengthen entrepreneurship and small business development, including the development of necessary skills. b. Goal: Entrepreneurs and small businesses owners have the knowledge and tools they need to make their businesses successful. c. Target beneficiaries: potential entrepreneurs and small business owners, marginalized and underrepresented groups and vulnerable populations. 2. Promoting Democratic Institutions: a. Problem Statement: To achieve a more democratic, well-governed and stable Kyrgyz    Republic through public engagement, advocacy for democratic freedoms and mutual accountability between citizens and government b. Goal: Strengthening of democratic institutions in Kyrgyz Republic, including increasing the participation and representation of citizens from all different backgrounds in civic life. c. Target beneficiaries: NGOs, research organizations, watchdog groups, and existing civic society groups. 3. Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) a. Problem Statement: To support efforts of civil society in preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization by promoting peacebuilding, mitigating conflict, and countering extremist narratives. b. Goal: Engage civil society in building effective partnerships to increase community resilience against radicalization and violent extremism. c. Target beneficiaries: vulnerable youth and women, potential migrants, religious leaders, local influencers, activists and community leaders. 4: Countering Gender-Based Violence (GBV): a. Problem Statement: To strengthen civil society organizations to advocate effectively for greater respect of and attention to human rights of vulnerable groups. b. Goal: Strengthen civil society efforts in preventing and responding to gender based violence. c. Target Beneficiaries: marginalized and at-risk minorities, vulnerable groups, victims of gender based violence.

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