U.S. Embassy Tbilisi Democracy Commission Small Grants for Knowledge-Based Economic Growth and Democratic Development

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

U.S. Embassy Tbilisi announces an open competition for Democracy Commission Small Grants Program (DemCom). The United States initiated in 1994 as a flexible mechanism to enable embassies to support local democratic initiatives in the countries of Central, Eastern Europe, and the post-Soviet States.

The implementing body at each mission is the Democracy Commission, chaired by the Deputy Chief of Mission and including the Public Affairs Officer, Cultural Affairs Officer, other members of the Country Team, and representatives of U.S. Government agencies.

Program Objectives:

The purpose of the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program is to award grants for specific projects that support democracy, enhance the development of free media, civil society, and foster economic growth through education advocacy. Grants will be awarded to higher education institutions, vocational colleges, non-governmental, non-profit organizations based and registered in Georgia.

The maximum amount of a grant is $50,000 per project.

NOTE: Proposals that include partnerships between universities are encouraged.

The project proposals must address at least one of the following themes:

1)     EDUCATION FOR KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMIC GROWTH:

·      Entrepreneurship Education in Higher Education Institutions

·      Supporting Vocational Education in Tourism/Agroindustry

·      Strengthening STEM Education in Higher Education Institutions

·      Basic Education (Please see note below.)

NOTE: Basic education projects may include strengthening public schools for grades 1-12 through teacher training and professional development, online learning, mental health and social-emotional learning, literacy and critical thinking, virtual platforms and innovative programs for students including school libraries, science and tech labs, and enrichment programs. For more information on basic education strategies, please review the U.S. Government Education Strategy FY2019-2023 and the USAID Education Policy Program Cycle Implementation and Operational Guide)