Annual Report and Program Overview Inspire, Encourage, Act! 2010 Engaging FOUNDING PARTNERS

Citizens, United States Agency for International Development Empowering Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency Eurasia Foundation, a member of the EF Network, oversees the Communities disbursement of core USAID funds to EPF.

DONORS AND PARTNERS SINCE 2005

Over $ 100,000 Under $100,000

BP Access Carnegie Corporation of New York Azerphone CASALS Bakcell Delegation of the European Union British Embassy in Armenia to Georgia CARE International in the Caucasus National Democratic Institute (NDI) Council of American Overseas Norwegian Government Research Partnership for Economics Education Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and Resources (PEER) Embassy of Canada in Georgia Statoil EU Tacis UK Department for International Garadah Cement Development (DFID) GARANTS UK Foreign and Commonwealth GTZ Office (FCO) IFES UN Association of Georgia (UNAG) International Finance Corporation (IFC) United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) Jinishyan Foundation United Nations Development National Council for Eurasian and East Program (UNDP) European Research (NCEER) US Department of State National Opinion Research Center Open Society Institute (OSI) Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Philip Morris/Altria Polish Aid Robert Bosch Foundation/THK The Lodestar Foundation United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Western Union Foundation World Bank

This publication is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The contents are the responsibility of Eurasia Partnership Foundation and do not necessarily represent the views of USAID, the U.S. Government, Sida or the Swedish Government. LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Friends, participation and promote As a foundation with offices in communities today. democratic governance in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and After providing targeted This year Eurasia Partnership Georgia. With our support, Georgia, EPF successfully technical assistance to over Foundation marks three more than 2,000 citizens, organizes regional programs 30 interested organizations, successful years of operation 23 prominent civic activists, across the South Caucasus. In EPF also provided grant in the South Caucasus. and 60 grassroots organizations 2010, through our cross-border support to seven organizations Since its establishment in throughout Georgia learned initiatives, we established a with the best social enterprise 2007 as a local institution, modern methods of cooperative network of 30 ideas that not only served well- EPF has supported numerous monitoring and advocacy citizen journalists, bloggers, defined vulnerable groups, but activities to inspire civic and engaged in constructive and other media professionals also created models for activists, encourage youth dialogues with decision-makers from Armenia and Azerbaijan. replication. to lead local change, develop while advocating for their We produced a joint social enterprises helping to interests. Through our Youth Armenian-Azerbaijani short EPF promotes civic sustain vulnerable groups, Banks, more than 250 young documentary called engagement, philanthropy, and foster social networking people from all the three South The Passenger that was and volunteerism in the South across borders – all to Caucasus countries advanced watched on-line by over Caucasus. We would like to empower people to effect personally and professionally 5,000 viewers, and initiated thank our donors for their change for social justice and and acquired cross-cultural discussions over various social generosity and making our economic prosperity! communication skills, while networks to discuss successes possible. We also administering grant funds of the conflicts in the region. look forward to working with We are very proud of our more than 100,000 USD to you in 2011 and beyond to results. Over the past three support hundreds of youth-led During the past year, we and inspire and encourage years our Georgian Engage and initiatives in their communities. our partner organizations have the pursuit of better Monitor for Change Program Thousands benefited! actively sought to introduce socio-economic conditions awarded 22 grants worth more Most importantly, these the concept of social enterprise for the people in than $400,000 to local youthful efforts bring hope to among Georgian and Armenian the South Caucasus. non-profit organizations and their communities! civil society and business to their partner media outlets, organizations, in order to so that together they could address some of the major foster a culture of civic problems facing local

George Zarubin President

EPF ANNUAL REPORT 2010 1 MANDATES AND PROGRAMS:

a collaborative, effective tool to measure municipal performance. With Statoil funding, EPF is now expanding the program to ten new municipalities throughout Azerbaijan.

