The United States Embassy in Podgorica supports specific projects and initiatives that facilitate the engagement of Montenegrin citizens in criminal justice reform efforts through grant awards valued up to $50,000, although most of the awards are smaller. The main goal of the program is to help Montenegro transition into a more effective and transparent criminal justice system by engaging citizens in the process through watchdog and monitoring activities, advocacy and policy-making, research, and public education. Grants are awarded to local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), media, or other organizations that have a proven track record in the criminal justice field and good organizational capacities. Proposals are evaluated according to the ability of the applying organization to carry out a project with clearly formulated goals, that reaches the intended audience or beneficiaries, and which has the potential for positive impact in the area of criminal justice.