Grant List of 2014 Year

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-12-29

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18999

Organization:

Hazarashen, Armenian Center for Ethnological Studies

Grant Amount:

$15,000.00

Purpose:

For: the study underlying reasons for soviet repressions of 1949 and raise general public awareness on the subject; to generate public demand for responsibility of the soviet Armenian political and administrative power with the aim to generate change in the public behavior, overcome fear from political power and create understanding of the need for civic approach when dealing with state power. The goal is obtained through analyzing the mechanisms of repressions and through active communication of findings to the general public, public discussion and media articles. Methods include case studies, content analysis of archival materials including analysis of legal documents

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-12-29

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18911

Organization:

Institute of Public Policy, NGO

Grant Amount:

$16,433.00

Purpose:

For component one goal of the project is data based assessment of comprehensive measures and policies directed at faculty professional quality enhancement, further identification and specialization of policy research and advocacy priority spheres in the field of education, policy resource database building, planned advocacy and communication of the database to major stakeholders. Objectives include assessment of the efficiency of university faculty professional quality enhancement policies, comparative analysis of those policies, description of faculty perception of the reform and a need based assessment of the faculty professional quality enhancement reform as it relates to wider higher education reform and its implementation. Methods are policy document analysis, focus groups, online survey, case study. Outcomes include data based policy analysis of professional quality enhancement reform in higher education, outline of the major stakeholders/consumers in the field both for the project, targeted policy research products to be presented to identified stakeholders, enhanced institutional visibility through communication and advocacy of research results, permanent network of interested parties ready to advocate for efficient and needs based reform implementation, mobilization and inclusion of volunteer assisting team. For component two the goal is the data based analysis and assessment of the impact of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on regional security and the role of Russia in influencing Armenia's domestic and foreign policies. More specifically the project will seek answers to questions on the Russian strategy and tactics for maintaining its influence in the region (Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia), the legal bilateral and multilateral framework for cooperation between Armenia and Russia, the level of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution dependence on the geopolitical aspirations of Russia and possible way-outs in a form of foreign policy alternatives. Methods include analysis of policy documents and interviews. Outcomes include identification of key areas vulnerable towards Russian soft and hard power, policy research report and shorter formatted policy research and advocacy materials, an alternative outline of the relevant sections of the national security strategy for targeted communication and advocacy of findings via the institutional support and for the enhancement of institutional identity of the Institute of Public Policy

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-12-25

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18996

Organization:

Compass, Research, Training and Consultancy Center, NGO

Grant Amount:

$1,660.00

Purpose:

To achieve more transparent and needs-based budgeting policy through enhancing data based knowledge on financial decisions made by Gyumri local self government bodies and ensure informed participation of targeted groups of community people in budgeting processes. Direct aim of the project is to create better understanding of consequences of budgeting decisions, and community finance management that lay basis to wider civic activism. Major tools and activities of the project are detailed data analysis on Gyumri community budgeting policy; preparation of the web platform for technical features and content; wide advocacy and dissemination of findings. Some of the expected outcomes of the project include interactive website created on the Gyumri municipal budget; dynamic Gyumri budget data collected and published in open formats, open source code for visual budget site applicable in other communities, advocacy activities and a network of local civil society organizations to hold regular discussions and advocacy events, policy research findings widely reflected and used in local media. The grant is aimed to purchase equipment for implementation of “Our Money, Our Right to Know – Visual Local Budget” project (Grant 18935)

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-12-25

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18935

Organization:

Compass, Research, Training and Consultancy Center, NGO

Grant Amount:

$15,340.00

Purpose:

To achieve more transparent and needs-based budgeting policy through enhancing data based knowledge on financial decisions made by Gyumri local self government bodies and ensure informed participation of targeted groups of community people in budgeting processes. Direct aim of the project is to create better understanding of consequences of budgeting decisions, and community finance management that lay basis to wider civic activism. Major tools and activities of the project are detailed data analysis on Gyumri community budgeting policy; preparation of the web platform for technical features and content; wide advocacy and dissemination of findings. Some of the expected outcomes of the project include interactive website created on the Gyumri municipal budget; dynamic Gyumri budget data collected and published in open formats, open source code for visual budget site applicable in other communities, advocacy activities and a network of local civil society organizations to hold regular discussions and advocacy events, policy research findings widely reflected and used in local media

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-12-25

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

18967

Organization:

Housaber CJSC, Yerkir Media TV Company

Grant Amount:

$33,000.00

Purpose:

To support production of “Bardzradzayn” and “Round Table” TV programs on Yerkir Media TV channel to ensure discussion of important social and political developments, as well as the issues of fundamental freedoms and the rights of marginalized groups. TV programs will promote tolerance towards marginalized groups to reduce manifestation of discrimination and to challenge dominant media discourse of inequality. Audience will be provided with TV discussions covering the various aspects of social and political life, ecology, corruption, issues of religious minorities, gender issues and problems of domestic violence, issues of persons with disability, issues of children and people living with HIV/AIDS, issues of palliative and mental health, the problems that exist in closed and semi-closed institutions, and labor rights. 18 discussions of “Bardzradzayn” TV debates/talk shows will be broadcast during 6 months period. “Bardzradzayn” TV programs will be broadcast once a week at prime-time and rerun during the week. 18 discussions of “Round Table” TV program will be broadcast during 6 months period. “Round Table” TV programs will be broadcast once a week at prime-time and rerun during the week

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-12-29

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19001

Organization:

Goris Press Club, NGO

Grant Amount:

$2,840.00

Purpose:

For technical support for online broadcasting of the Syunik civil society (CS) hub activities within the grant #18984 aimed at supporting the civil Society Hub in Syunik to mobilize the engaged 19 local partner NGOs and active youth around a collective civic agenda of protection of human rights and public interests, support and engage rural CS community in promotion of local government accountability, get involved in mainstream public discourse on key problems, and raise local problems to the broader public. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) provide advanced learning opportunities for local activists through setting of a “Civil Society School” and organizing a series of trainings on public journalism, local governance accountability, participation, advocacy, debates, etc; 2) provide space and organize at least 6 public discussions/debates in Goris on the most important issues and developments in the country in cooperation with civil society partners 3) mobilize the active youth from 7 target communities (Vorotan, Qarahounge, Tatev, Brnakot, Halidzor, Harzhis, and Verishen) for rising local issues, empower them with knowledge, resources and media tools for monitoring the local government activities and help in formulating asks for inclusion into local governments agendas; 4) conduct 7 public meetings in the target communities to rise participation in the target communities’ development strategy and budgets formation processes, using media tools and engaging local active youth; 5) prepare and disseminate through media 8 video reportages and at least 12 articles to cover the issues raised by local active groups, as well as other problems in the region; 6) engage in monitoring and provide media coverage of local elections in Syunik to be conducted in 2015; 7) organize streaming and video-conferences on the most urgent issues with the help of Media Center and other media; 8) exchange information and cooperate with CS Hubs in Shirak, Armavir and Gegharkunik in local initiatives, discussions, press-conferences, local elections, etc.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-12-28

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18984

Organization:

Goris Press Club, NGO

Grant Amount:

$20,660.00

Purpose:

To support the regional Civil Society Hub in Syunik to mobilize local partner NGOs and active youth around a collective civic agenda of protection of human rights and public interests, support and engage rural CS community in promotion of local government accountability, get involved in mainstream public discourse on key problems, and raise local problems to the broader public. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) provide advanced learning opportunities for local activists through setting of a “Civil Society School” and organizing a series of trainings on public journalism, local governance accountability, participation, advocacy, debates, etc; 2) provide space and organize at least 6 public discussions/debates in Goris on the most important issues and developments in the country in cooperation with civil society partners 3) mobilize the active youth from 7 target communities (Vorotan, Qarahounge, Tatev, Brnakot, Halidzor, Harzhis, and Verishen) for rising local issues, empower them with knowledge, resources and media tools for monitoring the local government activities and help in formulating asks for inclusion into local governments agendas; 4) conduct 7 public meetings in the target communities to rise participation in the target communities’ development strategy and budgets formation processes, using media tools and engaging local active youth; 5) prepare and disseminate through media 8 video reportages and at least 12 articles to cover the issues raised by local active groups, as well as other problems in the region; 6) engage in monitoring and provide media coverage of local elections in Syunik to be conducted in 2015; 7) organize streaming and video-conferences on the most urgent issues with the help of Media Center and other media; 8) exchange information and cooperate with CS Hubs in Shirak, Armavir and Gegharkunik in local initiatives, discussions, press-conferences, local elections, etc.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-12-24

Program:

Public Health

Grant Number:

18934

Organization:

Yerevan State University

Grant Amount:

$10,995.00

Purpose:

For institutionalization of the certified course on “Basics of psychosocial rehabilitation” academic course at Yerevan State University through cooperation with the specialists and experts working in the field of mental health and in community based services, developing educational materials for different modules and topics, piloting the course as an optional in “Personality psychology and psychological counseling” MA program and preparing and publishing manual

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-12-24

Program:

Public Health

Grant Number:

18933

Organization:

Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi

Grant Amount:

$16,350.00

Purpose:

For institutionalization of the certified course on “Basics of Palliative Care” through selecting the target specialties, developing course curricula for each residency specialty and doctors continuous medical education courses, developing the lectures and teaching modules as well as separate testing system based on international practice and finally including the course into the syllabus

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-12-24

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19000

Organization:

Collaboration for Democracy Center, NGO

Grant Amount:

$7,000.00

Purpose:

To advocate for changing the discriminatory practices based on religion beliefs in the government policies in the sphere of education, military forces and law enforcement agencies. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) research of the policies and practices of the Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Defense and RA Police with a focus on identification of discriminatory approaches and activities based on religious beliefs; 2) analyze the correspondence of those documents and practices to the International Conventions ratified by Armenia, RA Constitution, Law on Education, Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations, Labor Code, Criminal Code, Law on Children’s Rights, National Human Rights Strategy and other relevant legislation; 3) prepare reports with relevant policy and legislative recommendations to make the policies correspondent to the international standards for exclusion of any kind of discrimination; 3) communicate and have meetings with government officials, members of Parliament and other stakeholders to advocate for adoption of recommendations into the relevant policies and legislation; 4) engage civil society partners (HCA, HCAV, others) in joint advocacy of the recommendations; 5) raise public awareness about the findings through a public discussion and interviews and articles in mass media

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-12-22

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18997

Organization:

Analytical Center on Globalization and Regioanl Cooperation

Grant Amount:

$3,704.00

Purpose:

To advocate for inclusion of civil society recommendations, particularly ones focusing on human rights and justice issues, in the Visa Liberalization Action Plan. In consultation with civil society organizations, ACGRC will develop an alternative Action Plan and will advocate with the government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly and EU missions for inclusion of these recommendations in the government’s Action Plan. ACGRC will primarily focus on issues of justice, data protection, and fundamental rights, particularly adoption of a standalone anti-discrimination law

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-12-22

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18906

Organization:

Organization Analytical Center on Globalization and Regional Cooperation

Grant Amount:

$34,716.00

Purpose:

Monitoring of implementation of visa liberalization process in Armenia, particularly the visa dialogue stage. Within this component, the NGO will monitor implementation of visa dialogue process both by the EU Embassies and authorities; monitor implementation of readmission agreement through official requests to State Migration Service; collect, analyze visa rejection cases; conduct a training for civil society representatives on the visa liberalization process. Within this project, the Analytical Center on Globalization and Regional Cooperation (ACGRC) will engage experts from Poland, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. These experts will carry out the training for civil society representatives as well as work with the ACGRC throughout the project on monitoring methodology and design of activities for the next stage of the process – visa liberalization. In order to ensure publicity of its work and to spread information on project findings, ACGRC will conduct a public discussion of the monitoring report in Yerevan and an information session in Vanadzor. Additionally, the NGO will actively collaborate with media representatives and the Media Center to spread information on project findings throughout the year

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-11-26

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

18908

Organization:

Helsinki Citizens' Assembly - Vanadzor

Grant Amount:

$10,000.00

Purpose:

To support monitoring of Special Investigative Service of Armenia (SIS) on efficiency of investigation of torture/ill-treatment cases. The methodology of the monitoring will be based on questioning of advocates through developed questionnaire directed to the Chamber of Advocates. Developed questionnaire for the Chamber of Advocates is the subject to approval of OSF-Armenia Board of Directors before the implementation. Secondary information will be produced by questioning state bodies, as well as by court monitoring of torture related cases. As a result of the monitoring, the suggestions on improving the practice and the legislation, concerning the effective investigation of torture/ill treatment cases by SIS will be produced and presented in the report

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-11-28

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18891

Organization:

Asparez, Journalists' Club, NGO

Grant Amount:

$87,127.00

Purpose:

To continue development and capacity building of established Civic Youth Centers in Gyumri, Vanadzor, Armavir and Gavar cities of Armenia, to develop the Centers’ operational skills in monitoring of public resources, local authorities' activities, community elections; to promote more effective usage of public funds, transparency, accountability and participatory local governance. Particularly, for the capacity building, the following educational trainings are scheduled in all youth centers: 4 trainings on election observation, 4 trainings on public journalism, 4 trainings on school budget and service provision, 4 trainings on healthcare institutions budget and service provision monitoring, 4 trainings on civic activism and advocacy. The following monitoring initiatives are planned to be implemented by all four youth centers in 2015; 4 budget monitoring at schools and higher educational institutions, 4 budget monitoring at healthcare institutions. To promote transparent, accountable, and participatory local governance, youth centers will do 3 local election observations, will monitor community councils and the work of the municipality in Gyumri, Vanadzor, Gavar and Armavir and will provide live broadcasting of community council sessions. The public awareness work will be done through local TV channels (12 TV programs) and the Foundation’s media partners (“Asparez” daily, Media Center and Investigative Journalists, NGO). In order to strengthen the cooperation between the centers a three day human rights camp will be organized aiming to discuss the work of each youth center, share with failures and successes, discuss new ideas

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-11-27

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18904

Organization:

Asparez, Journalists' Club, NGO

Grant Amount:

$3,760.00

Purpose:

To continue development and capacity building of established Civic Youth Centers in Gyumri, Vanadzor, Armavir and Gavar cities of Armenia, to develop the Centers’ operational skills in monitoring of public resources, local authorities' activities, community elections; to promote more effective usage of public funds, transparency, accountability and participatory local governance. Particularly, for the capacity building, the following educational trainings are scheduled in all youth centers: 4 trainings on election observation, 4 trainings on public journalism, 4 trainings on school budget and service provision, 4 trainings on healthcare institutions budget and service provision monitoring, 4 trainings on civic activism and advocacy. The following monitoring initiatives are planned to be implemented by all four youth centers in 2015; 4 budget monitoring at schools and higher educational institutions, 4 budget monitoring at healthcare institutions. To promote transparent, accountable, and participatory local governance, youth centers will do 3 local election observations, will monitor community councils and the work of the municipality in Gyumri, Vanadzor, Gavar and Armavir and will provide live broadcasting of community council sessions. The public awareness work will be done through local TV channels (12 TV programs) and the Foundation’s media partners (“Asparez” daily, Media Center and Investigative Journalists, NGO). In order to strengthen the cooperation between the centers a three day human rights camp will be organized aiming to discuss the work of each youth center, share with failures and successes, discuss new ideas. The grant is aimed to purchase equipment and furniture for implementation of “Civic-Youth Centers Development” (Youth for Changes – 2) project (Grant 18891)

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-11-28

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18936

Organization:

Communities Finance Officers Association

Grant Amount:

$13,114.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to produce up to 10 pages policy brief supplemented with corresponding conclusions and recommendations for policy makers based on the comparative analysis of education curricula and programs for 10th to 12th grades at 12-year general schools with those of 3-year high schools as well as to review both content and financing aspects, as well as to organize public presentation of research report and further advocate for the policy changes

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-11-28

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18899

Organization:

Communities Finance Officers Association

Grant Amount:

$17,657.00

Purpose:

