KCSP GRANT PROGRAM

Partnership and Networking

• Partnership and Networking Round I
• Partnership and Networking Round II
• Partnership and Networking Round III
• Partnership and Networking Round IV
• Partnership and Networking Round V
• Partnership and Networking Round VI
• Partnership and Networking Round VII

Grassroots Advocacy Grants

• Grassroots Advocacy, Round – I
• Grassroots Advocacy, Round – II
• Grassroots Advocacy, Round – III

Non-Partisan Election Related Initiatives

Partnership and Networking
The Partnership and Networking Grants Program supports cooperation among NGOs, NGOs and local government, and/or NGOs and community groups. Focus areas include Transparency and Anti-Corruption, Community Development, and Conflict Mitigation.

Partnership and Networking Round I
Total amount awarded:  $ 100, 698                                        
Awarded: January 2006
Status: Completed and closed out 

LiST OF GRANTEES:

Kosovo Development Center (KDC), Gjakova – “Integration of Serb minority group in Kosovo society” -$11,530 awarded to establish a commercial, multiethnic agricultural cooperative in Rahovec municipality which would provide access to services for improved market-responsive production, as well as greater organization of post-harvest processing, sorting, grading and selling for greater efficiency and competitiveness of the whole agriculture sector in the targeted area; to improve multiethnic dialog in Kosovo society through partnership of all communities; engage both communities working together to contribute on improvement of the relations between communities. Contact info: kdckosova@hotmail.com , www.kdc-kosova.org

Community Business Development Center (CBDC), Gjakova – “Building partnership for Economic development” $17,391 awarded for marketing and foreign investment promotion initiatives for commercial enterprises in Gjakova municipality through development of promotion materials to serve as a tool for promotion of foreign investments and cooperation between local governments, NGO sector and business community in focusing efforts to attract foreign investments.
Contact Info: hkaja@cbdckosova.org

Women’s Association VITA, Strpce – “Municipal court – the place for Justice” $13, 365  awarded to promote of the role and functions of the Municipal Court in Strpce in order to increase use of judicial processes to resolve civil disputes through promotion of Municipal Court’s rights and responsibilities  in order to inform local population about importance of local court for achievement of citizens rights through brochure in Serb and Albanian languages distributed to all 16 villages of Strpce Municipality; Court open door days where all interested citizens have an opportunity to visit the Municipal Court and get informed about the field of work, about principles of functioning and get answers to their question directly from Municipal Court representatives.
Contact info: Anica Milkovic.

Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI), Pristina – “ Increasing accountability of elected officials through Domestic Watchdog organizations”  $ 14,876 awarded to establish a watchdog organization to monitor the work of 8 Municipal Assemblies and their elected officials and promote increased citizen participation in the municipal legislative processes; Inform citizens on the performance, transparency and accountability of institutions and elected officials; Promote citizen input in municipal legislative processes through existing mechanisms such as public hearings, public consultations and debates. Contact Info: Ismet Kryeziu, www.kdi-kosova.org

Youth Initiative Mitrovica (YIM/OIM), Mitrovica – “Promotion of sustainable partnerships between municipal authorities and NGO sector through empowering the implementation of relevant laws at local and regional level” $ 11,169 awarded to support advocacy initiative for implementation of Laws against Discrimination and Gender Equality in the municipalities of Mitrovica (north), Zvecan, Leposavic and Zubin Potok. Through trainings, focus group discussions and media campaign designed for Youth and women NGOs, municipal departments and other NGOs  promote the Law's relevant to specific population groups, young people and marginalized groups, in local level institutions and wider scope of Civil Society actors and representatives of minority communities; improve capacities of the local level government departments responsible for the implementation of relevant Laws that affect young population, Civil Society Sector, minorities and marginalized communities. Establish positive climate for adequate use and practice of the provisions defined with relevant Law’s by marginalized communities. Contact info: mitrovica_yi@hotmail.com

Organization for Democracy, Anti-Corruption and Dignity “Cohu”, Pristina – “Partnership in corruption fight” $16,920 awarded in establishing of a civil society anti-corruption coalition; Higher awareness of the Kosovo society on corruption including awareness of individuals about the forms of practical manifestations of the corruption, the means and ways that can prevent and fight it, as well as the consequences and perils the corruption bears for a society. A persisted vigilance of the society on corruption and on all issues related to be accomplished.  
Contact info: ORGANIZATACOHU@yahoo.com, www.cohu.org

Reforma (KIPRED and CDHRF) - “Electoral Law Reform” $ $14,918 awarded to have better informed citizens about electoral system; the proposed changes to the current system, and political processes in general. To increase citizens' participation in electoral process; and to improve the election law to increase elected officials accountability, which will increase citizen’s participation in future decision making process. Contact info: KIPRED info@kipred.net ; CDHRF office@cdhrf.org

Partnership and Networking Round II
Total amount awarded: $ 79,121                           
Awarded:  August 2006
Status: Completed and closed out – with the exception on KCGS)

LIST OF GRANTEES:

Kosovo Center for Gender Studies (KCGS) - Pristina:  “Anti-sexual harassment policy” $ 19,563 to conduct an advocacy initiative aimed at formulation, adoption and implementation of a policy against sexual harassments in public institutions.  Major activities include:  formation of a multi- sectoral coalition to draft the policy; conduct a multi-dimensional advocacy campaign for adoption of the policy; conduct a public awareness campaign in cooperation with Kosovo Women’s Network for implementation of the policy; train government officials and civil servants in sexual harassment policy issues; establish clear mechanisms for reporting and enforcement of the policy. Contact info: Luljeta Vuniqi , Executive Director , lvuniqi@kfos.org

URBAN FM – Pristina: “The Kosovo Town Hall” $ 20,000 to strengthen citizen participation in local decision making processes and identify/address weakness of local governments, including corruption issues, in key municipalities.  Major activities include: research focused on transparency in the work of municipal government and tax collection authorities in municipal budget management; prepare and broadcast 5 TV debates with mayors and citizens in 5 cities.
Contact info: Abdusselam Ramadani, Executive Director, urban _ fm @europe.com

Partners Kosova (PK) -Pristina: “Strengthening Interethnic Relations through participatory planning” $ 18,550 to improve the effectiveness of minority return and integration strategies in Kosovo by strengthening interethnic relations between majority and minority citizens in Kastriot/Obiliq and Fushe Kosove/Kosovo Polje. Major activities include:  field assessments; establishment of a working grouping each municipality to identify obstacles to integration and increase local capacity to implement effective minority return and integration policies through advanced change and conflict management training; conducting a participatory planning process through facilitated meetings between Local Governments, NGOs and local majority and minority community leaders to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately representing community-level realities and needs; organization of a roundtable conference  to share lessons learned with all stakeholders and present recommendations for  the sustainability of the integration process.  The event will be covered by Kosovo print and broadcast media.
Contact info: Selvije Rashani, partnerskosova@yahoo.com

Kosovo Youth Network (KYN) – Pristina : “TRIP” (Transparency, Youth, Institutions and Participation” $ 19,512  to increase transparency and accountability of local and central institutions regarding funding/budgets dedicated to youth and strengthen youth participation in decision making processes regarding allocation of funds for youth.  Major activities include:  publication of data for 30 municipalities and the central level on amount of funds      expended for the youth sector in 2005 and planned expenditures for 2006-2007;  meetings with central and local government institutions to collect the data; organize 30 public debates to discuss report findings and solicit recommendations for improved mechanisms to support the youth sector; organize a press conference to announce publication of the report and findings; organize a conference to present report finding and discuss recommendations for ensuring more transparent mechanisms for allocation of youth funding.
Contact info: Burim Haxhiu, b.haxhiu@gmail.com

Partnership and Networking Round III
Total amount awarded: $ 200,343.00
Awarded: December 2006
Status: Ongoing 

LIST OF GRANTEES:

Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) Prishtina - “TV Debate on current events” - $ 24,350 awarded to BIRN to encourage more open and public debate among policymakers, government officials and the public. BIRN will conduct 24 episodes of “Life in Kosovo” TV Shows, during the period December- September 2007. This program is committed to remain a leader of investigative current affairs shows in Kosovo and provide the opportunity to apply BIRN code of conduct and international standards of unbiased journalism.
 Contact info: Jeta Xharra, Executive Director, jeta@birn.eu.com

Independent Cultural Information and Youth Center “Elita” Viti- ‘Increasing NGO Advocacy in Vitia Municipality”- $ 14.244 awarded to build a strong and sustainable civil society advocacy network in Vitia municipality; increase the impact of civil society and NGOs in the municipality through establishing and building the capacity of a coalition of Vitia advocacy NGOs.
Contact info: Emrush Azemi, Executive Director, elita-viti@hotmail.com

Advocacy Center for Progress-AVONET Ferizaj- “Citizens in Action”- $ 24,989 awarded to increase citizen’s participation in decision-making processes specifically in the planning and setting priorities of municipal budget 2008-2009 as well as improve accountability and transparency of the Ferizaj local municipal government. AVONET will conduct 10 public debates, 12 TV debates/talk shows, monitor the work of the municipal assembly and committees. In addition, AVONET will publish performance scorecards and analytical reports and will conduct a survey of public perceptions of the municipal government, level of implementation of policies and legislation as well as citizen views on the electoral system.
Contact info: Vjollca Dushi- Executive director, qendra_avokuse@yahoo.com    

