Deadline: 3 June 2020
The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, Belize has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to strengthen democratic governance through civil society engagement.
Project 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.
Project 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 law enforcement officers or forces.
- Applicants should address one or more of the following project objectives:
- Objective 1: CARSI Small Grants Program: Strengthening Government through Civil Society Engagement to enhance civil society and government partnership to improve local, municipal or central government services. Proposals should be oriented toward activities by civil society organizations working to leverage on government, private and civil society resources and networks to jointly strengthen, expand or complement the delivery of public services, particularly in areas related to education and health. Examples of activities may include training in counselling for community health workers in marginalized communities or improving school curricula and teacher trainings.
- Objective 2: To develop and strengthen mechanisms to curb human trafficking focusing on improved coordination and cooperation between key stakeholders to improve local, municipal, or central government services for vulnerable and/or marginalized populations, especially women. Proposals should be oriented toward enhancing the skills of civilian frontline persons to identify and prevent human trafficking and improve protection of victims of trafficking as well as increase the public’s awareness of its impact. Examples of activities may include the creation of standardized protocols/procedures to enhance response systems for trafficking victims.
- Objective 3: To support civil society efforts in working with government to institute reforms to reduce corruption and impunity. Proposals should support the reduction of corruption and the promotion of transparency and accountability across all levels to create strong capable and accountable governments. Examples of activities may include projects intended to decrease corruption (including assistance towards implementing the UN Convention Against Corruption and Sustainable Development Goal 16); training for public officers; or developing anti-corruption awareness campaigns and reforms that advocate prevention of corruption.
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.
Duration
The period of performance for each award is a maximum of two years with an anticipated start date of September 30, 2020.
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. A consortium of non-profits can apply together as long as there is one lead organization submitting the proposal. 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=326337