# Open Justice Project in North Macedonia

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/inl22gr0019-macedonia-01112022-open-justice-project-in-north-macedonia/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/337335

> Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement offered grants of up to $300,000 (at least $50,000) to the applicants described in the notice. Applications closed on March 11, 2022.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | INL22GR0019-MACEDONIA-01112022 |
| Agency | Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | March 11, 2022 |
| Award ceiling | $300,000 |
| Award floor | $50,000 |
| Expected awards | not stated |
| Total funding | not stated |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 19.703 |

## Who can apply

- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs); U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code; Foreign-based non-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs); Foreign-based educational institutions

## What the grant funds

In North Macedonia, trust in the justice sector is low according to recent polls, causing a lack of confidence in judicial institutions. Deficient justice sector transparency fueled by low interaction with media which can inform the public, further undermines citizen confidence in the judiciary. A lack of clear public rules and policies about access to public records (e.g., court records) contributes to this environment. Relations between media and judiciary members can be challenging. Judges often lack the communication skills to interact with reporters who are, in turn, not educated about procedures regarding investigations, prosecutions, and trials. Improving the skills, knowledge, and behavior of media and judicial representatives can help bridge the gap to educate the public, enhancing transparency and accountability of the judiciary. For example, investigative reporters can strengthen their knowledge of legal and ethical restrictions for court disclosure of information and judges can further understand the role and importance of the media to promote citizen access to information. U.S. Embassy Skopje’s INL Section partnered with the Macedonian Judges Association (MJA) to establish the region’s first JMC in 2018, based on the State of Massachusetts judiciary-media committee. The JMC formalized the cooperation between judges and journalists initiated by INL in 2017. The JMC has the status of an advisory body for the promotion of cooperation and dialogue between judges and journalists on issues of common interest, as well as the strengthening and affirmation of judicial transparency and public access to justice. The JMC is composed of reporters and judges who build bridges, trust, respect, and cooperation between these two professions aimed at timely and accurate information for citizens about cases of public interest and general procedures. This body is a forum where judges and reporters discuss, analyze, and resolve problems in favor of citizens, encouraging both parties to act with professionalism, ethics, and transparency in exercising their function to the benefit of the public. While the JMC has had notable successes in improving court openness and court reporting, additional work and challenges remain to improve access to justice. Transparency and accountability are key components of an independent and trustworthy judicial system.

## Questions people ask

### Is INL22GR0019-MACEDONIA-01112022 still open?

No. It closed on March 11, 2022.

### Who can apply for Open Justice Project in North Macedonia?

Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement accepted applications from the applicants described in the notice. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for Open Justice Project in North Macedonia?

Closed March 11, 2022. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $300,000 each.

### Who has won Criminal Justice Systems grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were National Center for State Courts, American Bar Association, Strategic Capacity Group, Inc. The program made 908 awards worth $375 million in that time.