Rule of Law Consortium (ARD/Checchi Joint Venture), C/O Russian Grants Program, 1819 L Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036, (202)861-0934(fax) (202)861-0513(message), e-mail: 74763.1652@CompuServe.com OR Rule of Law Consortium (ARD/Checchi Joint Venture), Russian Grants Program, ul. Nezhdanovoi d. 6, Kv. 24, 103009 Moscow, R.F., 7-095-229-8219 (fax), 7-095-8623, e-mail:halvachs@ard3.law.msk.su

B -- RULE OF LAW RUSSIAN GRANTS PROGRAM'S REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS DUE 060295. POC Dr. Barry O'Connor or Regina Dobrov, Esq. (202) 861-1513 (message), in Russia: Michael Halvachs 7-095-229-8623. The Rule of Law Consortium (ARD/Checchi Joint Venture) formally announces the second cycle of the Russia Rule of Law (ROL) Grants Program sponsored under the auspices of the United States Agency for International Development (CCN#-0007-C-00-3166-00) in order to create a stable legal and political environment for developing and strengthening Rule of Law in the transition to democratic, market-based society in Russia. The Russian Grants Program is soliciting proposals for projects which will be carried out in the Russian Federation through U.S. and Russian organizations that propose action-oriented programs that are designed to strengthen core legal institutions and processes (as well as civil society as it relates to legal development) in order to support general legal reform, encourage an orderly transition to a market-based economy, protect human rights, and limit the potential for arbitrary exercise of governmental power. All proposals must demonstrate how they will contribute to the sustainability of Rule of Law in Russia. Although support is not limited to any predetermined list of activities, the following are illustrative: increasing public awareness and knowledge of laws and legal procedures; helping citizens organize to advocate changes in the legal system; helping citizens protect their individual and property rights; helping citizens utilize the legal system for the adjudication of conflict; developing systems of private and quasi-public alternative dispute resolution; helping the public remove legal and regulatory constraints on private sector commercial activities; helping the public establish constitutional guarantees of private ownership, commercial activity and public accountability; developing a system of administrative law, public defenders' offices, and other oversight organizations; etc. Proposals are requested from U.S. not-for-profit (501 C 3), non-governmental and private voluntary organizations in co-partnership with corresponding entities in Russia. Proposals may originate with the Russian partner but must be administered via the American partner. In some cases, official public institutions may also be eligible for funding (please refer to guidelines enclosed in the application packet for complete eligibility requirements). Although applicants are welcome to discuss projects with ROL staff--or submit concept papers two-to-three pages in length--they are advised that an official application package is required for funding consideration. Grants are awarded through an open, competitive, and merit-based review process. All proposals require a 25% match from non-U.S. Government sources. The deadline for complete official applications is June 2, 1995. Decisions are anticipated in August 1995. Awards may range anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on the actual needs of the project. Note: Applications can also be obtained online from the FedWorld Information Network by dialing (703) 321-8020, choosing option ``C'' (Business, Trade & Investment Library), followed by option ``D'' (Rule of Law Donor Database). The Internet user can Telnet to FedWorld.gov and choose the options mentioned, or use Anonymous ftp to ftp FedWorld.gov, then select ROL-NIS directory. (089)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0024 19950331\B-0001.SOL)