Empowering CSOs | TIREMPCSOFY24

Empowering CSOs (TIREMPCSOFY24) - Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the "Empowering CSOs" grant opportunity?

"Empowering CSOs" (Funding Opportunity Number TIREMPCSOFY24) is a U.S. Embassy in Tirana initiative intended to strengthen Albania's civil society sector and reinforce its role as a meaningful contributor to democracy. It is an open competition seeking proposals that help civil society organizations (CSOs) become more effective, resilient, and credible actors in public life.

2) What is the main purpose of the program?

The program is designed to improve how Albanian CSOs operate internally, how they engage communities, and how they interact with government and other stakeholders to support democratic governance in Albania.

3) What geographic area does the program focus on?

Albania is the priority region for this funding opportunity.

4) What types of outcomes is the Embassy looking for?

The objectives emphasize practical, capacity-building outcomes. Proposals are expected to strengthen CSOs so they can operate more transparently and accountably, improve organizational standards, and build long-term sustainability and resiliency.

5) What does the opportunity mean by improving transparency and accountability?

Based on the program description, this refers to strengthening internal systems and practices so CSOs operate to higher organizational standards and are viewed as credible and trustworthy public actors.

6) Is sustainability a priority in this opportunity?

Yes. A major priority is long-term sustainability and resiliency, including reducing over-reliance on a single funding stream by diversifying funding sources.

7) Does the program encourage partnerships with businesses?

Yes. The opportunity highlights building and strengthening partnerships with businesses. Proposals that cultivate private-sector collaboration, sponsorships, or socially responsible business relationships are described as aligned with the program's intent.

8) What is the second core objective of the program?

A second core objective is increasing the ability of CSOs to actively participate in decision-making processes on behalf of their communities, including building structured dialogue with government institutions and strengthening participation in consultative processes.

9) Does the opportunity support work related to monitoring government reforms?

Yes. The program description explicitly includes improving CSO capacity to monitor government reforms, track reform implementation, and communicate findings to the public and relevant institutions.

10) What kinds of activities might fit the decision-making and policy engagement objective?

The opportunity points toward activities such as training and mentoring on policy engagement, coalition-building, community representation, evidence-based advocacy, and techniques for tracking reform implementation and sharing results with the public and institutions.

11) Is strengthening CSOs' watchdog and advocacy roles part of the scope?

Yes. The opportunity places strong emphasis on advancing CSOs' watchdog and advocacy roles, encouraging proposals that enhance civil society engagement as key actors in good governance and the rule of law.

12) What thematic areas can be addressed under this opportunity?

The scope includes service delivery, human rights protection, gender equality, and broader social inclusion. It also explicitly includes marginalized groups, employment-related issues, environmental concerns, and other community priorities, as long as the work reinforces civic oversight, accountability, and constructive participation in democratic processes.

13) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to Albanian not-for-profit organizations, including civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and think tanks that can respond to the Notice of Funding Opportunity and demonstrate experience and expertise in community activism programs.

14) Are U.S. organizations eligible?

No. U.S. organizations are explicitly not eligible under this program.

15) Are individuals eligible to apply?

No. Individuals are explicitly not eligible under this program.

16) Can an organization submit more than one proposal?

No. Applicants are allowed to submit only one proposal per organization. If an organization submits multiple proposals, all submissions from that organization will be ruled ineligible.

17) Is a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) required?

Yes. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) obtained through SAM.gov to be eligible for an award.

18) Is an active SAM.gov registration required?

Yes. Applicants must maintain an active SAM.gov registration to be eligible for an award.

19) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. Cost sharing or matching funds are not required and will not be used as an evaluation criterion.

20) Can applicants still include cost sharing even if it is not required?

Yes. While not required and not used as an evaluation criterion, applicants are encouraged to consider cost sharing when feasible.

21) What type of award is this?

The award is structured as a grant.

22) How is the opportunity categorized?

The funding opportunity is categorized under humanities activities.

23) What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?

The CFDA number is 19.900.

24) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The funding opportunity lists an award ceiling of $220,000.

25) How many awards does the opportunity anticipate making?

The opportunity anticipates making one award.

26) What was the application closing date?

The original closing date for applications was February 26, 2024.

27) What kinds of organizations does the opportunity aim to strengthen?

The opportunity aims to strengthen Albanian CSOs so they become more effective, resilient, and credible in public life, including through stronger internal operations, improved community engagement, and better interaction with government and other stakeholders.

28) What is the overall democracy-related goal of supporting CSOs through this program?

The initiative is intended to reinforce civil society's role as a meaningful contributor to democracy by improving democratic governance through accountability, constructive participation in decision-making, and strengthened watchdog and advocacy functions.