Overview

The RUF Microgrants Program offers targeted financial support exclusively to diaspora-based RUF partners, members, volunteers, and community groups. This initiative empowers changemakers with the resources, visibility, and mentorship to turn meaningful ideas into impactful projects that align with RUF’s strategic vision: Global Romania.

Financed projects should align with RUF’s goals: create community, build capacity, generate awareness, strengthen diaspora partnerships, attract volunteers, and enhance civic engagement and capacity-building within the Romanian diaspora.

The microgrants program is a key part of strengthening the RUF Idea Lab, building lasting relationships with our partners, and cementing the RUF brand in the global diaspora space.

Note: Organizations based in Romania are not eligible

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Grant Tiers

RUF has allocated $20,000 per year from its endowment fund to its Microgrants program for Diaspora Partners. Applicants do not apply for a specific amount. Instead, the RUF community will vote on projects, and RUF will determine the level of funding:

• $300 – Micro community Ideas
• $1,000 – Pilot Initiatives
• $5,000 – Strategic Impact Projects (may receive partial amounts from this tier)

Key Features

• 💡 Funding for Diaspora Projects: Supports grassroots initiatives that have measurable impact within Romanian communities abroad.
• 🙌 Community-Driven: Prioritizes projects initiated by RUF community members and volunteers who have demonstrated civic and community involvement.
• 🎯 Strategic Alignment: Projects must align with RUF’s Global Romania goals: civic engagement, education, innovation, cultural identity, and community building.
• 📋 Simple, Inclusive Application: Designed to be accessible and clear. Includes a country-of-residence field to ensure eligibility.
• 🎓 Mentorship & Support: Grantees receive implementation guidance, communications support, and help with measuring impact.

Application Process

1. Develop Your Idea: Identify a challenge relevant to diaspora communities or fostering connections with Romania.
2. Create a Project Brief: Outline objectives, need, audience, key activities, timeline, and budget.
3. Submit a Proposal: Complete the online form (including: “What country are you from?”).
4. Community Vote: Projects are presented monthly during IdeaLab pitching sessions, where the GlobalRomania community votes.
5. Evaluation & Approval: A committee evaluates based on scoring criteria. Final funding amount is determined by RUF.
6. Implement & Report: Complete the project and submit a brief final report with visuals and key outcomes.

Evaluation Criteria

• Platform Ranking – Engagement on RUF platforms (e.g., Circle)
• Problem Definition – Relevance, clarity, and innovation
• Strategic Fit – Alignment with RUF’s Global Romania mission
• Track Record – Applicant’s history of civic or community engagement
• Diaspora Impact – How the project benefits Romanians abroad
• Scalability – Potential to expand or replicate the project
• Sustainability – Plans to continue impact beyond grant
• Outcomes & Metrics – Clear, measurable goals
• Funding Availability – Based on RUF’s current resources

Website and UX Recommendations

• Tailor the language and visuals specifically to the diaspora audience
• Include a clear call to action to apply
• Make the eligibility criteria self-selective and clearly state the program is not for Romania-based organizations
• Display a visual roadmap of the process: Idea → Submit → Pitch → Vote → Fund → Report

Community Engagement & Visibility

• Monthly pitching sessions will highlight selected projects
• Community members vote on which projects receive funding
• Funded projects will be showcased on RUF platforms to inspire others

👉We’re looking for applications that:

• Demonstrate clear community benefit for the Romanian diaspora.
• Are initiated by active RUF members, volunteers, or diaspora organizations with proven civic engagement.
• Address a real need or opportunity in a local diaspora context.
• Show potential for community engagement, volunteer activation, and broader awareness.
• Have a simple, realistic plan with measurable results.
• Align with RUF’s Global Romania strategy and complement our Idea Lab work.

👉What RUF Offers

In addition to funding, selected projects receive:

• ⭕ Access to GlobalRomania Online Community on Circle
• ⚙️ Access to RUF's Partners Portal where you can take action, promote your events, etc.
• 🎓 Mentorship and strategic guidance from RUF advisors.
• 📣 Visibility through RUF communications, pitching events, and partner networks.
• 🤝 Connection to the RUF community, including potential collaborators, volunteers, and media channels.
• 📊 Support for reporting and impact measurement.
• 💡 Opportunities for continued support through RUF’s Idea Lab and network of diaspora initiatives.

Coming Soon:

👉 Q&A section (FAQ)
👉 Links to past RUF microgrants