Kosovo Education Center (KEC) Prishtina- “Education, Training and Establishing Monitoring Structures to Combat Corruption”$ 23, 140 awarded to conduct 10 two-day trainings for 300 government representatives, community leaders, and civil society leaders in 10 different areas in Kosovo, organize 7 round tables in 7 different region, conduct TV and radio debates in 3 centers in Kosova and organize on “Anti-Corruption week” in 7 different regions.
Contac info: Dukagjin Pupovci executive director dpupovci@kec-ks.org ,
www.kec-ks.org

Community and Business Development Center – (CBDC) - “Youth successful Employment in Gjakova Municipality” $8,405 awarded to improve employment opportunities for youth and disseminate information regarding the job market requirements in Gjakova municipality. CBDC will identify companies that are interested to employ trained youth and 30 young people of age- groups 19-35, that are looking for the job opportunities.
Contact info: Halil Kaja, Executive Director hkaja@cbdckosova.org  

Forum for Civic Initiative- (FIQ)-“Safer Communities” $ 19,150 awarded to encourage citizens to become involved with and take responsibility for making their communities safe. The project will utilize the Safer Community Plan Model (SCP) which will allow citizens themselves to identify and to more effectively address their security concerns in order to create and develop the institutional capacity of Local Safety Councils.
Contact info: Ferdinand Nikolla, Executive Director, ferfiq@yahoo.com

Handikos - “Increasing awareness to employ people with disabilities in local level”
$ 17,339 awarded to conduct 21 trainings in 7 regions of Kosovo for 70 disabled youth, 70 disabled women and 30 municipal representatives. Organize 7 round tables on the topic “Employment of Disabled People”. The main focus is to advocate and increase civil society capacities especially focus groups, disabled people and local officials in order to provide employment opportunities for disabled people.
Contact info: Armend Zeneli- Project Coordinator

New Millennium- “Public money- belongs to public”$ 18,855 awarded to increase the accountability and transparency of local institutions towards their electorate and the taxpayers. New Millennium will conduct citizen’s discussions, public debates in rural areas, round tables, special meetings with the municipal departments, and conference “Transparency- The role of citizens in decision- making”.
Contact info: Nehat Bllacaku- Executive Director.

Mother Teresa- “Civic Dialogue” $ 24,996 awarded to forming alliances among people of good will across ethnic divides, to create a region of peace, cooperation and tolerance where responsibilities are accepted and freedoms are guaranteed. Mother Theresa will conduct Conferences on topics for youth, Youth Leadership, and women issues. Contact info: Zef Shala, Executive Director, ntereza@yahoo.com

Pensioners and Work Invalids Trade Union of Kosovo  “Social Dialogue” - $ 24,875 awarded to improve pensioners actual situation in social insurance, invalidity and health pensions. SPPIK will conduct 7 round tables in all regions of Kosovo, write articles in daily newspapers, issue  magazine “Pensioner”, organize two conferences in central level and organize information meeting with parliamentary groups, representative of Institutions, local and international NGOs.
Contact info: Sylë Meta, sylmeta@hotmail.com

Partnership and Networking Round IV
Total amount awarded: $ 145,458.15
Awarded: February, 2007
Status: Ongoing

LIST OF GRANTEES: 

Initiative for Protection and of the City of Pristina- “Campaign for preventing the degradation of the Sunny Hill neighborhood, in the city of Pristina “- $ 19,049 awarded to develop a campaign on decreasing the level of degradation in the city, and especially in the neighborhood of Sunny Hill. To achieve this project IPCP will conduct a two-day conference regarding the degradation of the urban plan of the Sunny Hill neighborhood and the efforts to be undertaken in order to rehabilitate this part of the town, identify the collective buildings illegally constructed in the Sunny Hill, the urbanized area for individual construction, identify overbuilding sites, occupied land that belongs to the municipality, occupied sidewalks and public roads. Also IPCP can conduct lesson hours for school pupils in the area of Sunny Hill, on the positive elements of the urban life. Contact info: Zijadin Gashi, iqmqp@yahoo.com.

Kosova Judges Association- “Transparency and Anti -corruption in Kosovo Judges System”- $ 24,935.49 awarded to educate judiciary community about the importance of transparency in their work promote transparency and frightening corruption as negative occurrence in actual judicial system and their prevention in the future. Kosova Judges Association can conduct 5 seminars in 5 Kosova regions with topics: “Corruption issue and Transparency in Kosovo Judiciary system from the Judges point of view; and “Corruption issue and Transparency in Kosovo Judiciary system from the attorneys and prosecutors point of view”.
Contact info: Lumnije Citaku, Executive Director, shgjk2000@yahoo.com.

Human Rights Radio Network- (HRN) - “Transparency and public rights to information for official documents “- $ 24,930- awarded to create the conviction that the civil worker or public authority is paid from the taxes of the citizen, i.e. for serving the citizens, even with solving the most simply complaint of the citizen. HRN is supported to conduct six radio debates and one TV debate (in both languages, Albanian and Serbian). Through radio adverts in Albanian and Serbian language, and radio station web page, the Human Right Radio Network will inform audience for debates and research findings on official use of the official vehicles, expenses for purchase and maintenance. Contact info: Ekrem Citaku, Executive Director.

Kosova Democratic Initiative- KDI- “Enhancement of principles for good governance”
-$ 24,298.74- awarded to support the enhancement of transparency, accountability and reforming of the consistent mechanisms between municipal assemblies, political subjects and elected officials with citizens. KDI and network of NGOs will monitor the work of the 6 Municipal assemblies, obliged committees and elected officials aiming at informing citizens on the performance, transparency and accountability of the elected officials.
Contact info: Ismet Kryeziu, Executive Director, ismet_pz@yahoo.com

Hand to Hand- “Women Information Center”- $ 7,255- awarded to improve transparency and cooperation between different ethnic NGO’s. Women NGO “Hand to Hand” will conduct: meetings between women’s NGO, research work by developing a questionnaire and scorecards on field and organize roundtables in relation to “Cooperation between different women organizations” form Fushe Kosove/Kosovo Polje. Contact info: Nevenka Rikalo, Executive Director, rikalonevenka@yahoo.com

Women Committee for Protection and Human Rights-Women Section Oblic - “Dialogue of the local communities in Kosovo, Confidence, Reconciliation and Returns in Kosovo “- $ 20,010awarded to relax the atmosphere between two communities in order to have the permanent and sustainable return process, remove the political connotations to the process and adopt the simplest one-the basic right of everyone to return to his/her home called Kosovo. In order to accomplish this project WCPHR will conduct 2 round tables, 3 radio debates and one conference on the topic “Through Tolerance Living Together”.
Contact info: Snezana Karazic, Executive Director, snezana1929@yahoo.com

Documenta- “Fol”(Speak up)”- $ 24,979.92 awarded to inform citizens on the issue of decentralization, final status settlement, protection of human rights and minorities, and open debate on issues such as state symbols. Documenta will conduct six documentaries related to the topics on Kosovo status talks, decentralization, and negotiation, status of minorities where the Albanian and Serbian perspective will be considered and presented.
Contact info: Arlinda Desku, Executive Director documenta.ks@gmail.com

Partnership and Networking Round V
Total amount awarded: $117,963
Awarded: June, 2007
Status: Ongoing

LIST OF GRANTEES:

Handikos- Mitrovica North – “Equal Opportunities for the People with Disabilities”   $ 7,740 awarded to establish an inclusive, rights-based and equal opportunities environment at the level of local communities. Through computer training courses, strengthen skills, tools and knowledge for equal participation in the local labor market for people with disabilities. Emphasis of the project is raising the awareness of the local communities and initiate sustainable partnerships among people with disabilities in Mitrovica North. Focus Groups meetings on Equal Opportunities Promotion in-between representatives of people with disabilities and responsible municipal authority representatives will be established and held. Media Campaign on Equal Opportunities Promotion will be conducted with participation of local Radio and TV Stations within project coverage area. Inter-municipal exchange visits will involve people with disabilities in social activities and recreational sport gatherings with other community members.
Contact info: Mirjana Spiric, handikos_northmotrovica@yahoo.com

Institute for Research and development-IRD Prishtina “Bringing citizens closer to their municipalities” $ 17,098 awarded to support and enhancement of transparency, accountability and trust between municipal assembles and citizens; Strengthen the trust of communities against local government of Obiliq; Increase citizen participation in decision making processes and encourage partnership between minority communities and local government in Obiliq Municipality. Meetings will be organized among citizens and local government officials; meetings with inhabitants of Serb villages- Babin Most, Milosheve and Plemetina and with Albanian inhabitants of village Sibofc; 4 working groups will be established and build their capacities to design petitions/projects and address them to Municipality of Obiliq; Increase public visibility of the work of NGO sector, influence citizens to take similar action in order to improve their lives and strengthen partnership component into Kosovar work habits as a key for success.
Contact info: Albert Ademi, Executive Director, iphzh@hotmail.com

