“Women Initiative for Security and Equity’’ (WISE) program is supported by the United States Department of State and implemented by the Mercy Corps Georgia in partnership with Impact Innovations Institute’s Initiatives Foundation (IMINI). 

The WISE SSG Program offers small grants to women-run CSOs, grassroot organizations, and organizations focused on women's, girls', and minority issues. These grants aim to address, prevent, and combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Violent Extremism (VE) across Armenia. Additionally, the program will emphasize raising awareness about the Safe YOU app, which plays a critical role in supporting and empowering women.

 IMINI is opening a call for 4 small scale grants up to 820,000 AMD each.

 Program Overview: 

• The program supports organizations working on women's rights, GBV, and VE issues. It seeks to raise awareness, prevent violence, and promote gender equality in inclusive, democratic societies. Also, introducing and raising awareness about the Safe YOU  app. 

 Eligible Activities:

• Education, training, and skills development for targeted communities, schools, and VETs.
• Social and mass media campaigns to raise awareness, combat GBV & VE, and promote gender equality .
• Collaboration with local governments and coordination between communities and municipalities to create better response mechanisms for GBV and VE.
• The proposed project should include raising Awareness-raising activities about the Safe YOU app, regardless of the main focus of the proposed project.

 Eligibility:

• Only registered entities are eligible to apply, applications from individuals are not eligible.
• CBOs or grassroots organizations, public and state-controlled institutions of VET education, and public and state institutions of Secondary education in Armenia are eligible to apply.
• Self Organized Groups of activists with intention to either create their own NGO or to engage and join with an already existing NGO. Must have at least 6 months experience of proven activism in the field of GBV or VE.
• At least 70% of the individuals involved in small scale grant project implementation or 70% employees of the applicant organization  must be female.
• The applicant organizations must be nonprofit.
• The applicant organization must have more than 6 months of experience working in the selected field.
• The length of the Small Scale project must not exceed 5 months.
• The applicants of the project must be 18+.
• The project must be based within the Republic of Armenia. Within the timeline of your project, you will have access to IMINI facilities in Gyumri and Yerevan to work and carry out any events. 

 Limitations:

• Operational/Equipment Costs: Funds cannot be used for operational/equipment costs (e.g. office rent, utilities)
• Do no harm: Funds cannot be used for any activities that may cause harm to any groups of beneficiaries or to the environment.
• Individual Scholarships or Personal Stipends: Grants may not be used to provide direct financial support or scholarships to individuals for personal use.
• Religious or Political Activities: Grant cannot be used to fund religious activities or support the promotion of specific religious or political beliefs.

 How to participate:

In order to participate in the SSG competition, the interested 

Community- Based organizations (CBO) and Grassroots organizations must:

• Fill in the and submit the application form and the budget included in the package  
• Submit information for the applying organization and individuals/groups of people, who will be involved in the Small scale grant program ( CVs and state registration documents).
• In case of co-funding, provide the information of the co-founder, donor, and partner organization/s and the project involvement of the above mentioned organizations.
• Other documents that may be relevant for the application and assist in informed decision-making of the program (e.g. Organization impact reports, profiles etc. ).

The application package for the Small Scale Grants Program is available for download below.

 Key Dates & application process:

• Deadline for applications: September 30, 2024.

Applications must be submitted electronically via email to WISEGrants@mercycorps.org  in Armenian or English. Late submissions will not be considered. The submitted applications must not exceed 20 MB and must be sent with the subject line: “The SSG Application 2024 Armenia”

• Info Sessions and Q&A for Interested Applicants:
• Two info sessions will be held to assist potential applicants in properly preparing their applications:
• Session 1: September 13, 2024, at 14:30
• Session 2: September 19, 2024, at 14:30
• To register for an info session and receive the Zoom link, please fill out the registration form.
• Review and Selection: The review and selection process will be completed by October 15th, 2024.
• Information Session for grant management to be conducted with awarded Grantees: Date to be confirmed.
• Grant Agreement Signing: Final agreements will be signed by October 25, 2024.

 Priority Consideration:

• Preference will be given to applicants collaborating with local or national state/public organizations for regional development, education, innovation, culture, health, conflict resolution, or environmental protection, and those partnering with international/national NGOs.
• Special consideration will be given to projects focusing on minorities and vulnerable groups.

This program is an excellent opportunity for organizations focused on gender inclusion, community development, and technology-driven solutions like the Safe YOU app to secure funding for impactful projects across Armenia in 2024.

For any questions, email us at info@safeyou.space with "Question-SSG2" in the subject line by September 30th.

Application form and Budget In Armenian
Application form and Budget In English