Democracy Commission Program Round 2 FY2023
🏛 U.S. Mission to Albania
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations working in Albania on democracy and governance issues. The U.S. Embassy in Tirana funds projects in anti-corruption, good governance, human rights, women and youth empowerment, journalism, and related areas. Eligible applicants likely include Albanian nonprofits, civil society organizations, and community groups based on standard State Department practice. Projects must align with at least one priority theme and serve Albania.
Organizations should have demonstrated experience in their focus area and capacity to implement the project within the grant period. The program accepts applications from a range of nonprofit and civil society entities operating in or serving Albania.
U.S. organizations may be able to apply as implementing partners or fiscal sponsors, but local Albanian organizations are the primary target. Check the full NOFO for specific organizational requirements and restrictions.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Key dates
- Apr 18, 2023 Applications open
- May 17, 2023 Application deadline
- Aug 1, 2023 Award announced
- Sep 1, 2023 Project start
Program description
The U.S. Embassy Tirana announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications under the Democracy Commission Program. Please follow all instructions below.
Priority Region: Albania
Eligible Program Themes:
• Anti-Corruption
• Good Governance
• Cyber-security
• Energy Security
• Human Rights/Minority Rights
• Reforms
• Empowerment of Women and Youth
• Environment/Climate change
• Combatting Human Trafficking
• Independent/Investigative Journalism
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) with full application instructions
- Project proposal/narrative
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational background and capacity statement
- Staff résumés or qualifications
- Letters of support (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 US Embassy Tirana, Public Affairs Office
- 📧 pdgrantstirana@state.gov
- 📞 003554247285
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.900 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$10,450,000
-
$5,000,000
-
$4,000,000
-
$3,861,915
-
$2,683,095
-
$2,683,000
-
$2,484,972
-
$2,250,000
-
$2,171,462
-
$1,864,641
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.900). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2017 est. | $23,000,000 | |
| 2018 | $53,183,955 | |
| 2019 est. | $9,596,887 | |
| 2020 | $52,216,249 | |
| 2021 est. | $51,000,000 | |
| 2022 | $51,766,144 | |
| 2023 est. | $47,937,747 | |
| 2024 est. | $47,937,747 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Albanian civil society organizations, nonprofits, and community groups working on democracy and governance are eligible. The U.S. Embassy may also consider U.S.-based organizations serving as implementing partners or fiscal sponsors.
What is the deadline and award amount?
The deadline is May 17, 2023. Individual awards range from $30,000 to $50,000.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects in anti-corruption, good governance, human rights, women/youth empowerment, journalism, cybersecurity, and energy security in Albania qualify.
How competitive is this funding?
Democracy Commission programs are moderately competitive, but the specific applicant pool and competition level for Round 2 depends on total funding and number of applications received.
What does a typical project timeline look like?
Project duration typically spans 12 months, though the full NOFO will specify the exact period and any options for extension.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Read the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) carefully for specific eligibility requirements and application instructions not summarized here.
- Align your project clearly with one of the 10 priority themes and explain how it advances democracy and governance in Albania specifically.
- Demonstrate your organization's track record in your focus area and your team's capacity to deliver results within the budget and timeline.
- Budget clearly and justify all costs related to project activities, staff, and administration without inflating indirect rates.
- Submit all required documents on time through the official application portal; late submissions are typically rejected.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to clearly link the project to one of the 10 priority themes. Underestimating the political sensitivity of democracy and governance work in Albania. Submitting incomplete applications missing required attachments or narratives.
Similar grants
- ROLLING Democracy Commission Program R2 FY2022 — U.S. Mission to Albania
- CLOSED The Countering Violent Extremism Small Grants Program FY2022 — U.S. Mission to Albania
- CLOSED Advancing Youth Activism and Engagement FY2023 — U.S. Mission to Albania
- CLOSED Countering Violent Extremism Small Grants Program FY2023 — U.S. Mission to Albania
- CLOSED Call for Proposals to Make America and the Region Safer, Stronger, and More Prosperous — U.S. Mission to Guatemala