Recepients of NED Grants for the Elections 2012 in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Agora Central Europe
$40,000
To foster youth activism and leadership skills, as well as encourage independent and critical thinking among high school students through an innovative, crossborder civic education project. In partnership with the Association of Election Officials BiH, the Prague-based Agora will organize 34 civic education trainings and conduct a debate tournament. Up to 350 students and teachers will participate in the program.
$40,000
To foster youth activism and leadership skills, as well as encourage independent and critical thinking among high school students through an innovative, crossborder civic education project. In partnership with the Association of Election Officials BiH, the Prague-based Agora will organize 34 civic education trainings and conduct a debate tournament. Up to 350 students and teachers will participate in the program.
Alternativna Televizija
$47,000
To produce a series of investigative documentary programs addressing important social, economic, and political developments and researching cases of corruption. The Banja Luka-based ATV will produce 10 weekly episodes of its groundbreaking program entitled “Dossier,” which will provide in-depth investigations into crime and corruption, including cases of misuse of political power, waste, fraud, embezzlement, as well as incidents of extremism.
$47,000
To produce a series of investigative documentary programs addressing important social, economic, and political developments and researching cases of corruption. The Banja Luka-based ATV will produce 10 weekly episodes of its groundbreaking program entitled “Dossier,” which will provide in-depth investigations into crime and corruption, including cases of misuse of political power, waste, fraud, embezzlement, as well as incidents of extremism.
Alternativna Televizija
$48,000
To produce a series of investigative documentary programs addressing important social, economic, and political developments and researching cases of corruption. The Banja Luka-based ATV will produce 10 weekly episodes of its groundbreaking program entitled “Dossier,” which will provide in-depth investigations into crime and corruption, including cases of misuse of political power, waste, fraud, and embezzlement, as well as issues affecting the country’s minorities, prior to the October 2012 local elections.
$48,000
To produce a series of investigative documentary programs addressing important social, economic, and political developments and researching cases of corruption. The Banja Luka-based ATV will produce 10 weekly episodes of its groundbreaking program entitled “Dossier,” which will provide in-depth investigations into crime and corruption, including cases of misuse of political power, waste, fraud, and embezzlement, as well as issues affecting the country’s minorities, prior to the October 2012 local elections.
Association Alumni of the Center for Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Studies
$29,000
To advance Bosnia and Herzegovina’s democratic transition by fostering public debate for constitutional changes needed to bring Bosnia and Herzegovina’s legislation in line with EU standards. ACIPS will produce a policy paper with recommendations for constitutional reform, focusing particularly on issues of equal participation and representation of citizens of all constitutional categories, and advocate for their adoption.
$29,000
To advance Bosnia and Herzegovina’s democratic transition by fostering public debate for constitutional changes needed to bring Bosnia and Herzegovina’s legislation in line with EU standards. ACIPS will produce a policy paper with recommendations for constitutional reform, focusing particularly on issues of equal participation and representation of citizens of all constitutional categories, and advocate for their adoption.
Association Alumni of the Center for Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Studies
$35,340
To encourage issue-based campaigning and promote the accountability of candidates ahead of October 2012 local elections. ACIPS will monitor election-related media coverage and assess the level of candidates’ responsiveness to their electorates’ concerns. The nonpartisan monitoring will also create a benchmark for evaluating public officials’ performance after being elected to government.
$35,340
To encourage issue-based campaigning and promote the accountability of candidates ahead of October 2012 local elections. ACIPS will monitor election-related media coverage and assess the level of candidates’ responsiveness to their electorates’ concerns. The nonpartisan monitoring will also create a benchmark for evaluating public officials’ performance after being elected to government.
Association of Independent Creators and Activists GETO
$33,000
To promote youth activism and foster open debate on key issues facing youth in Republika Srpska. GETO will organize a series of more than 45 alternative civic education and awareness raising activities in Banja Luka, including public discussions, film screenings, exhibitions, concerts, and promotions of other civic groups and initiatives to foster freedom of expression and encourage youth to be more active in their communities. GETO will also produce a biweekly youth radio program and continue to cooperate with the popular online platform www.slovo.ba.
$33,000
To promote youth activism and foster open debate on key issues facing youth in Republika Srpska. GETO will organize a series of more than 45 alternative civic education and awareness raising activities in Banja Luka, including public discussions, film screenings, exhibitions, concerts, and promotions of other civic groups and initiatives to foster freedom of expression and encourage youth to be more active in their communities. GETO will also produce a biweekly youth radio program and continue to cooperate with the popular online platform www.slovo.ba.
