Deadline: 29 March 2019
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) has announced an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that strengthen the democratic transition in Burma by supporting constitutional and legislative reform.
DRL’s objective is to strengthen democratic processes and human rights in Burma by supporting constitutional and legislative reform to amend laws inconsistent with democratic principles and international human rights norms and standards. Projects should take into account current constitutional and legislative reform efforts and seek ways to enhance those efforts, as well as provide complementary support.
Projects should support activities that broaden and deepen current efforts among union-level and subnational state officials, political parties, civil society, ethnic and religious minority leaders, and/or the greater public on constitutional and legislative reforms necessary to foster a fully inclusive democratic transition and enduring peace in Burma. Projects should support civil society organizations to undertake research, monitoring, documentation, and/or advocacy efforts in support of constitutional and legislative changes that strengthen ethnic and religious minority rights and access to citizenship, increase civilian oversight over political and economic decision-making and the military, advance accountability, and enhance freedom of expression, press, assembly, and association.
DRL seeks projects that:
- Increase civic understanding and awareness of the structure and function of the constitution, including research and analysis on constitutional challenges and reforms as a foundation for advocacy and action-oriented initiatives;
- Support dialogue and consultation processes among majority and minority groups addressing constitutional and legislative shortcomings and reforms;
- Provide technical assistance, research, or advocacy efforts that lead to constitutional and legislative changes that promote inclusive democratic practices, address ongoing and unresolved accountability issues, increase civilian oversight of political and economic decision-making, facilitate national reconciliation, and/or enhance freedom of expression, press, religion, assembly, and/or association;
- Empower media and civil society organizations with legal analysis and advocacy skillsets to foster locally-led advocacy efforts to cultivate support for constitutional and legislative reforms that repeal, amend, or decriminalize legal provisions used to discriminate against ethnic and religious minorities and/or criminalize the exercise of free expression, association, and assembly;
- Provide opportunities for coalition-building among civil society leaders, majority/minority groups, and/or other influential stakeholders on constitutional and legislative reforms of mutual concern that increase empathy for and understanding of political diversity and the expression of differing views across Burma.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,000,000
- Award Ceiling: $1,000,000
- Award Floor: $500,000
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.
How to Apply
Applicants can find application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply via given website.
For more information, please visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=312832