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German Marshall Fund of the United States

German Marshall Fund of the United States

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
  • Success Rate: Not available
  • Decision Time: Not specified
  • Grant Range: Small to medium-sized grants (specific amounts not disclosed)
  • Geographic Focus: International - Central/Eastern Europe, Black Sea region, Belarus

Contact Details

  • Website: https://www.gmfus.org
  • Phone: Not provided
  • Email: Not provided
  • Location: Washington, DC (Headquarters)

Overview

Founded in 1972 with a gift from Germany as appreciation for Marshall Plan aid, the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is a nonpartisan organization that advances the transatlantic partnership to meet 21st-century challenges. With headquarters in Washington, DC and offices in seven European cities, GMF operates as both a think tank and grantmaking foundation. The organization focuses on strengthening transatlantic security, advancing economic and technological competitiveness, and adapting to a shifting global landscape. GMF provides hundreds of small to medium-sized grants annually to civil society organizations, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, while also conducting policy research and leadership development programs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Fund for Belarus Democracy: Up to 100 grants annually supporting civic initiatives, independent media, and democratic reform efforts in Belarus. Total funding 2005-2020: $16.2 million
  • Balkan Trust for Democracy: Supporting democracy, good governance, and Euro-Atlantic integration in South-East Europe
  • Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation: Developing civil society in Black Sea region countries for democratic progress and conflict resolution
  • Civil Society Support: Hundreds of small to medium-sized project and operational grants annually

Priority Areas

  • Strengthening civil society infrastructure
  • Supporting independent media and information
  • Promoting democratic governance and reform
  • Building community resilience
  • Youth and student initiatives
  • International experience exchanges and capacity building

What They Don't Fund

[Not specified in available materials]

Governance and Leadership

GMF is governed by a board comprised of Americans and operates with over 140 experts and fellows worldwide across its various offices in Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Warsaw, Belgrade, Bucharest, Ankara, with representations in London and Madrid.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

While GMF makes hundreds of grants annually, specific application processes are not publicly detailed on their website. Interested organizations must contact GMF directly through their website to inquire about specific grant programs and application procedures.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified

Success Rates

Not available

Reapplication Policy

Not specified

Application Success Factors

Based on GMF's stated priorities and funded projects, successful applications likely:

  • Demonstrate clear alignment with democracy promotion and civil society strengthening
  • Focus on Central and Eastern Europe, Black Sea region, or Belarus
  • Include capacity-building components for local organizations
  • Foster international cooperation and coalition-building
  • Support independent media and information access
  • Empower citizens to hold governments accountable

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • GMF focuses heavily on democracy promotion in specific geographic regions (Central/Eastern Europe, Belarus, Black Sea region)
  • They prefer supporting grassroots initiatives and civil society organizations over large institutions
  • Projects should demonstrate clear democracy-building or civil society strengthening objectives
  • International collaboration and experience exchange components strengthen applications
  • Direct contact with GMF is necessary as application processes are not publicly detailed
  • Consider alignment with GMF's broader mission of strengthening transatlantic partnerships

References

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