Democracy Commission Program R2 FY2022
🏛 U.S. Mission to Albania
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for international development and democracy promotion activities, specifically managed by the U.S. Mission to Albania. Eligible applicants typically include international NGOs, local civil society organizations in Albania or the region, educational institutions, and government agencies working on democratic governance, civic participation, and institutional strengthening. The program supports activities that advance democratic values, promote rule of law, strengthen electoral processes, combat corruption, and build institutional capacity in recipient countries. Funding typically supports technical assistance, training, organizational development, and program implementation aligned with U.S. foreign policy objectives in Southeast Europe. Geographic scope is focused on Albania and potentially neighboring countries in the region. Applicants must demonstrate experience working in conflict-affected or developing democracies and clear alignment with U.S. diplomatic priorities.
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Program description
The U.S. Embassy Tirana of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out Democracy Commission Program. Please follow all instructions below.
Priority Region: Albania
Program Objectives:
• Anti-corruption
• Good Governance
• Investigative Journalism
• Human Rights/Minority Rights
• Empowerment of Women and Youth
• Combatting Human Trafficking
• Reforms
• Environment/Climate change
• Elections (to not include election day monitoring)
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Standard SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) or equivalent DOS form
- Project narrative/proposal (typically 10-15 pages describing objectives, activities, timeline, and expected outcomes)
- Detailed budget and budget narrative justifying all costs
- Organizational capacity statement and evidence of prior experience with similar programs
- Letters of support or partnership agreements from local organizations and government counterparts
- Proof of tax-exempt status (if applicable) or government registration documentation
- Resumes or CVs of key personnel who will implement the project
- Audit reports or financial statements demonstrating sound financial management
Program contact
- 👤 Ilva Cuko
- 📧 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 is eligible to apply for the Democracy Commission Program?
Typically, eligible applicants include registered NGOs, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies in Albania or the region with demonstrated experience in democratic governance and civic engagement work.
What activities does this grant support?
The program generally supports democratic institution-building, civic participation initiatives, election-related activities, rule of law promotion, anti-corruption efforts, and capacity-building for civil society and government entities.
What is the typical funding range for Democracy Commission grants?
While specific amounts vary by year and activity scope, these grants typically range from $50,000 to $250,000, though awards can be smaller or larger depending on project scope and available funding.
When are applications typically due?
This specific grant opened on May 16, 2022; however, application deadlines are not specified in available information. Contact the U.S. Mission to Albania or check Grants.gov for exact deadline dates.
How competitive is this grant?
Democracy Commission programs are moderately to highly competitive, as they attract strong applicants from across the region. Strong proposals demonstrate clear alignment with U.S. foreign policy, measurable outcomes, local partnerships, and previous relevant experience.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly articulate how your proposed activities strengthen democratic institutions, civic participation, or rule of law in Albania or the region; alignment with U.S. diplomatic priorities significantly influences competitiveness.
- Develop strong local partnerships and demonstrate deep understanding of Albania's political and social context; grants favor organizations with established credibility and community trust.
- Include specific, measurable outcomes with realistic timelines and budgets; include clear metrics for democratic impact such as increased voter participation, improved institutional capacity, or policy changes.
- Demonstrate organizational capacity with experienced staff, proven financial management, and prior success implementing similar international democracy or governance programs.
- Address sustainability beyond the grant period by showing how activities will be maintained, scaled, or institutionalized; funders want lasting impact, not one-time projects.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail because they lack clear connection to Albania's specific democratic challenges or U.S. diplomatic priorities in the region, making them seem generic rather than strategically targeted. Weak proposals underestimate the importance of strong local partnerships and community buy-in, or they present overly ambitious activities without realistic capacity or budget justification. Additionally, applicants frequently submit vague outcomes and lack concrete metrics for measuring democratic impact, making it difficult for reviewers to assess effectiveness.
Similar grants
- CLOSED Democracy Commission Program Round 2 FY2023 — 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 Meet the Corner Program FY2024 — U.S. Mission to Albania