Center for Civic Cooperation Livno
$26,000
To continue promoting effective local government and increasing citizen participation in decision-making processes in two cantons in Herzegovina. The Center will build the capacity of municipal wards to better network, as well as to monitor the work of local councils and administrations ahead of and following the October 2012 local elections. The Center will also produce a series of radio programs about these initiatives, and help to strengthen seven municipal and two cantonal networks facilitating communications between local governments and citizens.
$26,000
To continue promoting effective local government and increasing citizen participation in decision-making processes in two cantons in Herzegovina. The Center will build the capacity of municipal wards to better network, as well as to monitor the work of local councils and administrations ahead of and following the October 2012 local elections. The Center will also produce a series of radio programs about these initiatives, and help to strengthen seven municipal and two cantonal networks facilitating communications between local governments and citizens.
Center for Development of Media and Analysis
$39,870
To promote the accountability of elected officials ahead of the October 2012 local elections, as well as to encourage public support for NGO work. The Center will partner with local NGOs to identify key problems facing citizens in 21 municipalities, and spotlight the work of elected officials responsible for addressing them. Approximately 150 online articles and 120 reports on local government spending will be produced for the e-magazine Zurnal (www.zurnal.info).
$39,870
To promote the accountability of elected officials ahead of the October 2012 local elections, as well as to encourage public support for NGO work. The Center will partner with local NGOs to identify key problems facing citizens in 21 municipalities, and spotlight the work of elected officials responsible for addressing them. Approximately 150 online articles and 120 reports on local government spending will be produced for the e-magazine Zurnal (www.zurnal.info).
Center for Informative Decontamination of Youth
$35,000
To foster issue-based public debate among citizens, local community leaders and candidates in Republika Srpska on the most important social, political and economic topics affecting their communities. Ahead of and immediately following the October 2012 local elections, the Center will produce seven episodes of the popular weekly program “Buka” (“Noise”), a live television discussion aimed primarily at youth, the segment of society most susceptible to political and civic apathy.
$35,000
To foster issue-based public debate among citizens, local community leaders and candidates in Republika Srpska on the most important social, political and economic topics affecting their communities. Ahead of and immediately following the October 2012 local elections, the Center will produce seven episodes of the popular weekly program “Buka” (“Noise”), a live television discussion aimed primarily at youth, the segment of society most susceptible to political and civic apathy.
Center for Investigative Reporting
$49,000
To promote transparency and accountability, with a particular focus on raising awareness about the actual cost and consequences of corruption in public institutions. During an important election year, CIN reporters will investigate specific cases of corruption in the sectors which most directly affect the lives of ordinary citizens, quantify their effects, and calculate the actual cost to taxpayers. The information uncovered will be used to produce at least six investigative articles for popular national newspapers, magazines, and websites.
$49,000
To promote transparency and accountability, with a particular focus on raising awareness about the actual cost and consequences of corruption in public institutions. During an important election year, CIN reporters will investigate specific cases of corruption in the sectors which most directly affect the lives of ordinary citizens, quantify their effects, and calculate the actual cost to taxpayers. The information uncovered will be used to produce at least six investigative articles for popular national newspapers, magazines, and websites.
Center for Policy and Governance
$49,000
To continue promoting public debate on policies affecting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s democratic transition and EU integration. Through an analysis and a review of public policymaking and implementation processes, the CPU will initiate an open debate about and solicit expert input on specific policies of major importance for the country’s EU accession. The CPU will produce six policy papers and conduct a series of outreach activities to advocate for the implementation of its recommendations.
$49,000
To continue promoting public debate on policies affecting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s democratic transition and EU integration. Through an analysis and a review of public policymaking and implementation processes, the CPU will initiate an open debate about and solicit expert input on specific policies of major importance for the country’s EU accession. The CPU will produce six policy papers and conduct a series of outreach activities to advocate for the implementation of its recommendations.
EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy
$40,000
To strengthen the capacity of think tanks and experts in Bosnia and Herzegovina to advocate for the democratic reforms necessary for EU accession. In the third phase of this project, the Prague-based EUROPEUM will work with the Sarajevo-based European Research Center to identify solutions addressing two priority challenges confronting the newly-formed government by producing policy papers, and organizing five deliberative seminars and a conference.
