Each year, OSIWA disburses $10 million in grants to support country-specific and regional initiatives in the following program areas: human rights (including women’s political and economic empowerment), democracy and governance, media and technology (including information and communications technologies (ICTs), legal reform and transitional justice, and HIV/AIDS. Within the context of the program areas, OSIWA is particularly interested in supporting organizations that promote the interests of marginalized communities, such as women and children. Following extensive consultation with civil society, non-governmental organizations and governments throughout West Africa, OSIWA’s board of directors and staff periodically set funding priorities to target specific areas of need. Current priorities The following descriptionssummarize OSIWA’s programs and serve as a guide to the types of projects that OSIWA seeks to support. For detailed program descriptions please follow the links below. OSIWA also considers proposals for projects that do not necessarily conform to its priorities, but nonetheless fall within the program areas and countries covered by OSIWA.

Human Rights

OSIWA supports organizations that defend and promote the rights of marginalized and disadvantaged communities by documenting violations and conducting civic education.

Democracy and Governance

OSIWA promote political systems that embrace equality, the rule of law and good governance.

Media

OSIWA helps communities gain access to independent information and uncensored media, and promotes diversity in media ownership. By appealing to cultural and linguistic sensitivities, community-based media—media adapted for community use—engages the largest possible local audience and is an extremely effective tool for increasing participation in civil society.

ICTs

Information and communications technologies (ICTs)—the rapidly advancing technologies associated with the convergence of computers, telecommunications and traditional media—are important tools that West Africa can use to bolster civil society, promote development, and integrate itself into the knowledge-based global economy.

Law and Justice

OSIWA supports projects that strengthen the rule of law in countries across the sub-region.

HIV/AIDs

OSIWA focuses its support in the area of HIV/AIDS policy at the national level, while also funding community-level projects targeting marginalized groups, specifically women and children.

Special Initiatives

OSIWA's program areas are particularly focused toward supporting organizations that promote the interests of marginalized communities, such as women and youth.