NGOs based in Asia are invited to apply for financial support from the Korea-based May 18 Memorial Foundation under its 2010 Grant for Democracy and Human Rights Projects in Asia (GDHRPA). The Foundation was “established to commemorate the 1980 Gwangju Uprising by continuing the Uprising’s spirit of struggle and solidarity, contributing to the peaceful reunification of Korea, and working towards peace and human rights throughout the world. The Foundation carries out numerous projects in various fields, including organizing memorial events, establishing scholarships, fostering research, publishing materials, dispensing funds, building international solidarity, and awarding the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights.”
The objective of this grant programme is “to support with grants and schemes projects working for human rights, democracy, civil society and peace.” Grant allocations have been made for different categories as follows:
| Schemes | Objective | Amount (KRW) | Remarks |
| Short Term | Civil movements (general) | 3,000,000 | 1 Time Support |
| Democracy Education | 3,000,000 | 1 Time Support | |
| Long Term | Human Rights Advocacy | 3,000,000 | 2 Time Support |
| Working in Conflict Zones | 3,000,000 | 2 Time Support | |
| Organizations | Network Organization | 3,000,000/month | Over 2 years |
| Grass Roots Organization | 3,000,000/month | Over 2 years | |
| Total | 18,000,000 |
Explanation:
Civil movements (general): projects promoting civil movements in Asia.
- Democracy Education: projects organizing education about democracy.
- Human Rights Advocacy: projects focusing on the promotion and protection of human rights.
- Working in Conflict Zones: peace-keeping projects which are based or actively involved in areas of conflict.
- Network Organizations: connecting NGOs and movements across Asia.
- Grass Roots Organization: community and local-level organizations.
Proposals should be submitted by using the application form available at the Foundation’s website. Along with the completed application form, NGOs should also submit documents such as annual reports, brochures, financial information etc “which demonstrate their ability to monitor and evaluate their projects.” The deadline to submit the applications is 19 March 2010. For more information, visit this link.
