U.S. Embassy encourages NGOs to submit election and voting related project proposals

The Embassy of the United States of America announces the continuation of the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program for non-governmental, non-profit organizations and independent mass media outlets from Moldova. According to a press release from the Embassy, because of the importance of the 2009 elections for Moldova, for the next round, the U.S. Embassy encourages applicants to develop and submit project proposals related to the elections and election processes. This would include projects related to areas such as political party development, effectively providing voting related information to the public, and ensuring free and transparent elections. However, the Commission will also consider applications targeting the broad themes of the Grants Program: Civic education, strengthening and promotion of civil society and democratic institutions; Independent media, free flow of information, transparency in government; Public participation in decision making; Institutionalization of open, pluralistic, and democratic political processes at the local level. The program does not support humanitarian assistance or charitable activities; political or partisan activities; scientific research; conferences and/or individual trips abroad; trade activities; projects aimed at primary institutional development of the organization; The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, February 29, 2008, 17:00.