Mid-Year Report Fiscal Year 2011

The main architecture of the Eurasia Foundation Network is complete, comprising six autonomous foundations serving as a reliable partner to organizations throughout Eurasia committed to building prosperous, stable, and inclusive societies in the region. The Eurasia Foundation Network has grown the Foundation's program portfolio and deepened the impact of its programs. Today, Eurasia Foundation operates more than a dozen programs, ranging from judicial reform and youth journalism in Central Asia to youth engagement in Moldova and independent media in Russia. The programs harness the energy and aspirations of ordinary citizens seeking to improve the schools, businesses, and government in the communities where they live and work. Youth Leadership Development is a key area of focus for the Eurasia Foundation. The Youth Participation in Moldova program aims to increase young adult participation in Moldova's democratic decision-making process. The program is strengthening democratic institutions by enhancing the role of youth in civil society and increasing citizen participation. Local Economic Development is also a priority area, with the New Eurasia Foundation in the Russian Federation implementing a range of projects and activities designed to consolidate and mobilize local communities. Strengthening Public Policy and Administration is another key area of focus for the Eurasia Foundation. The Municipal Partnerships for Better Energy Use program in Ukraine aims to develop awareness about energy efficiency and the potential for CO2 reduction among local governments and businesses. The program has awarded grants to 11 Ukrainian NGOs to test and install energy-saving technologies, and has raised awareness about energy efficiency issues among schoolchildren, their parents, teachers, educators, and NGO representatives. Independent Media is also a key area of focus for the Eurasia Foundation. The Professional Youth Journalism program in Central Asia aims to enhance the quality and freedom of media in the region by teaching a core group of more than 150 journalism students how to report on events in a fair and unbiased manner, according to Western best journalism practices. Cross-Border Programs are also an important area of focus, with the Armenia-Turkey Rapprochement program aiming to promote dialogue and cooperation between Armenia and Turkey. The Eurasia Foundation has achieved significant fundraising success in the first half of FY11, with commitments of approximately $1 million in non-core funds and network partners posting awards of approximately $21 million. This represents an unprecedented level of fundraising for the Eurasia Foundation and its network partners, and if this pace continues, FY11 will be a record year for the network. The core investment by the US government has enabled the Foundation and its partners to leverage this investment several times over with financial support from other donors.