AFAS – Pristina - “Support to NGOs sector in Kosovo in preparation of financial statements”. $ 24,000 awarded to build the knowledge and skills of the NGos to be efficient and effective in managing the resources available to achieve organizational objectives; Improve capability of NGOs to effectively apply with financial management systems which encourage accountably and transparency; Establish partnerships amongst ATRC-NGO Governmental Office and AFAS. Identify potential candidates from NGO sector and government to participate in the training; 90 lecturing hours will be offered for a group comprised by 15 participants representing NGO sector to be accomplished within three months. Three months training will be offered for at least 30 NGO-s. A model of financial statements will be prepared to be widely used by both all NGOs and government institutions dealing with NGOs including NGO government office. Applying the European decision that NGO must present their financial statements according to IASB’s standards AFAS believes that these standards should be widely used by NGO sector in Kosovo.
Contact info: Hamza Gashi, Executive Director, hamzagashi@hotmail.com

Kosovo Center for International Cooperation-KCIC Gjilan – “With transparency towards progress” $ 20,788 awarded to increase the level of transparency and responsibility of the work of the local and central level institutions that function in the civil service of the Gjilan municipality; increase awareness of the citizens on their rights on the freedom of expression in the opinion boxes; Strengthen accountability of local government officials towards citizens in departments were boxes are established; Gather citizen opinion expressed in the opinion boxes and their publication through the information newsletter. Two round tables /debates discussion will be organized with representatives of municipal and central government and other relevant stakeholders; two radio and one TV programs including promotion programs will be produced on promoting the rights of citizen to express their opinions; establish a commission composed of: NGO rep, media rep, rep responsible for relevant sector, that would gather and analyze the opinions of citizen and reporting them to the public; Draft a regulation on the work of the  commission by which cooperation criteria will be determined in harmony with the government strategy on transparency and anti-corruption. Contact info: Enver Keqiku, ngo.kcic@gmail.com

Association of Contemporary Initiatives_-Prizren  Bosniac NGO network - “Enhancement of integration and raising the awareness of Bosnian community in Kosovo’’ -  $ 16,511 awarded to Improve the Bosnian community cooperation with civil society in the Municipality of Prizren;  improve the coordination between NGOs in support to the interests of Bosnian community;   build the confidence Bosnian citizens regarding the future political processes of Kosovo (status, constitution and census.) through monthly radio-shows with the topics on informing the Bosnian community on the activities of the non-governmental sector on their interests; monthly meetings of all NGOs of Bosnian community and the representatives of the villages inhabited by Bosnians; producing a brochure describing the work of non-governmental sector of Bosnian community in Prizren region; Surveying 350 members of the Bosnian community in the Prizren region; organizing debates on the topics ‘’The position of communities within the new constitution of Kosovo’’ and  ‘’Bosnians and their future in Kosovo’’. Contact info: Atif Ashani, atif.bashani@gmail.com

Center for Social development- Gracanica” Youth Development Center “$ 17, 850 awarded to establish educational and youth activism opportunities for Serb and Roma marginalized areas;    Establishing modern Youth Development Center, place where each young person will be able to go and to attend any part of educative-informative program that will be organize in this center; have chance to meet representatives of NGOs and representative of local authorities and discuss with them about different topics related to the youth and civil society in one global aspect. Major Activities of the center will include:  English Language basic Classes, Computer Science basic Courses, Training for Journalism, Course “How to design CV and apply for job”, Course” Prevention of HIV/AIDS, Smoking, Drugs and alcoholism”; organize 7 round tables in topics: youth and health, youth and education, youth and NGO sector, youth and institutions, youth and employment, youth and media; promote team work and volunteerism to youth, disability youth, and young Roma’s in achieving socialization with representatives of KFOR and KPS.
Contact info: Igor Aritonovic, Executive Director, csdkosovo@gmail.com 

Handicap Kosova – Pristina “Initiating and implementing of draft laws for people with disabilities”$ 13, 975 awarded to Increase the cooperation between the organizations that deal with the problems of people with disabilities and the municipal structures, through creation of the opportunities for direct participation of these organizations in the decision-making processes during the period of 2007 and beginning of 2008; Increase disabled people participation in drafting process of  sub law articles for Construction and Public Transportation Law during the period 2007 and 2008; Major activities and achievements include: Conduct six one day workshops, organizing three TV roundtables in Pristina (RTV 21), in Peja (TV Dukagjini), in Prizren (TV Opinion), with the purpose of discussing the recommendations that derived from the workshops. Draft two separate documents/ law sub articles based on recommendations from the workshops; organize a one day Conference in Pristina on the topic “Disabled People Rights in decision making processes” with the focus in proceeding sub law articles in Kosovo Assembly.
Contact info: Gezim Abazi, zarsye@yahoo.com              

Partnership and Networking Round VI
Total amount awarded: $58,047.00                                      
Awarded: September 2007
Status: Ongoing

BIRN “Life in Kosovo” Current Affairs Programme $ 17,980 awarded to further develop a sense of public accountability amongst those who hold power for the policies and decisions they make. In this way, it contributes to overcoming obstacles to Kosovo’s peace, stability and integration into Europe. This series of current affairs talk-shows thus aims to channel the kind of public frustrations that is rising in the period of status determination, through a program of civilised but unapologetic direct discussions with politicians where the public are able to hold their representatives to account.18 unbiased and impartial debates on elections will be provided; Insisting for accountability- Ensure that this format acts as the watchdog Kosovo’s government and society as a whole so acutely need; Equal representation of minorities, women and youth; Communication with the public; Media development - further building of production capacities of RTK by training journalists of RTK who produce the investigative reports in unbiased and impartial reporting.
Contact Person: Jeta Xharra, Execuitve Director jeta@birn.eu.com

Kosovo Judges Association - Pristina "Strategy for a transparent and not corruptive judiciary system" $ 16, 729.00 awarded to draft, approve and implement the strategy for a more transparent, not-corruptive judiciary system and promoting transparency and anticorruption as negative phenomena and its prevention in the future.1. Organizing a three day workshop for drafting the strategy. 20 – 22 judges, prosecutors, local and international lawyers, representatives from the Prime Ministers office for Good Governance, representatives from civil society, representatives of written and the electronic media.2. Establishing a working group which will finalize the strategy will comprise of judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and representatives of civil society. This strategy will serve as base for undertaking action and defining the priorities for combating corruption and increasing transparency in the judiciary system.3. Organizing TV debates, press conferences with the participation of representatives of judiciary system of Kosovo, representatives of PISG and civil society. It is expected to: Create a base for undertaking action to combat corruption and creating conditions that will influence in increasing the transparency of courts; Approving and implementation of this strategy from all three major stakeholders involved.

Action for Non Violence and Peace Building - ANP Gjilan " Let's build bridges" $ 8,940.00 awarded to educate youth on consequences and causes of previous wars in the region and contribute to peace- building.  Empower youth capacity to work preventively against violent conflict in the future. Building a safe environment and confidence within the group of 20 youngsters, where they can openly express their views and opinions, as well as to talk about their needs, fears and difficulties; education and ways of practical implementation of skills for nonviolent communication, team work and decision-making by consensus; Raising awareness of participants regarding violence, prejudice, stereotypes, perception and understanding of conflict, discrimination, national identity, human rights and power through workshops and trainings of youth on Non-violent communication (Introducing the Non-violent communication techniques; Development of Non-violent communication skills); Team Work (Practicing models of joint work in groups; Analyzing of components which determine quality of team work); Joint Decision Making (Probation of joint decisions making through consensus; Analyzing of participants’ role in team work/ their ways of behavior). it is expected to  establish lines of communication between 20 individuals from at least five diverse ethnic groups during and following the training in October 2007;  create partnerships will be created between youth groups living in the same region, provide range of skills and methods for engaging in non-conflict transformation activities.

Production New- Press - Cagllavica "Let’s talk about our society" $ 14,398.00 awarded to create an environment for mutual communication among Serbs as minority and Albanian a as majority. Improving awareness and perception of Kosova institutions to Serbian community, Increasing interethnic dialogue between communities, Promotion of Kosovo institutions at New- Press through: Organizing 6 debates between representative of Kosovo institutions and Serb communities, meetings with communities and Kosovo institutions,  Promotion of Kosovo institutions at Serb community, Presentation and promotion of a website of New- Press and dissemination of information to more than 1000 email addresses in Kosovo and Serbia. it is expected that by  organizing of 6 debates, for the first time in Serb TV, with the participation of Kosovo Governmental Institutions and Serb community; Improved cooperation between isolated Serb community and Kosovo Governmental Institutions. Contact person: Andelka Cup, email: produkcija.newpress@gmail.com

KIPRED ”Integrity of elections in Kosovo” Pristina $ 49,884.00 awarded to monitor the election processes, political party campaigns, media and parallel vote tabulation; Civic Education and Get out The Vote Campaigns and provide Analyses of Trends and Lessons Learned from the Electoral System through: establishing of  a broad coalition of NGO covering all regions of Kosovo, including Serb areas, to monitor the election process called Democracy in action - elections 2007"; conducting a Desk research on the new framework on elections and the changes it brings;   Training of trainers of NGOs; Trainings of media; Organize televised debates;  press conferences on election; monitor the work of CEC and MECs; Establish and maintain a web portal election process; Conduct a survey with citizens on the electoral process; Publish an analytical paper on Lessons Learned from “open lists with one district”. Expected results are: A more engaged civil society; A better informed potential voter; Increased of the voter turnout rates; less hassles on the overall election procedures.
Contact person: Lulzim Peci, Executive Director

