The Open Society Foundations (OSF) Arab Regional Office beginning November 16, 2011 is accepting unsolicited grant proposal outlines, or concept notes, on a rolling basis that will continue throughout the year.
The OSF Arab Regional Office was established in 2006 to support local civil society in its efforts to protect human rights and build vibrant and tolerant societies. Based in Amman, Jordan, the office supports a diverse group of civil society organizations, research centers, universities, and media organizations across the Arab world in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Focus Areas
Concept notes and grant proposals should fall within the following focus areas:
Rights & Governance
The Open Society Foundations support proactive and innovative projects, including monitoring, documentation, and advocacy efforts to further diversity, equality, nondiscrimination, and access to justice alongside other basic civil and political rights.
Media & Information
The Arab Regional Office of the Open Society Foundations supports projects across the Arab region that promote free and independent media and the open exchange of information. Projects have included developing independent community radio in Jordan and Iraq; regional trainings on investigative journalism, media research, and professionalism; fostering favorable environments for free and responsible media; championing freedom of expression and progressive media policy; defending the rights of journalists; and establishing strong, independent professional organizations.
Knowledge & Education
Projects that focus on youth engagement as active citizens in building an open society and promoting early education. Activities include fostering public discourse and cooperation among youth by involving young people in new media, debate clubs, and youth networking and supporting educational development for academics, students, and professionals through graduate scholarships, fellowships, and internships.
Women’s Rights
Gender rights advocacy and research in support of women’s engagement in public life as well as improving policy formulation and implementation are a primary focus for the Open Society Foundations Arab Regional Office. Among these issues, activities include addressing violence against women and the impact of conflict upon women in countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and increasing parental involvement in early childhood education in Nazareth.
Selection Criteria
The criteria for successful proposals are their relevance to the Arab Regional Office’s priority focal areas and their attempt to raise standards and promote new ideas in their respective fields.
Professional organizations, universities, NGOs, and other institutions are open to apply for support. The Arab Regional Office does not accept concept notes, or grant applications from individuals.
Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
For more information, visit this link.
