USRF welcomes proposals for one-time programs in entrepreneurship, economic development and the rule of law from Russian, US, or international non-commercial organizations, as well as Russian government institutions.
In 2012, USRF grant-making priority areas for the Rule of Law projects will include: Economic Law and Development; Effective Resolution of Economic Disputes; and Professionalism and Legal Education. Please read the short descriptions of the Rule of Law Priority Areas before submitting your application.
For 2012, USRF priorities for entrepreneurship projects include: improvement of the business climate, economic and business literacy, and protection of intellectual property.
USRF will accept proposals three times a year. Due dates: March 1, July 1, and November 1.
Next deadline is March 1, 2012 (till midnight Moscow time).
The amount requested from USRF may not exceed $100,000. The applicant should also indicate in the proposal co-funding from the Russian side. The standard application form must be completed in both English and Russian.
Proposals will initially be reviewed by the USRF staff and outside experts. All proposals including those not recommended by the staff and experts will then be forwarded with a recommendation to the Grants Committee for their vote.
USRF notifies applicants about the competition results within six to eight weeks after the deadline for submitting applications to the current round of the small grants competition. Agreements with potential grantees may be signed not earlier than one month after the decision on funding is made.
To submit your application, you need to register on the USRF website. After you sign up you will be given access to a virtual personal cabinet where you may create, edit and submit your application. User registration and log in are available through extranet area of our website.
Rule-of-law requires a system for resolving disputes that is guided by neutral principles and presided over by impartial authorities and institutions. Such a system guarantees equality before the law and results in just, predictable, and enforceable judgments.
The U.S. Russia Foundation's Rule-of-Law mandate promotes these principles by supporting reform initiatives that will produce replicable and sustainable results. In an effort to guide the process of identifying organizations and projects worthy of Foundation support, the Committee has identified three priority areas.
This strategic direction focuses on substantive law and legal practice essential to a market economy. Among relevant projects would be workshops on how to draft economic and business-related legislation, empirical research in the legislative branch, training of judges and judicial staff in business and investment law, and efforts to strengthen corporate governance, accountability, and transparency.
The effective resolution of economic disputes is essential to a market economy, enhancing the confidence of the business community and ensuring the accountability of public and private actors. Programs in this area may include seminars for lawyers and judges focusing on tax litigation, the development of court-annexed alternative dispute
resolution, best practices for protecting intellectual property, mediation training, and initiatives designed to improve court efficiency.
Legal culture inculcates respect for the rule-of-law and functions as an antidote to corruption. The Foundation seeks to support initiatives that will enhance the professionalism and quality of legal education, the bar, and the Russian judiciary. Legal education reform may include partnerships with university law faculties that focus on teaching methodology, the role of a lawyer, skills-based education, and curriculum development in emerging fields of commercial law. This work is reinforced through continuing legal and judicial education that highlights ethical obligations, workflow management, and legal issues in commercial litigation.
A more focused approach to the Foundation's rule-of-law work will enable greater efficiency in the grant development and review process, facilitate linkages among grantees, and foster a legacy of programs with demonstrable impact. In addition,
a well developed strategic vision helps prospective grantees have a better understanding of the Foundation's funding priorities.
