DUSHANBE, December 5, 2008, Asia-Plus — The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe announces a new request for proposals under the 2009 Democracy Commission Small Grants Program.
According to Ms. Nigina Aliyeva, Information Assistant, U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, the purpose of the program is to award small grants for specific projects that support the development of democratic institutions in Tajikistan. Primarily, grants will be awarded to non-governmental, non-profit organizations (NGOs). The amount of a grant must not be more than 24,000 dollars with project period up to 18 months, but the Commission will give priority to the applications that offer the implementation of the similar project with lower budget. To be eligible for consideration, every applicant must be engaged in, or propose to carry out, a project whose purpose is to promote the development of democratic institutions in Tajikistan. The Democracy Commission Small Grants Program has existed in Tajikistan since 2001.
The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe will accept proposals for consideration of the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program for the following themes
– Fostering a Strong and Independent Media including activities that enhance the professional skills of journalists, educate journalists about their rights under the law, and help them to overcome the self-censorship;
– Civic Education of Youth including activities that teach youth leadership traits and skills and help them understand more fully the roles of citizens and elected leaders in their country;·
– Leadership training for girls in secondary schools in Tajikistan”s regions to encourage them to pursue p professions or leadership roles where they can assert themselves and achieve their potential;
– Public awareness and education campaign on elections. The campaign should be non-partisan and educate the public about Tajikistan”s electoral laws and rights and encourage voter participation;
– Promoting the use of alternative sources of energy to educate the public about viable sources of energy that could be implemented in Tajikistan, given the country”s economic and climate conditions.
Proposals should contain clearly formulated goals and target groups, and show the ability of the applying organization to carry out the project aims, Aliyeva said, noting that submission deadline is December 30, 2008.
