Deadline: 3 April 2020
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that counter corruption in Central Europe.
DRL’s goal is to continue building the capacity of local civil society and media to report on local government performance and foster accountability for implementing anti-corruption measures where target countries have international commitments. Proposals may focus on assisting civil society and media to report on and/or counter corruption in local or regional executive and legislative bodies, especially in social spheres, such as education and health care.
The program should support the education and engagement of citizens and journalists to monitor those sectors and activities where corruption frequently occurs; reporting the results to authorities, media, and the wider public, including appropriate international bodies; and monitoring government responses.
Proposals may include support for constructive engagement between civil society and government stakeholders to: strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms, facilitate the implementation of best practices in countering corruption, and urge action in specific cases (if appropriate and feasible).
Activities
- 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;
- Joint identification and definition of key concepts with relevant stakeholders and stakeholder input into project activities;
- Systematic follow up with beneficiaries at specific intervals 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
- Funding Floor: $740,740
- Funding Ceiling: $740,740
- Period of Performance: At least 18 months
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.
- DRL encourages applications from foreign-based NGOs headquartered in the geographic regions/countries relevant to this NOFO.
How to Apply
- All documents are in English and all costs are in U.S. dollars. If an original document within the application is in another language, an English translation must be provided (please note the Department of State, as indicated in 2 CFR 200.111, requires that English is the official language of all award documents. If any document is provided in both English and a foreign language, the English language version is the controlling version);
- All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments;
- All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper;
- All documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins.
- Captions and footnotes may be 10-point Times New Roman font. Font sizes in charts and tables, including the budget, can be reformatted to fit within 1 page width.
Applicants can find application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply on the given website.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=324640