In early June, EWMI’s Policy, Advocacy, and Civil Society Development Program in Georgia (G-PAC) selected the winners of its second Partnership for Change (PfC) grant competition. Four grants totaling US $189,775 were awarded:

• The Institute for Development of Freedom of Information will receive US $59,800 to develop electronic communication as an advocacy and policy instrument in Georgia by improving citizen and government use of electronic media in political and civic planning;
• The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy will receive US $50,990 to monitor and report to the public on the fairness and transparency of the 2012 parliamentary elections;
• The Caucasus Research and Resource Centers (CRRC) will receive US $39,915 to support fair and transparent 2012 parliamentary elections through a monitoring campaign in which 300 citizens throughout Georgia will observe and report on the pre-election environment in ten districts;
• The Coalition for Independent Living will receive US $39,070 to work with politicians to ensure that disability issues are addressed in election campaigns and that people with disabilities can access polling stations during the upcoming 2012 parliamentary elections.

PfC grants fund innovative coalition-based advocacy initiatives focused on regional or national policy issues of vital concern to Georgians. The program supports formal and ad-hoc coalitions, networks, and partnerships established around a single advocacy issue.

The first round of PfC grants funded projects advocating for better healthcare service provision, safer schools, autism awareness, the needs of communities adversely affected by hydropower construction projects, and protection of Tbilisi’s parks and recreational zones.

EWMI G-PAC also manages other grant programs in Georgia including: Think Tank Support Grants, University Assistance Grants, Citizens’ Advocacy Grants, Arts for Advocacy Grants, and Act Now Grants.