Supporting Increased Tolerance and Integration of Minority Groups in Slovakia | SVK FY2024 04

Opportunity Information: Apply for SVK FY2024 04

The U.S. Embassy Bratislava (U.S. Department of State) is offering a discretionary grant competition titled "Supporting Increased Tolerance and Integration of Minority Groups in Slovakia" (Funding Opportunity Number: SVK FY2024 04). The opportunity is designed to strengthen civil society efforts that improve tolerance and real-world integration outcomes for the most vulnerable minority groups in Slovakia. In practice, this means funding projects that help reduce discrimination, expand equal access to opportunities and services, and build broader public support for minority rights and inclusion.

The program is looking for proposals that align with one or more of four priority areas. First, it supports initiatives that protect the human rights and wellbeing of LGBTQI people and/or raise public awareness of LGBTQI issues. Second, it seeks projects that advance Roma inclusion across social, economic, and political life, which could include efforts that reduce barriers to education, employment, civic participation, or representation. Third, it welcomes work that advances the rights and integration of ethnic and religious minorities more broadly, focusing on practical inclusion as well as rights-based approaches. Fourth, it encourages proposals aimed at countering extremism, hate, and intolerance directed at minority groups in Slovakia, including prevention and response efforts that address hate-driven narratives and behaviors.

The Embassy notes a wide range of activities that can fit under these priorities. Competitive projects may include capacity-building for civil society organizations, advocacy work that promotes protections and policy improvements for vulnerable groups, and direct support such as services, trainings, and empowerment activities for minority community members. Proposals can also focus on creating more welcoming and supportive communities, building public understanding, and shifting attitudes through awareness-raising and engagement. Another important theme is helping generate stronger public and political backing for minority rights in Slovakia, which can involve coalition-building, evidence-based outreach, and constructive engagement with stakeholders, as long as the work remains apolitical.

Several design expectations are emphasized. Applicants are encouraged to prioritize activities with a regional dimension and a multiplier effect, meaning projects that can extend beyond one locality, be replicated, or catalyze broader change through networks, partnerships, or train-the-trainer approaches. Strong proposals may also demonstrate meaningful participation by members of the minority groups being served, not only as beneficiaries but as contributors to planning, implementation, and evaluation. The Embassy expects applicants to set realistic and measurable goals, explain why their approach is likely to work, and identify clear performance indicators to track progress and results.

Sustainability and communications are also central. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that are durable and impactful, tied to the organization’s longer-term mission rather than one-off activities that end when the grant ends. A strong public communication component is specifically encouraged, signaling that funded projects should think carefully about how they will share results, raise awareness, and engage audiences in ways that reinforce tolerance and inclusion. At the same time, proposals must acknowledge potential implementation risks (for example, backlash, security concerns, political sensitivities, or reputational threats) and outline practical mitigation strategies.

Eligibility is limited to apolitical, not-for-profit organizations based in the Slovak Republic. The opportunity is open to Slovak civil society and non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and educational institutions, provided they are not affiliated with or endorsing any political party or political actor. The funding instrument is a grant, administered under CFDA 19.878 by the U.S. Mission to Slovakia.

Key funding details include an award ceiling of USD 90,000 per award, with up to 10 awards expected. The opportunity was created on 2024-04-26, and the original application deadline is 2024-06-16.

• The U.S. Mission to Slovakia in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Supporting Increased Tolerance and Integration of Minority Groups in Slovakia" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.878.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-04-26.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-06-16. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $90,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for SVK FY2024 04

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