The Open Society Institute works to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve its mission, OSI seeks to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, OSI implements a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, OSI builds alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. OSI places a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

For the application for grants, a wizard is available on the website
(http://www.soros.org/grants) which will lead the applicant through the application process.

OSI’s Middle East & North Africa Initiative (MENA) acts as the primary contact point and clearinghouse for OSI activity in the region.

Call for Proposals: Middle East & North Africa Initiative

The Open Society Institute Middle East & North Africa Initiative (MENA) welcomes unsolicited grant proposal outlines, or concept notes, on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year. Concept notes and grant proposals should fall within the following focus areas:
Rights and Governance. MENA supports local civil society groups that promote international human rights standards, the rule of law, and government accountability, including budget work. It looks to support groups that conduct human rights monitoring and advocacy; legal reform work, and human rights education. Grantmaking emphasizes projects that promote the rights of women and migrant workers.
Media and Information. MENA supports innovative projects that promote free media and the open exchange of information. It looks to strengthen content and build capacity for independent print, broadcast, and online media and actively supports groups or initiatives that promote the right to free expression. Media projects that seek to foster the rights of women and migrant workers and that attempt to engage youth in media production and information exchange are particularly welcome.
Youth and Knowledge. MENA aims to support initiatives that engage youth in building an open society. Grant making targets programs that promote early education, youth development, and youth engagement in civil society with the broader aim of helping young people become productive citizens.
As a general rule, MENA prefers to receive grant applications made on behalf of an organization rather than an individual. Preference is given to local organizations in the region or initiatives that partner local and foreign organizations' expertise. MENA accepts proposals in Arabic, English, or French. Program staff will endeavour to review the proposal outlines at the end of each month and respond 30 days afterwards.
Format

All concept notes, full proposals, or questions on this process should be sent to proposals@osimena.org