Opportunity Information: Apply for DRL 08 CUBA RFP 090808
Apply for DRL 08 CUBA RFP 090808
- The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor in the 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 Human Rights and Civil Society Initiatives in Cuba" and is now available to receive applicants.
- This funding opportunity was created on Sep 8, 2008 and posted on Sep 8, 2008.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 6, 2008. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $4,450,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Private institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
- Be a U.S. non profit organization meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c) (3), or a comparable organization headquartered internationally or Be a U.S. university or research institution meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c) (3) and Have demonstrated experience administering successful projects, preferably targeting the requested country and/or region, or similarly challenging program environment. DRL reserves the right to request additional background information on organizations that do not have previous experience administering federal grant awards. These applicants may be subject to limited funding on a pilot basis and Have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with organization(s) in the target country and/or region. Organizations may form consortia and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) at the U.S. Department of State issued this Request for Proposals (Funding Opportunity Number DRL 08 CUBA RFP 090808) to fund projects that support human rights and democratic civil society development in Cuba. The overall intent is to accompany and support Cubans on the island as they define and pursue their own vision for the country, with an emphasis on strengthening independent civic actors and helping them operate more effectively and professionally in a challenging environment. DRL signals that it is looking for practical, on-the-ground capacity building that helps civil society function as a connected, strategic, and responsive ecosystem rather than a set of isolated groups.
A central feature of this opportunity is its preference for proposals that take a holistic, end-to-end approach to civil society strengthening. DRL is not just looking for one-off activities; it is prioritizing programs that help independent Cuban civil society build the full cycle of civic action. That includes helping groups connect with one another by forming networks or coalitions, improving information sharing, and building trust across individuals and organizations. It also includes supporting them in identifying shared problems, defining issues of common concern, and developing a common vision of positive change that can guide collective action over time.
The solicitation places strong weight on outreach and public engagement, particularly beyond Havana and into the provinces. Competitive proposals are expected to describe creative and engaging ways to communicate civil society goals and vision to broader segments of the Cuban public, not simply to existing activists. The opportunity also highlights the need to recruit wider public support and participation, meaning projects should help civil society actors move from internal planning to mobilizing constructive public involvement around shared priorities. In practice, this implies a focus on communications methods, community engagement, and approaches that can reach diverse audiences under restrictive conditions.
DRL also underscores implementation and feedback as essential parts of the model. Funded projects should enable civil society actors to carry out concrete activities aligned with their goals, and then disseminate information about those activities back to the public. Just as important, programs should build the capacity to gather input from the public about civil society direction and performance, and then adjust strategies and actions based on that feedback. This emphasis on learning and adaptation suggests DRL is seeking initiatives that strengthen civil society accountability to communities and improve long-term effectiveness, rather than simply producing outputs.
Ongoing mentoring and coaching are specifically encouraged, which signals DRL wants proposals that include sustained accompaniment and skills development over time rather than short trainings alone. In a grant design context, this typically means structured coaching, iterative problem-solving support, and long-term capacity building that helps local civic actors professionalize their work, improve planning and management, strengthen networks, and refine messaging and outreach based on real-world experience.
Funding for the opportunity is substantial. DRL indicates approximately $4.45 million in total funding is available, with individual awards expected to range from a $250,000 floor to a $1,000,000 ceiling. The funding instrument is a grant, and there is no cost sharing or matching requirement, reducing barriers for eligible organizations that might not have significant unrestricted funds. The opportunity was posted September 8, 2008, with an application deadline of October 6, 2008, and an archive date of November 5, 2008.
Eligibility is aimed at organizations with demonstrated capacity to operate in difficult environments and manage federal awards responsibly. Applicants may include U.S. nonprofits with IRS 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education institutions), private institutions of higher education, and comparable internationally headquartered organizations that meet similar nonprofit criteria. DRL expects applicants to have demonstrated experience administering successful projects, preferably in the target country/region or in similarly challenging settings. For organizations without prior federal grant experience, DRL notes it may request additional background and may limit funding on a pilot basis. Applicants also need existing partnerships in the target country/region or a credible plan and capacity to develop them. Consortia are allowed, but a single lead applicant must be designated to coordinate and be accountable for the combined proposal.
For those seeking clarification or access help, the notice lists a program point of contact: Teresa Fralish, Program Officer, reachable by phone at 202/261-8107 or by email at FralishTM@state.gov, with the additional information link pointing generally to the DRL website. Overall, the opportunity is designed to fund multi-faceted initiatives that help independent Cuban civil society become more connected, strategic, publicly engaged, action-oriented, and adaptive, with a clear preference for sustained mentoring and an integrated approach that strengthens the full pipeline from coalition-building and vision-setting to outreach, action, public communication, and feedback-driven improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is a Request for Proposals (Funding Opportunity Number DRL 08 CUBA RFP 090808) from the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) at the U.S. Department of State to fund projects that support human rights and democratic civil society development in Cuba.