In order to raise awareness of the European Union among Armenian citizens and facilitate stronger EU-Armenia relations, EPF, in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, developed two books: MISSION Hello Europe and The European Union and Armenia. While the STATEMENT: European Union and Armenia is designed for the general public To empower and looks at the history of the EU, Inspire People and Governments to Action its current structure, and its future people to effect prospects, Hello Europe targets a change for In 2010 EPF successfully pro- legislation, which reformed the younger audience and is moted positive reforms in the system and reestablished structured in an interactive social justice area of food safety as part of its government oversight of this field. format. The two publications and economic European Integration program. offer an engaging source of EPF and its grantee, Dairy EPF’s Transparency in Municipal information on the EU and prosperity, Association Georgia, organized Service Delivery program in summarize the major develop- roundtables and seminars Azerbaijan has guided 30 ment in EU-Armenia relations. through hands- bringing together experts and municipalities through strategic on programs representatives of civil society, planning and public outreach EPF’s Europe Program is designed government, and business to efforts, improving transparent to contribute to the effective helping them engage in a dialogue that would practices of municipalities. More implementation of Eastern to improve their lead to a tangible agreement. To than 150 principal staff in Partnership in the South inform the process, EPF-sup- municipalities (directors, Caucasus (EaP). Based on the communities ported expert group developed managers, and administrative evaluation implemented by policy recommendations, which staff) have undergone extensive the National Institute of and their was very positively received by trainings and increased their Education, the Minister of own lives. the Ministry of Agriculture of knowledge in practical implemen- Education and Science of Georgia. Several high officials of tation of Municipal Performance Armenia officially authorized the the Ministry confirmed that EPF’s Management System (MPMS). application of Hello Europe for efforts provided guidance to the EPF developed the MPMS to assist experimental teaching in legislators in arriving at the final municipalities in measuring their secondary schools. The book will version of the Law of Georgia on performance, formulating be piloted in two high schools Sanitary and Phytosanitary Issues. efficient policies and facilitating in Yerevan. EPF and the EU According to one of the Ministry greater public transparency. Agency will train the faculty officials, EPF had made a major Based upon the success of the of these two schools, so they contribution to the recently program, EPF is promoting can start teaching the course passed food safety and standards national approval of the MPMS as in September 2011.

Encourage Quality through Research

The Caucasus Barometer (CB), our annual nationwide survey in Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, has been conducted since 2004. It explores the social, political, and economic dynamics in these three counties and offers comparative data on individual and household knowledge, attitudes, and practices. In 2010, in addition to the questions asked in previous rounds, EPF’s Caucasus Research Recourse Centers (CRRC) included new questions assessing employment, gender issues, and religion in the Caucasus. The survey also included specific questions concerning Armenia-Turkey relations and Georgia-Abkhazia concerns. The complete report will be available in March 2011.

2 EPF ANNUAL REPORT 2010 Inspire New Ideas In 2009, EPF launched the Social Enterprise program to introduce the concept of social enterprise among Armenian and Georgian civil society and business organizations. In cooperation with the Prague-based Czech Fundraising Center and UK Resource Alliance, EPF provided four-day workshops on selecting, testing, and planning income generating ideas and/or practices to up to 100 people from 32 interested organizations from the both countries. In 2010, EPF awarded seed funding to seven of these organizations (four in Georgia, three in Armenia) to initiate social enterprises that serve a well-defined target group and create models for replication.

