Deadline: 22-Apr-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 Religious Freedom in Afghanistan.
DRL’s goal is to reduce violence, discrimination and threats against members of religious minority communities in Afghanistan. The program objectives are to increase societal tolerance and increase government officials’ awareness of and advocacy for the rights of members of religious minorities. Religious minority communities include Shia Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Hindus, and others.
Where appropriate, competitive proposals may include:
- Opportunities for beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and skills in practical efforts;
- Solicitation of feedback and suggestions from beneficiaries when developing activities in order to strengthen the sustainability of programs and participant ownership of project outcomes;
- Input from participants on sustainability plans and systematic review of the plans throughout the life of the project, with adjustments made as necessary;
- Inclusion of vulnerable populations;
- Joint identification and definition of key concepts with relevant stakeholders and stakeholder input into project activities;
- Systematic follow up with beneficiaries at specific intervals after the completion of activities to track how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills.
Funding Information
- Funding Floor: $815,000
- Funding Ceiling: $815,000
- Anticipated Number of Awards: one
- Type of Award: Grant or Cooperative Agreement
- Period of Performance: 18-30 months
- Anticipated Time to Award, Pending Availability of Funds: 4-6 months
Program Outcomes
Program outcomes could include but are not limited to:
- Increased awareness and understanding among local and regional government officials and law enforcement of the value and importance of human rights, peace, mutual respect, tolerance, and inclusion for all, irrespective of one’s religion or beliefs.
- Increased awareness and understanding among local and regional government officials and law enforcement of specific problems faced by religious minorities such as discrimination, harassment, threats, and being targeted by terrorist groups.
- Increased awareness among citizens at the community level of concepts and implications of religious pluralism, mutual respect and inclusion for all, regardless of religion or beliefs.
- Increased opportunities for multi-faith engagement and dialogue among individuals and community leaders of diverse religious backgrounds and increased availability of mechanisms for members of minorities and marginalized groups to advocate with community leaders and local and regional government officials regarding their concerns.
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.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=331943