Democratization

U.S. Embassy Small Grants Program in Belarus

The program priority areas are Independent Media, Rule of Law and Human Rights. The program is interested in projects relating to building democratic institutions, support of civic education, women's equality, legal reforms and market economy to facilitate Belarus' integration into the trans-Atlantic community of democratic nations.

The program is particularly interested in the development of independent sources of news and information: print, broadcast and electronic; development of independent media distribution system; professional development of journalists and managers of media organizations; increased public awareness of the importance of press freedom and the role of non-state media in the transition to a more democratic and market-oriented society.

A commission is comprised of U.S. Embassy officials who review submitted proposals. The commission, headed by the U.S. Ambassador, includes the Deputy Chief of Mission, Public Affairs Officer, Political Section Chief and Country Coordinator of USAID.

Competition is open to public and voluntary Belarusian organizations.

Focus / Priorities

Proposals should:
-  Focus on a specific goal
-  Outline action plan to reach the goal
-  Include an explicit justification of how   
   the project will contribute to the
   strengthening of democratic values
-  Be modest in size
-  Reflect true and reasonable costs of  
   implementation
-  Include cost sharing information.

Proposals are evaluated on the following criteria:
-  Potential to contribute to the development
   of priority areas
-  Feasibility and financial soundness of the
   proposal
-  Past experience in successfully
   organizing and completing planned
   activities
-  Past experience working with other donor
   organizations
-  Contribution of applicant organization
   (cost sharing).

Proposals that reach the broadest number of users, network with other organizations, and include funding from other sources will have a strong advantage.

Guidelines

American or third country organizations and individuals are not eligible for grants under this program.

Grants may not be used for partisan/political activity. However, non-partisan election education and public information activities are considered.

Grants are normally made on a one-time basis. Duplicative projects are not supported.

Administrative expenses should be linked to specific grant activities, not fixed overhead costs.

U.S. Embassy Small Grants Program funds should not be used to pay for international travel.

Grant proposals for publication of materials should describe the intended audience, content and how materials will be distributed.

Grants for seminars/workshops should describe the expected audience, content, timeframe and anticipated results.

All grant proposals should include resumes of major participants of the project.

Proposals should be in English and Belarusian (or Russian).

Commonly Asked Questions

Who can apply? Independent media and Belarusian NGOs. Governmental, International or Political Party Organizations do not qualify.

How do I apply? Applications and instructions can be found here. Hard copies are available at our office located in Minsk at Gertsena Street 2A.

When is the application deadline? Applications are accepted at all times throughout the year.

How long will the process take? Turnaround time may vary but normally takes about 3 months.

What do I do if there are questions about the application process?  Contact our office directly, telephone # (017) 211-0567. Our staff will assist you with specific questions and clarify procedures.  

In what currency should the budget be? The budget should be prepared in $USD and all costs be itemized. Contact our office directly regarding budget amounts.

What is the maximum period of the grant? One year.

Contact Information

Address:
Public Affairs Section
U.S. Embassy, Minsk
Gertsena Street 2A
Minsk, Belarus 220030

Phone: (017) 211-0567

Fax: (017) 211-0384

E-mail: DFSGP@usembassy.minsk.by

Website: http://minsk.usembassy.gov

Program Coordinator
Charlene Day

February 2007