Victims Advocacy Initiatives Fund

Do you support the Uyghurs?
Are you seeking funding for an advocacy project?
We look forward to hearing from you!

APPLY FOR A SMALL GRANT FROM THE VICTIMS ADVOCACY INITIATIVES FUND

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY:

The Victims Advocacy Initiatives Fund is a small-grants program managed by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC) in Washington, DC. Successful applications can receive awards of up to $4,000 for advocacy projects that support victims of Beijing’s repression in Xinjiang (also known as East Turkistan). To apply, please download our application form here and email your completed proposal to nathan.hanshew@victimsofcommunism.org with the subject line “Victims Advocacy Initiatives Fund.” Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must be written in English.

APPLICATION DETAILS:

Successful applications will describe a credible plan to support the Uyghur cause through advocacy initiatives. Strong applicants will show demonstrated interest and capacity to advocate for Uyghurs and human rights. Illustrative activities may include awareness-raising campaigns, witness testimony documentation, educational materials or videos, social media campaigns, “artivism” (activism through art), and promotion of Uyghur language and culture. Typical grant awards are designed to be completed within 3-6 months. Strong applications will support at least one of the following objectives:

1. Raise awareness about Beijing’s human rights abuses in Xinjiang (East Turkistan)
2. Uncover and expose new information about Beijing’s repression of ethnic minorities
3. Promote accountability for the perpetrators of human rights abuses in China
4. Enhance collaboration and expertise-sharing among impacted communities
5. Increase resilience and social cohesion among victims and civil society in diaspora
6. Promote the preservation and maintenance of Uyghur language and culture

ELIGIBILITY:

Proposals are accepted from organizations or from individuals at least 18 years of age. Applications from those directly affected by Beijing’s human rights abuses against the Uyghur community are especially encouraged. Applicants will be subject to an identity verification and background screening process.

EVALUATION:

Proposals will be evaluated by a review panel and selection committee on the following criteria:

• Quality of Project Concept: Project plan is clear, detailed, coherent. Project activities are relevant to advancing human rights and show a clear path toward making an impact.
• Demonstrated Capacity: Applicant shows knowledge, commitment, and connection to the Uyghur issue, and if possible, has a track record of completing similar projects.
• Feasibility: Project idea and plan are realistic, specify achievable milestones, and are able to be completed efficiently within a specified timeframe.
• Cost-effectiveness: Project budget is detailed, specific, and reasonable to achieve the proposed activities.

AWARD PROCESS:

Applications will be reviewed and winning grants awarded on an ongoing basis. To receive distribution of funds, grantees will be required to sign a written agreement with VOC and provide relevant payment information. Funds for winning grants will be disbursed in multiple tranches based on the completion of project milestones specified during the award approval process. Qualified grantees may also benefit from opportunities to receive coaching and guidance on their advocacy activities by seasoned activists form VOC’s staff and partner network.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Personal Information: name, organization, contact information
• Personal Background: resume, personal statement, references
• Proposal Narrative: project plan, target audience, timeline, expected impact, demonstrated capacity
• Project Budget: up to $4,000 to cover project expenses such as personnel, travel, equipment, supplies, contracts.

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