The World Bank Yerevan Office jointly with the Open Society Institute
Assistance Foundation (OSIAF) - Armenia is pleased to invite application
proposals under the Small Grants Program. The grants will be in the amount of
$8,000-$10,000 and will be available to the local registered non-governmental
non-profit organizations on a competitive basis with at least two years of
practical experience.

The Small Grants Program supports programs related to civic engagement for the
empowerment of marginalized and vulnerable groups. The activities should:

• enhance partnerships with key players in support of the development process
  (key players could include government agencies, civil society and donor
  organizations, foundations, and private sector);
• give voice to the concerns/critical issues of poor and marginalized
  populations;
• strengthen and leverage impact of development programs, identifying potential
  risks, targeting assistance, and expanding reach, also at the community level;
• bring innovative ideas and solutions to development challenges at local level.

Programs may also include workshops and seminars, costs for publications or
audio-visual materials. The overall duration of the programs should be no longer
than one year of the date the grant is awarded.

The Grants program will not provide support for operational projects; research
programs; formal academic training programs; ongoing institutional support;
scholarships; or for individuals applying for travel or studies. Please note
that the administrative expenses of the NGOs cannot be included for financial
assistance.

The application forms are available from the Open Society Institute Assistance
Foundation – Armenia office at the address 1 Pushkin, #2 and at
www.osi.am. You
are kindly requested to submit two copies of the applications at the above
address.

The deadline for submissions is December 20, 2005. The English version
of application form is available also at www.worldbank.org.am.