Roma Decade Matching Fund

In 2006, as part of its support for the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005–2015, the Open Society Institute Roma Initiatives set up a fund to support innovative projects that promote intercultural dialogue and challenge negative attitudes towards Roma. Roma Initiatives matches funds with public authorities, private foundations, television, publishers, and corporations.

To date, the Decade Matching Fund has supported a diverse range of initiatives covering education, gender, employment, cultural identity, diversity, and intercultural dialogue. Projects have taken the form of research, advocacy, capacity-building efforts, awareness-raising campaigns, art and photography exhibitions, documentaries, public debates, and seminars.

For more information about projects supported by the fund in the past, see the Matching Fund 2006-2008 highlights, available for download below.

Deadline

There are no specific application deadlines for the matching fund. Proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Eligibility

• Projects must have a clear Roma component.
• Roma must be involved in the design and implementation of the project.
• Preference will be given to projects linked to the Decade of Roma Inclusion.
• Applicants can be nongovernmental organizations, local governments, national implementing bodies, or media partners.

Financial Allocation

The Open Society Institute will provide up to 40 percent of the cost of an individual project, with a maximum allocation of €50,000.

To Apply

There is no application form for the matching fund. Applications should be sent to the Open Society Institute together with the full project proposal.

Proposals will be selected on merit and in line with the eligibility criteria. Grants will be made only after core funding has been approved.

Proposals should be sent to Bernard Rorke, director of Roma Initiatives, at brorke@osi.hu.