Deadline: 22-Jun-21
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) has announced an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support democracy, human rights, and the rule of law for Syrians.
DRL’s objective is to protect civic space; promote the reintegration and protection of conflict-affected women and children; and improve respect for housing, land, and property rights. Proposals should also recognize, as a foundational tenet, the importance of a pluralistic, rights-respecting Syrian national identity, inclusive of all religious and ethnic backgrounds.
Areas
Programming should focus on one or more of the following areas:
- Protecting civic space and strengthening the ability of civil society and activists to coalesce and advocate effectively for their shared interests in support of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and social cohesion. Activities may include direct support to organizations through small- to medium-sized grants; building alliances and networks between activists/organizations; advocacy and community engagement; and/or where possible, improving civil society engagement with local officials, community leaders, and the international community.
- Promoting the reintegration and protection of women and children impacted by the conflict, including minors in juvenile detention centers; demobilized child soldiers; adult detainees; and/or those who are negatively impacted by perceived affiliation to ISIS in communities of return. Programs may include community reintegration, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with international human rights law, provision of or access to legal assistance, psychosocial support, and advocacy with local authorities on juvenile detention issues.
- Improving respect for housing, land, and property rights, including but not limited to: legal assistance and guidance on accessing services and navigating bureaucratic processes for resolving land and property disputes, including through compensation mechanisms where available; documenting land confiscation; and/or assisting individuals and communities in reclaiming ownership of property.
Funding Information
- Funding Floor (lowest $$ value): $750,000
- Funding Ceiling (highest $$ value): $2,000,000
- Anticipated Number of Awards: 3-4
- Period of Performance: 12 – 24 months
- Anticipated Time to Award (pending availability of funds): 8 months
Eligibility Criteria
- DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO) and 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. The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards Administration, and Contract Cost Principles and Procedures.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=333104