Encourage Cooperation through International Dialog

With direct funding from USAID Azerbaijanis. The project has been Armenia, EPF’s Support to Armenia- funded by the British Embassies Turkey Rapprochement project in Yerevan and Baku since 2008. “Civil society plays an important focuses on building ties and deve- loping mutual understanding among EPF’s Youth Initiatives strengthen role in conflict resolution around Armenian and Turkish peer groups civic engagement among young the world. Eurasia Partnership in the non-government, media, people in the South Caucasus. policy and business sectors, helping The projects provide young people Foundation (EFP) has long supported building cross-border linkages and establishing open and improved dialogue, which strengthens civil society in the South Caucasus. We believe that the U.S. Government’s partnership with EPF will help them to contribute strategically a unique space and opportunity to state efforts to build relations to advance personally and profe- promote civil society development between the two countries. Through ssionally, take responsibility for the project’s four components, EPF improving their communities, and and contribute to peace and and its partners facilitated two develop their practical management cooperation in the region.” high level policy discussions in skills. Because projects are of a Armenia and Turkey, trained up to cross-border nature, participants 25 journalists from each country to get to know their peers from HE Marie L. Yovanovitch, reduce bias in their reporting, neighboring countries and acquire U.S. Ambassador to Armenia organized two study tours for a cross-cultural communication skills. group of ten tour operators from In 2010, through the support provi- each country in Eastern Turkey and ded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Armenia, and produced four docu- of Finland, EPF expanded its Youth mentaries, video reports, and a series Bank program in Armenia and of interviews with political figures Azerbaijan. Five to seven youth and opinion-makers in Turkey. community members from each of all ten regions of Armenia and In order to reduce bias in the media the capital, and in nine regions of coverage of Armenia-Azerbaijan Azerbaijan have learned how to relations and the Nagorno-Karabakh manage a pool of small grants for conflict, the Armenia-Azerbaijan youth-led community development Unbiased Media project brings projects. These participants also together journalists and bloggers established cross-cultural commu- from both countries, providing them nication through joint activities. an opportunity to work together Another project Getting Involved!, on common projects and ideas. implemented in cooperation with The Passenger, a joint Armenian- Theodor-Heuss-Kolleg, provided Azerbaijani short documentary the opportunity to 25 participants produced as part of the project, was from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and watched on-line by over 5,000 Georgia to design and implement six viewers, which initiated discussions micro projects, three of which focu- on conflict and reconciliation sed on conflict resolution and confi- between Armenians and dence building across the borders.

EPF ANNUAL REPORT 2010 3 EURASIA PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION PROGRAM FINANCIAL SUMMARIES*

Civic Participation Public 13% Administration and Policy Media 2% Development 11% Youth Engagement 12%

Eco Awards Cross Border Cooperation 7% 29%

Responsible Philantropy 3%

Evidence Based Research 23%

* Detailed financial statements are available in the inserts

4 EPF ANNUAL REPORT 2010 Georgia

COUNTRY SUMMARY

Inspire, Encourage, Act! 2010 ENGAGE AND MONITOR FOR CHANGE

EPF promoted the effective by local constituents. At the with its European neighbors. participation of communities same time, EPF provided During the past years, EPF has in monitoring and advocacy institutional development worked to activate the Geor- processes through hands-on support to newly established gian public and promote training and grant-making CSOs in the regions of the positive reforms in the area activities. The team of 24 country. For example, the of sanitary and phytosanitary certified trainers who, a year efforts of the Batumi-based control, the oversight of which earlier, completed EPF’s train- CSO Civil Society for Human has been largely non-existent ing on advanced methods of Rights & Freedoms and its since the Rose Revolution. participatory monitoring partner media outlets prompt- To this effect, EPF and its and issue-based advocacy ed Batumi City Hall to grantee, the Dairy Association MISSION campaigns, trained 140 CSO allocate funds to equip the of Georgia, organized round- STATEMENT: representatives, community city streets and public offices tables and seminars to link leaders, and journalists from with wheelchair accessible experts and representatives To empower people eastern and western Georgia. ramps and other fixtures. of civil society, government, As a result, EPF’s certified and business, in working on to effect change for trainers were able to improve European Integration this issue. To inform the social justice and the participants’ civic monito- process, the EPF-supported economic ring efforts, which will undoubt- Through research, monitoring, expert group developed prosperity, through edly have a long-term impact. and advocacy activities, EPF policy recommendations, succeeded in promoting which eventually translated hands-on programs In 2010, EPF’s grant-making legislative and policy reforms into the 2010 amendments helping them to activities continued to that remove obstacles to to the Law of Georgia on improve their promote dialogue between Georgia’s becoming more Sanitary and Phytosanitary CSOs and the local and closely integrated with the Issues, reforming the system communities and central government to jointly EU, including the develop- and reintroducing state their own lives. tackle problems identified ment of trade relationships control in this field.

