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 increase civilian security in states affected by conflict in Nigeria.
Programs should increase civilian security in the Northwest, Northeast and/or Middle Belt in Nigeria. Program activities may include:
- creating avenues for meaningful interaction between community representatives and security actors;
- facilitating networks that will enhance communication among community leaders, including religious, youth, women and business leaders, to improve civilian security in at-risk communities;
- training for community leaders on the role and importance of women’s participation in conflict prevention and resolution processes (such as targeted trainings for women leaders to increase their visibility in communities, and for men and boys to support the meaningful participation of women);
- training for community-level advocates to bring concerns to government;
- collaboration with government entities on issues that require national-level response; and the creation of awareness-raising media products.
Applicants should demonstrate how activities will help advance equality and participation of both men and women in community decision-making processes and how to safely mitigate risks and challenges to all program participants.
DRL also requires all of its programming to be inclusive and expects implementers to include strategies for deliberate analysis, integration, and investment in at-risk or vulnerable individuals.
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 in needs and/or rapid assessments in order to identify challenges, gaps, and opportunities among these groups.
- 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.
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.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,830,000
- Award Ceiling: $1,830,000
- Award Floor: $1,800,000
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 on the given website.
For more information, please visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=312708