The Open Society Foundation for South Africa (OSF-SA) is inviting organisations and individuals to submit proposals for projects focused on educating for democracy. According to OSF, South Africa is poised on the brink of political change. In order to embark on a robust process of democratic deliberation, it is imperative to foster active participation by citizens to strive toward goals and values that embrace respect and tolerance of a diversity of views, mutual respect between groups and individuals, and building on shared aspects of a commitment to the values of the Constitution of South Africa. The grants' intention is to encourage individuals and institutions to promote the ideals and practices of democratic and open societies by supporting projects designed around educating for democracy and broadening the public debate on rights, responsibilities, accountability, and oversight in a democratic state.

The following themes are key:

• media in a time of political change;
• role of civil society in democratic change; and
• meanings of democracy in South Africa "fourteen years later".

Click here for more information about the grant.

Applicants should submit the following to the contact below:

• a one-page executive summary;
• a discussion of the design of the project which the individual or organisation wishes to undertake including goals, objectives, and activities, as well as a motivation for why these have been selected;
• a detailed budget and time-frame for the completion of the project; and
• a short resume documenting the individual's or organisation’s track record and qualifications in terms of undertaking this type of work.

[NGO-Pulse] Issue 148, October 29 2008 and OSF-SA website on October 30 2008.