Deadline: 9-Sep-23
The U.S. Embassy Gaborone of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to build an independent online resource for Botswana citizens, the press, and independent observers in the leadup to elections in Botswana in 2024.
Program Objectives
- This project will enhance accountability in the areas of elected official representation and transparent governance and improve everyday access to information on issues of interest to Botswana’s citizens. This project will fund an independent resource in Botswana to facilitate access to information about political parties, leaders, and current events – bringing up-to-date information on Botswana’s political parties and leaders to the citizens by creating an extensive database of updated political information. This includes issues of national importance and the political parties’ platforms/official positions on those issues (i.e. health, economic development, education, unemployment, conservation, etc.). Moreover, this project will hold political parties and independent candidates more accountable for their campaign promises by tracking campaign platforms, promises, and deliverables.
- The proposed project includes the following activities:
- Design and launch a comprehensive website with information from all political parties and all registered candidates, which links to Botswana’s parliament, tracks votes and legislation, and creates voting records associated with Botswana’s political leaders.
- Similar to election resource sites in the United States and other countries, this would be a first for Botswana. This independent resource will enable the public to access information on political parties and candidate positions on key issues, building public exposure and awareness.
- Maintain the website and affiliated app(s) and create a long-term strategy of self-sustainability beyond the funding of the grant.
- A successful grantee will be able to maintain and prolong the long-term sustainability of this project through effective management, post-grant partnerships, and identifying a set of potential investment partners moving forward.
- Design and launch a comprehensive website with information from all political parties and all registered candidates, which links to Botswana’s parliament, tracks votes and legislation, and creates voting records associated with Botswana’s political leaders.
Funding Information
- Length of performance period: 18 months
- Number of awards anticipated: 1 award
- Award amounts: $350,000
- Total available funding: $350,000
- Anticipated program start date: September 30, 2023
Audiences
Audiences include:
- Political party leaders and members
- Academics
- Political candidates
- Traditional leaders
- Youth
- Government of Botswana officials including the IEC
- Botswana’s Parliament
- The general public
- Indigenous groups in Botswana
Priority Region: Botswana
Eligible Applicants
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- U.S. – based and Non-U.S. based not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
- U.S. – based and non-U.S. based public and private educational institutions
- Individuals
- U.S. – based and non-U.S. based Public International Organizations
For more information, visit Grants.gov.