For comparative analysis of education curricula and programs for 10th to 12th grades at 12-year general schools with those of 3-year high schools as well as to review both content and financing aspects. Financial analysis should be compared with the education content (curricula, syllabi, textbooks, and other education materials in use) analysis and corresponding conclusions and recommendations should be provided. The research should review and analyze also the funding and administration differences at 10th to 12th grades of 12-year general schools and 3-year high schools, as well as provide brief overview of the 12-year mandatory schooling and introduction of the credit system into high schools. The overview should address the issues related to the existing capacities of the system, methodology, financing, risks and challenges, as well as the issues with access to quality education for rural students. The credit system analysis should address possible differences in introduction of credits in 12-year general and 3-year high schools, their relevance to the higher education requirements, as well as analyze the risks that introduction of credit-based teaching could cause with regard to discrimination against rural students on the basis of geography and further determine higher education access limitation. The research should come up with the max 50 page comparative analysis report with corresponding conclusions and recommendations for larger education audience, as well as the summary of main conclusions and recommendations

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-08-01

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

18878

Organization:

Helsinki Citizens' Assembly - Vanadzor

Grant Amount:

$12,000.00

Purpose:

To ensure access of vulnerable people to justice through promoting policy and legal reform in target areas. The organization will focus on analysis of practice and legislation and will develop recommendations on systemic problems in target areas. HCAV will prepare recommendation packages on amendments to the National Strategy on Human Rights Protection, Criminal Procedure Code Action Plan, National Strategy on Maintenance and Improvement of Mental Health, National Concept of Alternative Care and Social Services for Persons with Mental Health Problems and the National Strategy on Fighting against Drug-addiction and illicit Drug Circulation. The recommendations will be submitted to the relevant Ministries to form working groups responsible for legal and policy reform

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-07-01

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

18877

Organization:

Helsinki Citizens' Assembly - Vanadzor

Grant Amount:

$123,000.00

Purpose:

To guarantee access of vulnerable people to justice by ensuring equality before the law and right to a fair trial. HCAV will promote the enhancement of national mechanisms of protection of human rights and increased accountability and transparency of government agencies in target areas through providing free legal consulting to about 600 citizens and developing a Database of human rights violations for further restoring the violated rights; conducting 15 strategic litigation cases related to the right to life, right to be free from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment, right to medical care and assistance; producing 5 reports based on monitoring human rights in closed and semi-closed institutions (psychiatric institutions, neurological dispensaries, and armed forces) and developing and enhancing networks to raise citizens’ awareness on human rights and empower their participation in the society

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-08-22

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18807

Organization:

Khoran Ard, NGO

Grant Amount:

$1,500.00

Purpose:

To support and engage local civil society and active groups of 3 communities of Shirak marz in rising local government accountability through monitoring of communities budgets. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) to conduct monitoring of the selected communities’ budgets (in Tsoghamarg, Ashotsq and Bavra) with the help of the invited expert. The monitoring will include examination of budget statements, composition and structure of income and expenditure of the budget, analysis of progress optimality, community budget planning and semi-annual examination and analysis of actually collected income and expenditure, comparative analysis of similar indicators of community budget income and expenditure as of the previous year; 2) to develop an analytic report with recommendations; 3) to present the report and recommendations to the community municipalities and community members

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-08-22

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18793

Organization:

Khoran Ard, NGO

Grant Amount:

$11,000.00

Purpose:

To support the regional CS Hub in Shirak with engaged 15 NGOs, 8 media outlets and 6 activists’ groups in 6 communities of Shirak marz for facilitation and engagement of regional CS community in protection of human rights, promotion of local government accountability involvement in public discourse on key mainstream problems, as well as rising local problems to the broader public. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) to provide space and organize local public discussions on the most important issues and developments in the country in cooperation with civil society partners; 2) to identify and engage local professional and expert communities into discussions of problems on relevant areas (human rights, corruption education, healthcare, local self-government, etc); 3) to support local active groups to rise local problems in 6 target communities of Shirak (Tsoghamarg, Ashotsk Bavra, Lousakert, Arevik, and Mets Sariar); 4) to train local CS and active groups in using local government monitoring tools; 5) to conduct public meetings and information campaign in the run-up to the local elections in Lousakert, Arevik and Mets Sariyar to mobilize community members around local problems and raise awareness about importance of voters’ active position in local elections for solving the community and participation in decision-making process; 6) to conduct observation of local elections in Lousakert, Arevik and Mets Sariyar; 7) to prepare elections monitoring report and share with media, CS and wider public; 8) to link local CS and active groups to media to provide content of local problems; 9) to organize streaming and videoconferences on the most urgent issues with the help of Media Center and other media

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-10-24

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

18895

Organization:

New Generation, NGO

Grant Amount:

$4,000.00

Purpose:

To support strategic litigation on antidiscrimination. Particularly, in the framework of the case the issue of the presence of hate speech towards the LGBT community in the publication of Iravunk newspaper will be raised

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-10-27

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

18801

Organization:

Public Information and Need of Knowledge (PINK), NGO

Grant Amount:

$4,000.00

Purpose:

To support strategic litigation on antidiscrimination. Particularly, in the framework of the case the issue of the presence of hate speech will be raised. In the publication, the list of ""nation enemies"" was published, and the basis of that was their affiliation to LGBT community. Within the case, 16 persons are ready to protect their right to not to be discriminated at the court"

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-08-28

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18797

Organization:

Transparency International Anticorruption Center

Grant Amount:

$72,500.00

Purpose:

