PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM
This is a program of the U.S. Embassy whose purpose is to award small grants for specific projects that support the development of democratic institutions in Macedonia. Grants will be awarded to non-governmental, nonprofit organizations (NGOs). To be eligible for consideration, every applicant must be engaged in, or propose to carry out, a project whose purpose is to further the development of democratic institutions in Macedonia.

The Commission is most interested in projects relating to:
• civic education
• independent media
• human rights, ethnic and political harmony
• environmental protection
• strengthening of the NGO sector
• dispute resolution
• institutionalization of open, pluralistic, democratic political processes at the local level
• NGO sector and local Government

In other words, the Commission will support projects that promote the development of an open/civil society.

WHAT PROJECTS ARE NOT FUNDED?
Projects NOT funded by the U.S. Embassy Democracy Commission include:
• those requested by non-Macedonian organizations and individuals
• those relating to partisan political activity
• humanitarian or social aid and charities or charitable activities
• conferences and individual trips abroad
• trade activities
• fund-raising campaigns
• commercial projects
• scientific research
• individuals not affiliated with an organization that can provide long-term sustainability to the project
• projects aiming only at primary institutional development of the organization
• and those that duplicate existing projects

EVALUATION CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated according to the topic of the project, clearly formulated goals and target groups, and the ability of the applying organization to carry out the project aims.
Proposed projects which meet the basic criteria outlined above will be considered at meetings of the Democracy Commission. If your preliminary application meets the criteria of the Democracy Commission and is under further consideration, you may be invited for an interview or asked to submit additional information.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF A GRANT?
The maximum grant amount is $24,000, although most grants average between $5,000-10,000. It is very important to provide a cost breakdown for the project, including specific categories for which the funds would be used.

HOW DO ORGANIZATIONS APPLY FOR GRANTS?
For your convenience, you may directly access the Application Guidelines and Form below in Microsoft Word.
• Application Guidelines
• Application Form
• Application Summary

Please mail one(1) copy in written of the completed Application Form with an original signature on the last page and if possible one(1) copy forwarded by Internet to following mail address:

Public Affairs Section
U.S. Embassy Skopje
1000 Skopje
Ilindenska b.b.
Attn: DEMOCRACY COMMISSION SMALL GRANTS

Tel: + 389 (02) 3116-180
Fax:+ 389 (02) 3118-431
e-mail: irc@usembassy.mpt.com.mk

The Public Affairs Section accepts applications for Democracy Commission grants at any time.
Grant proposals should include all of the information requested in the Application Guidelines. Proposals will not be considered until all information is received. Proposals should be completed in English, or accompanied by an English translation. Supporting documents may be in Macedonian.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE PROJECT IS COMPLETED?
All successful applicants must complete a formal narrative and financial report to the Democracy Commission upon completion of the project. The report should discuss what was done, whether the project was successful from the applicant's perspective and how it might be improved in the future. An accounting of the use of the grant funds must also be included. The information from this report will enable the Democracy Commission to better evaluate future proposals.