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The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that will defend and protect human rights; counter threats to democratic institutions; and address discrimination, inequity, and marginalization in all its forms.

DRL will award an overarching cooperative agreement to a consortium of eight NGOs with thematic and global reach (“Consortium”), to collaborate on the execution of individual projects in which “action-forcing events” have triggered the need for intervention to counter or prevent the closing of democratic space and/or where progress in erecting democratic institutions and establishing the rule of law is in jeopardy.

The Lead Organization and Consortium members must demonstrate the ability to: a) evaluate country conditions and draw on theory, experience, and lessons learned to design innovative, effective, and workable projects within their respective areas of expertise as new opportunities and challenges unfold on the ground; b) effectively and efficiently manage projects, including the capability to place them in the field quickly with all necessary support and to start project activities rapidly; c) build and maintain relationships with other organizations, including at the local levels, and key stakeholders; and d) monitor and evaluate project implementation, results, and impact, solve problems, and make course corrections when necessary.

DRL is committed to advancing equity and support for underserved and underrepresented communities. In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, programs should implement strategies for integration and inclusion of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries that can bring perspectives based on their religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, political affiliation, or veteran’s status. Programs should be demand-driven and locally led to the extent possible.

Where appropriate, competitive proposals may include:

• Opportunities for beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and skills in practical efforts;

• Solicitation of feedback and suggestions from beneficiaries when developing activities in order to strengthen the sustainability of programs and participant ownership of project outcomes;

• Input from participants on sustainability plans and systematic review of the plans throughout the life of the project, with adjustments made as necessary;

• Inclusion of vulnerable populations;

• Joint identification and definition of key concepts with relevant stakeholders and stakeholder input into project activities;

• Systematic follow up with beneficiaries at specific intervals after the completion of activities to track how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills.

Funding Information

• Total Funding Floor: $7,250,000 (of which $750,000 must go to LGBTQI+ projects)

• Total Funding Ceiling: $7,250,000 (of which $750,000 must go to LGBTQI+ projects)

• Anticipated Number of Awards: 1

• Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement

• Period of Performance: 24-36 months

Activities that are not typically allowed include, but are not limited to:

• The provision of humanitarian assistance;

• English language instruction;

• Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware;

• Purely academic exchanges or fellowships;

• External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months;

• Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary per security concerns.

Eligibility

• The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) welcomes applications in response to DRL Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) from:

  • U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/non-government organizations (NGOs);

  • Public international organizations;

  • Private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and

  • For-profit organizations or businesses.

• DRL’s preference is to work with non-profit entities; however, there may be occasions when a for-profit entity is best suited.

• Applications submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process. Additionally, the Department of State prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial organizations under its assistance awards.

Posted Date: Jan 03, 2024