To contribute in the formulation and implementation of effective anti-corruption policies in Armenia through building a viable national integrity system, and promoting transparent and accountable management of public finances. The project will consist of two components, National Integrity System (NIS) Assessment in Armenia implemented during 01 January – 31 May 2015, and monitoring of the Armenian public procurement system implemented during 01 September 2014 – 31 July 2015. The objectives of the NIS assessment is to improve the understanding of the performance of existing anti-corruption mechanisms in the country as a part of the essential framework for preventing corruption, and to mitigate corruption risks through evidence based advocacy, including public education, advocacy geared at triggering policy reforms, and other relevant activities. The objectives of the public procurement monitoring are to identify the gaps and shortcomings of the Armenian legislation on public procurement, to assess the implementation of the procurement legislation in practice, to identify the corruption risks and malpractices in procurement processes, and to promote the recommendations developed as a result of the implementation of previous monitoring projects. The following components will be subjects of the public procurement monitoring – appeals system, single source procurement, and framework agreements. The major methods of advocacy will be regular meetings (at least 15) with the relevant stakeholders, especially government officials in the field of public procurement and representatives of international organizations, at least 4 interviews to media outlets, 4 round-table discussions and press conferences. Policy papers produced throughout the implementation of the project will be publicized and its findings promoted among stakeholders

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-07-11

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18784

Organization:

Helsinki Committee of Armenia

Grant Amount:

$50,470.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: Component 1: to reduce and prevent the cases of torture at police departments, penal institutions, and military police. HCA will disclose torture cases by conducting studies and researches, by having staff members in the Public Monitoring groups over the Police and Penitentiary Institutions, equipped with special methodologies, as well as through legal counseling to victims of torture, followed by identification and initiation of strategic cases. HCA will work with International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims and will cooperate with psychologists to acquire a psychological assessment of torture victims and their relatives. HCA will be in close contact and information exchange with international entities working in the area of torture prevention. HCA will regularly report about torture cases, including the ones that happened years ago but were not disclosed. Component 2: To reduce and prevent the cases of torture at police departments, penal institutions, and military police. HCA will disclose torture cases by conducting studies and researches, by having staff members in the Public Monitoring groups over the Police and Penitentiary Institutions, equipped with special methodologies, as well as through legal counseling to victims of torture, followed by identification and initiation of strategic cases. HCA will work with International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims and will cooperate with psychologists to acquire a psychological assessment of torture victims and their relatives. HCA will be in close contact and information exchange with international entities working in the area of torture prevention. HCA will regularly report about torture cases, including the ones that happened years ago but were not disclosed. Component 2: to protect the right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. Towards this aim HCA will conduct monitoring of freedom of assembly, develop appropriate recommendations regarding law implementation mechanisms and conduct advocacy actions on violation of law. Also, HCA will provide legal consultation to people whose right to freedom of assembly will be violated. HCA will report the violations of freedom of assembly after each rally through media. Educational and informative trainings for active groups of citizens will be regularly carried out around the topic “How to use the law?” Component 3: to promote tolerance and non-discrimination. Within this component, HCA will carry out media and NGO capacity building through training on tolerance and non-discrimination, followed by publication of articles and other media materials including publishing of “Ditord” Bulletin. Media coverage will be organized to provide larger public with unbiased information on rights of vulnerable groups of people. In addition, within this component monitoring of implementation of alternative military service will be carried out and the report will be prepared".

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-10-27

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

18898

Organization:

Investigative Journalists, NGO

Grant Amount:

$1,200.00

Purpose:

To support formation and activation of civil society through enhancing legally empowered, responsible and pro-active (local) population by means of media and ensuring of public control and transparency over the state and community budgets and governance. The project will be directed towards establishment of public control over management systems of the state and local authorities, reducing corruption risks, improving local government administration, covering local issues, and monitoring media environment. The project will consist of 3 components – 1) anti-corruption (journalistic investigation of cases of corruption and abuse of official authorities will be conducted; journalistic investigation of cases of the state procurements and tenders; journalistic investigation of financial frauds and corruption risk in mining, banking sector, education field, urban development, environment and food security); 2) accountability and transparency of local governance (journalistic investigation of activities of municipal and regional councils to ensure transparency and accountability, covering meetings of municipal and regional councils, monitoring mandatory placement of information in the official websites, sending inquires to community heads, informing citizens about their rights and responsibilities in interaction with community officials and council, covering local issues and local elections); 3) media component (libel and insult court cases, violence against journalists, as well as digitization process will be monitored). During implementation of the project 6 journalistic investigations will be conducted, 216 articles will be written, 5 films and 18 photo-stories will be made, 6 online programs of “At the Auditorium of Hetq” will be broadcast. The grant is aimed to purchase equipment and furniture for implementation of ""Media as a means of transparent management and control"" project (Grant 18885)".

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-10-27

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

18885

Organization:

Investigative Journalists, NGO

Grant Amount:

$58,797.00

Purpose:

To support formation and activation of civil society through enhancing legally empowered, responsible and pro-active (local) population by means of media and ensuring of public control and transparency over the state and community budgets and governance. The project will be directed towards establishment of public control over management systems of the state and local authorities, reducing corruption risks, improving local government administration, covering local issues, and monitoring media environment. The project will consist of 3 components – 1) anti-corruption (journalistic investigation of cases of corruption and abuse of official authorities will be conducted; journalistic investigation of cases of the state procurements and tenders; journalistic investigation of financial frauds and corruption risk in mining, banking sector, education field, urban development, environment and food security); 2) accountability and transparency of local governance (journalistic investigation of activities of municipal and regional councils to ensure transparency and accountability, covering meetings of municipal and regional councils, monitoring mandatory placement of information in the official websites, sending inquires to community heads, informing citizens about their rights and responsibilities in interaction with community officials and council, covering local issues and local elections); 3) media component (libel and insult court cases, violence against journalists, as well as digitization process will be monitored). During implementation of the project 6 journalistic investigations will be conducted, 216 articles will be written, 5 films and 18 photo-stories will be made, 6 online programs of “At the Auditorium of Hetq” will be broadcast

