The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a private, nonprofit foundation dedicated to the growth and strengthening of democratic institutions around the world. Each year, NED makes more than 1,000 grants to support the projects of non-governmental groups abroad who are working for democratic goals in more than 90 countries. Since its founding in 1983, the Endowment has remained on the leading edge of democratic struggles everywhere, while evolving into a multifaceted institution that is a hub of activity, resources and intellectual exchange for activists, practitioners and scholars of democracy the world over.

NED's direct grants are aimed at providing financial support to hundreds of nongovernmental groups abroad working to ensure human rights, an independent media, the rule of law and to advance other democratic goals.

NED encourages applications for financial support from activist organizations in diverse situations, such as transitional countries where the goal is democratic consolidation, authoritarian countries where the goals are liberalization, and the protection of human rights.

In this context, NED is currently seeking grant proposals from eligible organizations to be considered during the next board meeting scheduled to be held on March 30, 2012.

Programs Eligible for Grants

NED is especially interested in proposals that originate with local democratic groups. It is also interested in nonpartisan programs seeking to strengthen democratic values. Note that the Endowment does not make grants to individuals.

Selection Procedure

NED Board of Directors meets every quarter for reviewing and evaluating the grant proposals. In addition to evaluating how a program fits within the Endowment's overall priorities, the Board considers factors such as the urgency of a program, its relevance to specific needs and conditions in a particular country, and the democratic commitment and experience of the applicant.