Empowering CSOs | TIREMPCSOFY24

Opportunity Information: Apply for TIREMPCSOFY24

The "Empowering CSOs" grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number TIREMPCSOFY24) is a U.S. Embassy in Tirana initiative designed to strengthen Albania's civil society sector and reinforce its role as a meaningful contributor to democracy. Through this open competition, the Embassy is seeking proposals that help civil society organizations become more effective, resilient, and credible actors in public life. The program is focused specifically on Albania as the priority region, and it supports activities that improve how CSOs operate internally, how they engage communities, and how they interact with government and other stakeholders to advance democratic governance.

The program objectives emphasize practical, capacity-building outcomes for Albanian CSOs. A major priority is improving transparency, accountability, and organizational standards, with a strong push toward long-term sustainability and resiliency. Proposals are expected to help organizations strengthen internal systems and practices while also reducing over-reliance on a single funding stream by diversifying funding sources. Related to sustainability, the opportunity also highlights building and strengthening partnerships with businesses, suggesting that initiatives that cultivate private-sector collaboration, sponsorships, or socially responsible business relationships would be considered aligned with the program's intent.

A second core objective is increasing the ability of CSOs to actively participate in decision-making processes on behalf of their communities. This includes efforts that build structured dialogue with governmental institutions, strengthen participation in consultative processes, and improve the ability of organizations to monitor government reforms. In practice, this 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 communicating findings to the public and relevant institutions.

The opportunity also places strong emphasis on advancing the watchdog and advocacy roles of CSOs. It encourages proposals that enhance civil society engagement as key actors in good governance and the rule of law, including work connected to service delivery, human rights protection, gender equality, and broader social inclusion. The scope explicitly includes marginalized groups, employment-related issues, environmental concerns, and other community priorities, leaving room for a wide range of thematic approaches as long as they reinforce civic oversight, accountability, and constructive participation in democratic processes.

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 that demonstrate experience and expertise in community activism programs. U.S. organizations and individuals are explicitly not eligible under this program. Applicants should also note that they are allowed to submit only one proposal per organization; if an organization submits multiple proposals, all submissions from that organization will be ruled ineligible.

From an administrative standpoint, organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) obtained through SAM.gov and must maintain an active SAM.gov registration to be eligible for an award. Cost sharing or matching funds are not required and will not be used as an evaluation criterion, although applicants are encouraged to consider cost-sharing when feasible. The award is structured as a grant, categorized under humanities activities, with CFDA number 19.900. The funding opportunity lists an award ceiling of $220,000 and anticipates making one award. The original closing date for applications was February 26, 2024.

• The U.S. Mission to Albania in the humanities sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Empowering CSOs" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.900.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-01-28.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-02-26. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $220,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for TIREMPCSOFY24

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: