Baltics

The purpose of the Open Society Institute's Youth Action Fund is to identify, inspire, and support small groups of dedicated young people who can mobilize and influence large numbers of their peers to promote open society ideals. OSI created this fund as a flexible way to provide small grants and other support to encourage progressive, youth-driven initiatives that are aligned with OSI's mission.

The Youth Action Fund-Baltics focuses on youth participation and active citizenship to encourage the participation of young people on a local level and in the democratic processes in general.  We encourage applicants to consider issues of cultural diversity and increased understanding among young people from different ethnic backgrounds and projects that target youth from marginalized communities and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Eligibility

• Applicants must currently reside in one of the following countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania. Preference will be given to applications  focused on places with large minority populations.
• Applicants must be between the ages of 15-29.
• Youth may partner with a local NGO, but OSI will not accept proposals from NGOs on behalf of youth.
• Residents of Estonia:  In addition to the above, applications which address the following issues are strongly encouraged: health (especially HIV/AIDS prevention), sustainable development and environmental issues, and gender equality.

Grantmaking Priorities

Strong preference will be given to collaborative projects in which grantees reach out to engage their peers and other groups in civil society. Cross-border activity is encouraged, but the primary focus will be on projects that serve a local constituency. Projects which can become self-sustaining or that will continue after the funding has ended are also encouraged.

Ineligible Projects

• Travel grants or fees for individuals to attend conferences, workshops, etc.
• Additional degrees, courses, or certificates for an individual
• Organizations or adults applying for grants on behalf of youth

To Apply

Fill out the online application at https://oas.soros.org/oas/. In addition to basic information (such as name, address), applicants will be asked to answer the following questions:

• What is your idea?
• How will you do it?
• What do you need?
• Who will it help?
• Is there anyone you want to work with?
• What is your budget?

Candidates will also be given the option to upload a separate application proposal, budget, CV, and letters of recommendation.

Deadline

We are currently accepting applications on a rolling basis, so you may apply at any time.

Funding Decisions

Grant applications will be reviewed by staff at OSI-Budapest. In cases where minor changes are needed or any part of the application is unclear, applicants may be asked to resubmit.

Complete applications will be forwarded to a three-person panel made up of one representative from the applicant's home country, one representative of the OSI Youth Initiative, and one representative of OSI-Budapest. The panel must unanimously approve the grant for the candidate to receive funding. Proposals can be nominated for partial funding, in which case the panel will state items for funding.

Grants will not be renewable. However, successful projects may be eligible for additional funding through other initiatives of the Soros foundations network. It is expected that some of the projects may have an entrepreneurial component that could allow them to become self-sustaining.

Contact Information

ESTONIA
Kadri Ollino
Open Estonia Foundation
Estonia pst.  5a
10143 Tallinn
Estonia
Phone: +(372) 6313 791
Email:  kadri@oef.org.ee
Website:  www.oef.org.ee/nortefond

LATVIA
Liesma Ose
Soros Foundation - Latvia
Alberta 13
Riga LV 1010
Email:  liesma@sfl.lv

LITHUANIA
Yuri Romanenkov
Email:  Yuri.Romanenkov@freemail.lt