Deadline: 7 May 2020
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement the Roma Inclusion Activity.
The goal of the program is to reduce discrimination of Roma people and improve their inclusion in society. This goal will be achieved by:
- Roma play a leadership role in the implementation of the National Strategy “One Society for All” and Roma Strategy 2014 – 2020 (or its follow-on), and in driving the next steps related to Roma rights and inclusion
- Expected Results:
- Increased capacity of Roma community leaders and Roma CSOs to engage in the implementation of the National Strategy “One Society for All” and the 2014-2020 Roma Strategy, or its follow-on, part of which is the capacity to advocate for the protection of Roma rights before central and local institutions;
- Roma community leaders and Roma CSOs partner with government institutions in the development of national strategies, policies, and initiatives to promote Roma rights and inclusion;
- Increased number of Roma organizations and coalitions effectively advocate for political support and financial resources for Roma human rights initiatives;
- Marginalized Roma, including youth and women, unsuccessful asylum seekers returning from Europe and without access to financial resources, persons with disabilities, LGBTI persons, and others within the Roma community become a leading force in promoting Roma rights and inclusion;
- Roma people are aware of their constitutional and human rights and the mechanisms to report and address rights violations; and
- Increased general public awareness about and support for addressing Roma needs and issues, and positive perceptions of Roma community’s potential to contribute to society.
- Expected Results:
- Through a community-led development process, implement human rights initiatives identified to improve the Roma community’s inclusion in society and reduce their discrimination
- Expected Results:
- Community-led development (CLD) mechanisms strengthened or initiated;
- Roma human rights issues are identified through the CLD process and interventions are designed.
- Human rights issues identified as priorities through the CLD process are addressed.
- Expected Results:
Theory of Change
If the Roma are empowered to play a leadership role in the implementation of the “One Society for All” and other national strategies for the Roma people; and if Roma people and organizations are actively engaged in addressing Roma discrimination and promoting Roma rights, then the inclusion of Roma in society will improve. The improved inclusion of Roma will help them enter the formal labor market, reduce their vulnerability to economic destitution, and lessen their dependence on public assistance, which will help diminish stereotypes and prejudices against the Roma throughout the country.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,000,000
- The anticipated period of performance is 4 years.
- The estimated start date will be September 2020.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligibility for this RFA is restricted to North Macedonia’s organizations.
- USAID intends to fund a program from an eligible local organization or consortium of organizations that demonstrate a thorough understanding of the human rights issues of the Roma community in North Macedonia, and propose an effective approach to addressing those issues. USAID encourages coalitions and partnerships among local Roma organizations, human rights organizations, relevant central and local government institutions and other stakeholders, as well as applications that aim to leverage USAID resources with other funding sources.
- Only local organizations as defined below are eligible for award. When determining if an entity is a “local organization” for the purposes of this RFA, USAID will consider:
- Whether the entity is legally organized under the laws of North Macedonia
- Whether the entity has its principal place of business or operations in North Macedonia
- Whether the entity is majority owned and controlled by individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of North Macedonia
- Whether the entity is managed by a governing body, the majority of whom are citizens or lawful permanent residents of North Macedonia
- Entities which do not meet the above-listed “local organization” criteria will be considered ineligible to participate in the further award process.
- While not an exhaustive list and provided for illustrative purposes only, the following types of non-U.S. organizations are encouraged to participate:
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Civic groups
- Colleges and universities
- Foundations
- USAID will not accept a concept paper/application from individuals. All applicants must be legally recognized organizational entities under applicable law. Public International Organizations are not eligible to apply for funding under this program.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=325175