PHILANTHROPY, SOCIAL INVESTMENT, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Corporate Social Free University, Georgian provide the needed technical Investment American University (GAU), assistance in training and and International Black Sea curriculum development. After considerable effort, University (IBSU) – signed a EPF’s Corporate Social Memorandum of Social Enterprise Investment program was Understanding (MOU) able to make a significant to cooperate in developing Rolling over from the previous stride toward achieving one Corporate Social year, EPF continued active of its main program objec- Responsibility (CSR) as cooperation with its partners tives. Specifically, four a field of academic studies in the Center for Strategic Georgian institutions of their respective universities. Research and Development higher educa-tion – In 2011, EPF will identify an of Georgia (CSRDG) and the Caucasus University (CU), international expert to British Council to promote the idea of social enterprise in Georgia. In 2010, this partnership also welcomed the Civil Society Institute ( CSI) and, together with these organizations, EPF has been at the forefront of the development of social enterprises in the country. At the same time, EPF continued to cooperate with the Czech Fundraising Center and the UK-based Resource Alliance. COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT THROUGH YOUTH INITIATIVES

In 2010, the YB Program award- ed 64 youth-led initiatives in the areas of youth education, sports, environmental protection, and culture.

Getting Involved! – Strengthening Civic Engagement among Young People Building on the previous result, the YB Program now years’ success, in 2010, EPF covers the following towns EPF continued its coopera- “The program doubled the reach of its and communities: Akhmeta, tion with Theodor-Heuss- made me believe youth program to 24 Youth Dedoplistskaro, Rustavi, Kolleg (THK) to implement Banks in Georgia. The Gardabani, Marneuli, Talaveri, the project Getting Involved!, that I am capable additional Youth Banks were Bolnisi, Sadakhlo, Gori, aimed at strengthening of changing things set up in what had been Akhaltsikhe, Vale, Aspindza, civic participation among in my society, no identified as underserved Ninotsminda, Akhalkhalaki, young people from the regions of Ge orgia, to Zugdidi, Khobi, Martvili, South Caucasus and matter how few support young people’s Khoni, Tkibuli, Chokhatauri, promoting confidence- resources I may involvement in civic and Lanchkhuti, Batumi, Khulo, building among youth have readily community activism. As a and Latali. across borders. available, because OPEN DOOR the most impor- tant resource is my In 2010, EPF emphasized the enhancement of the role of local communities as agents of willingness to change in their regions and supported initiatives that promoted dialogue between civil society and the local authorities. EPF also sup ported various initiatives aimed at confidence- change; to get building and tolerance between Georgians, Abkhazians , and South Ossetians. For example, involved.” the grant awarded to the Association A laneli helped to integrate Ossetian minorities, espec ially women, into the Ossetian-populat ed villages of the D usheti, Lagodekhi, and Akhmeta regions. The Association for Peaceful and Business Caucasus successfully managed confidence building Teona among Georgians, Abkhazians, and Ossetians by organizing joint business tours, person-to- Dalakishvili, person contacts, and an awareness-raising campaign, which resulted in joint business ventures. Getting Involved! alumni, Georgia MEDIA

In September 2009, with support from the European Union and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EPF began the implementation of the 18–month-long project Strengthening the Media’s Role as a Watchdog Institution in Georgia. EPF is proud to report that, in cooperation changes. EPF also worked valuable members of the with the Geor gian Young with the Georgian Association Georgian media community. Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), of Regional Broadcasters Along with providing it succeeded in establishing (GARB) to support the member- technical assistance to the the Georgian Media Legal ship’s aspirations to become project partners and bene- Defence Centre (GMLDC) to a stronger institution, c apable ficiaries, EPF also awarded provide free legal aid to jour- of supporting regional 14 investigative journalism nalists and media outlets, broad-casters in their grants to various NGOs and to advocate for legislative attempts to become and media outlets. GEORGIA FINANCIALS

Evidence Based Research 31% ADVISORY COMMITTEE

KAKHA GOGOLASHVILI GEPLAC Media Responsible Development Philantropy BADRI JAPARIDZE 21% 2% TBC Group