Partnership and Networking Round VII
Total amount awarded: $ 91,603.00                                      
Awarded: October, 2007
Status: Ongoing

Balkan Sunflowers Kosova “Films that Changed the World” Pristina  $ 16,500.00 awarded to increase the awareness and involvement of youth and the public in general in understanding and responding to Kosovo’s challenges through: broadcasting of 8 effective programs including feature films and panel discussions to the Kosovo public; compelling a broad segment of Kosovo citizens to consider issues on equality, freedom, national identity, economic development, justice, responsibility, and triumph over adversity in a humane, European, and global perspective and increase public awareness, particularly among youth, on how to contribute to positive social change. Major activities include: Films and Broadcast, Panel Discussions and Film Content, Schools Program Design, produce 365-day film series calendar, and bookmark to distribute to schools, youth centers offices etc. Expected results: Broadcast program will reach approximately 150,000 people weekly. School program will reach ~ 9000 students. More than 90 Kosovars will participate in broadcast panels. More youth and citizens in general will be aware of Kosovo challenges and will engage with government or civil society for change.
Contact person: Muhamet Arifi Executive Director, office@balkansunflowers.org ; 038-246-299

The New Millennium “Citizen’s decision-making” Pristina $ 11,142.00 awarded to create favorable legal infrastructure that motivates citizen participation in Pristina. The project aims to Change point 27 of Pristina Municipal Status; strengthen citizen’s role in decision-making by increasing the cooperation between the NGOs and municipal government. Major activities include: Survey/Research to be conducted with 500 citizens of Pristina city and rural areas; carry out Informative Campaign, aiming to inform the opinion for importance of changing article 27 of the status, mainly using posters and brochures delivered in the town and rural areas, and through media; organizing 14 public discussions with citizens and leaders of Municipal Assemblies, deputies of MA and representatives of civil society ( Pristina and its rural areas); TV Debates in KTV to be held with MA officials, deputies from position and opposition, well-known citizen representatives, civil society and those familiar with the issue. It is foreseen to organize separate meeting with candidates that run for Mayor of Pristina municipality taking into consideration that new elected Mayor will have executive power in the future ( referring to November 17, 2007 elections). New millennium aims to keep the wining candidate accountable for changing the article 27 of Pristina municipal statute.
Contact person: Nehat Bllacaku,  ojq@mileniumiiri@yahoo.com ; 044 307 533

Project Media Opinion – ProMo “Insurance of Responsible Governance through Citizen Participation” Rahovec $ 14,610.00 awarded to strengthen the transparency and accountability of local governance in Rahovec in order to improve citizen’s knowledge regarding structure, work and activities of Agricultural Department Officials through: media/press conference, 5 meetings to collect relevant information about the situation in this sector. Involve farmers from villages: Krushë e Madhe ( 120 farmers) and Xërxë ( 70 farmers) and additional 50 farmers from other villages;  design a questionnaire for farmers to identify their needs. Publish a brochure that contains information on Agricultural Department in Rahovec municipality with aim to inform citizens about the department. Organize a workshop to come up with recommendations to design a strategy for further development of agriculture sector in Rahovec; conduct Interviews and informal meetings with officials on the capacity and municipal policy for development of this sector, to be used for analysis of capacities and policies to be drafted for development of this sector. Organize 5 public debates in: Krushë e Madhe, Ratkoc, Fortëse, Xërxe and Çifllak in order to increase transparency of officials towards public/farmers. Publish of the findings and its analysis in overall report that will be delivered to media, municipal government, UNMIK, other NGO’s and other interested actors.  Empower the participation of citizens in compilation of the policy for the developing the sector through 3 debates with municipal officials and farmers, in aim to establish regular cooperation in relation Department- Farmers; publish a final report that will have analysis of influences and evaluations of the farmers for ProMo recommendations. A TV debate and 3 radio debates will be broadcasted in TV Opinion in Prizren with major and most relevant stakeholders. Expected results: Have policies in place for development of agricultural sector in Rahovec Municipality; Increased interest of public to develop agriculture policies and improved transparency of officials towards citizens.
Contact person: Ilir Popaj, promo-ks@gmail.com ; 044 393 728.

Initiative for progress- INPO “Fair and Transparent Procurement Unit in Ferizaj Municipality” Ferizaj $ 8, 780.00 awarded to promote more transparent and impartial process of procurement in Ferizaj Assembly by: Strengthening procurement unit through identifying weaknesses and increase capacities for more effective and professional services; Improving transparency and impartiality during process of deciding for tenders form the side of municipality of Ferizaj; Combating corruption through creation of mechanisms for institutional capacity building for procurement unit within Ferizaj municipality. Major activities include: Monitor, study and analyze tender processes in Municipal assembly during year 2006, audit reports and media articles; Establishment of a working group among municipal representatives and civil society to undertake SWOT analysis for procurement office; Interview enterprises, journalist, lawyers and economists aiming to design a report that would describe actual situation of the unit, weaknesses as well as recommendations to improve its work; Organizing a round table with topic “challenges of procurement unit; Organize a TV debate with topic “Enforcement of law for public procurement”,  Organize awareness campaign in order to promote quality procurement services, though publishing posters, TV advertisements; Organize public debate with topic “work of procurement unit in Ferizaj municipality”. Expected Results: Improved communication between municipal assembly officials for procurement with businesses and civil society: more transparent procurement unit during decision making process and established new mechanisms for assisting on the unit to provide professional services of procurement on local level.
Contact person: Ramadan Ilazi, inpoks@gmail.com ; 044 324 377; 044 118 394

Organization for Democracy Anti –corruption and Dignity-Cohu “Partnership on Increasing Awareness on Anti-corruption”Pristina $ 16,486.00 awarded to create sustainable and functional transparency and accountability mechanisms in Kosovo’s institutions through increase of transparency among local stakeholders and raising the awareness among the citizens; Strengthening the cooperation with partners as a way to express the will of citizens to the decision makers and Building of  ÇOHU’s capacity and strengthening its Anti-corruption Coalition. Major activities include: organizing of five debates with citizens in Mitrovica, Ferizaj, Prizren, Pristina and Peja to identify and discuss priority corruption issues in each municipality and make recommendations of ways to combat abuses. Anti-corruption coalition will organize TV debates in each municipality on corruption issues identified by citizens.  Participants will include, NGOs, representatives of local and central government institutions and political candidates. Poverty Eradication Day - a leaflet called “Tourist Guide” will be produced up to the 17th October to include information about the material state of the citizens i.e. poverty levels in Kosovo, the ever-widening gap between the few rich and the poor majority, and Kosovo Government measures to fight it to be disseminated in all the main cities in Kosovo and other significant inhabitancies as well in order to inform the citizen on the threat that poverty poses to social and political stability and the need to combat it with proper strategies. Anticorruption day; 9th December, the International Anti-Corruption Day, in cooperation with its partners ÇOHU will implant a tree in eight cities in order to mark the day against corruption (Prishtina, Mitrovica, Prizreni, Peja, Gjakova, Gjilani, Ferizaj, Podujeva) Interactive web site -  to design in order to ensure the NGOs are involved in both, the Network and the Coalition, and that there is increased communication on anticorruption issues and will help boost the strengthening of the anticorruption structures offering the possibility to express the concerns of the citizens on grassroots level through their op-ed pieces and then through promoting the engagement of their fellow citizens on this forum help their issues pushed through on a more wide level. Expected Results: increased level of cooperation among the partners of both the Anticorruption Network and the coalition Civil Society for a clean parliament; increased awareness on corruption and other important issues, testing the application of the AOD law and coming up with recommendations on how to improve its application.and interactive and common internet space where all partners and interested citizens will give contributions by writing about corruption.
Contact person: Avni Zogiani zavni@hotmail.com; + 381 38 248 506.