$40,000
To strengthen the capacity of think tanks and experts in Bosnia and Herzegovina to advocate for the democratic reforms necessary for EU accession. In the third phase of this project, the Prague-based EUROPEUM will work with the Sarajevo-based European Research Center to identify solutions addressing two priority challenges confronting the newly-formed government by producing policy papers, and organizing five deliberative seminars and a conference.
Foundation for Creative Development
$41,000
To promote issue-based voting and encourage youth participation in the October 2012 local elections. In partnership with three NGOs, the Foundation will conduct a countrywide, nonpartisan campaign to inform, educate, and mobilize young voters to participate in the electoral process. The campaign will include public events in 14 cities, including a GOTV caravan and concerts, promotion of online accountability tools, and a multimedia outreach program of more than 20 online articles, radio programs, television shows and video clips.
$41,000
To promote issue-based voting and encourage youth participation in the October 2012 local elections. In partnership with three NGOs, the Foundation will conduct a countrywide, nonpartisan campaign to inform, educate, and mobilize young voters to participate in the electoral process. The campaign will include public events in 14 cities, including a GOTV caravan and concerts, promotion of online accountability tools, and a multimedia outreach program of more than 20 online articles, radio programs, television shows and video clips.
Foundation for Creative Development
$38,750
To continue promoting the activities of NGOs and building public support for the civic sector. The Foundation will produce 30 episodes of a popular television series “Hayd u park” (“Let’s Go to the Park”), profiling local NGOs and their efforts to tackle specific problems in their respective communities, highlighting discussions on key issues by civic leaders, and providing current news about the country’s civic sector.
$38,750
To continue promoting the activities of NGOs and building public support for the civic sector. The Foundation will produce 30 episodes of a popular television series “Hayd u park” (“Let’s Go to the Park”), profiling local NGOs and their efforts to tackle specific problems in their respective communities, highlighting discussions on key issues by civic leaders, and providing current news about the country’s civic sector.
Foundation Humanity in Action Bosnia and Herzegovina
$26,000
To encourage active citizenship among youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and enable young leaders to play a more significant role in promoting democratic values, human rights, and diversity among their peers. The program will provide training to 15 diverse young people, introduce them to democracy and human rights issues, encourage them to employ critical thinking on sensitive topics, and build their communication and research skills. The program includes an eight-day training, individual research projects, and a group project resulting in four small civic campaigns.
$26,000
To encourage active citizenship among youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and enable young leaders to play a more significant role in promoting democratic values, human rights, and diversity among their peers. The program will provide training to 15 diverse young people, introduce them to democracy and human rights issues, encourage them to employ critical thinking on sensitive topics, and build their communication and research skills. The program includes an eight-day training, individual research projects, and a group project resulting in four small civic campaigns.
National Democratic Institute for International Affairs
$425,000
To support political parties to strengthen their connections to citizens through public policy dialogue at the local level. NDI will assist twelve party branches, representing six parties, in drafting inclusive and responsive policy documents, engaging citizens on these policies through public meetings, developing corresponding campaign platforms, and supporting these policies within municipal councils. The parties will utilize NDI’s municipal public opinion research and incorporate citizen input into their policies.
$425,000
To support political parties to strengthen their connections to citizens through public policy dialogue at the local level. NDI will assist twelve party branches, representing six parties, in drafting inclusive and responsive policy documents, engaging citizens on these policies through public meetings, developing corresponding campaign platforms, and supporting these policies within municipal councils. The parties will utilize NDI’s municipal public opinion research and incorporate citizen input into their policies.
Post-Conflict Research Center
$45,000
To advance the process of post-conflict transition and promote ethnic reconciliation. The PCRC will conduct a multimedia educational project raising awareness about true stories of moral courage and human compassion during the war. Five episodes of a documentary series, three of which will be produced using NED funding, will feature personal stories of ordinary people who exhibited incredible courage to help others. With funding from other donors, the PCRC will use the documentaries to encourage new approaches to promoting transitional justice and reconciliation.
$45,000
To advance the process of post-conflict transition and promote ethnic reconciliation. The PCRC will conduct a multimedia educational project raising awareness about true stories of moral courage and human compassion during the war. Five episodes of a documentary series, three of which will be produced using NED funding, will feature personal stories of ordinary people who exhibited incredible courage to help others. With funding from other donors, the PCRC will use the documentaries to encourage new approaches to promoting transitional justice and reconciliation.
