Opportunity Information: Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 14 018
Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 14 018
- The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor in the education employment, labor and training other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for Proposals Expanding Labor Rights in Burma, Vietnam, and Sub Saharan Africa" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.345 International Programs to Support Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jan 15, 2014 and posted on Jan 15, 2014.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 11, 2014 No Explanation. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $700,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) released this discretionary grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DRLA-DRLAQM-14-018) to fund programs that expand internationally recognized labor rights and strengthen compliance with international labor standards. DRL anticipated making three awards under this competition, with project concepts focused on Burma, Vietnam, and one or more countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The funding instrument is a grant, cost sharing is not required, and eligible applicants include a range of nonprofit organizations (including those without 501(c)(3) status), public and private institutions of higher education, and certain Native American tribal governments and tribal organizations. The opportunity was posted January 15, 2014, and closed February 11, 2014, with an award floor of $300,000 and an award ceiling of $700,000 (with country specific approximate allocations described below). The assistance is linked to CFDA 19.345, International Programs to Support Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.
For Burma, DRL indicated approximately $700,000 available for a program aimed at promoting labor rights and inclusive economic growth by strengthening the organizational and representational capacity of trade unions and labor rights focused non-governmental organizations. The core emphasis is on making unions more representative and effective while promoting workers rights and strengthening alignment with international labor standards. Strong proposals were expected to include and benefit vulnerable or underrepresented groups such as persons with disabilities, women, youth, and migrants. DRL highlighted practical capacity building activities including improving internal democratic procedures within unions, strengthening organizational management and leadership, expanding recruitment practices, developing coalitions, increasing bargaining power, and improving communication skills. Applicants were also encouraged to increase the ability of unions and local labor civil society organizations to analyze labor challenges, develop solutions, and present their positions credibly to a wide range of stakeholders, including businesses, the Government of Burma, international financial institutions, donors, communities, and national audiences. Another priority area was helping local civil society, including unions, collaborate with international financial institutions and businesses to strengthen policies that support decent work and inclusive growth, including leveraging corporate investment reporting requirements and creating concrete opportunities for collaboration.
Burma proposals were also expected to take advantage of near term political windows at the time, particularly Burma serving as ASEAN Chair in 2014 and the 2015 elections, with the intent of pushing labor rights and inclusive growth into domestic and regional policy discussions and into campaign level debate. DRL described what a competitive Burma proposal should look like in practice: building linkages between unions, civil society, and relevant government officials; connecting workers and activists across both core and peripheral areas of the country and across different issue communities; reaching diverse ethnic groups through activities conducted inside Burma and from border areas; and intentionally incorporating women into training and leadership development. Applicants were asked to show flexibility for shifting political conditions, to work with a variety of local actors without overwhelming their absorptive capacity, and to design programs driven by outputs and outcomes supported by strong monitoring and evaluation. The Burma track also included a compliance expectation that any Government of Burma officials participating in project activities be selected and vetted against the Specially Designated Nationals list. Finally, proposals needed to explain how the project complemented or expanded existing labor rights initiatives rather than duplicating them.
For Vietnam, DRL set aside approximately $500,000 for a program specifically focused on the internationally recognized worker rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining. As in the Burma track, DRL encouraged proposals that intentionally included groups such as persons with disabilities, women, youth, migrants, and informal sector workers. The activities DRL sought were closely tied to improving the practical realization of labor rights through institutions and worker representation. Priority activities included supporting and reinforcing initiatives that help Vietnam implement its labor code and union law in ways that more fully meet international labor standards; expanding leadership opportunities within unions for vulnerable populations, especially women; and strengthening collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiation skills among union officers while also improving their ability to track whether agreements are actually working in practice. DRL also emphasized worker empowerment measures such as enabling workers to directly elect their representatives independently of workplace management, strengthening grassroots unions and labor organizations so they can effectively advocate for members, and establishing or supporting coordination and partnerships with local unions or union confederations. Technical assistance for union capacity building was expected to integrate gender equality issues into union activities, and proposals were encouraged to include oversight functions so unions can monitor labor law implementation and recommend improvements when needed. Vietnam applicants were also expected to clearly explain how their approach complemented or expanded existing projects and how it differed from similar work funded by other donors.
