Democracy Network Program: $2,900,000 from USAID/$400,000 from USBF In-Kind Contributions
In the fall of 1995, USBF initiated this U.S. Agency for International Development-funded three-year program to strengthen nonprofit organizations (also called non governmental organizations or “NGOs”) in the Baltic States. The program targeted NGOs working in the fields of democracy, free markets, environment and social safety nets, especially groups with a public policy advocacy mission. The program included professional training, full-time technical assistance specialists and direct grants to NGOs. By September 1998, USBF had awarded more than $1,100,000 in grants to more than 100 organizations throughout the Baltics. Hundreds of USBF donors and nearly a dozen full-time American volunteers -- who spent up to nine months at a time in the Baltics – contributed to the success of this program.
In 1997, USBF selected twenty NGOs in Latvia and Lithuania (Estonia graduated from the U.S. assistance program in 1996) as the focus of additional grant support and intensive on-going professional training. With the objective of developing a cadre of well-managed, professional organizations capable of leading the sector and setting public policy, the Foundation engaged local and national government officials (including Lithuanian Prime Minister Vagnorius) and private sector leaders to promote the value of a strong NGO sector.
In 1998, President Clinton signed the U.S.- Baltic Charter in the White House and, in a ceremony with the three Baltic Presidents, announced the establishment of the $15 million Baltic American Partnership Fund to continue the work of this program through a new partnership with the Soros Foundations. At that time, USBF won a new $300,000 grant to transition USBF’s local offices into fully independent national NGO’s in each country.