Training and Grant Announcement Environmental Advocacy and Civic Participation
JMF and the Armenian Forests NGO (AFNGO) are jointly sponsoring a Civic Participation and Environmental Advocacy (CPEA) Training and Grant Competition for qualified local and international NGOs. The aim of the program is to support the development of effective models for engaging young adults in environmental advocacy and problem solving in Armenia.
CPEA Background
Armenia is currently faced with many environmental problems that threaten the health and the quality of life of its residents. Examples of such problems include water contamination, inadequate solid waste disposal and management, and rampant deforestation and desertification. In the Armenian Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 2003, the Armenian Government emphasizes that these and similar environmental issues, if not properly addressed, will have long-term negative social and economic impacts. As recognition of the potential problems, Armenia has also signed several international environmental protection treaties. According to the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Education (1999), the development of environmentally friendly culture and a viewpoint is one of the basic principals of the State’s policy. Continuous ecological education is one of the cornerstones of the RoA Law on Environmental Education and Training of Population (2001). Special sections of the State Education Development Program (2001-2005) are focused on environmental education. Despite the noted legislation and policies, few Armenian citizens are aware of the growing environmental problems and their consequences. Fewer still have a good understanding of the role of the citizens in protecting the environment and putting environmental legislation into action.
CPEA Training and Grant Competition
With the aim of helping develop long-term solutions to environmental problems in Armenia, JMF and AFNGO will provide a short training course for locally registered NGOs on civic participation and environmental campaign development. The training will be followed by a grant competition to fund projects developed by training participants. Only organizations that participate in the training will be permitted to apply for grants. Grant projects should identify environmental problems and offer solutions to these problems through grassroots civic participation of university age (ages 17 to 22) youth. Projects should focus on increasing awareness and engaging and empowering youth to advocate and participate in solving environmental issues in Armenia. All projects should focus on achieving measurable results.
Up to 15 NGOs will be selected for the training. Training will take place on January 12-14, 2005 in Yerevan and include a combination of approaches such as lectures, multi-media presentations (video, overhead slides), small group work, and discussion. To be considered for the training and later a grant, NGOs must complete and submit an application which includes a short description of project concept related to the grant competition theme described above.
Participants that successfully complete the training will be invited to submit a full proposal for possible funding. 3 to 7 grants ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 USD will be awarded. Applicants are encouraged to supplement their projects with other sources of funding. Partnerships between organizations are highly encouraged. Approved Projects must be initiated in March 2005 and not exceed 8 months in length.
Applicants should meet the following criteria to apply:
· Registered local nonprofit organization (NGO) working in Armenia or an international NGO partnering with a local NGO on the development and implementation of the proposed project.
· Proven organizational experience (minimum two years) in addressing environmental issues OR in engaging youth in effective civic actions.
· Clear understanding of the specific environmental problem, which the organization proposes to address.
· Experience working with youth – particularly related to encouraging and facilitating active participation of youth.
· Institutional capacity, both managerial and technical, required for the successful completion of the proposed project.
· Other requirements and restrictions may apply.
Application Procedure
Application Packages, which include an application and detailed application guidelines, are available electronically by sending an email to
[email protected]. Please write CPEA Application in the subject. Applications are also available from the JMF office on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:00–5:00 PM. All applications must be submitted to the JMF office in person during weekdays from 4:00-6:00 PM. Questions regarding applications will only be answered on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00–5:00 PM. Questions will not be answered over the phone.
The DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING applications is 17:00, December 20, 2004.
Jinishian Memorial Foundation, 34 Abovian Street, Apt 5, Yerevan Armenia
Tel: 52-58-09 54-44-18; Email:
[email protected]
Training and Grant Announcement Environmental Advocacy and Civic Participation
