Supporting Local Civil Society and Human Rights in Cuba

Deadline: 30-Jul-21

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement the program Supporting Local Civil Society and Human Rights in Cuba.

• Advance the effectiveness of independent civil society groups to advocate for greater human rights and freedoms. While many organizations have historically advocated for greater freedom on the island, many Cubans shy away from traditional forms of advocacy. Nonetheless, recent efforts by faith-based organizations, artists and other marginalized groups demonstrate the Cuban people’s burgeoning willingness to demand accountability, and greater respect for human rights. Illustrative activities under this objective may include but are not limited to:
  • Improving the capacity of nascent and existing independent civil society organizations, professional associations, and other groups promoting human rights, including faithbased, labor, and other groups.
  • Supporting local-level leadership, communication and organizational skills to develop, defend, and promote human rights and freedoms.
  • Increasing grassroots community engagement in local problem-solving throughout the island.
• Develop broader coalitions to expand civil society’s impact. Recognizing the courage and commitment of the many individual civil society and human rights organizations on the island, their impact is nevertheless limited by geography or the inability to function as a broader network. Illustrative activities under this objective may include but are not limited to:
  • Strengthening and facilitating the creation of issue-based and cross-sectoral networks to support marginalized and vulnerable populations, including but not limited to youth, women, LGBTQI+, religious leaders, artists, musicians, and individuals of Afro-Cuban descent.
  • Fostering solidarity and cohesion among groups by increasing inter-group coordination, communication, and recognition of similar basic goals and principles.
  • Expanding civil society and human rights activism.

• Under this NOFO and subject to the availability of funds, USAID intends to award one or two Cooperative Agreements pursuant to this NOFO, ranging from $500,000 to $1 million each for up to a three-year period of performance. Organizations may not submit more than one application and each organization is eligible for only one Cooperative Agreement under this award.
• The estimated start date will be upon signature of the award, on or about October 1, 2021. The period of performance anticipated shall be up to 36 months.

• U.S. and non-U.S. nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are eligible to apply. USAID encourages applications from potential new partners with experience in Cuba or similarly closed societies. An NGO means any nongovernmental organization or entity, whether nonprofit or profit-making. USAID will not accept applications from individuals. All Applicants must be legally recognized organizational entities under applicable U.S. law.
• Applicants must have established financial management, monitoring and evaluation processes, internal control systems, and policies and procedures that comply with established U.S. Government standards, laws, and regulations. The successful applicant(s) may be subject to a pre-award risk assessment (Pre-award Survey) by the AO.

For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=334516