Deadline: 21 January 2018
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 promote religious freedom in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Program: $493,827
DRL seeks to ensure that authorities at all levels of government in Sri Lanka effectively implement national laws and policies protecting religious freedom. While the country’s constitution states “every person is entitled to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice,” it gives Buddhism the “foremost place” among the country’s religious faiths and commits the government to protecting it. Non-Buddhist religious groups have reported discriminatory restrictions imposed by local government officials on religious minorities.
Ideas for successful program activities could focus on one or more of the following, but are not limited to:
- trainings for local civil society groups to ensure awareness of non-discriminatory national polices and ensure policies are being implemented ;
- supporting efforts of local civil society groups to educate local and regional government as well as the public on to implementing national policies to promote positive reform;
- promote positive reform;
- developing accountability mechanisms to better monitor, document and advocate against abuses by civil society or government actors;
- Supporting activities which foster greater coordination among civil society organizations leading to stronger networks able to effectively promote religious freedom for all.
Funding Information
- Award Ceiling: $493,827
- Award Floor: $450,000
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 Grants.gov.