What is an "open society"?
An open society is a society based on the recognition that nobody has a monopoly on the truth, that different people have different views and interests, and that there is a need for institutions to protect the rights of all people to allow them to live together in peace. Broadly speaking, an open society is characterized by a reliance on the rule of law, the existence of a democratically elected government, a diverse and vigorous civil society, and respect for minorities and minority opinions.
The term "open society" was popularized by the philosopher Karl Popper in his 1945 book Open Society and Its Enemies. Popper's work deeply influenced George Soros, the founder of the Open Society Institute, and it is upon the concept of an open society that Soros bases his philanthropic activity.
Who is George Soros?
George Soros is a global financier and philanthropist and the founder and chairman of the Open Society Institute and the Soros foundation network. For more information, visit George Soros's bio section of our website.
How can I apply for a grant from the Open Society Georgia Foundation?
Non-profit, noncommercial non-governmental organizations, initiative groups and persons/individuals are eligible to obtain grants from the organization. Applications can be submitted through competitions announced within the program or through free competition. The project should be designed according to the criteria set by the Foundation and the application form should be filled in. For further information on the grant application process visit the For Grantees section of this website.
How should be the project designed?
The project should be in line with the form set by the OSGF. The Project Designing Tips section will provide you detailed information on how to prepare the project.
Is the organization eligible to obtain a grant if it currently runs a project supported by the Foundation?
The applicant is eligible to participate in the competition even if he/she/it is currently implementing a project financed by the Foundation. The project proposal can be supported if it addresses a need or issue that is different from the currently implemented project, meaning its implementation is not related to the project already funded by the Foundation. In this case, the applicant must prove that the launch of the new project will not hinder the implementation of the existing one.
How are decisions made regarding the award of grants?
The project undergoes several stages of review before the final decision, and the decision to award a grant is not made solely by one person. At the first stage of the selection process, the projects are reviewed and discussed by a committee of experts, who after discussing the projects, develop recommendations and provide them to the final decision making body - the Executive Board. Final decisions are made by the Executive Board.
Where and when can we get consultations regarding application and grant opportunities?
The Open Society Georgia Foundation program staff host consultation meeting on the last Thursday of each month. Exact timing is set one week before the date and published at www.osgf.ge home.
What are the priority directions of your Foundation?
Priorities of the Foundation are reflected in its programs and directions under these programs. Currently, the Open Society Georgia Foundation operates the following programs: Human Rights, Higher Education, Media Program, Public Health, EU Integration, Local Democracy Development.
Does Open Society Georgia Foundation fund business organizations?
As a rule Open Society Georgia Foundation does not provide financial support to business organizations. The Foundation provides funds to efforts of non-profit, noncommercial organizations, initiative groups and persons/individuals.
How is the Open Society Georgia Foundation funded?
The Open Society Institute and Soros foundations network are funded by George Soros personally and by philanthropic trusts established by the Soros family.
Do you provide funding for education opportunities abroad?
The Academic Fellowship Support Program assists local scholars with western education by promoting their return to the region, their positioning within academia, and their continued professional development. For further information visit the Academic Fellowships Support program section of this website.
For other education opportunities such as funding for bachelor's and master's programs, visit the website of our spin-off organization, Center for International Education (CIE). CIE is the official representative of Central European University in Hungary, American University in Bulgaria, and European University in Spain and Germany and authorized representative of London Study Centre in Georgia.
Does the OSGF fund projects already funded by other donors?
Yes. Moreover, the Open Society Georgia Foundation encourages organizations to obtain funding from other sources as well.
Do you fund projects oriented on small business or economic development?
No, currently we do not fund projects or initiatives targeting development of the business sector.
What are your annual expenditures totally in Georgia?
Total expenditures by the OSGF average between $4 million and $5 million a year.
Does the Foundation provide travel grants?
The Foundation has not been providing travel grants since 2000. Travel is funded only in the framework of the project funded by the Foundation, if any of the project components include travel. Learn more on program strategies.
