Deadline: 12-Apr-22
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) is pleased to announce an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a regional project that enables young people to proactively engage in democratic processes, including policy development and decision-making, and the protection of human rights in Bangladesh and Nepal.
DRL’s goal is to increase youth mobilization to foster inclusion and participation in policy development and decision making at all levels of government. The bureau seeks proposals that empower youth to become agents of positive change within their own communities and strengthen young people’s knowledge of basic principles of leadership, transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and civic participation, enabling them to engage more fully with their local governments and communities.
Objectives
The program objectives are:
- youth and youth-led organizations have increased leadership skills and strengthened networks to engage more meaningfully in decision-making processes and implementation of policies that impact youth and their communities; and
- youth and youth-led organizations are empowered to advance and protect fundamental freedoms, acting as catalysts to increase awareness of governance issues among young people and other community members.
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: $1,000,000
- Funding Ceiling: $1,000,000
- Period of Performance:24-30 months
- Anticipated Time to Award, Pending Availability of Funds:6-8 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.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=337914