ZVIAD KORIDZE

Media Expert Eco Awards TAMARA SABEDASHVILI 15% UNIFEM

IA TIKANADZE Friedrich Ebert Foundation Youth Engagement Civic 6% Engagement 25%

COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS

EURASIA PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION IN GEORGIA STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009 ASSETS NON-CURRENT ASSETS 2010 2009 Furniture and equipment $ 8,932 $ 22,289

CURRENT ASSETS Cash 2,540,571 1,656,535 Accounts receivable 30,853 3,706 Grants and contributions receivables 1,878,379 1,770,131 Advances _ 35,192 Prepaid expenses 16,075 15,883 Total current assets 4,465,878 3,481,447 TOTAL ASSETS $ 4,474,810 $ 3,503,736

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES Grants payable $ 306,311 $ 404,128 Deferred revenue 52,909 _ Interest due to Sida 25,081 25,081 Accrued expenses and accounts payable 63,154 50,981 Total current liabilities 447,455 480,190

NET ASSETS Unrestricted 19,553 26,349 Temporarily restricted 4,007,802 2,997,197 Total net assets 4,027,355 3,023,546 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 4,474,810 $ 3,503,736

Gelman, Rosenberg, and Freedman have conducted an audit for our financial statements and have issued an unqualified opinion. 29/31/33 Chavchavadze Ave., 2nd Floor, 0179 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel/Fax: (+995 32)25-39-42 (+995 32)25-39-43 [email protected] www.epfound.ge Georgia Social Enterprise

Program Goal the project co-funded by the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To promote the development of social As a result of the selection process, enterprise, as a viable business model four out of seven proposals were that operates primarily with social awarded grant support. EPF provided objectives as the ‘bottom line’ and financial assistance to three organiza- which reinvests profits back into the tions (about $6,000 per project), while social objectives of the business. the British Council funded one project. Later, during the summer, these four Impact in 2010 organizations participated in a study visit to the Czech Republic where they As during the previous year, EPF visited different types of social continued active cooperation with its enterprises, as well as held face-to-face partners the Center for Strategic consultations with Czech experts on Research and Development of Georgia how best to run and develop social (CSRDG) and the British Council to enterprises. In the fall of 2010, the promote the idea of social enterprise in consultants from the Czech Fundraising Georgia. In 2010, this partnership also Center visited Georgia and provided welcomed the Civil Society Institute further consultations to those social (CSI) and, together with these organiza- enterprises that have been established tions, EPF has been at the forefront of with the support of EPF and its partners. supporting the development of social enterprises in the country. At the same The tireless efforts of these four orga- time, EPF continued successful coopera- nizations culminated in a large-scale tion with the Czech Fundraising Center event: Together for a Better Future: and the UK-based Resource Alliance. Social Enterprise – New Opportunity for Development, which took place on In April 2010, EPF and the British Council December 15, 2010. More than 250 announced a joint grant competition people, mainly stakeholders, attended for those organizations that had this event, which aimed at the popula- participated in the training organized rization of new approaches toward in December, 2009 by EPF in partici- the fulfillment of social objectives in pation with the Czech Fundraising Georgia and the promotion of Engaging Center and Resource Alliance under innovative strategies for the CSOs Citizens, Empowering Communities MISSION STATEMENT:

To empower people to effect change for social justice and economic prosperity, through hands-on programs helping them to improve their communities and their own lives.

