Deadline: Not stated.
Open to: Non-governmental organizations, governmental entities, community groups, policy institutes, other associations legally registered in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia (the oblasts of Krasnodar and Rostov).
Grant: The average grant will be between USD $16,000 – 19,000.
Request for Proposals
The Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation invites proposals from organizations and institutions in the countries of the Wider Black Sea Region on the Trust’s three programs: civic participation, cross-border initiatives, and Eastern Links. Applicants may find descriptions of the Trust’s programs on this website.
How it works:
The Black Sea Trust operates with a small, skilled staff with extensive experience in the region. BST grantmaking is overseen by an Advisory Board with representatives from every BST-supported country, as well as from the BST founding partners (Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Government of Romania, Ministry of Defence Republic of Latvia, and USAID). BST grantmaking committee is composed of GMF and BST staff members, and BST founding partners. An extensive network of proposal reviewers made up of partner donors and local experts further guide BST grantmaking review and ensure coordination.
Through its grantmaking, BST supports a wide range of innovative and creative forms of citizen participation, cross-border initiatives, and Eastern Links. Preference will be given to those proposals designed to increase citizen engagement with government; have an impact on public policy; strengthen leadership skills of individuals and organizations; facilitate cross-border and/or cross-sector cooperation; and allow for the transfer of experience and innovative ideas through a clear communication and dissemination plan.
Average grant awards are approximately $18,000. Grants over $25,000 have to be approved by GMF Board of Trustees.
Who is eligible:
Non-governmental organizations, governmental entities, community groups, policy institutes, other associations legally registered in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia (the oblasts of Krasnodar and Rostov). The projects have to be implemented in one or more of the countries mentioned.
Individuals and political parties may not apply. Non-indigenous organizations may not apply. Cooperative projects between indigenous and non-indigenous organizations are considered under the Eastern Links component, yet non-indigenous administrative costs will not receive BST support.
The Black Sea Trust does not support scholarly research, academic fellowships and scholarships, one-off events, humanitarian aid, refugee or IDP return, religious activities, the arts or sciences. BST only supports travel and website creation/maintenance as components of larger activities.
Duration of projects:
Generally, the maximum duration of projects is 12 months. As an exception, outstanding projects of a longer duration may be considered.
Amount granted:
The average grant will be between USD $16,000 – 19,000.
How to apply:
BST grants generally range from $5,000 and $75,000, with most grants falling between $15,000 and $25,000. BST can support exceptional multi-year projects, renewable on an annual basis contingent upon satisfactory interim reports and performance.
There are no application deadlines. Project proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and grant decisions are made monthly. Final approval will be made by a grantmaking committee or, if over $25,000, by the German Marshall Fund’s Board of Trustees.
Applicants must complete the following two forms in English only:
All inquiries will be acknowledged by email within two weeks of receipt. Final decisions are typically announced within 10 weeks of application.
Questions related to proposal preparation may be sent by e-mail to BlackSeaTrust@gmfus.org. Once a grant has been awarded, questions should be emailed directly to the responsible program officer at his/her email address.
To apply, please send your completed application to BlackSeaTrust@gmfus.org. Subject line should include: the word ‘PROPOSAL’, the name of your organization, and the country in which your organization is located. Proposals will be accepted via e-mail only. Proposals that are not sent to BlackSeaTrust@gmfus.org will not be considered.
From the bride What was your favorite mnmeot of the day? My wedding day was amazing in so many ways that it’s hard to chose one favorite mnmeot of the day, but I think I would have to say seeing Greg (my husband)’s face as I walked down the aisle. What was your biggest challenge in the planning process? The biggest challenge in the planning process was living in another state, fortunately I had a great wedding planner which made things easier. How did the two of you meet and fall in love? As far as meeting and falling in love we were originally co-workers and friends. When we both went to a 6 week course together we got to know each other better and became much better friends. Our love grew out of our friendship, mutual respect and common interests. Greg is my soulmate we’ve been through a lot and I know we will go through even more in years to come, but as long as we have each other, we can make it through anything. Vendors Photographer: Whitmeyer Photography Event Planner: Occasions by Emily Invitation Designer: Momental Designs Dress Designer: Alfred Angelo Event Venue: Castle Ladyhawke For more of Laura + Gregory’s day, visit Whitmeyer Photography’s blog.