Call for Applications - Capacity Development Grants for Civil Society and Independent Media active in monitoring and observing electoral processes in the Republic of Moldova

BACKGROUND

 “ProElect - Promote accountability in Electoral processes in EaP through increased participation and capacity of civic actors” is a regional project run by the Transatlantic Foundation in partnership with IREX Europe (doing business as Equal Rights and Independent Media - ERIM) and funded by the European Union. The project aims to ensure that civil society actors in the Eastern Neighbourhood are engaged, capable and knowledgeable in monitoring elections and promoting democratic accountability mechanisms.

The purpose of the call is to enhance the capacity of civic actors focused on monitoring and observing electoral processes, such as independent media actors and civil society organisations in the Republic of Moldova. Organisations selected under the current call will be asked to design and implement capacity development plans of up to € 8,000 over a period of six months.

Electoral monitoring is a comprehensive process that encompasses all stages of an election, from voting procedures to vote counting and post-election verification, while critically examining political behaviours, campaign dynamics, stakeholder involvement, and potential influences from both legitimate civil society groups and potential malign actors.

WHO CAN APPLY

The call is open to independent media actors and civil society organisations, active in monitoring and observing electoral processes. In the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova, the support aims to provide necessary resources for organisations to facilitate free and credible elections, promote political participation, and combat harmful hate speech and disinformation.

Priority will be given to applications from organisations that have not already received our support under other projects. Applications from political or religious organisations will not be considered.

Along with the application, organisations will be invited to complete a self-assessment of their organisational capacity (OC, which will help structure and prioritise their current needs for organisational development.

Following this call, selected applicants, will work collaboratively with ERIM to develop a Capacity Development plan.

GRANTS AVAILABLE

Capacity development grants for CSOs and media in the Republic of Moldova.

The support aims to provide necessary resources for organisations to facilitate free and credible elections, promote political participation, and combat harmful hate speech and disinformation. 

The funding will be used to reach one or more specific operational goals focused on monitoring and observing electoral processes in the following fields: (1) governance, (2) programmatic strategy, (3) outreach, branding and external communication, (4) human resources management, (5) financial management, (6) monitoring and evaluation, (7) digital security (8) and contingency and adaptive performance.

These grants may be used for specific capacity-building activities that include, but are not limited to:

• Training courses and focused technical assistance based on organisational needs in areas such as, but not limited to, board development and governance, public relations, strategic planning, financial management, volunteer systems, advocacy and communication, IT and digital security etc.;
• Consultancy and mentorship in developing or improving policies/planning documents, strategies, structures, and processes: strategic plans, professional development plans, communications strategies, emergency response plans, and fundraising strategies;
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of the organisational development
• Other needs identified through the OCA

ERIM is available to share with the selected beneficiaries a roster of trainers and experts in organisational development. Organisations may also select their own trainers but ERIM will have to approve all experts, trainers and consultants hired under each grant.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria 

• Applicants must be registered in accordance with Moldovan law; citizens, youth or other forms of informal groups looking to grow as an independent organisation are eligible to apply through an established organisation with whom they have had a relevant history of cooperation.
• Applicants must have been active for a minimum of the last 2
• Applicants must have at least 2 full-time staff members.
• The applicant’s current statute and mission are in line with democratic and human rights principles
• The applicant must have experience to implement actions dedicated to monitoring and observing electoral disinformation

 More information about the call can be find HERE

HOW TO APPLY

The application forms and self-assessment form can be downloaded at the following  LINK or can be requested by e-mail: proelect.eap@proton.me. The application and self-assessment form can be submitted in Romanian or English to the email address: proelect.eap@proton.me  

Please, state in the subject line “ProElect - Capacity development for Moldova”. The applications should be submitted in word, if possible, please, provide an English version of your application to the original one, google translate is an acceptable method of translation.

Proposals must be submitted online by 18:00 local time, January 20, 2025.

Please find more information about the call on Guide for preparing grant proposals LINK

All questions regarding this call shall be addressed at proelect.eap@proton.me . Questions, comments, and requests for clarification will not be accepted after January 5, 2025. ERIM is not obliged to provide clarifications to questions received after this date. The answers will be given no later than 5 days before the deadline for the applications submission.