The Public Affairs Section (PAS) Democracy Small Grants program invites proposals for programs that foster the development of civil society and public engagement in Ukraine, contribute to open and competitive political and economic systems and to the protection of human rights. This funding opportunity seeks to support initiatives that address the most pressing issues in Ukraine, including veterans’ rights, the rights of people with disabilities, protection of other vulnerable groups, combating corruption, and promoting accountability and transparency.

Length of performance period: 5 to 12 months
Number of awards anticipated: up to 20 awards (dependent on amounts)
Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $250,000
Total available funding: $800,000
Type of Funding:  Fiscal Year 2023 AEECA
Anticipated program start date: September 1, 2023
Deadline for Applications: on-going basis
This notice is subject to availability of funding.

The Democracy Commission Small Grants Program seeks proposals for projects that support objectives that include, but are not limited to the following:

• Defending and protecting human rights, including veterans’ rights, rights of the families of the fallen Ukrainian soldiers, survivors of Russian captivity, IDPs, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups;
• Supporting the efforts to enable the revitalization and reconstruction of the previously liberated areas within Ukraine;
• Empowering newly established non-governmental organizations in Ukraine and fostering public engagement, assisting operation of the non-governmental organizations and initiatives in the liberated regions of Ukraine;
• Promoting government transparency and combating corruption (with the focus on regional level);
• Promoting awareness among the Ukrainian civic population regarding the potential challenges linked to the ongoing war (ex. demining education);
• Fostering civil education, civil engagement and activism (especially among youth).

Participants and Audiences:

Civic activists, local and national state authorities’ representatives, representatives and leaders of the vulnerable groups, journalists, decision makers, regional or national influencers.

Funding Restrictions:

Funding can benefit only Ukrainian citizens on the territory of Ukraine. Funding cannot be spent for political purpose as well as call to the actions that are contradicting the official position of the State Department.

Eligible Applicants: Ukrainian non-governmental organizations registered in accordance with Ukrainian law and with programming experience are eligible to apply.

For-profit or commercial entities, governmental institutions, non-Ukrainian organizations, individuals are not eligible to apply.  

How to Apply: 

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) at https://eca.state.gov/files/bureau/sf424_1.pdf
• SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at https://eca.state.gov/files/bureau/sf424a-v1_0.pdf
• SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/sf424b_non-contstruct_programs.pdf 

2. Summary Coversheet: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal: DemCom has a suggested application form available here. You may also use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.  The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

• Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.
• Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.
• Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed
• Program Goals and Objectives:  The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.
• Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.
• Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.
• Proposed Program Schedule:  The proposed timeline for the program activities.  Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
• Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program.  What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?
• Program Partners:  List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.
• Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time-frame of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?
• Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

4. Budget Justification Narrative:  After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail.  See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

5.  Attachments:

• 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program;
• Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner;
• Official permission letters, if required for program activities;
• Copy of the registration documents of the organization.

1. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

All application materials must be submitted by email to KyivDemGrants@state.gov.

The complete version of the Annual Program Statement is here.