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 improve the rule of law, strengthen independent media, and/or increase civil society’s role as a critical force in broader civic activism in Lebanon.
Innovative ideas for working in a difficult environment – particularly best practices adapted from lessons learned — are welcome. Proposals that include Lebanese organizations as the lead implementer or as substantial program partners are strongly encouraged and will be viewed favorably. DRL also requires all of its programming to be non-discriminatory and expects implementers to include strategies for engaging individuals/organizations regardless of religion, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, and/or sexual orientation and gender identity as a part of this program.
Categories
Applicants may submit proposals under one of the following categories:
- Rule of Law: DRL’s long-term objective is to advance judicial independence by building civil society’s capacity to hold the justice sector accountable in making progress toward meaningful reforms inclusive of all members of society. Program outcomes may include: civil society effectively advocates for justice sector reforms; civil society, including independent media and/or professional syndicates, increases effective awareness of and influence on justice sector reforms; and public trust in the reform process of the judiciary is improved.
- Civil Society and/or Independent Media: DRL’s objective is to strengthen nascent civil society organizations, professional syndicates, and/or independent media outlets in 2 Lebanon to strategically advance and represent citizen concerns. Program outcomes may include: independent media outlets and/or nascent, non-Beirut-centric Lebanese CSOs, representing a diverse set of rights-related issues, increase their organizational capacity, financial stability, and structures; independent media outlets’ and/or nascent CSOs’ skills in advocacy campaigns on issues of public importance, particularly transparency and accountability, are strengthened; organizations and/or media outlets contribute to improving the public trust and holding government officials accountable to the commitments of the offices they hold; and CSOs build coalitions for collective action through developing and adapting shared and inclusive policy positions. Proposals may include direct support to organizations through small- to medium-sized grants.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Program Funding – $750,000
- Award Ceiling – $1,500,000
- Award Floor – $750,000
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.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=332715