GRANTS FROM THE US EMBASSY DEMOCRACY PROMOTION FUND FOR CIVIL SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article analyzes the grant opportunities of the U.S. Embassy's Small Grants Program for non-governmental organizations seeking to strengthen civil society in Ukraine; analyzes the main goals and priorities of the Program; identifies the peculiarities of participation of Ukrainian organizations in the competitive selection of the Program for grant funding; develops recommendations for applicant organizations to receive small grants from the U.S. Embassy's Small Grants Program. The study emphasizes a significant advantage of the Program: it aims to support initiatives that address the most pressing issues in Ukraine, including veterans' rights, human rights protection, including for vulnerable groups, civic education, youth engagement, and leadership. It is noted that the Foundation's budget for supporting priority projects is $279,716. These funds will be distributed to approximately 6 initiatives, with grants ranging from min. 25,000 to a maximum of $50,000, which grantees will have to spend on their projects within 12 months of receiving them. The article demonstrates that potential grantees are Ukrainian non-governmental organizations registered in accordance with the legislation of Ukraine that have experience in project implementation. The study demonstrates the target groups to which applicants' projects should be directed: civic activists, representatives of local and central authorities, representatives and leaders of vulnerable groups, journalists, decision-makers, regional or national opinion leaders. It is concluded that the initiatives funded by small grants from the Democracy Promotion Foundation can make a significant contribution to the development of democracy and strengthening of civil society in Ukraine, and the implementation of the projects supported by the Foundation should result in: strengthening the country's resilience and ability to withstand Russian aggression and its influence; acceleration of political and economic reforms aimed at integration into Europe, with a focus on improving transparency and accountability in public administration, which will contribute to the creation of a less corrupt.