Notice of Funding Opportunity: DRL Lifeline Embattled CSOs Assistance Fund
The United States Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) has announced a funding opportunity for organizations interested in supporting civil society and countering the closing civic space. The funding opportunity, known as DRL Lifeline: Embattled CSOs Assistance Fund, aims to provide assistance to embattled civil society organizations (CSOs) that have been threatened or attacked due to their work. The project description outlines three key areas of focus for the program: 1. Emergency Needs: The program seeks to identify and assess the emergency needs of embattled CSOs and provide timely and secure assistance. This may include legal representation, medical bills, transportation costs, equipment replacement, relocation of staff and offices, and security. 2. Rapid Response Resiliency Grants: The program aims to provide rapid response resiliency grants and direct technical assistance to at-risk CSOs and civil society groups. These grants will enable preventive action before emergencies erupt and will be evaluated based on their impact on participant safety over the short and long term. 3. Support for Advocacy Initiatives: The program will provide support and short-term assistance to local CSOs for advocacy initiatives. This may include participation in legislative proceedings, engagement in advocacy with national legislatures, increased media coverage, fact-finding missions, and reports on laws affecting civil society. Applicants are required to propose implementing the project through a consortium of NGOs, with one organization designated as the primary recipient/lead applicant. Consortium members must demonstrate a global reach, existing networks, capacity for time-sensitive implementation, and technical expertise. Experience in administering similar projects and managing a consortium will be viewed favorably. The agreement can be renewed through non-competitive continuation amendment(s) based on performance and the availability of funds. However, the Department of State reserves the right to exercise or not to exercise this clause. Interested organizations should submit their applications by 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. The total funding available for this opportunity is $5,000,000. For more information, interested parties can refer to the funding opportunity number SFOP0010175 on the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance website (CFDA Number: 19.345). Please note that this announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the United States Department of State to fund any organization or project.
The United States Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) has announced a funding opportunity for organizations interested in supporting civil society and countering the closing civic space.