The Open Society Institute’s (OSI) Network Scholarship Programs (NSP) is pleased to announce the new call for applications for the 2008 - 2009 Alumni Grant Program. This program offers grants to NSP alumni to further expand the knowledge gained during their fellowship and make a positive contribution to their home country.
The deadline for the 2008 competition is: Thursday May 15, 2008.
Please note that all applications must be submitted via the Online Application System (OAS) at: www.soros.org/grants/oas .
*Applications submitted via email, fax or post will not be accepted.
*Applicants are strongly advised to register with OAS immediately so as to avoid technical problems on or before the application due date.
Eligibility
The competition is open to NSP alumni of the following programs:
* American University in Bulgaria (last entry year in 2005)
* Cambridge and Oxford Hospitality Schemes
* Chevening-OSI Scholarships
* CNOUS-OSI Program
* DAAD-OSI Program
* Environmental Law/Management Program (1996 – 1999)
* Faculty Development Program2
* Georgian Program for Education Professionals
* Global Supplementary Grant Program
* Mongolian Professional Fellowship Program
* Muskie/FSA Graduate Fellowship Program (in the fields administered by OSI, last entry year in 2004)
* Palestinian Rule of Law Program
* Social Work Fellowship Program
* Soros Supplementary Grant Program
* Supplementary Grant Program – Burma
* Supplementary Grant Program – Former Yugoslavia
* Undergraduate Exchange Program/Virtual University
Alumni of the above-mentioned NSP programs must meet the following criteria to be considered eligible:
* Have successfully completed their NSP Fellowship before January 1, 2009;
* Be in compliance with the conditions of any OSI grant or fellowship;
* Currently reside in their home country or region (with the exception of SGP – Burma and SGP – Former Yugoslavia);
* Present a project related to or applicable in their home country or region.
Grant Details
All proposals must be related to OSI’s mission of supporting educational, social, political and legal reform, and of encouraging alternative approaches to complex and controversial issues. Collaborative projects between alumni, across borders, and with host universities are welcome. NSP alumnus/a must demonstrate a leading role in the project. Areas of project activities may include, but are not limited to:
* initiatives that further social justice or community welfare;
* activities that generate debate/dialogue on local social and/or political issues;
* alumni networking and fostering the creation of constructive associations;
* other projects judged by the selection committee to be in the spirit of the program goals.
The program will not support:
* academic research projects;
* individual travel grants for conferences, workshops, classes, etc.;
* travel to or from countries not served by OSI (western Europe, North America, etc.);
* expenses taking place outside countries served by OSI (western Europe, North America, etc.);
* additional degrees, courses, or certificates for individual alumnus/a;
* publishing journals, books, or a thesis (newsletters or websites are acceptable);
* projects which replicate existing efforts within the country (i.e. local Soros Foundation projects);
* Educational Advising Centers, or resource centers, for study abroad;
* purchase of office equipment (computers, photocopiers, fax machines, etc.)
Items that are allowable but are not considered a priority:
* office space rental;
* office equipment rental.
Selection Process
Selection is based on the applicant’s qualifications and standing with OSI, the project’s relevance to the Program goals, its feasibility, and its potential for impact. The selection committee will be comprised of experts from the Soros Foundation Network and outside consultants who are familiar with OSI’s mission. All applicants will be notified of their status by early November 2008.
Financial Terms
Applicants may request up to $5,000 support for individual projects; collaborative projects (proposals by 2 or more alumni) requesting additional sums will be considered and are encouraged. All proposals must include a line item explanation of the budget. Budgets should also clearly list amounts from other donors and/or explanations concerning acquisition of such funds or services (free space, volunteer office assistance, donated equipment, etc.)
Verification:
The Program reserves the right to verify all information submitted as part of an application. In the event that there is a discrepancy or information is found to be false, the applicant will be declared ineligible.
Additional information for Applicants:
The competition is merit-based and open to all alumni who meet the eligibility requirements and follow the guidelines.
Applicants may submit only one proposal per competition.
OSI will fund projects in 2009 only, therefore, projects should begin no earlier than January 1, 2009.
Questions about eligibility may be directed to Ms. Céline Keshishian, Program Manager, at: ckeshishian@osf-eu.org .
It is recommended that applicants consider the following tips before submitting applications: state program goals and objectives clearly; specify and/or justify whether the project will be a one-time event for a specific issue, or an on-going project serving a specific group; keep program objectives realistic and not overly ambitious; ensure that each activity and budget line relates to program goals, and that budget lines clearly relate to activities described; discuss your idea with professionals and practitioners to ensure that your project is feasible and does not replicate projects already being done in your country; if your project is complex, consider breaking it down and determining whether a smaller more focused project would be more effective for the first phase of funding.
Checklist:
All applications must include:
* Application Form
* Project Proposal (2 - 6 pages)
* Curriculum Vitae of Project Manager and principal assistants (max. 2 pages each)
* Detailed Budget with explanations of how each cost relates to a specific function of the project
* Letter(s) of support from institutions mentioned in proposal
* Letter(s) of commitment from other donors if listed in the proposal or budget.
***Please note that all applications must be submitted via the Online Application System (OAS) at: www.soros.org/grants/oas .
* Applications submitted via email, fax or post will not be accepted.
* Applicants are strongly advised to register with OAS immediately so as to avoid technical problems on or before the application due date.**
* Deadline: Thursday May 15, 2008
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