For Sub-Saharan Africa, DRL indicated approximately $500,000 available for proposals that promote adherence to international labor standards and strengthen corporate social responsibility in one or more countries where foreign investment is significant in sectors such as extractives, agriculture, construction, and resource product processing. The geographic focus was not a single named country; instead, DRL prioritized contexts where both government and civil society show willingness to address labor rights issues connected to foreign invested enterprises. Proposals were expected to be adaptable, with a clear explanation of how activities could expand or contract depending on changing security and political conditions. DRL sought programs that build the capacity of local and national governments to enforce labor laws and regulations applicable to foreign invested enterprises, with particular attention to wages, workplace safety, and freedom of association. A central theme was ensuring compliance by foreign investors while also strengthening the ability of unions and worker associations within those enterprises to understand and monitor enforcement of labor laws, recognize and claim their rights, and engage effectively in bipartite and tripartite social dialogue. DRL also emphasized strengthening dispute resolution and conflict management skills so worker organizations can better represent members without escalating conflict unnecessarily. Like the Vietnam track, Sub-Saharan Africa proposals were expected to track and measure the effectiveness of collective bargaining and other agreements reached under the project. In addition, DRL required an impact assessment of how foreign invested enterprises affect workers rights, with the limitation that this assessment should not consume more than 5 percent of the total project budget.
Across all three tracks, DRL signaled a preference for practical, results oriented programming that strengthens institutions (unions, civil society organizations, and relevant government enforcement capacity), elevates inclusion of marginalized groups, and demonstrates credible monitoring and evaluation. Applicants were consistently asked to show how their work fits into the existing landscape of donor and local initiatives, to avoid duplication, and to design interventions that match local capacity and political realities. The overall aim of the opportunity is to translate international labor standards into real improvements in representation, bargaining, legal compliance, and workplace conditions, while creating stronger channels for workers and worker organizations to influence policy and corporate behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), focused on programs that expand internationally recognized labor rights and strengthen compliance with international labor standards.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is DRLA-DRLAQM-14-018.
What is the assistance listing (CFDA) number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is linked to CFDA 19.345, International Programs to Support Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.
What type of funding instrument is used?
The funding instrument is a grant.
Is cost sharing required?
No. Cost sharing is not required for this opportunity.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations (including those without 501(c)(3) status), public and private institutions of higher education, and certain Native American tribal governments and tribal organizations.
How many awards did DRL anticipate making?
DRL anticipated making three awards under this competition.
What geographic or program tracks were identified for project concepts?
Project concepts were focused on Burma, Vietnam, and one or more countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?
The opportunity was posted on January 15, 2014, and it closed on February 11, 2014.
What is the award floor and award ceiling?
The award floor is $300,000 and the award ceiling is $700,000.
How much funding was described as available for Burma?
For Burma, DRL indicated approximately $700,000 available.
What was the core goal of the Burma-focused program?
The Burma program was aimed at promoting labor rights and inclusive economic growth by strengthening the organizational and representational capacity of trade unions and labor rights focused non-governmental organizations, while promoting workers rights and alignment with international labor standards.
What kinds of activities were highlighted for Burma proposals?
DRL highlighted practical capacity building activities such as improving internal democratic procedures within unions, strengthening organizational management and leadership, expanding recruitment practices, developing coalitions, increasing bargaining power, and improving communication skills.
Which groups were Burma proposals expected to include or benefit?
Strong Burma proposals were expected to include and benefit vulnerable or underrepresented groups such as persons with disabilities, women, youth, and migrants.
What types of stakeholder engagement were encouraged in the Burma track?
Applicants were encouraged to strengthen the ability of unions and local labor civil society organizations to analyze labor challenges, develop solutions, and present their positions credibly to stakeholders including businesses, the Government of Burma, international financial institutions, donors, communities, and national audiences.
Did the Burma track include any focus on collaboration with international financial institutions or businesses?
Yes. A priority area was helping local civil society, including unions, collaborate with international financial institutions and businesses to strengthen policies supporting decent work and inclusive growth, including leveraging corporate investment reporting requirements and creating concrete opportunities for collaboration.
Were Burma proposals expected to align with specific political windows?
Yes. Proposals were expected to take advantage of near term political windows at the time, including Burma serving as ASEAN Chair in 2014 and the 2015 elections, to push labor rights and inclusive growth into domestic and regional policy discussions and campaign level debate.
What did DRL describe as features of a competitive Burma proposal in practice?
DRL described competitive Burma proposals as those that build linkages between unions, civil society, and relevant government officials; connect workers and activists across core and peripheral areas and different issue communities; reach diverse ethnic groups through activities conducted inside Burma and from border areas; and intentionally incorporate women into training and leadership development.
What implementation expectations did DRL flag for the Burma track?
Applicants were asked to show flexibility for shifting political conditions, work with a variety of local actors without overwhelming their absorptive capacity, and design programs driven by outputs and outcomes supported by strong monitoring and evaluation.
Was any vetting required for Government of Burma officials participating in project activities?
Yes. Any Government of Burma officials participating in project activities were expected to be selected and vetted against the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list.