Association of Independent Intellectuals – SHIP “Municipal strategy for agriculture development” Decan $ 10,580.00 awarded to Establish a strong and sustainable partnership between local and central institutions, NGOs, and experts in order to produce a base document for development of municipal agricultural policies in the Municipality of Decan and Junik;  Promote interests of the farmers’ community and prepare municipal strategies for development of agricultural strategy. Major activities include: Meetings with representatives of relevant local institutions to inform them about the project idea and establishment of partnerships; Establishment of professional groups Three teams consisting of two local experts and professional collaborators: from University of Prishtina, scientific institutions, local experts of farming, poultry, apiculture, arboriculture, aiming to discuss and draft municipal strategy for stimulating agricultural production. The professional researchers will research all possible sources that will contribute for development of agriculture in Decan municipality. Roundtable Meetings:  two roundtables, one in Decan and one in Junik, in order to discus draft strategy. 40 people will participate: municipal representatives, local experts and collaborators, farmers, businesses, NGOs, other professional persons, media, etc Working meetings: Three working meetings will be held with the team of experts and other professionals (until 10 persons), aiming to discuss reports and recommendations prepared from each local group of experts.  The working group even after research 9in the field will conduct evaluation and in the end will draft recommendations that will be used to prepare final draft of strategy. Informal meetings, Two Radio show with all stakeholders in Decan and Junik to disscuss, Design brochures that will be used to inform farmers and the community in whole regarding the draft strategy and its importance. Expected Results: Draft the local strategy plan for agriculture and submit to Decan municipality for approval. The interest of investors to increase in supporting farmers; higher Agricultural products; Increase of  number of employed people and the family income.
Contact person: Adem Lushaj, a_ship2002@yahoo.co.uk, 044182 689; 044 552 199

Organization of people with disabilities OON “Place for equal opportunities” Gracanica $ 13,505.00 awarded to  Draft an action plan for people with disabilities and their involvement in local policies, based on the general official document “framework of policies for the people with disabilities in Kosovo”; Design advocacy campaign in order to increase public awareness and that of the decision –makers, on rights for disabled people; Establish networks between NGOs, and persons with limited abilities local institutions; Design the list of needs for the people with disabilities and the existing resources in the society. Major activities include: Radio show on the rights of people with limited abilities; Public meeting in the town with the people with limited abilities who will get information on their rights; publish a brochure and posters for increasing awareness. Organize two round tables with the NGOs and the people from local authorities, to discuss the problems and issues of people with limited abilities. Provide four modules of trainings for representative of NGOs, local institutions and others on” Participation of disabled people in local politics, “UN Standards rules” “Agenda 22” (human rights, partnership between local officials and disable peoples, decentralization, rights and responsibilities) “need for creation of network between people wit limited abilities. Establish working groups which will develop an action plan for disabilities in general.  Expected Results: Creation network between NGOs which deal disabilities in general and other NGOs; increasing the capacities of the people with limited abilities through received trainings;Create a data base for disabled people which will indicate the needs of those people and Drafting of the action plan which will serve as a base for further action.
Contact person: Josifovic Dragan oon_distroficari@yahoo.com; 0654436797, 063436797, 038/65298
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Grassroots Advocacy Grants
Emphasize partnerships between NGOs and local governments, as well as alliances between NGOs and citizen groups to advocate for better public services, more transparent government processes, and improved living conditions at the community level. IREX will fund small advocacy grants of roughly $1000 - $5,000.

Grassroots Advocacy, Round – I
Total Amount Awarded-$ 15,340
Awarded: May, 2006
Status: Completed and closed out

Organization for Political Innovations OPI - Kamenica: $ 4,628 to support increased multi-ethnic citizen participation in decision making processes in Kamenica.  Major activities include: organizing a series of roundtables focused on citizen engagement; radio broadcasts in Albanian and Serbian languages with guests from municipal authorities, OSCE, political parties and members of civil society; publishing and distribution of 1500 leaflets on citizen participation; and drafting of a report on ways of strengthening citizen engagement in decision making processes which will be disseminated to the municipal authorities.
Contact info: Shefki Kastrati, oip_ngo@yahoo.com

Independent Women’s Association Elena Gjika-Klina: $ 3,929 to conduct an advocacy initiative aimed at formulation, adoption and implementation of a new regulation on use of space for public cemeteries.  Major activities will include: public debates and forums with all stakeholders; organizing public hearing in cooperation with municipal authorities to solicit citizen input into the draft regulation; 3 public debates to be broadcast on local radio; publishing and distribution of 600 copies of an informative leaflet on regulation of cemeteries.
Contact info: Lale Grabanica, shpg_elenagjika@yahoo.com

Youth Center “At Lorenc Mazreku ALM -Peje: $ 3,646 to support an advocacy initiative aimed at implementation of the regulation on Protection of minors in Peje. Major activities will include: conduct a series of dialogue forums with pupils, parents and bar owners about drug and alcohol abuse among young people; organize 7 debates with the Office for Protection of Children’s Rights, the Legal Office in the Municipal Assembly, NGO Youth Networks about the regulation and the importance of its implementation; conduct a public awareness campaign through leaflets and posters to inform citizens about the regulation.
Contact info: Rudolf Krasniqi, atlorencmazreku@hotmail.com    

Vision towards Future VDA- Shtime: “Let’s walk together” $ 3,451 to support ongoing democratic processes and promote increased transparency and accountability of the Municipal Assembly in Shtimje.  Major activities will include: survey of 100 citizens on perceptions of corruption within the Assembly; monitor all municipal assembly meeting over a four month period; conduct public discussions with citizens, selected officials, media and local NGOs to present the results of the monitoring work and public perception survey results; produce a final analytical report with conclusions and recommendations for increasing transparency and citizen engagement in municipal-decision making.
Contact info: Halil Halili, halilhalili@hotmail.com 

Grassroots Advocacy, Round – II
Total Amount Awarded-$ 35,494.54
Awarded: March, 2007
Status: Ongoing

LIST OF GRANTEES

Agro Eko- “Citizens Education in Environment Protection especially - Dobrusha River”
$ 5000- awarded to protect inhabitants of Gjilan living alongside Dobrusha river bank. In order to accomplish the objectives of the project, Agro Eko will conduct a workshop with citizens and Department of Waste and Water, four meetings with citizens from the target area to increase awareness on quality of drinking water, two radio debates, and 10 meetings with neighborhood council representatives on mobilizing neighborhood citizens to influence officials become more transparent in order to solve the problems related to riverbed Dobrusha.
Contact info: Shahadije Rexhepi, Executive Director, dije_75@hotmail.com

Centerfor Counseling, Research and Psychological Treatment (CCRPT)-“Prevention of violence in schools”- $4.798.75 awarded to prevent violence in schools through establishment of healthy relationships: student-student, and student-teacher-parent. CCRPT will conduct research of reasons behind the use of violence and the attitudes of the students towards it in two schools of Ferizaj, and meetings with school and public officials. Contact info: Gezim Misimi, Executive Director, qkhtp@hotmail.com

Eye of the Vision- “Urban Planning for Zatra neighborhood” - $ 3980- awarded to increase participation of Zatra residents in the drafting and implementation of their Urban Plan. Eye of the Vision will conduct 3 Workshops on findings priorities for Zatra neighborhood and come up with additional ideas and in cooperation with UN Habitat, develop and distribute 3 different types of questionnaires to 350 households on citizen priorities and summarize it in a research findings report.
Contact info: Veton Mujaj, Executive Director, vizioni@gmail.com

Live Life- “Access to Prizren School for disabled”- $ 4,580.79 awarded to promote equal access to education for people with disabilities in Prizren. Live Life will conduct two round tables, between NGOs, people with disabilities and local officials, 15 public debates with citizens of Prizren Region, one TV advert focusing on access for the people with disabilities in education, two TV debates between local officials and people with disabilities and meetings with local officials including the Departments of Education, Communication and Network, Department of Urbanism, and Departments of Spatial Development Planning.
Contact info: Xhylnaze Bytyqi, executive Director, jetojeten@hotmail.com

Discovery Center (IRDK) - “Discover Prishtina”- $ 5000- awarded to promote active learning and life-long and life-wide learning to bring people—particularly young people—into dialogue about their relationship with their home environment, their city’s past, present and future through the Discover Prishtina exhibition. IRDC can conduct implementation of Two Educational Outreach Programs, Creation, Installation, and Tour of Eleven Exhibits, and production and printing of Discover Prishtina Magazine.
Contact info: Karmit Zaysman, Executive Director, discoverycenter@gmail.com

Organization for Political Innovations-OPI- “Improving living condition of inhabitants of “Qendra” neighborhood in Kamenica” - $ 3113 awarded to improve living condition of inhabitants of “Qendra” neighborhood in Kamenica. OPI will conduct 7 meetings with officials of municipal institutions and assembly members, 8 meetings with representatives of the civil society, organize round tables on the topics “Why should be actions taken to improve the sewage system in the neighborhood” and “How should we solve the sewage system problems in the neighborhood”, and three radio shows, with the topic” Improving citizens Life”.
Contact info: Shefki Kastrati, executive Director, shefkikastrati@gmail.com

Rromani Baxt- “Increasing active participation of the Roma community in decision making”- $ 4022- awarded to Establish dialogue between the Roma community and government bodies of the local administration with the purpose of addressing better the issues related to the improvement of the position of Roma in the society. Rromani Baxt will conduct 2 public meetings with citizens in Gjakova/Brekoc area and Prizren, 2 meetings with working groups in Gjakova/Brekoc and in Prizren, and 2 round tables with Roma intellectuals and local officials.
Contact info: Kujtim Paqaku, executive director, rromani_baxt@yahoo.com .

Women Business Association (WBA) - “Public Awareness campaign for PET recycling”-
$ 5000- awarded to promote recycling of plastic waste materials in the North Mitrovica and Zvecan municipality. WBA will conduct 3 Public debates, multi – media campaign (including newspapers, 3 local TV and 3 radio stations, billboards and posters), 4 Workshops at local secondary schools, 4 days train of trainers for 24 selected secondary school students to conduct workshops using the same materials, and training by 24 secondary school students for 350 primary school students. Contact info: Olivera Milosevic, Executive Director, olja210269@yahoo.com.

