Deadline: 5 March 24

The US State Department, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour (DRL) announces an open call for organisations interested in submitting applications for projects that will defend and protect human rights; combat threats to democratic institutions; and address discrimination, inequality and marginalisation in all its forms.

DRL will grant a comprehensive co-operation agreement to a consortium of eight NGOs with a thematic and global reach ("Consortium"), to collaborate in the implementation of individual projects where "events forcing action" have triggered the need for intervention to combat or prevent the closure of democratic space and/or where progress in the creation of democratic institutions and the establishment of the rule of law is in jeopardy.

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

DRL is committed to promoting equity and supporting underserved and underrepresented communities. In accordance with the Executive Order on the Development of Racial Equity and Disadvantaged Communities, programmes should implement integration and inclusion strategies for individuals/organisations/beneficiaries who 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 status. Programmes should be demand-driven and locally-led to the extent possible.

Where appropriate, competitive tenders may include:

• Opportunities for beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and skills in practical endeavours;
• Soliciting feedback and suggestions from beneficiaries in the development of activities, in order to strengthen the sustainability of programmes and the ownership of project results by participants;
• Input from participants on the sustainability plans and systematic review of the plans throughout the life of the project, with adjustments made as necessary;
• Inclusion of vulnerable populations;
• Identification and joint definition of key concepts with the relevant stakeholders and stakeholder contributions to project activities;
• Systematic follow-up with beneficiaries at specific intervals after the completion of activities to monitor how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills.

Information on financing

• Total funding floor: US$ 7,250,000 (of which US$ 750,000 must go to LGBTQI+ projects)
• Total funding ceiling: US$ 7,250,000 (of which US$ 750,000 must go to LGBTQI+ projects)
• Expected number of prizes: 1
• Type of Award: Co-operative Agreement
• Period of employment: 24-36 months

Activities that are not normally permitted include, but are not limited to:

• The provision of humanitarian assistance;
• English language teaching;
• Development of high-tech software and/or hardware for computers or communications;
• Purely academic exchanges or scholarships;
• Exchanges or external scholarships lasting more than six months;
• Offshore activities that are not clearly linked to initiatives and impact on the country or that are not necessary for security reasons.

Election criteria

• The Bureau of Democracy , Human Rights and Labour (DRL) welcomes applications in response to DRL's Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) of:
  • Non-profit organisations/non-governmental organisations (NGOs) based in the USA and abroad;
  • International public organisations;
  • Private, public or state higher education institutions; and
  • Organisations or companies for profit .
• DRL's preference is to work with non-profit organisations; however, there may be occasions when a for-profit organisation is more appropriate.
• Applications submitted by for-profit organisations may be subject to additional review after the panel selection process. In addition, the State Department prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial organisations under its assistance awards.

For more information, visit Grants.gov .