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-10-24

Program:

Education

Grant Number:

18892

Organization:

Bridge of Hope, NGO

Grant Amount:

$28,137.00

Purpose:

1) To organize and host the annual networking event for Inclusive Education grantees of Early Childhood Program; 2) To get involved in the UN CRPD commentingi process. During the event Bridge of Hope, NGO will also present its findings from current ECP funded project aimed at improving cooperation and coordination between mainstream and special schools and their respective teaching staff.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-08-01

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

18893

Organization:

Asparez, Journalists' Club, NGO

Grant Amount:

$35,368.00

Purpose:

To support daily publication, content development, and dissemination network expansion of “Asparez” newspaper, and to support operation of the internet radio “Asparez” to provide readers/audience with independent and alternative content. This will be done through expanding the staff of reporters in Aragatsotn, Armavir and Tavush regions; developing content of the daily and publishing special supplements covering civic activism and activities of partner NGOs; expanding dissemination-sale network of the newspaper to deliver the daily throughout of Armenia; supporting operation of the non-profit internet radio “Asparez”. “Asparez” newspaper will be published 5 times per week; additional supplements will be printed for the daily. In total 21 correspondents will cover political and social developments taking place in Armenia, as well as prepare analytical and investigative materials for the daily. These correspondents will also provide materials and news for the internet radio “Asparez”.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-08-01

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

18875

Organization:

Asparez, Journalists' Club, NGO

Grant Amount:

$700.00

Purpose:

To support daily publication, content development, and dissemination network expansion of “Asparez” newspaper, and to support operation of the internet radio “Asparez” to provide readers/audience with independent and alternative content. This will be done through expanding the staff of reporters in Aragatsotn, Armavir and Tavush regions; developing content of the daily and publishing special supplements covering civic activism and activities of partner NGOs; expanding dissemination-sale network of the newspaper to deliver the daily throughout of Armenia; supporting operation of the non-profit internet radio “Asparez”. “Asparez” newspaper will be published 5 times per week; additional supplements will be printed for the daily. In total 21 correspondents will cover political and social developments taking place in Armenia, as well as prepare analytical and investigative materials for the daily. These correspondents will also provide materials and news for the internet radio “Asparez”. The grant is aimed to purchase equipment for implementation of “Media for Civil Activism” project (Grant 18811).

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-08-28

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18799

Organization:

Mandate, NGO

Grant Amount:

$56,400.00

Purpose:

To monitor efficiency of legislative activities of the parliament, implementation of its oversight function, the activities of the Ethics Committee, and the activities of individual MPs during 2014 fall and 2015 spring sessions to promote accountability of the parliament as a legislative, representative and political body. The project will document, analyze, and publicize the main legislative activities of the parliament, its factions, committees, and MPs. It will analyze the content of legislation and report on its relevance to the country’s existing problems, procedure of the adoption of the draft laws, as well as the consistency of party/faction voting patterns compared to their stated platforms. Subjects of the monitoring will also be public activities of the parliamentary factions and the requests of civil society to the parliament. The project will maintain an updated statistical database of attendance records, voting patterns, and asset declaration of individual MPs. The website will be updated on a regular basis with statistical data, journalistic articles, and expert reviews which will also be disseminated through media. Reports will be published at the end of each parliamentary session, summarizing and analyzing the activities of the sessions, factions, the ethics committee and MPs. The reports will be presented to the media in public discussions.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-07-17

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

18882

Organization:

Boon, Cultural-Scientific Foundation

Grant Amount:

$14,898.00

Purpose:

To support operation of an alternative educational platform, Boon TV, for producing “Open University” and “Dialogue” online series of lectures. “Open University” will consist of series of speeches of five academic disciplines - political science, economics, law, sociology, and philosophy. Five speakers will be invited to read a series of lectures on five disciplines; each of them will present 20 lectures. “Dialogue” will be a professional discussion between two speakers over a specific issue. Possible topics for “Dialogue” are interaction between the church and the state, religion and the rights of religious minorities, increase in use of habitable land as graveyards, problems of education in the regions, sovereignty and colonialism, the rights of LGBT community and tolerance, traditions and rights, taboos in media. 100 episodes of “Open University” with participation of 5 speakers and 30 episodes of “Dialogue” with participation of 60 discussants will be prepared and broadcast on www.boon.am website. The grant is aimed to purchase equipment for implementation of “Open University-Dialogue” project (Grant 18774)

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-07-17

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

18774

Organization:

Boon, Cultural-Scientific Foundation

Grant Amount:

$10,700.00

Purpose:

To support operation of an alternative educational platform, Boon TV, for producing “Open University” and “Dialogue” online series of lectures. “Open University” will consist of series of speeches of five academic disciplines - political science, economics, law, sociology, and philosophy. Five speakers will be invited to read a series of lectures on five disciplines; each of them will present 20 lectures. “Dialogue” will be a professional discussion between two speakers over a specific issue. Possible topics for “Dialogue” are interaction between the church and the state, religion and the rights of religious minorities, increase in use of habitable land as graveyards, problems of education in the regions, sovereignty and colonialism, the rights of LGBT community and tolerance, traditions and rights, taboos in media. One hundred (100) episodes of “Open University” with participation of 5 speakers and 30 episodes of “Dialogue” with participation of 60 discussants will be prepared and broadcast on www.boon.am website.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-07-05

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

18790

Organization:

Public Journalism Club

Grant Amount:

