Democracy Commission Small Grants Program in Kosovo

• Eligibility Criteria:
  The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  – Local not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/nongovernmental organizations; and
  – Independent media outlets, registered in Kosovo. 
• Type of funding: Programmatic
• Target country: Kosovo
• Application language: English

The U.S. Embassy in Pristina, Kosovo announces the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program, an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out program(s) aimed at enhancing the resilience of civil society organizations (CSO), empowering underserved communities, and fostering inter-ethnic collaboration.

The 2023 Democracy Commission Small Grants Program has two primary goals:

• The first goal is to support the growth of Kosovo’s democratic institutions and foster a participatory civil society where citizens understand their role in decision-making and actively engage in civic duties.
• The second goal is to empower Kosovo’s underserved communities, increase their competitiveness in the labor market, and overcome inter-ethnic divisions through reconciliation that counters external malign influences and disinformation that seek to exacerbate and exploit these divisions.

The 2023 Democracy Commission Small Grants Program’s long-term expected outcomes are:

• Sustainable Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that hold government institutions accountable through active community and citizen engagement at all levels of government.
• Improve inclusivity and integration for underserved communities and ethnic minorities in all aspects of society in Kosovo’s multi-ethnic democracy.

Under Objective I: Strengthen the Resilience and Effectiveness of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), potential applicants may consider directing their activities towards the following sub-objectives:

• Building sustainable collaboration among CSOs
• Encouraging peaceful resolution of conflicts
• Increasing government transparency and accountability
• Advocating for equitable provision of services for all communities
• Strengthening the rule of law
• Supporting independent media and countering disinformation
• Promoting good governance
• Building a vibrant and participatory civil society

Under Objective II: Empower Underserved Communities and Promote Inter-ethnic Collaboration, applicants are encouraged to incorporate the following activities into their program design:

• Journalism/media writing or media literacy activities
• English language classes in innovative, multiethnic learning environments
• STEAM and maker space activities, including animation and coding
• Non-formal education in areas such as Kosovo tourism promotion, technology, etc.
• Civic engagement projects
• Multiethnic youth summer camps
• Sports activities

Applicants are strongly recommended to partner with other local organizations and build new partnerships while implementing their projects.

See here to learn more and apply.

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