“Starting a social enterprise _ a small goods bakery in Gori _ has been a great opportunity for us, operating in the social field. EPF, uploaded onto YouTube. However, because it created employment CSRDG, CSI, and the British Council the biggest promotion of the social opportunities for four IDPs (all presented the work carried out enterprise concept were the SEs women) affected by the August individually and in partnership with themselves, who were represented at their grantees toward SE development the event by their staff members and 2008 war. At the same time, we in Georgia. At the same time, these products. This forum allowed the were able to start thinking about organizations updated the attendees participants to interact with the per- our future as a truly successful about their future plans, including the sons employed by the SEs, as well as business enterprise. Effective and joint initiative be tween EPF and Tbilisi purchase the products made by them. targeted consultancy, applicable City Hall aimed at providing support foreign experience, donation from to potential social enterprises in the Main Activities in 2011 the Czech charitable foundation, form of grant support from EPF and relatively cheap credit from a local In 2011, EPF and the Czech Fundraising concrete orders, and the general private bank. Center, with support from the Vi segrad optimism about our future – Fund, will be implementing various these are some of the few, For the abovementioned event, EPF capacity-building activities (e.g. tangible achievements of our prepared and published notebooks trainings, grant support, study tours, participation in this program.” containing bilingual (English and etc.) for Georgian organizations Georgian) information about those working with IDPs. The goal of these Phati Bukhrikidze, social enterprises that were supported activities will be to introduce the the Association Woman and through grant assistance by EPF and Social Enterprise model as a viable Development its partners, the British Council and business model for sustainable CSRDG. In addition, t-shirts with logos development, as well as for securing were prepared and disseminated. gainful employment and integration Moreover, the partners produced a of internally displaced persons (IDPs) short, dynamic video, promoting the in the country’s social life. EPF will also social enterprise concept and continue its cooperation with Tbilisi showcasing the already operational City Hall, in order to ensure the social enterprises in the country. This successful implementation of the new 29/31/33 Chavchavadze Ave., video was screened at the event and initiative mentioned above. 2nd floor, 0179 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel/Fax:(+995 32)25-39-42 (+995 32)25-39-43 [email protected] www.epfound.ge Georgia

Strengthening the Media’s Role as a Watchdog Institution in Georgia

Program Goal EPF used a multi-pronged approach to achieve the project’s goals and To promote a free and independent objectives: media, as a necessary pre-condition for the development of a stable EPF’s Caucasus Research Resource democracy, and to increase public Centers (CRRC) undertook a study access to high quality, professional, of the Georgian media landscape, and independent information. which consisted of a survey of public attitudes towards the media Impact in 2010 in Georgia: a series of focus groups with media consumers; in-depth In September 2009, with support from interviews with media professionals; the European Union and the Norwe- and media monitoring of Georgian gian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EPF TV news. The results of the study began the implementation of the were presented at the European 18-month-long project – Strengthening Union-Georgia Civil Society the Media’s Role as a Watchdog Human Rights Seminar on Media Institution in Georgia. The project was Freedom and Internally Displaced based on the assumption that a free Persons organized by the European and independent media is a necessary Union Delegation to Georgia in pre-condition for the development of a November, 2009. The report stable democracy, and, hence, focused provided a comprehensive picture on increasing public access to high of the current situation in the quality, professional, and independent Georgian media and served as the information. EPF partnered with the basis for a vibrant discussion both Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association at the seminar and throughout the (GYLA) and the Georgian Association project implementation cycle. of Regional Broadcasters (GARB) to In part based on the results of the Engaging achieve the project's goals. Media Landscape Survey, EPF Citizens, Empowering Communities MISSION organized four roundtables on EPF also organized a week-long STATEMENT: such important topics as media study visit for select GARB member freedom, access to public informa- TV stations to the Croatian public To empower people to effect tion, association building in the broadcaster (Hrvatska change for social justice Georgian media, and the switch to radiotelevizija). and economic prosperity, digital broadcasting. Roundtable Apart from providing technical participants included all stake- assistance to the project partners through hands-on programs holders to encourage a broad, and beneficiaries, EPF also conduc- helping them to improve inclusive dialogue on the state of ted two targeted grant competi- their communities and the media in Georgia. More than tions in investigative journalism. their own lives. 40 participants attended each After receiving 38 grant applications, roundtable. EPF awarded 14 grants to various EPF is proud to report that, in media outlets to investigate many cooperation with GYLA, it succeeded salient issues and then disseminate in establishing the Georgian Media the results of these investigations “First of all, the program promoted Legal Defence Centre (GMLDC), to among the Georgian population. investigative journalism both in provide free legal aid to journalists To ensure the long-term impact of and media outlets, and to advocate the project, EPF selected and trans- the mainstream and regional for legislative changes. Since its lated one of the best textbooks on media. Many small journalistic creation in November 2009, the investigative journalism (The investigations were showcased in GMLDC has provided more than Investigative Reporter’s Handbook: several regional media outlets, 700 legal consultations and led A Guide to Documents, Databases, which highlighted problems and more than 30 court cases. At the and Techniques by Brant Houston), initiated much needed discussions same time, GMLDC conducted to be published and disseminated on various important topics (e.g. multiple trainings on media law and among the Georgian media schools the Village Support Program). investigative journalism techniques and practicing investigative Another noteworthy achievement for lawyers and journalists. reporters. of the program is the publication EPF also worked with the Georgian of a seminal textbook on investi- Association of Regional Broadcast- Main Activities in 2011 gative journalism, which to this ers (GARB) to support the member- date is the only Georgian ship’s aspirations to become a In the future, EPF plans to utilize a language textbook that can be stronger institution, capable of comprehensive approach that will used to prepare interested supporting regional broadcasters include (1) the elaboration of innovative journalists and students of in their attempts to improve their academic courses based on a translated journalism in various methods programming and become more edition of the Investigative Reporter’s and tools of investigative valuable members of the Georgian Handbook, (2) the facilitation of public journalism.” media community. In this respect, discourse on the role of investigative EPF conducted baseline and follow reporting, and (3) the development Nino Zuriashvili, up institutional capacity assess- and wide dissemination of a compre- Journalist, EPF Grantee ments of GARB; provided valuable hensive report based on the results of support in developing the associa- Media Landscape surveys to be tion’s long-term strategy and action conducted by CRRC in 2011. At the plan; established linkages between same time, EPF will support the efforts GARB and the European regional of local media outlets and CSOs to broadcasters’ association (CIRCOM organize in working groups to Regional); and supported multiple develop a strategy (and action plan) institutional capacity-building and on the planned move to digital fundraising trainings for the GARB broadcasting and work on improving

