WB in Kosovo announces launch of the Small Grants Program

Prishtinë, Nov 30, 2005 – The World Bank Office in Kosovo has announced today the launch of the Small Grants Program 2006.

The Small Grants Program (SmGP) was created in 1983 to provide a way for the World Bank to promote dialogue and dissemination of information about development in forums outside its own operations. Grants are provided to civil society organizations through participating World Bank Country Offices. World Bank Office in Kosovo has been administering the Small Grants Program since 2003.

Any institution involved in development broadly defined may apply for a grant. However, the SmGP prefers to support nonprofit, nongovernmental, non-academic organizations. Applications are accepted in World Bank Liaison Office in Kosovo located in Pristina, application deadline is January 16, 2006.

The Small Grants Program supports activities related to civic engagement for the environment.

Activities should promote dialogue and dissemination of information in the environmental sector; and enhance partnerships with key players in support of more effective environmental policies. Key players could include government agencies, civil society organizations, multilateral and bilateral agencies, foundation, and private sector.

Civic engagement is the process through which civil society organizations actively engage in relationships and actions with the state and other development actors to address issues of public concern in regards to the environment. The World Bank believes that socially active and empowered citizens can play an active role in policy formulation thus improving environmental conditions.

Additional information on the Small Grants Program and the application form can be found at http://www.worldbank.org/kosovo or obtained in the World Bank Office located in Prishtina.

ECIKS