Democracy Commission Small Grants Program | PDS ASHGABAT AW FY24 003

Democracy Commission Small Grants Program (U.S. Embassy Ashgabat) - FAQs

What is the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program?

The Democracy Commission Small Grants Program is a competitive small-grants opportunity offered by the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat through its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), part of the U.S. Department of State. It funds practical, community-facing projects designed to support the development of democratic institutions and a stronger civil society in Turkmenistan.

Who is offering and administering this grant opportunity?

This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat and administered by the U.S. Mission to Turkmenistan through the Embassy's Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), within the U.S. Department of State.

What is the main goal of the program?

The overall aim is to support democratic institution development and strengthen civil society in Turkmenistan by funding local organizations to implement practical projects that directly serve communities.

What types of projects is the program looking to fund?

The program prioritizes practical, community-facing projects proposed and implemented by local organizations. Proposals are expected to be concrete and measurable, and clearly tied to one of the program's listed priority areas.

What are the priority areas for proposals?

The program is centered on two main priority areas: (1) Promotion of civil society and association building, and (2) Women's and youth empowerment (economic and civic engagement).

What does "Promotion of civil society and association building" focus on?

This priority area focuses on strengthening the organizational capacity and effectiveness of civil society organizations (CSOs) so they can better promote accountability, transparency, and community support across Turkmenistan, including in rural areas. It emphasizes helping emerging and lower-capacity groups become more sustainable and professional.

What activities are highlighted under the civil society and association building priority area?

Highlighted activities include creating a CSO incubator that provides ongoing support on strategic planning, project management, and financial sustainability; delivering training, mentorship, and workshops to improve grants and project management skills for at least 10 local CSOs; and providing legal consultations to help establish and register at least three new CSOs.

Are projects expected to work with government actors under the civil society priority area?

Yes. This priority area emphasizes building constructive working relationships and trust with government actors through cooperation and exchanges of expertise.

Are there target outcomes related to NGO-government collaboration?

Yes. The opportunity describes improving collaboration between at least eight NGOs serving underserved groups (including women and youth) and local government bodies.

Are communications and outreach activities part of the civil society priority area?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes upgrading communications capacity so at least eight CSOs can use traditional and social media more effectively through stronger outreach strategies and communication plans.

What does "Women's and youth empowerment (economic and civic engagement)" focus on?

This priority area aims to increase participation of women and youth, particularly those from vulnerable and marginalized communities (including persons with disabilities), in economic empowerment and civic life. It emphasizes practical skills and reaching defined participation targets.

What youth media literacy activities are suggested?

Suggested programming includes media literacy for at least 100 youth on how to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media content responsibly.

What youth leadership activities are suggested?

Suggested activities include leadership development for at least 100 youth through trainings that may include professional development and emotional intelligence.

What employment-focused training activities are suggested for women and/or youth?

Suggested activities include employment-focused training for at least 100 women and/or youth in low-income communities on job opportunities, applications, and interview readiness.

Are there suggested activities focused specifically on women's leadership and advocacy?

Yes. One suggested objective is preparing at least 100 women to better advocate for women's interests and rights locally through leadership and professional development training.

Are there suggested activities to engage youth in policy or decision-making?

Yes. The opportunity describes creating pathways for youth to participate in policy and decision-making related to environmental challenges and/or government accountability through at least three regional youth leadership initiatives carried out with local self-governments and councils.

Are technology and digital skills trainings eligible under the women's and youth empowerment priority area?

Yes. The opportunity suggests delivering technology skills training for at least 60 women and/or youth, covering practical digital competencies such as email, file management, presentations, audio/video editing, social media, web navigation, cybersecurity, and potentially programming.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to Turkmenistan-based organizations. Eligible applicants explicitly include local not-for-profit organizations, for-profit entities (including economic societies), and civil society/non-governmental organizations.

Can for-profit organizations apply?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly includes for-profit entities, including economic societies, as eligible applicants, provided they are Turkmenistan-based.

Is this a competitive grant?

Yes. It is described as a competitive small-grants opportunity.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is $50,000.

How many awards are expected?

The opportunity notes an expectation of around three awards.

What does it mean that the opportunity is "discretionary"?

The grant opportunity is listed as discretionary.

How should proposals align with U.S. Embassy public diplomacy goals?

Proposals are expected to align closely with the Embassy's public diplomacy goals, priority program areas, and intended audiences, and to clearly connect project activities and outcomes to one of the listed priority areas.

Are there expectations for measurability and concrete results?

Yes. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that are concrete and measurable. The opportunity provides examples of target numbers (for example, at least 10 CSOs trained, at least 100 youth reached, or at least 60 people trained in technology skills).

What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA number?

The funding opportunity number is PDS ASHGABAT AW FY24 003, and the CFDA number listed is 19.900.

What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date listed for this opportunity was April 30, 2024.

Where is the program intended to operate?

The program is designed to support local organizations implementing projects in Turkmenistan, including efforts that reach rural areas.

Does the program prioritize underserved or marginalized groups?

Yes. The women's and youth empowerment priority area particularly emphasizes reaching women and youth from vulnerable and marginalized communities, including persons with disabilities. The civil society priority area also references NGOs serving underserved groups, including women and youth.