Deadline: 28 February 2019
The United States Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs INL is seeking applications from qualified U.S. and non-U.S. based non-governmental (NGOs)/non-profit organizations or Educational Institutions for a Grant to implement a program entitled “Afghanistan Vulnerable Post-Incarcerated Women Transitional Houses.”
This project will support the over-arching goals of:
- strengthening criminal justice systems to be accountable, effective, and just;
- to advance legislation, international standards, and international agreements that promote citizen security, rule of law, and stable societies;
- supporting greater enforcement and advancement of women’s legal rights in Afghanistan; and
- increased social, political, and economic support for the education of women and girls.
The program’s immediate goal is to provide Afghan women with a safe haven and a basic education, while the long-term goal is to train women who are transitioning out of prison to live independently, to support themselves and their children, and to contribute to their communities and the future of Afghanistan.
Project Objectives
- To replicate and support the continuation of the transitional houses in Afghanistan by offering social protection services for women who have been released from prison but who lack a safe place to go to.
- New cases are registered at the transitional house and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs or relevant stakeholders will be informed within 24 hours
- Clients receive a detailed overview of transitional house policies and procedures
- Provide beneficiaries with residential facilities, hygiene kits, clothing and space to hold personal belongings
- If required, assign legal representative and provide legal assistance to each beneficiary related to the court civil or criminal case
- Provide counseling and mediation sessions and legal support to beneficiaries, when necessary between beneficiaries and family, if they are willing to engage
- Transitional house staff work with beneficiaries in developing a selfsufficiency plan aimed at building skills and exploring opportunities for eventual social reintegration
- Increase independence and self-sufficiency among transitional house clients through life skills, literacy, and vocational skills development courses, as well as through support with securing gainful employment and building savings.
- A case reintegration and/or long-term stay plan is developed in consultation with the beneficiary
- Clients will take educational assessments (pre- and post-test) of relevant subjects to gauge literacy level
- Clients of school age enroll in private or public school during the design or school’s enrollment period
- Clients are assisted in securing full-time, part-time, or temporary employment
- Clients participate in career counseling sessions
Funding Information
- The anticipated total federal funding amount is not to exceed $2,000,000.
- The period of performance is three (3) year(s) with an anticipated start date of May 2019.
- INL may extend the award up to two (2) additional years contingent on INL priorities, good performance of the recipient, Department of State management approval, and funding availability.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants that qualify to receive U.S. grants (such as U.S. not-for-profit/nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) or U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code; foreign not-for-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or foreign based educational institutions, with the ability to develop and successfully implement a project in Afghanistan and meet INL’s reporting requirements. Organizations must also be able to demonstrate current (or pending) country registration in Afghanistan, if required by the country of project implementation.
- Applicants must have demonstrated experience implementing similar capacity building programs, preferably in Afghanistan. INL reserves the right to request additional background information on organizations that do not have previous experience administering similar programs and/or federal grant awards.
- Applicants must have the ability to provide protective services, deliver training, and conduct evaluations in Dari and English. The applicant’s staff should be proficient in English in order to fulfill reporting requirements.
- Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with stakeholders in order to successfully carry out the proposed program.
- Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant and other members as sub-award partners.
- Applicants must be able to respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period. Public International Organizations (PIOs) and For-Profit Organizations are excluded from applying to this grant announcement.
How to Apply
Applicants can apply via given website.
For more information, please visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=312427