The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) supports peacebuilding projects implemented by nonprofit organizations including educational institutions, research institutions and civil society organizations. Under its 2010 Annual Grant Competition, it is currently seeking applications from organizations around the world. Even individuals can apply for funding support under this call.

This competition:
. supports innovative peacebuilding projects involving research, the identification of promising models and effective practices, the development of practitioner resources and tools, the development and delivery of education, training and dialogue programs, and the production of films, radio programs, and other media.

. funds projects focused on preventing, managing, and resolving violent conflict and promoting post-conflict peacebuilding in settings outside the borders of the U.S. Awards support activities that apply across a broad range of relevant disciplines, skills, and approaches. USIP welcomes proposals of an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary nature.

Topic areas of interest to USIP include, but are not limited to:
- Conflict analysis and prevention;
- Mediation and conflict resolution;
- Postconflict peace and stability operations;
- Religion and peacemaking;
- Women and girls in conflict and peacebuilding;
- Rule of law and transitional justice;
- Economies and conflict;
- Social, psychological, and physical impacts of war and conflict;
- Media and conflict.

Nonprofit organizations such as “institutions of post-secondary, community, and secondary education; public and private education, training or research institutions, and libraries” in the US and other parts of the world can apply for this funding opportunity. While applying, they should present the proof of nonprofit status in their country. The grant competition allows individuals to apply for the grant. However, they should identify a nonprofit organization through which the grants will be managed. “When applicants are employed by an eligible institution, such as a college or university, USIP requires that grants be made to the institution rather than to the individual.”

All applications submitted will be examined initially by the USIP staff, followed by in most cases an external peer review and then further consideration of the panels’ recommendation by USIP’s executivie officers. “USIP does not take positions on policy issues pending before Congress, the executive branch, or other domestic or international bodies, and does not fund “Track 1″ (official) mediation of international disputes. USIP will not fund grant proposals of a partisan political nature or proposals that would inject the grantee or USIP into the policy processes of the United States government or any foreign government or international organization. In addition, in accord with the United States Institute of Peace Act, Section 1709(b), USIP will not use political tests or political qualifications in selecting or monitoring any grantee. Projects that lead to policy recommendations for governments, international organizations, or nongovernmental organizations are welcome, even encouraged, although such recommendations will be those of the grantee and not USIP.”

Grants can be requested for a period of 1-2 years and grants are available between $40,000 and $120,000. “Proposed grant budgets are reviewed by USIP staff, and are subject to modification.”

Applications can be submitted online. The deadline for submissions is 1 October 2010. For more information, visit this link.

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