Deadline: 16 January 2015
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) invites civic organizations, associations, independent media, and other similar non-government organizations around the world to apply for 2015 grant funding. NED yearly funds hundreds of projects of organizations that are working to advance democratic goals and strengthen democratic institutions.
Funding Areas
- Pluralism – Encouraging the development abroad of strong, independent private-sector organizations, especially trade unions and business associations. Programs can be – institution building, exchanges tied with training, conferences and education seminars; training and civic education; electoral processes; and democratic pluralism.
- Democratic governance and political processes – nonpartisan efforts to strengthen the political institutions and processes of unstable or newly emerging democracies; facilitate and encourage a transition to democracy where there are opportunities for such a positive evolution. Program areas – political parties, election participation and administration, public policy and information, strengthening legislatures, the rule of law and administration of justice, and the military and democracy.
- Education, culture and communications – Encouraging strong civic culture and population committed to rule of law, individual liberty, freedom of religion, free and open debate, majority rule, and protection of the rights of minorities. Program areas – support for independent newspapers, journals, and other communications media; support for democratic education; support for activities directed at strengthening popular understanding and intellectual advocacy of democracy.
- Research – Efforts to strengthen the intellectual underpinnings of democracy.
- International cooperation – Encourage regional and international cooperation in the building and strengthening of democracy.
The Endowment’s programs are devoted to encouraging democratic political development. It generally does not fund projects aimed primarily at promoting economic and social development. Applications are encouraged from local, independent organizations for non-partisan programs seeking to
- Promote and defend human rights and the rule of law
- Support freedom of information and independent media
- Strengthen democratic ideas and values
- Promote accountability and transparency
- Strengthen civil society organizations
- Strengthen democratic political processes and institutions
- Promote civic education
- Support democratic conflict resolution
- Promote freedom of association
- Strengthen a broad-based market economy
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants can be civic organizations, associations, independent media, and other similar non-government organizations.
- Applicant organizations should be working in diverse environments including newly established democracies, semi-authoritarian countries, highly repressive societies and countries undergoing democratic transitions.
- Individuals, governmental bodies, or state-supported institutions such as public universities are not eligible for the fund.
How to apply?
Application can be made via online application system, email or regular mail to reach the application materials by the deadline. Read the Unofficial Guide to applying for NED Grants.
Complete application materials include – proposal cover sheet, proposal narrative, interim assessment, proposal budget and registration documents (if applicable). Non-registered organizations should clearly mention the reason behind it not being registered and the status of any pending applications for registration.
For more information, please visit Applying for a NED Grant.