29/31/33 Chavchavadze Ave., board and membership. With the media legislation, so that it is 2nd floor, 0179 Tbilisi, Georgia support from CIRCOM Regional, more responsive to current demands. Tel/Fax:(+995 32)25-39-42 (+995 32)25-39-43 [email protected] www.epfound.ge Georgia

Youth Integration

Program Goal karo provided opportunities to local youth initiative groups to develop skills To encourage young people aged 16 to serve as agents of social transfor- to 21 to increase opportunities for mation, gain experience in awarding volunteerism and civic activism among grants in a fair and transparent manner, other youth in their respective and implement voter education communities. projects targeting first-time voters in their respective communities. As a Impact in 2010 result, EPF Youth Banks funded twenty seven youth-led initiatives, most As part of its youth integration designed to increase first-time voters’ activities, EPF’s project, Increasing awareness of their electoral rights Youth Engagement in Political Processes and responsibilities; to raise the in Georgia, was designed to increase the knowledge and interest of first-time capacity and provide the opportunity voters on election-related issues; to for local youth to engage as active increase the interest of first-time citizens in the democratic development voters to be engaged in election of their communities in Georgia prior observation missions, and; to equip to the local elections in spring 2010. first-time voters with the skills and Eurasia Partnership Foundation (EPF) knowledge essential for election implemented this project through its monitoring. Youth Bank (YB) Program, which enables young people to take respon- In total, the YB Program awarded sibility in their communities as active 64 youth-led initiatives in the areas citizens and gain understanding of of youth education, sports, their role and in society. In 2010, Youth environmental protection, and Banks in seven municipalities of Georgia culture. As a result of these activities, offered small groups of young people the YB Program provided modest funding to support their ideas opportunities to local youth to for action and change. Youth Banks in engage as active citizens in the Akhaltsikhe, Aspindza, Batumi, Zugdidi, democratic development of their Engaging Ozurgeti, Gori, Bolnisi, and Dedoplists- communities. Citizens, Empowering Communities MISSION STATEMENT:

To empower people to effect change for social justice and economic prosperity, through hands-on programs helping them to improve their communities and their own lives.

