Deadline: 31 May 2019
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) has issued a NOFO for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that strengthens rule of law in Armenia.
DRL’s goal therefore is to strengthen Armenian efforts to advance comprehensive justice system reforms. The bureau seeks proposals designed to enhance executive branch, parliamentary, and civil society capacity to conceptualize and promote systemic reforms resulting in an independent judiciary and rights-respecting and accountable law enforcement and security institutions that ensure due process.
Proposed activities could include training civil society (including NGOs, journalists, lawyers, and other stakeholders) in how to form and effectively participate in public oversight mechanisms addressing these key institutions, including how to effectively share and publicize findings, and work with parliament and the executive branch on follow-up. These mechanisms should involve direct, regular, and constructive engagement between civil society organizations and the government institutions themselves and vice versa. Activities should develop stakeholder capacity to work on specific projects involving these key institutions, such as monitoring and analysis of proposed and enacted institutional reforms and their implementation. Projects should provide a level of analysis deep enough to identify structural deficiencies and inform future decisions regarding USG assistance.
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 (3 months, 6 months, etc.) after the completion of activities to track how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills.
Funding Information
- Award Ceiling: $1,000,000
- Award Floor: $1,000,000
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.
Activities that are not typically allowed include, but are not limited to:
- The provision of humanitarian assistance;
- English language instruction;
- Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware;
- Purely academic exchanges or fellowships;
- External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months;
- Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary per security concerns;
- Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy issues, including projects aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorporate training or capacity-building for local civil society;
- Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives;
- Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via given website.
For more information, please visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=315022