US Embassy announces a new program for supporting democratic initiatives

The Embassy of the United States of America announces the next round of the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program. According to a press release of the American diplomatic mission, for the September round, the U.S. Embassy welcomes projects related to civic education, strengthening and promotion of civil society and democratic institutions, gender equality, women’s empowerment and women's rights, ethnic equality and the rights of minorities, ethnic and political harmony, tolerance issues, combating extremism and xenophobia. At the same time projects related to 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 will be supported. Grants are awarded to non-governmental, non-profit organizations and independent mass media officially registered in Moldova. The cited source specifies that the Implementation of proposed projects should yield concrete results. Also, it is insufficient simply to sponsor a roundtable or a training exercise. The program does not support humanitarian assistance or charitable activities; political or partisan activities; scientific research; conferences and/or individual trips abroad; trade activities; or costs associated with establishing an organization. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, September 29, 2006, 16:00 Additional information, requirements and standard application forms can be found at: http://moldova.usembassy.gov