U.S. Department of State MEPI Grant for Civil Society and Democratic Participation

Purpose of Grant: Local Grants are intended for local representatives of civil society, including non-governmental organizations and universities. They support projects to expand and develop civil society and encourage indigenous efforts to create societies based on pluralism, participation, and prosperity. Funding is available for projects that increase the scope and capacity and participation of civil society, create new economic opportunities, enhance access to and quality of education systems, and/or empower women. Local Grants proposals should aim to create or extend the community of reform-minded individuals and groups and should meet one or more of the following MEPI priorities:

1. Supporting local civil society, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), women’s groups, and professional associations at the grassroots level. These groups are committed to building civil society capacity, advancing political participation, and undertaking locally-initiated change in their societies toward communities reflecting pluralism of choice and participation in decision making and can be expected to play a role of growing importance and influence in the future.
2. Encouraging programs for youth, ages 12-17, and particularly those that provide youth with practical opportunities to experience democracy in action, participate in public service, volunteer and contribute to improving their local communities.
3. Fostering networks among local NGOs, civil society, governments, and the business community, as an avenue toward promoting political participation.
4. Encouraging women’s participation in public life at the local, regional, and national levels.
5. Promoting good governance programs that include anti-corruption and transparency components.
6. Promoting the rule of law and legal reforms including legal rights education and professional legal education and a legal environment open to the development of a vibrant engaged civil society.
7. Promoting public awareness and involvement in current political issues, including voter education, and building advocacy skills among individuals and groups.

Activities that are typically funded include, but are not limited to:
1. Community service projects that practice democratic processes and encourage volunteerism;
2. Public education projects that practice democratic processes;
3. Task forces that will subsequently recommend and pursue a specific plan of action; and,
4. Workshops and meetings of a practical and professional nature, which are an integral part of a larger project and contribute to overall project goals.

Applicants are advised that MEPI/ local grants do not typically cover the following:
1. Social welfare projects;
2. Organizational start-up costs;
3. Ongoing operating costs or capital improvements;
4. Buying furniture and office decorations;
5. Buying vehicles;
6. Setting up a center unless part of a broader project;
7. Paying to complete activities begun with other funds;
8. Projects that contain the appearance of partisanship/support to individual or single party electoral campaigns;
9. Academic or analytical research (if not part of a larger project);
10. Scholarships;
11. International travel, unless specifically justified within the project.
12. Citizen exchange programs with foreign countries;
13. Political party activities.
14. One-of-a kind events such as conferences and round tables (if not part of a larger project);
15. Medical and psychological research, and clinical studies;
16. Provision of health care services;
17. Projects of a commercial or profit-making nature;
18. Cultural presentations, cultural research, cultural clubs, and festivals etc.;
19. Language training courses; and,
20. Entertainment costs (receptions, social activities, ceremonies, alcoholic beverages, cocktail parties, guided tours).