Deadline: 24-Jun-21
The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, Belize has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to strengthen democratic governance through civil society engagement.
The objective for this grant is to support local, sustainable, community-based solutions to improve service delivery, economic development, and/or combat corruption and the perception of impunity. Communities retain tremendous potential to overcome these difficulties. They must leverage existing national government assistance, network with private and non-profit organizations, and collaborate with local government offices. Civil society organizations, with their deep connection to their host communities are in the best position to provide the needed linkages to improve service delivery, democracy, and governance. It is their local, on-the-ground knowledge that allows them to effectively partner with governments, both local and national, to create opportunities for improved service delivery.
Goals
Projects solicited under this NOFO will:
- Support the Government of Belize to create a competent civil service that provides nonpartisan continuity and efficient service delivery.
- Support Belizean civil society demand for government accountability without compromise of human rights. Host nation-governments will uphold values and practices of liberal democracy; citizens hold their governments accountable for these actions.
Objectives
Proposals should specify the expected and sustainable results from projects receiving these funds. For example, results may indicate the number of government policies, programs, or services transformed or implemented; an improvement in government accountability; the effect on and number of vulnerable or marginalized communities and citizens impacted; or indicate other metrics of improvement in basic government services that impact citizens. All proposals should state clear objectives and specify plans to measure project performance and contributions in meeting objectives. Funds cannot be used to provide direct social services or support for police or military law enforcement officers or forces.
Applicants should address one or more of the following project objectives:
- Objective 1: To enhance civil society and government partnership to improve local, municipal, or central government service delivery. Proposals should be oriented toward activities by civil society organizations working to leverage on government, private and civil society resources, and network opportunities to jointly strengthen, expand or complement the delivery of public services, particularly in areas related to COVID response. Example of activities may include increased skills/capacity for Community Health Workers to provide services and support for COVID-19 public health response efforts among vulnerable populations; improving access and availability of services to vulnerable communities outside of Belize City; or promoting transparency and expediency of government services by making processes and services accessible online.
- Objective 2: To support civil society efforts in working with government to institute reforms to reduce corruption and impunity. Proposals should be oriented towards enhancing the capacity of civil servants at all levels of government or individuals within civil society organizations. This increases their capacity to effect legislative and legal reforms to reduce impunity, advocate for change, and/or improve government transparency. Examples of activities may include capacity building projects to strengthen organizational skill; fostering change to policy; increasing public participation; increasing access to information/data or projects intended to decrease corruption (including assistance towards implementing aspects of the UN Convention Against Corruption).
- Objective 3: To develop and strengthen mechanisms that improve coordination and cooperation between key stakeholders to curb human trafficking and improve services to vulnerable and marginalized populations especially women. Proposals should be oriented towards increased public awareness on the social impacts of human trafficking and strengthening capacity of individuals such as civilian frontline persons and institutions in identifying, responding to, and serving victims of human trafficking. Examples of activities may include developing standardized victim identification procedures for all key stakeholders/institutions; training to service providers and community partners in victim identification and referral; or creating a prevention program to provide education and support to an at-risk group.
Funding Information
U.S. Embassy Belmopan expects to award three to five grant agreements based on this NOFO. The anticipated total federal funding amount is $750,000 USD. The period of performance for each award is a maximum of two years with an anticipated start date of September 30, 2021.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants that are eligible to apply are U.S. and overseas-based NGOs, nonprofit educational institutions, and PIOs that can respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period. Belizean NGOs are strongly encouraged to apply.
- To be eligible for a grant award, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, organizations must have a commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. Non-discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation.
- Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in any sub-awards issued under this grant award.
- U.S. Embassy Belmopan encourages applications from Belizean organizations and institutions, as well as potential new partners.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=333240