[PCST] Microgrants now available for local dialogue activities in Europe

[Andrea Bandelli]

Ecsite, the European network of science centers and museums
(www.ecsite.eu) is making available 15 subsidies (up to € 2 500 each)
to promote local, city-based collaborative initiatives on dialogue and
science engagement. Applications can be submitted by local
administrations, science centres and museums, associations, NGOs,
institutions and individuals. The subsidies are part of the FUND
project - a European funded initiative to encourage collaborations and
networks at city level to create dialogue and engagement activities
with science.

The requirements for a grant are simple: applicants should propose an
activity which builds and innovates on the "PlayDecide" format (in
terms of structure, content, method or delivery - more information can
be found on www.playdecide.eu ) and that stimulates existing or new
collaborations and networks at the city level. The objective therefore
is not so much to develop an event, but rather to show how that event
can catalyse a new collaboration between local players where dialogue
is central. The subsidies are relatively small so it's important to be
creative and efficient, and think of it like "seed money" rather than
as a grant.

The role of the applicant is therefore that of a "broker" that
connects local networks and organisations, and leverages on the new
connections set in place with the help of the grant.

The call and the application form can be found at www.playdecide.eu/fund-call/

The closing date to apply is 15 March 2010.