II. Project Priorities
Based on these objectives, the SCEF has operational guidelines which places funding priorities on projects. The current operational guidelines emphasises the following three categories.
1. Enhancing Mutual Exchange Between Japan and Central European Countries: The SCEF will promote exchange programmes aiming at mutual understanding and stronger ties between Japan and Central Europe such as Òthe formation of civil society and NGOs,Ó Òeco-tourism and the community,Ó Òthe shift to democracy and the market economy in Eastern Europe,Ó and Òcultural pluralism.Ó Support will be also extended to Japanese studies in Japan, and thought will be given to exchanges of researchers. This should lead to better understanding of differences in value systems and, it is to be hoped, create more opportunities to learn about ideas for resolving problems in both Japan and Central Europe.
2. The Role of Central European Countries in the Twenty-First Century: Today, a decade after the democracy revolutions in Central Europe, the economic and social transition is not complete. Henceforth these countries must seek a way to build a road that will take them through the reconstruction of social and market systems. They must also find a way to balance the differing value systems and ways of thinking of Eastern Europe and Western Europe. A road for better cooperation with East European countries in transition must be sought. With this situation in mind, the SCEF will provide supports to those programmes aiming at enhancing regional cooperation among Central European countries, transfer of experience to neighbouring countries, and seeking the role of Central European countries on global issues.
3. The Role of NGOs in Creating Civil Society: Non-governmental organisations in Central Europe grew out of grass-roots activities led by people who played a major role in the democracy movement. These NGOs have worked out their own ways for doing things. It can be said that they are creating a model for NGO cooperation in civil society. From now on NGOs will be asked to bring their activities into better line with social needs, and they will be asked to help in the creation of civil society. To meet this expectation, the SCEF will provide support to NGO activities such as information supply to NGOs, community development, environmental protection, and public policy formulation.
Project Eligibility Requirements
The project must, in principle, meet the following requirements to be eligible
for the SCEF funding:
- Project requirements
- correspond to the SCEF objectives and priorities,
- coincide with the characteristics and specific development needs of the
subject country.
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Eligible organisations
- Ineligible project activities
- procurement of real estate or fixed property, construction of buildings
- subsidising of operating expenses
- profit-making activities purely academic research
- emergency relief activities.
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Funding period
The grant agreements are made and renewed on an annual basis.
Grants may cover a period of up to three years.