$62,901.00

Purpose:

Purpose For the following purposes: to support operation of an alternative media space, Media Center, for providing a discussion platform and a resource center for civil society and media. At least 70 discussions and 20 press-conferences will be organized around important social and political developments, 10 online debates will be conducted in cooperation with A1Plus Company. In addition, 12 regional discussions will be held in cooperation with partner NGOs in the regions to raise and discuss local issues that arise at local level but can be brought in to wider public discourse through Media Center's activities. Livestream discussions will be offered to be transmitted in the regions of Armenia (in partner organization's offices in Goris, Martuni, Armavir and Gyumri cities), from where civil society members and representatives can take part in the discussions and address questions using Skype. Discussions/press-conferences will be broadcast live through Media Center’s YouTube channel. It is proposed that Media Center will be a collaborative platform for civil society, media, politicians, and activists where discussions, debates, movie screenings, and interviews will be organized around current social and political developments taking place in the country. A website will be supported for the operation of Media Center, where all information, video recordings, resources, films, and announcements will be available for general public, civil society, and media. Media Center will host interns from vulnerable groups for 3 months internship to encourage the interns to start a new career which might lead to a better engagement of these groups' representatives into Armenian society. British Embassy will invest $5,950

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-07-05

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18810

Organization:

Armavir Development Center

Grant Amount:

$1,422.00

Purpose:

For supporting and engaging local civil society and active groups of 6 communities of Armavir marz in rising local government accountability through monitoring of communities budgets. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) conduct monitoring of the selected communities' budgets (Metsamor,Tandzut, Araks, Noravan, Dalarik and Qarakert) with the help of the invited expert from Communities Financial Officers Association. The monitoring will include examination of budget statements, composition and structure of income and expenditure of the budget, analysis of progress optimality, community budget planning and semi-annual examination and analysis of actually collected income and expenditure, comparative analysis of similar indicators of community budget income and expenditure as of the previous year; 2) develop an analytic report with recommendations on efficient budget spending; 3) present the report and recommendations to the community municipalities and community members during meetings on local problems in the target communities.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-07-05

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18792

Organization:

Armavir Development Center

Grant Amount:

$11,096.00

Purpose:

For establishing civil society Hub in Armavir for facilitation and engagement of regional CS community in protection of human rights, promotion of local government accountability involvement in public discourse on key mainstream problems, as well as rising local problems to the broader public. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) provide space and organize local public discussions on the most important issues and developments in the country in cooperation with civil society partners; 2) identify and engage local professional and expert communities into discussions of problems on relevant areas (human rights, corruption education, healthcare, local self-government, etc); 3) conduct public meetings in 6 target communities of Armavir (Metsamor,Tandzut, Araks, Noravan, Dalarik and Qarakert) to mobilize community members around local problems and raise awareness about civic activism and participation in decision-making process; 4) encourage local active groups to participate in Community Councils meetings and raise local problems; 5) train local CS and active groups in using local government monitoring tools; 6) link local CS and active groups with media to provide content of local problems; 7) organize streaming and video conferences on the most urgent issues with the help of Media Center and other media.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-07-10

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18816

Organization:

Martuni Women's Community Council

Grant Amount:

$1,255.00

Purpose:

For supporting and engaging local civil society and active groups of 3 communities of Gegharkunik marz in rising local government accountability through monitoring of communities budgets. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) conduct monitoring of the selected communities’ budgets (Getashen, Vaghashen and Lichk) with the help of the invited expert from Communities Financial Officers Association. The monitoring will include examination of budget statements, composition and structure of income and expenditure of the budget, analysis of progress optimality, community budget planning and semi-annual examination and analysis of actually collected income and expenditure, comparative analysis of similar indicators of community budget income and expenditure as of the previous year; 2) develop an analytic report with recommendations on efficient budget spending; 3) present the report and recommendations to the community municipalities and community members.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-07-10

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18794

Organization:

Martuni Women's Community Council

Grant Amount:

$11,245.00

Purpose:

For establishing civil society Hub in Gegharkunik setting a coalition of 13 NGOs, 2 media outlets and activists’ groups in 5 communities of Gegharkunik marz for facilitation and engagement of regional CS community in protection of human rights, promotion of local government accountability involvement in public discourse on key mainstream problems, as well as rising local problems to the broader public. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) provide space and organize local public discussions on the most important issues and developments in the country in cooperation with civil society partners; 2) identify an engage local professional and expert communities into discussions of problems on relevant areas (human rights, corruption education, healthcare, local self-government, etc); 3) support local active groups to rise local problems in 5 target communities of Geghakunik (Getashen, Vaghashen, Lichk, Norabak and Makenis); 4) train local CS and active groups in using local government monitoring tools; 5) conduct public meetings and information campaign in the run-up to the local elections in Getashen, Norabak and Makenis to mobilize community members around local problems and raise awareness about importance of voters’ active position in local elections for solving the community and participation in decision-making process; 6) conduct observation of local elections in Getashen, Norabak and Makenis; 7) prepare elections monitoring report and share with media, CS and wider public; 8) link local CS and active groups to media to provide content of local problems; 9) organize streaming and video conferences on the most urgent issues with the help of Media Center and other media.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-07-11

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18817

Organization:

Goris Press Club, NGO

Grant Amount:

$2,640.00

Purpose:

