Opportunity Information: Apply for SMK80021PAS001
The Annual Program Statement for the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program 2021 (Opportunity No. SMK80021PAS001) is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity managed by the U.S. Embassy in Skopje, through its Public Affairs Section (PAS). It supports small grant projects in North Macedonia that strengthen democratic institutions and civic life. Funding is offered through grants and cooperative agreements, and proposals are considered on a rolling basis depending on available funds. The application window for submitting abstracts or executive summaries remained open until June 1, 2021, and applicants were encouraged to apply early since awards could be made before the final deadline.
Eligibility is focused on non-profit, non-governmental organizations and independent media based in North Macedonia. The program is designed to fund practical, community-relevant initiatives that align with the Embassy's democracy-focused priorities rather than general organizational support. The award ceiling listed for individual projects is up to $24,000, and the program anticipated making around 15 awards.
Projects are expected to fit clearly within one of five priority areas. The first is Rule of Law and Government Accountability, supporting efforts that advance judicial independence, good governance, transparency, and anti-corruption work, with the broader goal of building more responsive institutions. The second is Citizen Participation, aimed at strengthening democratic institutions by increasing inclusive participation in civic and public life, especially ensuring representation from diverse backgrounds. The third is Cybersecurity and Disinformation, which supports initiatives that improve cybersecurity awareness, build media literacy, and counter propaganda and disinformation. The fourth is Youth Development and Women Empowerment, emphasizing activities that help young people and especially women develop economic opportunities, including entrepreneurship and business readiness, while also addressing youth emigration and boosting minority participation in the economy; the intended longer-term effects include a better business climate, stronger private sector growth, more investment, and job creation. The fifth area is Environment Protection, focused on community-driven solutions to environmental issues through joint efforts involving youth, local community groups, associations of citizens, and local government actors.
The process described is abstract-driven, meaning applicants could submit an initial abstract or executive summary for consideration. Reviews were scheduled in three rounds based on when submissions were received: by April 1, 2021, by May 1, 2021, and by June 1, 2021. Because the program used rolling awards, strong proposals could potentially move forward sooner rather than waiting for the final deadline.
The statement also sets clear boundaries on what the Democracy Commission program will not fund. Ineligible activities include partisan political work, humanitarian or charity assistance, individual professional development (including trips abroad and conferences), commercial or trade ventures, fundraising campaigns, scientific research, and institutional development or general operational support for an organization. It also excludes projects that duplicate existing efforts and any applications from individuals or organizations outside North Macedonia, reinforcing that the program is meant to support locally grounded, non-partisan democracy and governance work.
Proposals are evaluated using straightforward criteria tied to both substance and feasibility. Reviewers look for strong alignment with the stated priority areas, clear and realistic goals, well-defined activities, and a specific target group. Applicants are expected to describe how they will measure success, including concrete outcomes and indicators rather than vague aspirations. Budgets must be sensible and appropriately matched to planned activities, and proposals score better when they demonstrate longer-term sustainability where it makes sense (for example, methods or partnerships that continue beyond the grant period). Finally, reviewers consider whether the applicant organization has the capacity and track record to carry out the project effectively.Apply for SMK80021PAS001
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to North Macedonia in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Annual Program Statement for Democracy Commission Small Grants Program 2021" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.900.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 23, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 01, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $24,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 15 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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| Public Diplomacy Grants Program 2021 Apply for SMK80021PAS002 Funding Number: SMK80021PAS002 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to North Macedonia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000 |
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| Annual Program Statement – Public Diplomacy Programs with Chile Apply for PAS STG FY21 Funding Number: PAS STG FY21 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Chile Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
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| American Center Technology Club Apply for SVM700 21 PAS 004 Funding Number: SVM700 21 PAS 004 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Vietnam Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $15,000 |
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