The Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) is implementing a $18,5 million five-year Civil Society Advocacy Initiative (CSAI) program that seeks to support civil society in Serbia in its ability to help citizens take responsibility for determining the kind of society they live in by increasing citizen participation in all aspects of public life. Through grants, training, and networking opportunities, CSAI helps citizen initiatives and civil society organizations more effectively communicate their priorities and coordinate with government and the private sector to tangibly improve people's lives. This program is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to solicit project proposals from CSOs in Serbia for using mass media to promote successful results and project impact in order to increase visibility of CSO activities. Grants will be awarded to creative proposals capturing important and empowering success stories—true examples of Serbian citizens and CSOs showing exceptional initiative and working together to effect meaningful change. Success stories should promote a positive image of civil society, and encourage people to actively participate in all aspects of public life. For instance, projects may provide concrete examples of successful advocacy campaigns that can be replicated, or of an ongoing initiative that has a potential of engaging citizens to take part in it. Publications, broadcasts, and dissemination of winning strategies and approaches will be an integral part of successful proposals. We strongly encourage CSOs to develop innovative and creative approach to interact with wider audience, as well as to use Internet and social media, such as YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, blogs etc. The proposal should be implemented in partnership with a media outlet (TV, radio, print, news agency, and/or Internet portal) in order to establish long lasting relationships between the two sectors and to ensure higher visibility of CSOs' activities.

We encourage CSO's to include a short YouTube video clip as an additional means of explaining project's purpose, course of implementation, and expected impact on targeted audience. Submitting a video clip is optional, and not having one would not count against a project proposal. If submitted, the short video clip should be used to demonstrate applicant's sense of creativity and innovation.

More information on the Success Grants Program can be found in the Request for Applications (RFA) document.

Applicants are requested to submit Draft Narrative Proposal in ISC Application Form and Budget Proposal in ISC Budget Form, in English. RFA and application/budget forms can be downloaded from ISC Serbia's web site: http://www.iscserbia.org/news/

ISC will provide limited assistance to grant seekers in developing their proposals. Should you have any questions regarding the RFA, please send an e-mail to isc@iscserbia.org.

CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS: April 16, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.

Please note that applications received after this date will not be considered.