Democracy Commission Small Grants Program

Attention! Democracy Small Grants Program is temporary not accepting any new submissions. Please keep on checking our page for new announcements and calls for proposals.

The Democracy Commission Small Grants Program began in Ukraine in 1996 to support initiatives that contribute to open and competitive political and economic systems and to the protection of human rights. The Democracy Commission Small Grants Program has supported more than 1,000 projects implemented by Ukrainian NGOs since then.

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) Democracy Commission Small Grants Program supports projects that foster the development of civil society and public engagement in Ukraine. Priority will be given to proposals that mitigate the suffering and destruction caused by the Russian government and support Ukrainians most affected by Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war.

Application period: Open
Grant ceiling: $250,000
Period of performance: 12 months
Number of grants: Multiple

All grant applications are subject to available funding.

How to Apply

The following documents are required:

Mandatory application forms:

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 the topic would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do.

Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.
Introduction to the Organization: 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. This should include information about the organization’s total potential audience reach via online, print, television and social media activities. In the case of media organizations, please note many members of online followers.
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. Include a logic model as appropriate.
Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: 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.
Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe 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.
Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful

Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail.
Attachments:

1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program
Organization registration documents
Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

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