Sorry for cross-posting, please share with your networks. -- -- Best Regards, Ephraim Percy Kenyanito Sub-Saharan Africa Policy Analyst Access Now | accessnow.org @ekenyanito PGP: E6BA8DC1 Fingerprint: B0FA394AF73DEB7AA1FDC7360CFED26DE6BA8DC1 Apply for Funding: Expanding Civil Society Space /CD-UNITED Grant Program to Support Democracy Projects Around the World/ The Community of Democracies invites organizations to apply for financial assistance through its CD-UNITED program, which funds projects that support and strengthen democracy in countries around the world. During the 2016 grant cycle, co-financing awards totaling $272,000 will be given to applicants who propose ways to expand the space for civil society through projects that enhance the ability of citizens and nongovernmental organizations to participate more fully in civic life. “Civil society is an essential part of the democratic community,” Secretary General Maria Leissner said. “We are committed to providing moral and financial support to those who are working to reduce the risk of a democratic recession.” CD-UNITED, funded with a generous donation from the U.S. Department of State, will provide up to $80,000 in co-financing for each approved project proposal that addresses this year’s theme: /Democracy in Action: Expanding Civil Society Space/. Applicants are responsible for securing co-funding commitments from other donors before their proposal is submitted for consideration. “We welcome concrete, action-oriented initiatives that focus on protecting civil society, which is one of our top priorities,” Leissner said. “CD-UNITED has already provided valuable support to local organizations engaged in educational campaigns and efforts to promote democracy and protect human rights. We look forward to having an even bigger impact this year.” The list of eligible recipients ranges from unregistered organizations and non-profits to universities and international organizations that are working to promote human rights, freedoms and the values enshrined in the Warsaw Declaration. The proposed activities can take place anywhere in the world. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, through 31 December 2016. Due to the high volume of applications, interested organizations are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before funds are exhausted. *Please visit *http://www.community-democracies.org/ <http://community-democracies.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4728f1b04f6d172cc705189ca&id=20d5acc14d&e=1e1585cd3f>* for the CD-UNITED application form and detailed submission requirements.* Questions should be addressed to cdunited@community-democracies.org <mailto:cdunited@community-democracies.org>.