Pravo ljudski
$13,400
To continue fostering public debate on human rights issues among youth. Pravo ljudski will organize the sixth edition of its human rights film festival, a series of public events including film screenings, discussions, and photo exhibitions aimed at raising human rights awareness. It will also conduct a civic education program utilizing screenings of politically and socially themed documentaries for high school students in five cities. At the end of the project, Pravo ljudski will organize a conference bringing together 20 participants of its civic education program to discuss the methodology, exchange experiences, and develop plans for the next year.
$13,400
To continue fostering public debate on human rights issues among youth. Pravo ljudski will organize the sixth edition of its human rights film festival, a series of public events including film screenings, discussions, and photo exhibitions aimed at raising human rights awareness. It will also conduct a civic education program utilizing screenings of politically and socially themed documentaries for high school students in five cities. At the end of the project, Pravo ljudski will organize a conference bringing together 20 participants of its civic education program to discuss the methodology, exchange experiences, and develop plans for the next year.
Pravo ljudski
$43,000
To foster public debate on human rights issues among youth. Pravo ljudski will organize the seventh edition of its human rights film festival, a series of public events including film screenings, discussions, and exhibitions aimed at raising human rights awareness. It will also conduct a civic education program utilizing screenings of politically and socially themed documentaries in three cities, and train ten students in video activism.
$43,000
To foster public debate on human rights issues among youth. Pravo ljudski will organize the seventh edition of its human rights film festival, a series of public events including film screenings, discussions, and exhibitions aimed at raising human rights awareness. It will also conduct a civic education program utilizing screenings of politically and socially themed documentaries in three cities, and train ten students in video activism.
Press Council in Bosnia-Herzegovina
$38,000
To promote and protect freedom of information and encourage professional media reporting, particularly ahead of the October 2012 local elections. Through a series of special radio programs and workshops for citizens, media representatives and journalism and law students, this media self-regulatory body will promote quality journalism through mechanisms such as the Council’s complaints procedure against unprofessional and manipulative media reporting.
$38,000
To promote and protect freedom of information and encourage professional media reporting, particularly ahead of the October 2012 local elections. Through a series of special radio programs and workshops for citizens, media representatives and journalism and law students, this media self-regulatory body will promote quality journalism through mechanisms such as the Council’s complaints procedure against unprofessional and manipulative media reporting.
Sarajevo Open Center
$43,000
To assist in advancing the country’s democratic transition by fostering public debate on and building citizen support for ideas for constitutional changes needed to improve functionality and governance. As a member of a coalition of 15 civil society organizations known as Coalition K-143, the Center will conduct an extensive online and offline advocacy campaign to promote a new governance model which emphasizes improved state functionality and government accountability.
$43,000
To assist in advancing the country’s democratic transition by fostering public debate on and building citizen support for ideas for constitutional changes needed to improve functionality and governance. As a member of a coalition of 15 civil society organizations known as Coalition K-143, the Center will conduct an extensive online and offline advocacy campaign to promote a new governance model which emphasizes improved state functionality and government accountability.
Transitions Online
$38,300
To improve media reporting and increase the visibility of problems, rights and needs of Roma populations. Within a larger, multi-year program, the Prague-based TOL will strengthen the capacity of Roma media and promote the accessibility of high quality, unbiased information about the Roma community in the Western Balkans. Endowment funds will be used to produce 12 biweekly, hour-long radio programs targeting Roma living in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
$38,300
To improve media reporting and increase the visibility of problems, rights and needs of Roma populations. Within a larger, multi-year program, the Prague-based TOL will strengthen the capacity of Roma media and promote the accessibility of high quality, unbiased information about the Roma community in the Western Balkans. Endowment funds will be used to produce 12 biweekly, hour-long radio programs targeting Roma living in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Why Not?
$79,000
To continue operating the Istinomjer (Truth-O-Meter, www.istinomjer.ba), a groundbreaking website that serves as an interactive political fact-checking database, providing comprehensive nonpartisan information on the truthfulness, consistency, and implementation of public officials’ statements and promises. Ahead of the October 2012 local elections, Why Not will also work with organizations in ten municipalities to monitor the work of local officials, analyze their performance, and develop local versions of the Istinomjer site.
$79,000
To continue operating the Istinomjer (Truth-O-Meter, www.istinomjer.ba), a groundbreaking website that serves as an interactive political fact-checking database, providing comprehensive nonpartisan information on the truthfulness, consistency, and implementation of public officials’ statements and promises. Ahead of the October 2012 local elections, Why Not will also work with organizations in ten municipalities to monitor the work of local officials, analyze their performance, and develop local versions of the Istinomjer site.
Why Not?
