The OSGF invites domestic non-profit organizations, foundations, think tanks, and other civil society groups to perform research on issues relating to the development of civil society in Georgia.

Background

The OSGF's Civil Society Support Program focuses on the development of non-governmental and other non-profit organizations and their leaders to play significant roles in keeping public institutions accountable; promoting good governance in the public sector; mobilizing citizens for identifying and solving common problems; advocating for the causes of underprivileged. During the past years the Foundation supported activities targeted towards strengthening institutional capacity of CSOs; regional and European integration, civic education and civil integration.

Research development is one of the priority areas that the Foundation identified for focusing its activities in 2010.  In order to play active role in the policy formation process civil society organizations need to strengthen their research capacities. The study of issues related to the civil society is also used by the Foundation to base its programmatic approaches. While research of civil society has been undertaken by various organizations, new trends and dynamics are not sufficiently explored and discussed.  In addition, changing social context in Georgia brought up issues related to youth, marginalized and vulnerable groups that need to be researched and addressed.

Goal

The goal of the initiative is to support high-quality, evidence-based research and analysis on issues related to the development of non-governmental organizations, youth, and marginalized and vulnerable groups, to identify the most critical areas for intervention and to set out new vision of civil society development.

Research topics:

There are a wide variety of issues related to the development of civil society that need to be studied. Through this particular initiative the OSGF will support research undertaken on the following:

1.      Non-Governmental Organizations- their role in establishing democratic values in the society; relationship with the wider public; resources and mechanisms for civic engagement; networking/collaboration to address society's pressing needs; interaction with the government and private sector; engagement in and influence over policy making process; campaigns initiated by NGOs; legislative framework for NGOs; assessment of critical skills and institutional support needs.

2.      Marginalized and vulnerable groups- needs assessment of marginalized and vulnerable groups; mapping of the key legislation, strategies and practices for protection of their rights; analysis of their participation in and identification of key access barriers to decision-making; integration with the society at large; review of existing programs targeted towards these groups.

3.      Youth- analysis of the scope of youth involvement in democratic processes; identification of factors that enhance youth activism/participation; examine youth related policies, legislative framework, and strategies; mapping of organizations working with youth including youth organizations and assessment of their capacity to provide services for youth.

Eligibility

Domestic non-profit organizations, foundations, think tanks, and other civil society groups registered and operating in Georgia are eligible to apply. Previous experience in conducting research on issues related to the civil society development is required.

Academic institutions are eligible to apply, as long as their project is specifically focused on strengthening civil society.

Competition condition:

The OSGF will support maximum four research projects:

1.      Non-Governmenatal Organizations - one research project

2.      Marginalized and vulnerable groups - two research projects

3.      Youth - one research project.

Interested applicants should submit the following:

-Research application (form is available on the OSGF website)

-Proposed budget

-CVs of applicants

-Writing sample.

Total budget should not exceed USD 10,000.

Deadline for submission of applications is May 24, 2010.

Applicants will be selected based upon their proposed research project and other application materials. Preferences will be given to the ones that cover the majority of issues identified under the topic.

Drafts need to be submitted for the OSGF staff review by the end of July.

All projects must be completed both in Georgian and English by August 15, 2010.

During the research process applicants may use the OSGF library and electronic resources.

Consultations for interested parties will be held on Thursdays (May 13 and 20) at 4:00pm at the OSGF Office located at 10, Chovelidze St. (former Belinski Str.,)

Contact person: Ani Akhalkatsi, Civil Society Support Program Coordinator, ani@osgf.ge Tel: 25-05-92; 25 04 63