Democracy Grant Guidelines

(Documents available for download)

Program Purpose

The Democracy Grants Program enables the Embassy community in Kiev to support key projects to foster the development and education of civil society. The program is a focused but flexible mechanism which provides seed money for unique and sustainable projects, particularly projects that help develop the capacity and sustainability of non-governmental organizations in Ukraine. Selection of projects is based on the applicants' ability to demonstrate concrete achievements which can show an impact in a given field or community. Over 300 projects from Ukrainian NGOs have received funding through the Democracy Grants Program since July 1996. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

For further information about the Democracy Grants program, visit the U.S. Embassy web site.

Major Program Requirements

• Grants can only be given to a Ukrainian registered NGO (non-profit, non-governmental organization). NGOs include but are not limited to civic organizations or associations, charitable foundations and think tanks.
• Although the maximum funding available for a single grant is $24,000, the average amount of awarded grants is between $5,000 and $15,000.
• American and third-country organizations and individuals are not eligible for grants.
• An American U.S. Government employee or American employee of a U.S. grantee or contractor should sponsor or recommend general competition applications.
• General competition applications must be submitted in English and Ukrainian or Russian.
• In addition to general competitions, the Embassy will, from time to time, hold special regional or thematic competitions which may have different rules regarding project eligibility. Check this web site and local media for announcements.

General Competition Project Themes

Project proposals must clearly initiate and promote one or more of the following themes:

• Human Rights education, monitoring, and reporting: Proposals should describe follow-up activities and what segment(s) of society will be targeted.
• Rule of Law and Legal Reforms: Legal support services, public education and advocacy, judicial support, lobbying efforts and related follow-up activities.
• Economic Reforms: Promoting market economy initiatives, improving the business environment for small and medium size enterprises. Supporting better working relationships between the public and private sectors. Lobbying for taxation reform and for other issues of concern to private enterprises and entrepreneurs.
• Civil Society Development: Initiatives that will further the development, effectiveness and sustainability of the third sector.
• Electoral System Support: Voter education and elections monitoring including training and other election related issues.
• Anti-Corruption and Transparency in Government: Education and awareness campaigns.
• Anti-human trafficking: Projects to promote awareness, prevention and legal remedies.
• Ethnic, minority and women's equality: Advocacy, legal consulting and association building projects and related issues.

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To apply: Download the application packet. Submit applications by e-mail to DemGrants@usembassy.kiev.ua, and by regular mail to:

Democracy Grants Program
Public Affairs Section
U.S. Embassy
4 Hlybochytska St.
04050 Kyiv, Ukraine

Democracy Grants Program Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy
Tel: (380-44) 490-4026/ 490-4123/ 490-4055
Fax: (380-44) 490-4050
DemGrants@usembassy.kiev.ua

The following documents are available for download . . .

Title (right-click to download)	Date Uploaded	File Size
Democracy Grant Application Instructions (English)	September 30, 2005	121.5 KB
This is the document provided by the U.S. Embassy (revised June 2004) explaining the requirements and restrictions relating to Democracy Grants. If you are applying for a Democracy Grant, it would be a good idea to check with the Embassy's web site to see if there is a more recent version of this document. The document is also available from the Embassy in Ukrainian.
Democracy Grant Application Instructions (Ukrainian)	September 30, 2005	135.5 KB
This is the document provided by the U.S. Embassy (revised June 2004) explaining the requirements and restrictions relating to Democracy Grants. If you are applying for a Democracy Grant, it would be a good idea to check with the Embassy's web site to see if there is a more recent version of this document. The document is also available from the Embassy in English.