August 30, 2009 | Belgrade
The Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) is implementing a $14 million five-year program that seeks to support civil society in Serbia in its ability to influence public policy, serve as government watchdogs, and conduct sustained advocacy campaigns on a variety of reform issues.  The Civil Society Advocacy Initiative (CSAI) helps 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).

ISC’s Advocacy in Practice Grants are awarded to civil society organizations to implement advocacy projects that are specific, concrete and focused on bringing about positive change through concrete action.

Through this Request for Applications, ISC aims to:

• Support CSOs working on issues that address citizens’ concerns.
• Support innovative and creative activities.
• Encourage applications from CSOs outside of Belgrade.
• Support advocacy initiatives with strong citizen participation.
• Bridge the gap between larger national policy reform issues and local citizens’ concerns. 
• Support activities with demonstrated potential and a strong outreach strategy to help raise the visibility of civil society.

We encourage applicants to develop inventive ideas and approaches to best address these key issues:

• Government accountability and transparency
• Social and economic rights
• Environmental protection

Applicants are requested to submit Draft Narrative Proposal in ISC Application Form and Budget Proposal in ISC Budget Form.

ISC will provide limited assistance to grant seekers in developing their proposals. Information sessions on proposal development will be held by ISC in four cities of Serbia. The schedule for these sessions will be announced soon.

CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS: October 15, 2009 at 16:00 p.m.
Applications received after this date will not be considered.