Grassroots Advocacy, Round – III
Total Amount Awarded- $ 36,233.20
Awarded: August, 2007
Status: Ongoing

LIST OF GRANTEES

AGRO- EKO – Gjilan “Schools’ water quality in Gjilan Municipality” $ 4520.00 awarded to protect children’s health by raising the responsibility of the decision makers to change Municipal Regulation on Education in providing quality water in school environments. Agro Eko to form advocacy focus groups comprised of parents, schools directors, school students, representative from Agro Eco and representative from Public Health Institute in order to push for the change of the education regulation and organize a debate with wider community in order to discuss the quality water issue. Meetings in 15 different schools with school children, parents and school’s professional staff will be held on  “ How much we know for the quality of water that we drink every day” in order to  raise people’s consciousness, parents and school’s professional staff in improving hygienic conditions within the school infrastructure. One day workshop planned to take place on researching for financial possibilities for immediate intervention for the improvement of the quality of the drinking water and of the budget planning regarding the issue.

Down syndrome Association of Kosova “Who am I” $ 5,999.00 awarded to integrate children affected with Down syndrome in the pre-school institutions and primary schools through increasing of the level of interest of the pre-school institutions and primary schools in the children with Down syndrome mainly through: TV programs with professionals, lectures for parents, relatives and health care workers for Down Syndrome. Changing the attitude of parents and family regarding the integration of their children with Down syndrome in the educational institutions and increasing the level of integration of the children affected with Down syndrome in the pre-school institutions and primary schools are the major expected results of the project.

Elena Peshkopia “Student scholarship” $ 3,854.00 awarded to influence decision-makers to give scholarships for students every-year. Series of meetings with relevant municipality officials, organizing of two debates with youth network of Gjilan and education officials, two live radio programs and signing of a petition by students will be some of the major activities towards addressing the issue.  Promotion materials in a form of posters and brochures will be developed in order to support the advocacy campaign and 2 press conferences to be organized. The project aims to establish committees comprised of municipality, civil society, media, and other interest groups for right selection criteria for scholarships to be awarded every year as practiced in some other municipalities so far.

Independent Cultural Information and Youth Center “Elita”  “Your municipality – influence and rights” $ 4,969.00awarded to bring to life capacities and competences of Village Councils in this Municipality as liaison mechanisms, between citizen’s needs and municipality. Through organizing training with representatives of villages, meetings with officials, forming of multiethnic focus groups, producing of information materials, organizing roundtables and TV debates in relation to accountability of village councils towards municipal decisions, the project aims to influence and set in practice the implementation on the municipality regulation on the village councils in the 20 targeted villages of Vitia municipality.

KOD- Coalition for Democracy “Walking without obstacles” $ 4,260.00 awarded to resolve local taxi parking problem that currently have no assigned location and are parked in sidewalks. Through conducting a survey with Ferizaj citizens and taxi drivers, organizing of press conferences and debates including local TV debates, influence the decision makers to draft a new decision in Municipal Assembly for taxi parking place Ferizaj. The major achievements and changes to be brought through project are to create condition for pedestrian walking without obstacles as well as have the assigned parking place for taxi drivers in Ferizaj.

Kosova Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted People “Equality for all” $ 5,910.70 awarded to provide the opportunity to Blind and partial sighed Persons, as  their judicial equal right,  to vote in local and central elections, based on universal declaration for human rights where disabled citizens are equal to the rest of their citizens. This will be accomplished by organizing a public debate, training about election system, Media Campaign (TV debate, posters) and Meeting with political parties. It is expected to have Central Election Committee drafting the regulations and initiating approval of judicial protection of the voting process for the blind and partially sighted persons during the November 2007 elections i.e CEC to apply Braille language in the next elections ; Braille language and acoustic technology to be initiated from political parties through their political programs and have Blind and Partially Sighted Persons informed for the election process, the way of voting, election campaigns, announcement of elections, monitoring of elections and announcement of preliminary results.

Parents and Teachers Council of Municipality Malisheva “Education for all” $ 3,218.00 awarded to involve community in decision-making processes in education system and ensure of implementation the reforms in education system. Through meetings with 32 school directors parents and students in Malisheva Municipality and parliamentary groups discuss the regulation on work schedule and code of conduct for primary and secondary schools in order to strengthen the cooperation among Council of Parents and Teachers of Malisheva, Departments of Culture and Education as well as Office for Gender Equality. In addition, organize radio programs in discussing the educational system and level of citizen participation on education in Malisheva including NGO meeting in Malisheva with all the NGOs that deal with education to organize themselves and together to advocate in the municipal assembly to apply the regulation in the schools. The project aims to set up sustainable partnership among community, NGO-s and educations institutions in applying the Regulation on work schedule and code of conduct in 32 schools of Malisheva Municipality.

Youth Association for Human Rights “Provision on traffic safety measures for inhabitants of “Robert Gajdiku” street who are threatened by the vehicle traffic” $ 3,502.50 awarded to advocate at the local government to improve freedom of movement and security of the citizens in the “Robert Gajdiku” neighborhood of Lipjan municipality. The major activities include: meetings with inhabitants of suburb “Robert Gajdiku”, including officials from municipality in discussing the issue; monitoring the work of Lipjan Municipal Committee for Politic and Finance and lobby for approval of request of inhabitants of street “Robert Gajdiku”; collection of funds and engage citizen financial participation. In addition, organize trainings on topic “Access on traffic and streets”; produce leaflets increase citizen awareness in traffic. Major results expected are in improving: relations between citizens and local government, services of local government for citizens, security for inhabitants of street Robert Gajdiku in Lipjan and increase the awareness of citizens and children on access to traffic.
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Non Partisan Election Relateed Activites Grants 
Awarded: October 2007
Status:  Completed and Closed out  

Institute for Research and development-IRD Pristina “Media Outreach for the NGO Coalition “Democracy in Action – Elections 2007” $10,000 awarded to increase the visibility, the effective outreach and the access to information by the public to the NGO Coalition Democracy in Action 2007through Ensuring a high-capacity server is in place to withstand up to 100,000 clicks per minute for one month, including the weeks around the Election Day when the clicks are most frequent; Ensuring timely information about election proceedings and results in a place where it is easy for journalists to come. Ensure that effective information from the field is well coordinated and is summarized for journalists in a timely fashion and delivered periodically to the media and Ensure that a qualitative brochure is printed to inform NGOs and journalists about the new election legislation in Kosovo. Main Activities: Will be organize 3 monthly and 2 half month press conferences, in order to inform citizens and representative of media about election campaign, voting process and accounting process. Expected Results: High number of clicks on the election night; High number of journalists attending the press conferences as well as the Media Center on the election night; High number of guests (media and others) on the reception of the election night; Evaluation of the brochure on workshops to be held by Democracy in Action.

Eye of the Vision-Peja “SEE YOU AT THE BOXES” awarded to $8,090.79 to increase of the citizens’ participation in Elections 2007 in Pejë/Pec region, which includes four municipalities: Deçan/Decane, Klinë/Klina, Istog/Istok and Pejë/Pec.; Increase of Pejë/Pec region citizens’ awareness for participation in elections and for using their fundamental right to vote and provide communication of voters with participating candidates. Major activities include: Promotional sugar packages done by the coalition “Democracy in Action”, with different “appeals” (52 different messages) to take part in elections to be distributed in most of coffee shops of Pejë/Pec region together with other promotional materials; vehicle stickers containing a message, pens, t-shirts, hats, etc. containing encouraging “appeals” for voters to take part in the upcoming elections. Phone calls starting from November 5, 2007 three persons will make phone call in all four municipalities of Pejë/Pec region to encourage citizens for taking part in elections. Each person of the three will make 70 phone calls per day, which means that around 2.000 phone calls to different families will be made for ten days in the row. Sending emails to organizations and individuals and SMS messages- different appeals used previously through promotional material will be distributed in specific manners through young people’s emails, organizations and individuals in Pejë/Pec region; Organizing of citizens meetings with candidates for mayor in all four municipalities, starting with Pejë/Pec, Istog/Istok, Klinë/Klina and Deçan/Decane. Expected Results: Greater number of citizens informed with the importance of taking part in elections; Participation of citizens in debates; Opinions from the telephone calls made; Awareness of citizens with programs of four candidates for mayors in Pejë/Pec, Istog/Istok, Klinë/Klina and Deçan/Decane.  

"Elita"-Viti   (Independent Cultural Information and Youth Center) “Raising awareness of residents for voting and participation in election”$ 2,510.00 awarded to have a high turn out of residents in the local and central election regardless their ethnic background by increase of number of voters  in local and central election, in particular youth and female in Viti municipality; active participation of residents in elaborating political parties and candidates programs and informing residents on political parties and independent candidates programs and decrease number of invalid ballots. Major activities include: Awareness campaign on active turn out of residents in the elections through Public meetings with residents in five larger localities of Viti municipality (Pozheran, Smirë, Skifter, Stublla e Epërme dhe Binçë).The representatives of the municipal election commission and other experts will take place in meetings and will brief participants on role and importance of elections and voting procedures. The briefing paper and material on voting procedures will be disseminated to participants; 4 rounds of public debates with the candidates for the Kosovo Assembly, for President of the Municipality and political parties participating in the local elections with the aim of creating a dialogue among political parties and residents Public Debates will be organized in four rounds; Radio and TV shows on importance of participation and voting procedures will be organized in two local TV and radio stations: Radio TV “Iliria” and Radio “Zëri i Pozheranit” on ”The importance of elections and voting procedures”. The representatives form municipal election commission and civic society will take place in the radio and TV shows where issues of importance in regards to turn out of residents in the election will be discussed.  Expected Results: Increase the number of residents for active turn out in the elections; Higher engagement of your and women and increase their turn out in the elections; Fair information of residents on programs of candidates for Kosovo Assembly, President of the Municipality and Municipal Assembly and Fair information of residents on voting procedures. 

