The Central Eurasia Project (CEP) requests proposals to provide program and general operating support grants to organizations focused on advancing open societies in the region. View specific guidelines for applying for grants from CEP.

Note: For CEP's purposes, Central Eurasia is understood to encompass the former Soviet republics of Central Asia (except Turkmenistan) and the Caucasus as well as Turkey and Mongolia. Proposals related to projects in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and the Middle East should be directed to OSI's Middle East and North Africa Initiative. Proposals on Turkmenistan should be submitted directly to the CEP’s Turkmenistan Project.

Priorities for CEP grantmaking in 2004 include the following areas:

• improving the effectiveness of human rights work in the region and developing innovative approaches to protecting human rights, particularly the rights of labor migrants from and in Central Asia, and in combating torture; and
• promoting transparency and public involvement in the dispensation of natural resource and other state revenues.

Deadlines

Grant applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and will be considered for funding three times during 2004 according to the following schedule. Applicants will be notified of a decision a week to 10 days after the consideration date.

Eligibility Requirements

All applications must be made on behalf of organizations or groups, which may include, but are not limited to, informal coalitions, non-governmental organizations, humanitarian aid or other charitable organizations, and educational institutes. U.S. applicants must be tax-exempt within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Central Eurasia Project usually does not accept applications for individual grants such as fellowships, scholarships, or travel grants. Scholars and activists interested in submitting individual research proposals should contact the address below for research proposal guidelines.

Organizations may be based in the region or outside. Single-country proposals from organizations based in Central Eurasia will be referred to the appropriate Soros foundation or program. In reviewing requests, priority will be given to joint proposals from international and local organizations.

Procedures

Proposals should be submitted by email to Anu Kangaspunta-Garfield at the Central Eurasia Project at akangaspunta@sorosny.org.