$70,000
To raise public awareness about the implications of the 2013 census for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s democratic transition, as well as to facilitate participation of a broader civil society in promoting equal rights of citizens. Why Not will conduct a comprehensive outreach campaign, including outdoor, online, media, and direct contact components. Why Not will produce three promotional videos and distribute over 100,000 flyers, 4,000 posters, 300 tee shirts and post 20 billboards throughout the country. By holding over 100 meetings and 30 public events, it will aim to build a broad coalition of NGOs, informal groups and individuals to promote equal rights and ensure a fair census taking process. An online monitoring tool will allow citizens to monitor the census process and report irregularities.
$70,000
To raise public awareness about the implications of the 2013 census for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s democratic transition, as well as to facilitate participation of a broader civil society in promoting equal rights of citizens. Why Not will conduct a comprehensive outreach campaign, including outdoor, online, media, and direct contact components. Why Not will produce three promotional videos and distribute over 100,000 flyers, 4,000 posters, 300 tee shirts and post 20 billboards throughout the country. By holding over 100 meetings and 30 public events, it will aim to build a broad coalition of NGOs, informal groups and individuals to promote equal rights and ensure a fair census taking process. An online monitoring tool will allow citizens to monitor the census process and report irregularities.
Youth Communication Center
$46,000
To assist young people in playing a more effective role in advocating for youth related issues. The Center will provide capacity building training to student councils in close to 300 high schools, continue to strengthen two entity and one state level council networks, and facilitate their mutual collaboration and cooperation with government authorities. The Center’s Radio Balkan will produce nine programs raising awareness about problems facing youth. In addition, the Center will encourage greater turnout and promote issue-based voting among first-time voters in the October 2012 local elections.
$46,000
To assist young people in playing a more effective role in advocating for youth related issues. The Center will provide capacity building training to student councils in close to 300 high schools, continue to strengthen two entity and one state level council networks, and facilitate their mutual collaboration and cooperation with government authorities. The Center’s Radio Balkan will produce nine programs raising awareness about problems facing youth. In addition, the Center will encourage greater turnout and promote issue-based voting among first-time voters in the October 2012 local elections.
Youth Cultural Center Abrasevic
$43,000
To conduct a nonpartisan multimedia program to encourage public debate on key issues and promote the accountability of public officials prior to the October 2012 local elections. The Mostar-based organization’s multimedia portal AbrasMedia (www.abrasmedia.info) will provide a forum for open discussion by prominent civic and political leaders, critically analyze the performance of elected officials, promote civic and election-related activism, and present the work of NGOs and civic groups in Herzegovina.
$43,000
To conduct a nonpartisan multimedia program to encourage public debate on key issues and promote the accountability of public officials prior to the October 2012 local elections. The Mostar-based organization’s multimedia portal AbrasMedia (www.abrasmedia.info) will provide a forum for open discussion by prominent civic and political leaders, critically analyze the performance of elected officials, promote civic and election-related activism, and present the work of NGOs and civic groups in Herzegovina.
Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Bosnia and Herzegovina
$33,000
To promote new approaches to encouraging public debate and raising awareness about war crimes committed in the 1990s. A consortium of four organizations, led by the YIHR, will produce the interactive content for the new Siege of Sarajevo museum. Providing visitors with a virtual experience of life under siege, the exhibit will act as a powerful civic education tool about this tragic period in the recent history of the Balkans.
$33,000
To promote new approaches to encouraging public debate and raising awareness about war crimes committed in the 1990s. A consortium of four organizations, led by the YIHR, will produce the interactive content for the new Siege of Sarajevo museum. Providing visitors with a virtual experience of life under siege, the exhibit will act as a powerful civic education tool about this tragic period in the recent history of the Balkans.
Youth Movement “Revolt”
$31,500
To promote the accountability of public officials in the country’s northeast ahead of the October 2012 local elections. Revolt will continue to monitor the work of the local and cantonal governments in Tuzla, and train young people in other cities spanning both entities to monitor their respective governments. The nonpartisan program will include 20 workshops, four debates with elected officials, and a mobilization campaign to encourage youth activism prior to the elections.
$31,500
To promote the accountability of public officials in the country’s northeast ahead of the October 2012 local elections. Revolt will continue to monitor the work of the local and cantonal governments in Tuzla, and train young people in other cities spanning both entities to monitor their respective governments. The nonpartisan program will include 20 workshops, four debates with elected officials, and a mobilization campaign to encourage youth activism prior to the elections.
Grant descriptions are from the 2012 NED Annual Report..