Youth Association for Human Rights YAHR - Lipjan ”Creation of the environment suitable for successful 2007 elections in the municipality of Lipjan $2.827 awarded on  empowerment, support, and information on the ways of voting and activating citizens for electing the right persons who can represent their interests in the municipal institutions through the elections of the 17th of November 2007 through organizing campaigns GET OUT and VOTE, by focusing on encouraging the participants in the elections, including minorities, women, youth (for the first time voters) and persons with limited abilities and  establishing dialogue and debate between the voters and candidates, by keeping the focus on the important topics and issues for the citizens. Major activities include: Organization of meetings with citizens in 10 villages of the municipality of Lipjan through three groups of volunteers which will cover all 10 villages of Lipjan: Shalë, Magure, Medvec, Dobrajë e Madhe, Putorovc, Janjevë, Gadime, Babushë, Llugaxhi dhe Banullë; printing and distributing the guiding brochures, pens, posters of Commission for Municipal Election with a purpose to raise the participation in the elections;   Create 6 groups for information who will work in the day of elections in 6 voting centers of the municipality of Lipjan, where the citizens will be helped directly in the ways of voting. on the elections day volunteers will assist in providing help for minorities, women, youth (for the first time voters) and persons with limited abilities. Organize debates between the candidates for the mayor of the municipality and the citizens of the municipality of Lipjan on: “What can the candidates for the mayor of Lipjan provide to the citizens of this municipality in resolving the problems related to infrastructure in the villages, related to the education, environment protection, and human rights and especially the human rights of the minorities”. Expected Results: to have a higher participation in the elections, especially the participation of the minorities, women, youngsters (for the first time voters) and persons with limited abilities. to have an increased awareness of the citizens on the procedures and ways of voting. 

Gender Training and Resource Center - GTRC – Pristina "Empowering women candidates in the local and general elections in Kosovo” $5.000 awarded to influence and change the political culture with focus on women voting, in order to empower women voice in democratic changes in the country through Increase of awareness on power of vote to make changes in society and women life. Activities include:  Identification of the women candidates in the local and general elections; Preparation of the biographies of the women candidates (each biography of the candidates will be written in their native language); Preparation of the brochures with women candidate’s biographies from these political parties: AAK, AKR, KDTP, LDD, LDK, ND (Nasa Demokratija), ORA, PDK, PDAK, VAKAT. Meetings with women in all regions of Kosovo to deliver the books all around Kosovo, especially through women voters. Expected Results: Strengthen of women voice through her vote; Implementing democracy through increased women’s political participation; Promotion of women’s right as part of the human rights;Challenging the patriarchal mindset; Political emancipation of women for self-determination; Independence of women in voting.

Communication for Social Development CSD “Kosovo Elections 2007 - YES or NO” $  5,985.00 awarded to Increase trust through different activities of members of minority communities, representatives of NGO sector and minority political parties, in mentioned political representatives and Kosovo institutions through  Organizing a two-day seminar in Brezovica. The topic of the seminar will be “Kosovo Elections – 2007 Yes or No”. There will be 30 participants from NGOs, young community leaders, representatives of Roma community and other representatives of civil society; and organizing 3 public debates on topic “Kosovo Elections – 2007 Yes or No” for minority communities and rising awareness about importance of participation on elections. One of the debates will be organized in Plemetine, and two others in Gracanica. The participants at these debates will be 30 youngsters, representatives of media and representatives of Roma community. Expected Results: through realization of this project, targeting minority communities, it is envisioned to connect representatives of NGO sector, minority political parties and minority community members aiming to raise awareness about importance of participation on the upcoming elections in Kosovo. In addition special attention is to have adequate representatives in institutions that will represent rights of people from minority communities. CSD expects an increase of the number of people from minority communities who will vote on Kosovo elections in November.

Social Dialogue -Pristina “Use Your Vote” $ 11,938.00 awarded to Increase the number of voters’ participation and decrease the number of invalid votes in the coming election by encouraging, educating and informing voters with the processes and procedures of the new election system by: encouraging and informing voters with the new processes and procedures of the new election system and educating voters about their rights and responsibilities in a democracy. Major activities include: Short Training Sessions: with target groups to encourage them to participate in the election, educate them of their rights and responsibility to democracy and inform them of the new election system. The short training sessions will take place at universities, youth centres, pensioner’s centres, in front of cafeterias, on the streets, etc.; Simulate the voting process using voting sheets with fictive names and parties for each election level – the National Assembly, Municipal Assembly and Municipal Mayors, the voter simulation is intended to give a direct possibility for the participants to put to trial the knowledge they have received during the short training; Producing and disseminating Leaflets containing information on election procedures and on the person’s rights and responsibilities in a Democratic Country to target groups during the short training sessions and vote simulating process, also at passers by in the streets focused to first time voters and pensioners. Expected Results: Decrease the number of invalid votes by informing at least 5.625 voters about the new election system; Increase the number of voters’ participation by directly encouraging at least 5.000 voters who will go through our informative short training session and vote simulating process; At least 5.000 new voters will be knowledgeable about their rights and responsibility in the democracy through direct given information.

Center for Research and Education “Rekos” – Pristina “Voter education for elections process”‏ Project Location: Hasi region (Prizren and Gjakova)  $6.072 awarded to encourage more people of Hasi region to come to ballot on November 17, 2007 targeting on women and youth through Increasing the awareness on voting importance, among women in the Hasi area and increasing the number of educated citizens on the voting process, political platforms and candidates for mayors. Major activities:  there will be more than 40 meetings organized, at least one meeting per village, in groups of 30-40 women to offer them enough information on the voting power and effects, voting procedures and legislation; bring together youth and non-political leaders, to explain to the  first time voters the importance of voting. There will be 4 such meetings organized; Get together voters and the candidates for municipal and Kosovo assembly candidates, to ask questions and to make them accountable for their actions. This will make voters feel stronger regarding election process. Expected Results: Rekos expects to see on November 17 elections a higher percentage of voters participations in Has region than in last 2004 elections; higher knowledge of election process at the Has people after our information and encouraging campaign; hopes to effect also the members of Has families living abroad, because of their very strong interfamily links and encourage especially youth to be more interested in public life.

Peace Doves -Mitrovica “I vote for the first time” $ 5,050.00 awarded to ensure that youth from 18-21 years old, are informed voters, in order that officials elected by them to be more responsible towards youth problems mainly through increasing the number of the youth interested on the voting procedures and increasing 3% of number of the voters that they are going out on the elections from the rural areas. Main activities include: train 12 volunteers to work for 2 days on “Door to Door” campaign and on the elections day. Produce and disseminate 5000 flyers with short massages including procedures for voting system targeting young people voters; organize 10 debates in 10 villages (Bare, Stan Terg, Rahovë, Rashan, Mazhiq, Koshtovë, Kqiq i madh, Vaganice and Frashër) with village leaders to introduce them with campaign and to prepare the debates with candidates from the political parties in order to motivate the youth people to take part in the elections and to introduce they are parts of the programs for youth people; through radio programs  inform people on the places where debates will take place; invite the community to be part of the campaign; on the elections day  volunteers with vehicles and megaphones will deliver short messages for the people to go and vote. Expected Results: Around 200 young people- voters, will be informed directly for the importance of elections and also to get motivated for participation in elections; expected to have a 3% increase of young voters; strengthened interactive communication between politicians and civil society through official meetings and debates.

Advocacy Center for Progress - AVONET –Ferizaj “USE YOUR RIGHT- VOTE” $4 822, 53 awarded to Encourage and educate citizens for active participation in local and national elections through: informing and educating citizens for voting procedures, candidates and political parties programs and increasing the citizens participation in local and national elections. Major activities include: Three Public Debates will be held in rural area with youngsters 18 to 20 years old, with the purpose of informing them on the voting procedures. There will be a representative of Municipal Election Commision explaining the voting procedures and the importance of going out for voting; TV programs will be an improvizaton of the voting place. This way the citizens will see directly how the voting procedure will go and in the same time will discuss the importance of voting in local TV Festina; Media conference will notify the citizens on the debates that will be held in the rural areas and on the election process; Campaign “WAKE UP AND VOTE” during this campaign there will be a lot of activities, such as the distribution of brochures which will have detailed information on the programs of each party and that of the candidates. Also there will be posters with the moto “ Go and Vote” , which will be exposed throughout the city and villages; Direct meetings with citizens, activity “Why is Important to VOTE”, during this activity the citizens will have the chance to answer the question “Why is important to vote”/. An essay competition with the high school citizens on “Why is important to vote”will be organized where the 3 best essays will be awarded in expressing the opinion of the youth on why is important to vote; Participating in organizing the elections voting place, monitoring the voting process in Election Day and having press conferences. This will be done through 100 Avonet volunteers. Expected Results: Increase the participation of citizens in election and voting process because in this way the citizens will have all information and will decide easy to participate in election and vote; decrease the not- valid votes ensuring successful elections; have well-informed citizens on thr voting procedures.

