EMK Center is thrilled to announce its annual Small Grants competition – an open call for organizations to submit program proposals that strengthen, expand, and celebrate U.S.- Bangladesh people-to-people ties, foster innovative ideas, and provide local solutions to complex social problems. EMK invites interested organizations and individuals to submit project proposals on the themes mentioned below:

• Advancing democratic values through the promotion of human rights, civil society activation, freedom of expression, press freedom, disability rights, and good governance
• Promoting inclusive economic growth and opportunities through entrepreneurship development that empower underserved communities and youth, and explore the benefits of expanded trading opportunities between the United States and Bangladesh
• Supporting innovative community solutions for the environmental challenges and raising awareness in youth on climate change adversities;
• Increasing opportunities for Bangladeshi youth from historically marginalized communities (e.g. indigenous, religious minorities, etc.) through STEM education and
• Promoting arts and culture targeting emerging and marginalized artists, showcasing local heritage and talents.

******Applicants are encouraged to review the U.S. Mission to Bangladesh Integrated Country Strategy to help develop strong proposals that align with the U.S. government’s priorities in Bangladesh. All project activities must commence latest by February 29, 2024 and must be completed by August 31, 2024. Selected Projects will be invited for pitch sessions and budget negotiation.

Upon review of the proposals, EMK will invite selected applicants to the final pitching session. Winners of the pitching session will be announced on January 31, 2024.

Application Timeline

The application will be open from 17 December 2023 to 31 January 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications from individuals, groups & non-profit organizations will be accepted.

Applications from profitable entities, programs relating to partisan political activity, charitable or development activities, construction and infrastructure programs, programs that support specific religious activities, fundraising campaigns, lobbying for specific legislation or programs, scientific research, programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization, projects consisting of a single meeting or brief conference, projects or events that require participants pay for entrance or participation will NOT be accepted.

The following entities are eligible to submit proposals:

• Organizations: Non-profit organizations, projects, entities, public service centers, cultural organizations, community-based organizations, and organizations registered under The Trust Act 1882/ Society Registration Act 1860.
• Foundations registered under Section 28 of the Companies Act, 1994 and established for financing Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Clubs registered under any public or private university or any government authority that work for non-profit
• Individuals and Groups can also submit their ideas and applications where they will have to demonstrate the requisite experience and capacity to manage projects

Minimum Required Documents

• For individuals: NID Copy, TIN Certificate, Curriculum Vitae/Resume, Certification from previous donor organization (if any)
• For groups: (For each member) NID Copies, TIN Certificates, Curriculum Vitae/Resume, Certification from previous donor organization (if any)
• For organizations: Organization Registration Certificate/Incorporation Certificate, Latest Trade License, Form XII, Memorandum of Association (MOA), BIN Certificate, TIN Certificate, Organization Portfolio, Certification from previous donor organization (if any), Bank Certificate/Cheque Copy.

Application Procedure

Visit: https://emkcenter.org/emk-small-grant/

Important Instructions:

Application deadline: 11:59 PM on January 31, 2024

Only online applications will be reviewed. Hard-copy submissions will not be accepted

Applications sent after the deadline will not be reviewed

Project Completion Timeline: 6 months (February – August 2024)

Award Floor and Ceiling: BDT 200,000 – 500,000

If you have specific queries, please email [email protected]