The National Democratic Institute (NDI) has launched the Equal Rights in Action Fund (ERA Fund) to provide small grants to local organizations around the world who work to promote and defend the human rights of marginalized groups. The range of the award is from $15,000 to $50,000.
See Also: Young Professionals Program (WBG YPP) Application Open.
About National Democratic Institute (NDI)
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, non-governmental organization that has supported democratic institutions and practices in every region of the world for more than three decades.
Since its establishment in 1983, NDI and its local partners have worked to establish and strengthen political and civic organizations. Also, they safeguard elections and promote citizen participation, openness, and accountability in government.
The Institute has worked in more than 156 countries, and currently has more than 50 field offices working to strengthen and support democracy around the globe.
NDI believes that democracy is more likely to develop and endure when all segments of society are free to participate without suffering discrimination or reprisal. It’s the reason why they launched the Equal Rights in Action Fund (ERA Fund).
See Also: Accessing CBN HealthCare Research Development Grant.
Purpose Of The Equal Rights In Action Fund
The funded is dedicate to achieving the following:
- Safe and secure environments
- Political participation
- Empowered and inclusive movements and organizations
Until now, the ERA Fund has supported 25 organizations across 24 countries. NDI provides ongoing technical assistance based on the particular needs and priorities of each grantee in addition to financial resources. They develop relationships that are structured and encourage open and honest feedback flows in both directions.
See Also: 100 Profitable business ideas to start now for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors.
How to Apply For The Equal Rights In Action Fund
Organizations may apply to the ERA Fund only by invitation. To receive an invitation, organizations must be nominated by staff at local US Embassies or NDI offices.
For LGBTI grantmaking, local embassies of countries that participate in the Global Equality Fund may also nominate organizations.
NDI is currently accepting nominations of disabled person organizations (DPOs) from US Embassy staff in the following countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, Barbados (all countries covered by the embassy), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, Ghana, Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, Rwanda, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Ukraine
Organizations that would like to apply for funding should contact local embassy representatives to express interest in a nomination. The nominations period will close on June 26, 2020.
See Also: How to apply for the CBN COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Eligibility For The ERA Fund
- Qualified applicants must be non-U.S or Western Europe based regional and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or private, non-profit organizations, professional associations, and relevant special interest associations or coalitions, or fiscally sponsored by such.
- Unaffiliated individuals will not be eligible to receive awards.
- Applicants should be doing work toward long-term social change by and for marginalized communities.
- Organizations applying for funds must have a yearly budget of less than $500,000.
The application period for each round of grant is determined on an annual basis. Therefore, regularly check the NDI website for updates.
If you are an entrepreneur running a social enterprise that is focused on achieving equality for all, this opportunity is for you.