“I became more active as a result Building on the previous years’ of the YB. Before coming here, I did success, in 2010 the EPF Team not know anybody and nobody doubled the terrain of the YB would take me seriously. Now we geography to 24 Youth Banks in are involved in solving the prob- Georgia. The additional Youth Banks Georgia) to complete project develop- lems of our town, and people take were set up in the areas populated by ment, project management, and project evaluation seminars, where us into account. And we do what ethnic minority groups to support their integration in the country’s they had an opportunity to acquire we can to improve our town. social, economic, and political life. practical management skills, as well as Sometimes, even when we don’t The new Youth Banks were also advance personally and personally. have grants, we implement some established in the country’s more With small grants, proposed by projects... For example, together remote, underserved municipalities to the project, participants designed with the Youth Center, we help young people to get involved in and implemented six micro projects, organized a campaign against civic and community activism. Now including three cross border projects, smoking: and this was done the YB Program covers the following focused on conflict resolution, without any grant. Also we towns and communities: Akhmeta, confidence building, and environmental helped IDPs after the war.” Dedoplistskaro, Rustavi, Gardabani, problems, among others. Marneuli, Talaveri, Bolnisi, Sadakhlo, Mirza Dargali, Gori, Akhaltsikhe, Vale, Aspindza, Main Activities in 2011 Marneuli Youth Bank member Ninotsminda, Akhalkhalaki, Zugdidi, Khobi, Martvili, Khoni, Tkibuli, In 2011, EPF plans to organize a regional Chokhatauri, Lanchkhuti, Batumi, conference to discuss the lessons Khulo, and Latali. learned during the implementation of youth-led initiatives, the outcomes in EPF also continued to cooperate with terms of voter turnout, and personal Theodor-Heuss-Kolleg to implement reflections on voting for the first time the project Getting Involved! The project during the May 30, 2010 local elections. aims to strengthen civic participation Later during the year, EPF will also among young people from the South organize an annual meeting for all Caucasus and promotes confidence 24 YB members to share the lessons building among youth across borders. learned through their grant-making In 2010, the project team selected 25 activities and promote networking participants (eight from Armenia, among youth from various parts 29/31/33 Chavchavadze Ave., eight from Azerbaijan, and nine from of Georgia. 2nd floor, 0179 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel/Fax:(+995 32)25-39-42 (+995 32)25-39-43 [email protected] www.epfound.ge Engaging Citizens, Empowering Communities GEORGIA AND PRESIDENT'S OFFICE 29/31/33 Chavchavadze Ave., 2nd floor, 0179 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel/Fax: (+995 32) 25 39 42/43 www.epfound.org [email protected]

CAUCASUS RESEARCH RESOURCE CENTERS - REGIONAL OFFICE 29/31/33 Chavchavadze Ave., 2nd floor, 0179 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel/Fax: (+995 32) 25 39 42/43 www.crrccenters.org

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

HORTON BEEBE-CENTER MARGARET RICHARDSON Eurasia Foundation IRS Commissioner, ret., Oakwood Enterprises, LLC

DIETER BODEN MARY SHEEHAN German Ambassador, Organization for Security International Organization for Migration and Cooperation in Europe, ret. ROY SOUTHWORTH ANDREW COXSHALL KPMG World Bank

DANIELLE DEL MARMOL JONATHAN STARK Belgium Ambassador, ret. Honorary Consul of the Republic of Ireland to Armenia PER EKLUND Ambassador, Head of the European Union Delegation DR. DANIEL TARSCHYS to Georgia, ret. University of Stockholm

SABINE FREIZER KENNETH S. YALOWITZ International Crisis Group United States Ambassador, ret., DAVID LAWRENCE LEE Dickey Center for International Understanding, Magticom, Ltd Darmouth College

DANIEL MATTHEWS GEORGE ZARUBIN Baker and McKenzie, Ltd Eurasia Partnership Foundation