***************************************************************** FUND ANNOUNCEMENT FUND FOR HONEST AND JUST ELECTIONS (Elections Fund) The Embassy of Canada is pleased to announce the launch of a small projects fund in support of free and fair election processes in the up-coming Duma elections in December. The Elections Fund is part of Canada's Technical Cooperation program in Russia, enhancing its focus on transition towards a free market economy and the consolidation of democratic institutions. The Fund is non-partisan in character and will only support projects which are similarly non-partisan. Aimed at supporting small-scale projects, the Fund is intended to strengthen the activities of non-governmental groups and institutions who work for free and fair elections, openness and transparency in the election process, and voter awareness and education. The Fund is not intended to provide funding for extra-regional fellowships, scholarships, research, or study tours. Financial support is not provided to individuals, or to pay for recurrent expenditures such as rent, telephone expenses or subscriptions. Your organization is welcome to submit a proposal to the Embassy for consideration under the program according to the attached project proposal outline, up to a maximum of CDN $ 25 000.00 per project. Proposals submitted must be well-focused and directed towards achieving clear goals. Typed proposals will be accepted for consideration in either Russian, English or French; either by fax (095) 956-0135, or by mail at: 121002, Moscow, Starokonyshenny Per., 23, Embassy of Canada, Elections Fund. Should you wish to obtain further information on the Elections Fund, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Kamilla Bahbahani at the Canadian Embassy at (095) 956-6666, ext. 3363. PROJECT PROPOSAL OUTLINE. Not to exceed 7 pages 1. Project Title 2. Recipient Organization: Name, address, telephone number, contact person and title, description of background, goals and activities of organization. Indicate sources of funding, including donations from other donors. 3. Purpose and Objectives: Reasons for the project; goals (both long and short-term); target group or groups describing both the sector and the number of persons targeted; and gender equity (i.e., how and to what extent women are involved). 4. Project Outline: Describe all project-related activities to be financed under this request as well as expected results of the project. Identify the primary beneficiaries, how many people, how they benefit and how they participate in implementing the project. Identify who will be responsible for different phases of the project, and include a brief resume of each individual. Identify collaborating partners and implementors, including a brief description of each. 5. Budget: Detailed breakdown of costs and an implementation schedule indicating when and where expenditures will be made; any contributions made by your organization or any contributions from other sources to be used for the project; arrangement for the return of excess funds. 6. Rationale: Explain why you or your organization believe the Canadian government should support this particular project. Indicate your Canadian links if any.