Community-Building Initiatives Program | DOS AZE PD 24 03

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS AZE PD 24 03

The Community-Building Initiatives Program (Funding Opportunity Number: DOS AZE PD 24 03) is a discretionary grant competition run by the U.S. Mission to Azerbaijan to support practical, locally driven projects that strengthen communities. The overall goal is to help communities become better at identifying their own challenges, organizing around shared priorities, and implementing solutions in ways that increase civic participation. In addition to community-based projects, the call also invites innovative initiatives led by individuals, as long as they clearly contribute to Azerbaijan's prosperity and well-being and demonstrate a strong, workable plan.

The opportunity is focused on well-developed, creative proposals that build vibrant communities capable of responding to local needs and collaborating across groups. Projects are expected to show clear community involvement and tangible results, not just general awareness-raising. Applicants should be prepared to explain what problem they are addressing, how community members will participate, what actions will be taken, and how success will be measured using concrete indicators tied to the program's objectives.

Proposals must connect to one or more of four thematic areas. The first area centers on environmental awareness and improving a community's ability to address environmental issues, with added relevance given Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29. Examples mentioned include public advocacy campaigns and community projects. Success in this track is expected to be demonstrated through measurable participation by local residents, the number of environmental problems or challenges tackled, and documented outcomes that show the project worked at the community level or across a broader geographic area if the project is designed that way.

The second area supports initiatives that help citizens identify community problems and develop solutions through volunteerism and collaboration with existing or new local groups, such as associations, volunteer groups, and NGOs. The emphasis here is on community organizing and action: projects should help people form functional groups and then use those groups to deliver results-oriented initiatives. Evaluation is tied to both the number and the quality of newly established community groups (as defined by the project's own goals) and the concrete initiatives those groups launch or catalyze.

The third area focuses on advocating for disadvantaged communities by creating development and capacity-building opportunities, including the provision of legal services. Projects in this area are expected to track the number of clients served, the outcomes of their cases, and evidence that more people are becoming able to address legal issues on their own through education or support. Proposals are also expected to include a clear method for measuring client satisfaction and to present a realistic sustainability plan for what happens after the grant period ends, such as building local capacity so services or benefits continue beyond U.S. funding.

The fourth area highlights learning and applying knowledge and practices in Azerbaijan's northern regions that encourage environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles. This theme links environmental protection with practical community benefits, including sustaining natural resources for the long term, supporting low-income families, and expanding entrepreneurship opportunities for vulnerable women. Proposals aligned with this area should connect environmental responsibility to everyday community life, livelihoods, and local resilience.

The intended participants and primary audiences are economically and socially disadvantaged groups, specifically including internally displaced persons (IDPs), women and girls, persons with disabilities, and young people. Competitive proposals will typically show how these groups are meaningfully included not only as beneficiaries but also as participants who shape priorities and help implement solutions.

Funding is provided through a grant instrument, with an award ceiling of up to $50,000. The program anticipates making about 7 awards. Eligible applicants include nonprofits that do not have U.S. IRS 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) and individuals. The opportunity was posted on 2024-04-03, and the original closing date listed is 2024-05-15.

• The U.S. Mission to Azerbaijan in the community development, environment sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Community-Building Initiatives Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.900.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-04-03.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-05-15. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 7 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Individuals.

Apply for DOS AZE PD 24 03

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: