Deadline: 13 August 2016
The United States Embassy is seeking proposals from eligible organizations for a program entitled “Building Grassroots Networks across Communities” with an aim to empower Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) civil society actors to advocate for change by raising awareness and understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity in Myanmar.
The Building Grassroots Networks across Communities program supports local efforts to raise awareness among the new Government of Myanmar and the general public of Myanmar about the human rights of LGBTI individuals. As Myanmar continues its transition to a democratic government, civil society organizations have a unique opportunity to shape the agenda of the new Government of Myanmar and make positive improvements in the lives of the LGBTI community.
Aims
- To address systemic discrimination against LGBTI individuals, about improve the capacity of LGBTI civil society groups to advocate for change, as well as engage with the general population on LGBTI rights.
- To draw underrepresented rural LGBTI and lesbian activists into the national networks.
- Inform other civil society leaders, law enforcement officials and policy makers, including parliamentarians and Ministry-level implementers, of their role in combating LGBTI discrimination and will raise awareness among the government officials and the general public about the importance of respecting and supporting LGBTI individuals.
- To build understanding among parliamentarians about possible legislative actions to combat discrimination against the LGBTI community.
Funding Information
The sources of this funding are Human Rights & Democracy Funds (HRDF). The initial period of performance will be for up to 18 months.
- Approximate Total Funding: $25,000
- Anticipated Award Date: September 15, 2016
- Anticipated Project Completion Date: March 15, 2018
Objectives and their Focus Activities
- Increase knowledge sharing and networking among LGBTI civil society organizations and community members
- Provide targeted workshops for lesbian activists to and build organizational capacity and raise awareness of the community’s legal and human rights to create a more robust and participatory network
- Improve human rights documentation through the creation of a database tracking LGBTI legal cases, accusations of torture and other human rights abuses Hold targeted workshops in second-tier cities/towns on sexual orientation and gender identity in partnership with LGBTI organizations in those locations
- Build understanding and cultural acceptance of LGBTI identities and rights among civil servants, parliamentarians and law enforcement officials
- Conduct LGBTI awareness seminars with local and union level government implementers, parliamentarians and law enforcement officials to address LGBTI identities and human rights
- Conduct fact based advocacy workshops on the impact Myanmar’s discriminatory laws, such as Section 377, have on the LGBTI community.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible Applicants: Eligibility for this NOFO is limited to: educational, research institutions, media outlets and locally run not-forprofits/NGOs/social enterprises based in Myanmar.
- No government entities can receive funding through these awards.
- Cost-Sharing or Matching – encouraged, but will not be a factor for consideration in the panel review criteria. Applicants should show any cost share in the budget proposal.
- All submissions must be in English
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit their applications electronically via given website.
Eligible Country: Myanmar (Burma)
For more information, visit Building Grassroots Networks across Communities.