East Asia Pacific/Public Diplomacy (EAP/PD) Small Grants Program

The EAP/PD Small Grants Program is a small competitive program offering grants of up to $20,000 to national non-government organizations to strengthen democracy, increase respect for civil society and the rule of law, advance human rights and women’s rights.  Guidelines on the program are provided below.   

General Guidelines
• Non-governmental organizations may submit proposals for up to USD20,000; the average amount for approved grants have been USD15,000.
• Grants cannot be made to individuals, but only to non-governmental organizations that demonstrate long-term sustainability beyond the proposed program activity.  Third-country organizations and individuals are not eligible.
• Priority is given to grants that advance democratic practices, including development of civil society; foster freedom of information and independent media; increase transparency in government; support NGO capacity building; advance rule of law and judicial reform; promote civic education; encourage conflict resolution; prioritize human rights; and advocate for equal rights for ethnic minorities or women. 
• Priority will be given to proposals from new organizations and new projects.  Grants will not normally be approved for multi-year projects, but past recipients of EAP/PD Small Grants will be considered for new one-year projects.
• Proposals for non-partisan election education and related public information activities are eligible for consideration, but grants may not be used for any form of partisan political activity.
• Small grant proposals may include modest administrative expenses, including honoraria/partial salaries of grant implementers, but only when they are directly linked to the conduct of the specific grant program.  General operating expenses, long-term infrastructure costs and undefined miscellaneous or “overhead” expenses are not acceptable.
• Grant funds may not be used to fund travel to international conferences, nor may they be used primarily for food and drink expenses.
• Grant funds may be used to train trainers, but they may not be used to provide direct social services.
• Grant funds may be used for seminars and workshops, but proposals must describe the expected audience, content, and timeframe, and justify the activity in terms of outcome and benefits.
• Grant funds may be used for the publication of materials, but proposals must describe the audience, content and means of distribution.

EAP/PD Small Grants Application Format

1. SUMMARY

• Name of Project:
• Amount Requested:
• Project Summary: (no more than 50 words)

2. GRANTEE ORGANIZATION
• Name of Organization (in English and Original Language):
• Address (in English and Original Language):
• Contact Information (Phone, fax, email):
• Web Site Address, if any:
• Project Coordinator (Name, title):
• Brief Background of Organization and Key People:
• Any Previous USG Funding:

3. PROJECT
• Project Description:
• Detailed Budget:

4. PROJECT JUSTIFICATION
• Project Justification, including purpose and prospects for sustainability