DRL announces Global Equality Fund Programs 2025

Deadline: 14-Mar-25

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in implementing programs that provide LGBTQI+ individuals and communities with the tools to prevent, mitigate and recover from violence and restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms, eliminate laws which criminalize LGBTQI+ status and/or conduct, and in other ways advance protection of human rights in alignment with the strategic framework of the Global Equality Fund.

Areas

• DRL invites organizations to submit proposals that respond to the Global Equality Fund’s strategic framework, which includes but is not limited to the following areas:
  • Freedom from Violence: LGBTQI+ individuals, organizations and communities are safe and secure from all forms of violence, including threats, intimidation, harassment, abuse, sexual violence, and psychological or physical harm.
    • Objectives may include, but are not limited to: increased capacity to document and advocate against violence and other violations of human rights targeting LGBTQI+ persons, as well as investigation processes (or lack thereof); increased and proactive engagement from national and local authorities, including police and other law enforcement agencies, to prevent, mitigate, or respond to violence targeting LGBTQI+ persons; increased protection, safety and support for LGBTQI+ persons and their advocates at risk of violence or who have experienced violence, including sexual violence and hate crimes; and, establishment of or support to broad based advocacy coalitions.
  • Access to Justice: Civil society works to ensure that equal protection under the law is extended to the LGBTQI+ community, and that the rule of law is fairly and consistently implemented and enforced.
    • Objectives may include, but are not limited to: increased efforts by government to repeal, reform and replace legislation and policies that criminalize LGBTQI+ conduct and/or status; improved capacity of judicial officials, lawyers, and CSOs to leverage existing domestic and international legal frameworks and multilateral institutions to protect the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons; improved efforts to hold accountable perpetrators of violence and human rights abuses against LGBTQI+ persons; increased redress for grievances for LGBTQI+ persons; and, increased access to secure and competent legal services.
  • Empowered & Inclusive Movements & Organizations: The LGBTQI+ community – alongside other grassroots human rights movements –secures fundamental rights of freedom of association, expression, and assembly.
    • Objectives may include, but are not limited to: increased ability to publicly and collectively express, communicate and defend the common interests of the LGBTQI+ community; increased shared strategies and understanding within LGBTQI+ communities; improved outreach and communication with broader human rights movements, allied communities and other key stakeholders; strengthened LGBTQI+ movements and leadership that reflect the diversity of the community; increased engagement and collaboration between LGBTQI+ individuals and organizations to promote human rights; increased development and use of evidence-based strategies; strengthened well-being practices for all stakeholders; strengthened communication and messaging capability; and, strong and strategic financial and organizational management.
  • Social Inclusion: The human rights of LGBTQI+ persons is affirmed and protected, and the community is included in democratic institutions and processes as well as economic and human development as equal members of society in line with guidance such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda.
    • Objectives may include, but are not limited to: increased respect for the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons from community leaders and broader society; improved and accurate media (social and traditional) reporting to increase awareness of the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons; and increased recognition of the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons and engagement from faith and business communities, as well as other key stakeholders.

Funding Information

• Awards may range from a minimum of $750,000 to a maximum of $1,250,000
• Total Funding Available: $2,100,000

Eligibility Criteria

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  • Foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO);
  • U.S.-based non-profit organizations/NGOs with or without 501(c)(3) status;
  • Public International Organizations;
  • Private, public, or state institutions of higher education;
  • For-profit organizations or businesses.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.