Core and Institutional Support to Policy Research Centers
Focus AreasApplication Guidelines | Grantee List
The Think Tank Fund of the Open Society Institute accepts proposals from independent non-partisan multi-issue public policy centers working in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo, and Ukraine to promote inclusive policy change. Inclusive policy change" refers to a policymaking process that is open, transparent and responsive to the public interest. The Think Tank Fund aims to support policy centers that strengthen democratic processes in their countries by identifying and analyzing policy options, consulting with the government to advance their recommendations, involving stakeholders outside government circles in policy debates, and making their findings widely available to the public. Thus, while potential grantees should engage with public authorities, the Think Tank Fund also seeks to fund organizations that galvanize public interest and debate about the issues on which they are working. The Think Tank Fund currently directs its support primarily to organizations that work on economic, political and social reform issues in their countries.
To be qualified for our support, an applicant-organization should be an independent, non-partisan analytical center that hosts in-house research unit(s) and carries out policy studies in at least two thematic areas. In addition to their core research activities, such centers often choose to engage in advocacy, outreach, educational and training activities, provide expert advice as well as increase public participation in policy-making processes.
The Think Tank Fund does not aim to support specific issues or themes but to encourage an approach to public policy that promotes inclusive policy change. We encourage think tanks to prioritize the needs they see as most pressing and act on them, rather than be led by donors' priorities. As an essential part of this approach, policy centers must undertake thorough research, develop areas of expertise, and position themselves as credible partners for the government and other policy stakeholders both in defining priorities and developing policy options. Organizations should be able to influence the government while recognizing that different issues will necessitate various means of engagement-sometimes even requiring an adversarial approach.
Applied research and engagement with the government are insufficient on their own to create inclusive policy change. To foster sustained impact, organizations must engage stakeholders from across the spectrum, involving various civil society actors and media in the policy debate as well as relevant governmental actors. Well-targeted dissemination of research findings and public advocacy are essential ingredients in the policy development process. Yet, too often policy change exists only on paper. By generating public demand and monitoring governmental implementation of previously adopted policies, organizations not only promote policy options but also advocate policy change. The Think Tank Fund understands that the extent to which organizations employ each of these tools will vary, depending on the national political context, the capacities of individual organization, and the issues being addressed.
For more information, please see the Application Guidelines.