For supporting and engaging local civil society and active groups of 4 communities of Syunik marz in rising local government accountability through monitoring of communities budgets. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) conduct monitoring of the selected communities’ budgets (Harzhis, Khot Lor and Qarahounge) with the help of the invited expert from Communities Financial Officers Association and 2 researchers. The monitoring will include field data collections, examination of budget statements, composition and structure of income and expenditure of the budget, analysis of progress optimality, community budget planning and semi-annual examination and analysis of actually collected income and expenditure, comparative analysis of similar indicators of community budget income and expenditure as of the previous year; 2) develop an analytical report with recommendations to improve collection of taxes and promote efficient (local needs oriented) budget spending in the communities; 3) present the report and recommendations to the Community Councils, municipalities and community members during meeting in target communities on local problems.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-07-11

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

18771

Organization:

Goris Press Club, NGO

Grant Amount:

$9,850.00

Purpose:

To support the regional CS Hub in Syunik and with engaged 19 local partner NGOs mobilize around a collective civic agenda of protection of human rights and public interests, support and engage rural CS community in promotion of local government accountability, get involved in mainstream public discourse on key problems, and raise local problems to the broader public. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) provide space and organize public discussions in Goris on the most important issues and developments in the country in cooperation with civil society partners; 2) identify and engage local professional and expert communities into discussions of problems on relevant areas (human rights, corruption, education, healthcare, local self-government, etc); 3) identify and form active groups from youth and activists in 8 target communities of Syunik (Harzhis, Khot, Agarak, Lor, Tatev, Qarahounge, Khndzoresk, Vorotan and Brnakot,); 4) organize public discourse on local problems in target communities, using a variety of media tools with engagement of local youth and activists; 5) train local CS and active groups of target communities (25-30 people) in using local government monitoring tools; 6) conduct 8 public meetings in target communities to mobilize community members around local problems and raise awareness on participation in decision-making process; 7) provide content of local problems to media; 8) organize streaming and video conferences on the most urgent issues with the help of Media Center and other media; 9) exchange information and cooperate with CS Hubs in Shirak, Armavir and Gegharkunik in local initiatives, discussions, press conferences, local elections, etc.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-05-27

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

18773

Organization:

Digital Rights, NGO

Grant Amount:

$21,990.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to develop data protection reforms guidelines for civil society and independent experts to promote relevant reforms in the field. The gaps and shortcomings of the Armenian data protection legislation with special focus on data protection safeguards and potential risks of the misuse of computer stored personal databases will be identified; individuals’ ability to enforce rights guaranteed under the existing international and national data protection legislation will be assessed; security level of existing computer stored personal data resources in accordance with international standards for data protection will be assessed. The project will be implemented through desk research and test cases. Desk research will identify main gaps and shortcomings of national legal instruments. Test cases will reveal shortcomings of the existing legislation as a practical tool for the protection of individuals’ personal data and internationally accepted practices. A public discussion will be organized to present data protection reforms guidelines; the guidelines will be presented to the media to ensure awareness raising of the issue.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-03-14

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

18685

Organization:

Armenian Innocence Project, NGO

Grant Amount:

$10,000.00

Purpose:

For the following purpose: to support strategic litigation on recognition of the foreign expertise aimed to reopening of life-term imprisonment case.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-05-15

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

18767

Organization:

Boundaries of Our Rights, NGO

Grant Amount:

$21,000.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to reveal and prevent violations of human rights of detainees in the Police Facilities of Armenia by constant monitoring to Detention Facilities. This will be accomplished by regular planned visits (at least once to each institution) and ad-hoc visits to the all Police Detention Facilities evaluating of the needs of detainees and their relatives, documenting violations and with immediate reaction applying to relevant state bodies to redress infringements, initiating litigation against officers, who applied torture and ill treatment, sharing information about the situation and violations in the Police Detention Facilities to broad public and media. The Group will target the process of the Police reform as per national strategy plan and CPT recommendations; address the health problems and medical service The group will closely cooperate with the Penitentiary Monitoring Group for revealing torture and inhuman treatment cases and engaging other partners for rising public awareness about the situation and advocacy for the rights of detainees and convicts in closed institutions and for opening of Police Departments for public monitoring. The annual report on the human rights situation in the Police Detention Facilities will be prepared and published.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-01-31

Program:

Women

Grant Number:

18708

Organization:

Arevamanuk, Family and Child Care Fund

Grant Amount:

$35,604.00

Purpose:

Purpose For the following purposes: to provide full assistance, including legal, psychological and social rehabilitation to victims of domestic violence which will help them to overcome fear and the wall of silence. The organization will work in collaboration with RA Police and Government social services in Gyumri and Yerevan to integrate them into the program as a partner. A crisis center with help line in Gyumri will be developed and will assist 20-30 women and 40-50 women in Yerevan will be assisted offering a shelter program. The social services, Police departments and policlinics in Gyumri and Yerevan Erebuni neighborhood will receive special trainings for the first responders in cases of domestic violence.

Date of Grant Letter:

2014-01-31

Program:

Women

Grant Number:

18696

Organization:

Arevamanuk, Family and Child Care Fund

Grant Amount:

$9,400.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to conduct awareness raising and education activities on domestic violence with engagement of government officials and local government representatives in Yerevan and Shirak region. These activities will be done in cooperation with Women Support Center and will have focus on issues of domestic violence and gender equality and to eliminate stereotypes and break the silence around the topic of domestic violence. Victims of domestic violence will become advocates for changes. The organization will collect data on domestic violence and use it for advocacy purposes. Advocacy through different media in Gyumri, such as programs on GALA TV, articles and interviews with newspaper “Asparez” and press club “Asparez” and other on-line publications on the subject of gender based violence will be implemented. In Yerevan it is planned to hold TV program, press conferences, interviews and publish articles in both print and on-line resources