World Bank Small Grants Programme for NGOs

02 March 2007

The BH Foundation Mozaik and the World Bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina are launching the Small Grants Program for 2007 and invite all interested local non governmental organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina to send their applications for this program.

The Small Grants Program is especially aimed at vulnerable groups (people with special needs, minorities, youth, etc) in order to assist them in strengthening their position in BH society. This competition is open until March 31, 2007.

The 2007 Small Grants Program will include at least two project-writing training sessions for interested non-governmental organizations. These training sessions will take place in Sarajevo on March 8 and in Banja Luka on March 9 � detailed information about and invitation for these sessions will be published in the next few days.

The total amount of grant funding which will be disbursed under this program this year is at least US$ 32,500. Additional financing is currently being discussed with several international organizations. Winners will be selected by a commission which will include representatives of the non-governmental sector. Mozaik and the World Bank will closely monitor implementation of these projects.

This is the eight consecutive year in which the World Bank awards small grants to civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These grants � usually in the range from 3,000 to 5,000 KM per organization � are being awarded following a highly competitive process, which is necessary due to high number of applications and limited amount of funding available.

Due to the constantly increased interest and number of applications, the World Bank has decided this year to implement this program in cooperation with a local NGO. Mozaik Foundation was selected as the partner due to its expertise in the preparation and administration of similar small grant programs, as well due to its experience with various programs and other activities in the BH civil society over the past 6 years.

More information on the Small Grants Program, as well as all necessary forms, may be found on: www.mozaik.ba, and/or on www.worldbank.ba. Interested organizations can also seek additional information or a copy of required forms on e-mail pmg@mozaik.ba.