Radio Youth Wave (Radio Vala Rinore) – Pristina “Youth in Election 2007” $5,000 Empower young voters, to become players in the political process by having their votes courted and to make the system be more responsive to them by  encouraging and facilitating participation of youths in the election 2007 and Propagate and promote the interests of youths, including professional interests. Major activities: Journalists Research, radio debates on above mentioned subjects and to continue the elaboration of those subjects through discussion groups. Expected Results: to transform the role of 18-25 year youngsters that could/should play in the 2007 elections; to develop youth capacity for informed choice in election process; to develop messages on youth participation in the electoral process; to help mould conscientious voters who can effectively take part in the Electoral process predicting her/his judgement on informed positions; to provide electoral information to voters; to produce materials useful for a sustained Voter education.

“Naša Kuća“(NGO Our Home) “Kosovo Parliamentary and Municipal Elections 2007: Get Out the Vote Campaign for the Kosovo Serb Community” $ 20,089.45 awarded to  increase Serb youth participation in electoral process and promote campaign messages in mainstream media to increase Serb participation in 2007 election process in Kosovo. The major activities include: Talk directly to young people and convince them to take part in the elections; Door to door distribution of brochures  through 11 field  offices of  Nasa Kuca in Kosovo (Lipjan, Plemetina, Gracanica, Novo Brdo, Partes, Ranilug, Vrbovac, Orahovac, Strpce and remaining two offices in Northn – Zubin Potok, and Zvecan); Door to door distribution of posters  through 11 field  offices of  Nasa Kuca in Kosovo (Lipjan, Plemetina, Graqanica, Novo Brdo, Partes, Ranilug, Vrbovac, Orahovac, Strpce and remaining two offices in North – Zubin Potok, and Zvcan. Design of all visual communication materials and distribution to Serbian community through 11 offices of Nasa Kuca in: Lipjan, Plemetina, Graqcanica, Novo Brdo, Partes, Ranilug, Vrbovac, Orahovac and Strpce and remaining two offices in North– Zubin Potok, and Zvcan; Production of radio broadcast materials KOSMA (the association of 27 Kosovo Serb, Bosniac, Turkish and multiethnic radio stations) as an implementing partner on the project. Distribution of fliers through 11 field  offices of  Nasa Kuca in Kosovo ( Lipjan, Plemetina, Graqcanica, Novo Brdo, Partes, Ranilug, Vrbovac, Orahovac, Strpce and remaining two offices in North– Zubin Potok, and Zvecan. As a major quantitative change is expected to have a reasonable number of voters.

Specter ( Spektri ) -Hani i Elezit “Community development“ project location: villages Gurane, Paldenice, Bush, Krivenik, Seqishte, Dimce, Lagja e Re and in Hani i Elezit $1444 awarded to make conscious the citizens about the vent in cost a ballot and the goods that carry voting through educating  and increasing of  voters turnout in Hani i Elezit Pilot Unit. Major acitivities: Meeting between the inhabitants of villages Gurane, Paldenice, Bushe Krivenik Seqishte Dimce Lagja e Re Hani I Elezit and discuss about the electoral system and its importance to get out and vote. Expected Results: increased number of people who will vote notably the younger which vote for the first time.

Youth Initiative for Human Rights - YIHR - Pristina “Activist-based get-out-the-vote (GOTV) campaign” $ 8000 awarded to increase the turnout of young voters in the November 17th elections, while simultaneously inviting them to critically assess political party programs through talking  directly to young people and convince them to take part in the elections and  Promoting campaign messages in mainstream media. Major activities: YIHR and its activist network Nisma Ime will organize a campaign that will invite young people to go out and vote. The campaign will be led by a Campaign Coordination Team within YIHR Kosovo office with an established hierarchy and tasks delegated in fields such as management, network coordination, logistics, protocol, communications and documentation. The campaign will be organized through activities that will involve direct contact and communication with young people, such as parties and street actions to be held in Prishtina (2), Prizren, Peja, Mitrovica, Gjilan, Ferizaj, Gjakova, Suhareka and Rahovec.. The promotional materials (posters, stickers and flyers) will be distributed even to cities where no street actions will be held. YIHR plans to have a limited media campaign in Kosovo’s main TV channels that will reinforce the messages of its campaign on the field and also help the campaign to reach a broader number of people. The TV advertisements will last 10 seconds and will be shown only in the last 7 days of the campaign in the three Kosovar national TV channels – RTK, RTV 21 and KTV. Expected Results: increased turnout of young voters in the elections. This number can hardly be determined at this point. Nevertheless, the aim is to directly contact in between 20,000 and 30,000 young people though the street actions and parties, while an even larger number of people will be reached through the media campaign.

Women’s Association VITA Strpce “The vote’s power” $3,009.00 awarded to contribute to the upcoming municipal elections in Kosovo by promoting voters’ participation of general public with the emphasize given to minorities, women, youth, first time voters, disabled and  people from rural villages as well as public information and awareness rising about electoral processes and procedures. Project idea is to give attention to both categories – candidates and voters, and to point importance of their active participation through campaigns and public information-debate. The project aims to increase number of Serb community’s voters from Sterpce Municipality informed about election process in general especially voting process through Informative brochure on electoral process and procedures, with explanation given on open list system as well as of direct election of mayors. Through Get Out the Vote Campaign and Public information-debate with representatives of 16 villages VITA will make an effort to increase number on Serb community’s voters from Sterpce Municipality in the November Election 2007. A number of pooling stations in 16 villages of Sterpce Municipality will be visited by members of NGO Vita in order to supervise voting procedures with an emphasize given to family voting and to participation of all vulnerable groups (minorities, women, first time voters, disabled etc.) in ensuring a fair and individual voting process in 16 village of Sterpce Municipality. It is expected to raise awareness on electoral process and procedures among voters and candidates interest for active participation among citizens.

Youth Association “Rinia” Kamenice/a  “All together for voting” $ 3,500.00  awarded to Educated voters in remote areas of Kamenica in order to increase youth turnout from remote areas of Kamenica municipality to get out and vote for 2007   elections and  improve citizen’s knowledge regarding electoral process in Kosovo for 2007 Election. Major activities: organizing debates in 15 villages of Kamenica municipality between youth and candidates for municipal advisers. The organization will focus to bring in the debates young people from 18-25 years old. This category has lack of information’s and should be motivates to get out and vote on election for 17th November. Organize 3 radio shows, live with citizens, with message “Elections for solution” conducted in local radios of Kamenica municipality. Participants will be youth from rural areas, candidates for Municipal Mayor as well as Media representatives. Expected Results: to increase the number of voters, especially the new voters, who are 18 years old.

With hand in heart - Mitrovica  “MISSION OF HOPE” $ 4,200.00 awarded for Public information, stimulation of dialog for citizen aware and motivation to vote through increasing awareness of young citizens to vote, with 5 %. Increase the number of informed citizens on the election process. Public information (Posters and Leaflets) - the posters will be disseminated throughout Mitrovica, in order to motivate and inform the citizens on the up coming elections. There will be 300 hundred posters disseminated by the youth activists of the organization. Also, the 1500 leaflets will hold more detailed information on the election process and will be disseminated at the same time as posters. 6 debates with citizens before the elections will be held with the candidates for mayors of municipalities. The topic of these debates will be mainly focused in discussing their programs and promises for the town of Mitrovica. These debates will be recorded by the organizers and will be disseminated to all the local TVs to be broadcasted. Debates with citizens after the elections – the purpose of these debates is to hold accountant the selected mayor on the promises they have made during the election campaign.

Kosova Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted People - Pristina $ 5,955.00 awarded to ensure that blind people will be sufficiently informed about election process and programs of political parties which are running on 17 November Election; Improve knowledge of blind citizens all around Kosova regarding political parties platform as well to ensure that political parties will include in their political platforms the issues of  disable people in Kosovo.  Major Activities include: Organizing 7 roundtables debates in major towns of Kosova; Prishtina, Gjilan, Ferizaj, Prizren, Peje, Gjakove, Mitrovica,  with representatives of political parties running for national assembly, to discuss with them their programs for disable people such as blind people, deaf people, handicapped , children with disabilities and education  programs for them etc; Organize radio shows in local radios in at least 7 regions will be organized. Candidates from political parties and representatives of coalition of people with disabilities will be invited in live shows to discus their political programs related to people with disabilities. Citizens will be able to ask question though phone calls and meeting with political parties in Kosovo aiming to Sing MOUs in order to ensure that after election they will fulfill their promises related to people with disabilities. Expected results: Awareness of political parties about needs and concerns of people with disabilities will be raised. Political parties will include in their political platforms, programs related to disable people; People with disabilities will be informed about election process and what political parties running for 17 November election offer to them. More support will be obtained from citizens of Kosova for people with disabilities.