Deadline: 7-Jun-21
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 support civil society to strengthen democracy and the protection of human rights in Thailand.
DRL’s goal is to strengthen democracy and the protection of human rights in Thailand to foster a stronger, more stable Thailand and U.S.-Thai relationship. DRL seeks proposals to support civil-society led efforts to expand civic space and political participation and dialogue to promote democracy and the protection of human rights.
Objectives
- Promote inclusive, consensus-building processes to foster national dialogue on legislative, policy, and other reforms advancing democracy and human rights;
- Increase civic participation in the political process and opportunities to shape policy with political leaders to promote democratic institutions responsive and accountable to citizens; and
- Expand civic space and protections for civil society to effectively promote democratic reform and the protection of human rights.
Funding Information
- Award Ceiling: $1,000,000
- Award Floor: $1,000,000
Program Activities
- A competitive applicant will prioritize working with a variety of civic actors and fostering linkages between civil society advocates in Bangkok and peripheral areas of the country to achieve the above-mentioned objectives. Illustrative activities may include:
- Building civil society capacity on strategic planning, advocacy, facilitation and consensus-building dialogue to determine, define, and advance legislative, policy, and reforms strengthening democracy and the protection of human rights;
- Supporting the development of effective and sustainable strategies for engaging with local communities and government to foster support for legal and policy reforms strengthening democracy and the protection of human rights;
- Fostering coalition-building and collaboration among civil society, legal advocates, religious leaders, and other civic actors to build consensus and joint action to advance human rights and democratic reform;
- Improving civil society watchdog and oversight functions to advance accountable and transparent government, including through the use of data and technology to improve access to government information and enable more data-driven policy dialogue;
- Empowering civil society to utilize existing laws to advance human rights and transparent and accountable government;
- Strengthening the resilience and security of civil society and other civic actors promoting human rights and democratic reforms, including through targeted physical safety and digital security support; and
- Support for media organizations to advance more effective data-driven reporting and journalism to better inform reform dialogue and improve the quality of outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria
- DRL welcomes applications from
- U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO)
- 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 some 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. Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=332819
