The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through Regional Service Center, Regional Contracting Office in Budapest is seeking applications from eligible Macedonian organizations registered as civil society organization or foundation for a cooperative agreement to fund a project in Macedonia entitled “Civic Advocacy and Partnership Activity (CAPA)” to 1) stimulate civic activism and participation at the national and local levels; 2) enhance the ability of civil society organizations (CSOs) to conduct government oversight advocate, and provide input into public policy; and 3) establish sustainable mechanisms for regular and ad hoc CSO cooperation and mobilization on democratic reform issues.
Subject to the availability of funds, USAID anticipates awarding one cooperative agreement, not to exceed the approximate amount of $4.04 million in total funding, to a Macedonian organization who will act as Prime implementing partner that will function in a program management role for the CAPA, to provide grants to a variety of civil society actors working on democratic reforms.
Project Objectives
Objective 1: Stimulate Civic Activism and Participation at National and Local Levels
Illustrative Results for Objective 1:
– Increased citizen engagement in local and national issues
– Increased citizen involvement in and support for CSOs
– Increased volunteerism among adults, youth, and minorities
– Increased citizen access to and communication with government authorities
– Increased citizen involvement in political life
– Civic action programs produce tangible change in select regions
– Increased number of pieces of legislation initiated by CSOs
Objective 2: CSOs Conduct Government Oversight, Advocate, and Provide Input into Public Policy
Illustrative Results for Objective 2:
– CSOs mobilize citizens in public processes that contribute to democratic reforms
– Improvements in legislation and policies as a result of CSO lobbying
– CSO expertise in oversight and publicizing of institutional performance is improved and informs public and policy debates and processes
– CSOs have enhanced capacity to advance democratic reform in DG priority areas
– Enduring mechanisms are reinforced or established that allow for public consultations with citizens and other stakeholders on policy and legislative, and other issues
Objective 3: Establish Sustainable Mechanisms for Regular and Ad Hoc CSO Cooperation -and Mobilization on Democratic Reform Issues
Illustrative Results for Objective 3:
– CSO partnerships or coalitions formed that engage in oversight, monitoring, or advancing reform agendas
– National level CSOs have both regular and ad hoc mechanisms for collaboration, cooperation, and dialogue
– National level CSOs expand links with local CSOs or incorporate them into wider networks
– Sustainable coalitions and partnerships formed
Deadline for submission of applications is October 12, 2011
For more information and details, visit this link and search by Funding Opportunity Number RFA-165-11-000002.
