We appreciate your opinion!

CMDF would like to be closer and more understandable to you. Thus, we introduced a new Community Feedback System, with a purpose is to get the maximum possible feedback from local communities. The feedback system envisions constant and open communication with project implementers, local opinion makers and communities on any questions about the Fund and the initiatives it supports.

We recognize that some may find our procedures lengthy and bureaucratic. This is why we have changed the proposal submission process and decision making process into a distinct two-stage procedure (to learn more about the new procedure and submit your project ideas, please follow the link here). We are eager to hear from you more - your opinion is important to us in order to improve our work of assisting you in reaching your goals. We are open to your ideas and feedback and ready to answer any of the questions you may have. Use the “Have a question?” form on the right panel of this window and write to us!

Below, there are also the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for your information. This list is being constantly updated as new questions come in.

• What is CMDF?

CMDF stands for Community Development Fund. Founded in the end of 2009 the Fund supports projects implemented by local civil society organizations and civic initiatives, aimed at positive social change in Belarus. CMDF is administered by an international non-governmental nonprofit organization Pact, Inc with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). CMDF Board includes a range of international organizations with the extensive experience in civil society development work in Belarus.

• How does CMDF work?

CMDF operates a website as a tool for communication, and collection of applications and feedback. The Fund also works with a number of Belarus-based consultants in the field of organizational development, monitoring and evaluation who work with civil society organizations on the ground.

• Who makes decisions regarding funding?

Selection of project ideas at the initial stage is carried out by CMDF management staff. Decisions to select or reject project proposals are made by the CMDF Board comprised of the representatives of 8 international non-governmental organizations. The frequency of the Board meetings is based on the volume of applications received by CMDF. Decisions of the Board are made by consensus are considered to be final.

• Is there a deadline for application?

There is no fixed deadline for submitting project ideas or proposals. Applications are received during the whole calendar year.

• May I submit several project ideas at once?

Yes. Any applicant has a right to apply with a number of project ideas simultaneously or to apply several times with different ideas. However, every organization is required to have its own mission, mandate and a niche. This is a necessary condition for professionalization of civic work. Therefore, applications requesting support for non-core activities of the organization should contain a sound justification of how proposed areas of work comply with the application’s mission and mandate, and what the applicant’s potential for the work in non-core areas is.

• What is the maximum amount of funding I can request from CMDF?

CMDF entertains project proposals with the requested funding from CMDF not exceeding $20 000.

• What is the language the application should be composed in?

Project ideas and project proposals may be submitted in any of these three languages: Belarusian, Russian or English.

• How may we find out about the status of our application?

A project’s idea is reviewed, as a rule, in 5 working days, after which CMDF staff will discuss the Fund’s position towards the idea with the applicant. CMDF staff will notify those applicants, whose project ideas correspond to the mission, vision and approach of the Fund and will offer mentorship in preparing a full-fledged project proposal. Project proposals are then considered by the CMDF Board. CMDF staff will notify you about the decision of Board without delay (which is usually 1-2 days, depending on your availability online) and will provide explanation and recommendation if the Board rejected the application.

• Which projects are not supported by CMDF?

Applicants, who submitted project ideas, which do not comply with the mission, vision and approaches of the Fund, will not be invited for the preparation of detailed project proposals.

Moreover, CMDF will not consider applications submitted on behalf of or in the interests of political parties, religious organizations and mass media outlets. The Fund also will not consider applications to receive funding towards participation in election processes, promotion of political candidates or removing deputies; campaigning for a particular political group or a politician; extremism in all its forms and activities that promote violence, cruelty and stir animosity between particular social, religious, racial, political and other groups.

CMDF is not designed to support such independent activities as publication of books, film and audio-production, as well as, organization of concert, festival and similar activities.

CMDF does not support the activities conducted outside of the territory of Belarus.

• Is there a requirement to report to CMDF, if a project is selected?

Yes. The Fund is not a charity organization and bears responsibility for the resources invested in the development of Belarusian civil society. Consequently, those, who receive assistance, are accountable to CMDF for the achievement of the planned results and for the appropriate use of funds.