How much funding was described as available for Vietnam?
For Vietnam, DRL set aside approximately $500,000.
What worker rights were prioritized in the Vietnam track?
The Vietnam program specifically focused on the internationally recognized worker rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Which groups were encouraged for intentional inclusion in Vietnam proposals?
DRL encouraged Vietnam proposals that intentionally included persons with disabilities, women, youth, migrants, and informal sector workers.
What types of activities were prioritized in Vietnam proposals?
Priority activities included supporting initiatives that help Vietnam implement its labor code and union law in ways that more fully meet international labor standards; expanding leadership opportunities within unions for vulnerable populations (especially women); strengthening collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiation skills among union officers; and improving the ability to track whether agreements are working in practice.
What worker empowerment measures were emphasized for Vietnam?
DRL emphasized enabling workers to directly elect their representatives independently of workplace management, strengthening grassroots unions and labor organizations so they can effectively advocate for members, and establishing or supporting coordination and partnerships with local unions or union confederations.
How were gender equality issues expected to be addressed in Vietnam programs?
Technical assistance for union capacity building was expected to integrate gender equality issues into union activities, and proposals were encouraged to expand leadership opportunities for vulnerable populations, especially women.
What oversight or monitoring role was encouraged for unions in Vietnam proposals?
Proposals were encouraged to include oversight functions so unions can monitor labor law implementation and recommend improvements when needed.
What did Vietnam applicants need to explain regarding duplication and donor landscape?
Vietnam applicants were expected to clearly explain how their approach complemented or expanded existing projects and how it differed from similar work funded by other donors.
How much funding was described as available for Sub-Saharan Africa?
For Sub-Saharan Africa, DRL indicated approximately $500,000 available.
What was the thematic focus of the Sub-Saharan Africa track?
The Sub-Saharan Africa track focused on promoting adherence to international labor standards and strengthening corporate social responsibility in one or more countries where foreign investment is significant, including sectors such as extractives, agriculture, construction, and resource product processing.
Was the Sub-Saharan Africa focus limited to one named country?
No. The geographic focus was not a single named country; proposals could cover one or more countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
What kinds of country contexts were prioritized for Sub-Saharan Africa proposals?
DRL prioritized contexts where both government and civil society show willingness to address labor rights issues connected to foreign invested enterprises.
What adaptability expectations were stated for Sub-Saharan Africa programming?
Proposals were expected to be adaptable, with a clear explanation of how activities could expand or contract depending on changing security and political conditions.
What capacity-building outcomes were sought for governments in Sub-Saharan Africa proposals?
DRL sought programs that build the capacity of local and national governments to enforce labor laws and regulations applicable to foreign invested enterprises, with particular attention to wages, workplace safety, and freedom of association.
What role did unions and worker associations play in the Sub-Saharan Africa track?
A central theme was strengthening the ability of unions and worker associations within foreign invested enterprises to understand and monitor enforcement of labor laws, recognize and claim their rights, and engage effectively in bipartite and tripartite social dialogue.
Was dispute resolution included in Sub-Saharan Africa priorities?
Yes. DRL emphasized strengthening dispute resolution and conflict management skills so worker organizations can represent members without escalating conflict unnecessarily.
Were proposals expected to measure the effectiveness of collective bargaining and other agreements in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Yes. Sub-Saharan Africa proposals were expected to track and measure the effectiveness of collective bargaining and other agreements reached under the project.
Was an impact assessment required for the Sub-Saharan Africa track?
Yes. DRL required an impact assessment of how foreign invested enterprises affect workers rights.
Was there a budget limitation on the required impact assessment in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Yes. The impact assessment was not expected to consume more than 5 percent of the total project budget.
What overall approach did DRL prefer across all three tracks?
Across all tracks, DRL signaled a preference for practical, results oriented programming that strengthens institutions (unions, civil society organizations, and relevant government enforcement capacity), elevates inclusion of marginalized groups, and demonstrates credible monitoring and evaluation.
What did DRL expect applicants to address regarding duplication of efforts?
Applicants were asked to show how their work fits into the existing landscape of donor and local initiatives, to avoid duplication, and to explain how the project complemented or expanded existing labor rights initiatives rather than duplicating them.
What was the overall aim of this opportunity?
The overall aim was to translate international labor standards into real improvements in representation, bargaining, legal compliance, and workplace conditions, while creating stronger channels for workers and worker organizations to influence policy and corporate behavior.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education Employment, Labor and Training Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Grants to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment in Adult Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts and Juvenile Treatment Drug Courts (Short Title SAMHSA Treatment Drug Courts)
Previous opportunity: SMART FY 14 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 14 018
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DRLA DRLAQM 14 018", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.