What is the main purpose of the program?
The intent is to accompany and support Cubans on the island as they define and pursue their own vision for the country. The opportunity emphasizes strengthening independent civic actors and helping them operate more effectively and professionally in a challenging environment.
What types of projects is DRL looking for?
DRL is prioritizing practical, on-the-ground capacity building that helps independent civil society function as a connected, strategic, and responsive ecosystem rather than a set of isolated groups.
Does DRL prefer one-time activities or longer-term programs?
DRL prefers proposals that take a holistic, end-to-end approach and is not focused on one-off activities. Competitive proposals are expected to strengthen the full cycle of civic action, from coalition-building and shared vision-setting to outreach, action, public communication, and feedback-driven improvement.
What does a "holistic, end-to-end approach" mean in this solicitation?
Based on the notice, it includes helping civil society actors connect through networks or coalitions, improve information sharing, and build trust; supporting them in identifying shared problems and defining issues of common concern; developing a common vision for positive change; carrying out concrete activities aligned with that vision; communicating activities back to the public; gathering public input; and adjusting strategies based on feedback.
Is building networks or coalitions part of the expected work?
Yes. The opportunity highlights forming networks or coalitions, improving information sharing, and building trust across individuals and organizations as part of strengthening civil society.
How important is outreach and public engagement?
Outreach and public engagement are strongly emphasized. The solicitation expects creative and engaging ways to communicate civil society goals and vision to broader segments of the Cuban public, not only existing activists.
Is there an emphasis on work outside Havana?
Yes. The notice places strong weight on outreach beyond Havana and into the provinces.
Does the opportunity expect projects to recruit wider public participation?
Yes. The opportunity highlights the need to recruit wider public support and participation, meaning projects should help civil society actors move from internal planning to mobilizing constructive public involvement around shared priorities.
Are applicants expected to include communications and community engagement approaches?
Yes. The description implies a focus on communications methods, community engagement, and approaches that can reach diverse audiences under restrictive conditions.
Does DRL expect funded projects to support implementation, not just planning?
Yes. The opportunity underscores implementation as essential. Funded projects should enable civil society actors to carry out concrete activities aligned with their goals.
Is public communication about activities part of the expected approach?
Yes. The solicitation indicates projects should disseminate information about civil society activities back to the public.
Is collecting public feedback required or encouraged?
It is emphasized as important. Programs should build the capacity to gather input from the public about civil society direction and performance and adjust strategies and actions based on that feedback.
What does DRL mean by learning and adaptation in this program?
The notice suggests DRL is seeking initiatives that strengthen civil society accountability to communities and improve long-term effectiveness by using public input and experience to refine strategies over time, not simply to produce outputs.
Are mentoring and coaching allowable under this opportunity?
Yes. Ongoing mentoring and coaching are specifically encouraged, signaling a preference for sustained accompaniment and skills development over time rather than short trainings alone.
What kinds of capacity building does DRL appear to value?
Based on the description, valued capacity building includes professionalizing civic actors' work, improving planning and management, strengthening networks, and refining messaging and outreach based on real-world experience, supported through iterative coaching and problem-solving.
How much total funding is available?
DRL indicates approximately $4.45 million in total funding is available under this opportunity.
What is the expected size of individual awards?
Individual awards are expected to range from $250,000 (floor) to $1,000,000 (ceiling).
What type of funding instrument will be used?
The funding instrument is a grant.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The notice states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.
When was the opportunity posted and what are the key dates?
The opportunity was posted on September 8, 2008. The application deadline was October 6, 2008, and the archive date was November 5, 2008.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants may include U.S. nonprofits with IRS 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education institutions), private institutions of higher education, and comparable internationally headquartered organizations that meet similar nonprofit criteria.
What experience does DRL expect from applicants?
DRL expects demonstrated capacity to operate in difficult environments and manage federal awards responsibly. Applicants should have demonstrated experience administering successful projects, preferably in the target country/region or similarly challenging settings.
What if an organization has not managed a federal grant before?
The notice states that DRL may request additional background for organizations without prior federal grant experience and may limit funding on a pilot basis.
Are partnerships in the target region required?
Applicants need existing partnerships in the target country/region or a credible plan and capacity to develop them.
Are consortia allowed?
Yes. Consortia are allowed, but a single lead applicant must be designated to coordinate and be accountable for the combined proposal.
Who can I contact for questions or clarification?
The program point of contact listed is Teresa Fralish, Program Officer. Phone: 202/261-8107. Email: FralishTM@state.gov.
Where can I find additional information?
The notice references an additional information link pointing generally to the DRL website.
What overall outcomes does DRL appear to be seeking?
The opportunity is designed to fund multi-faceted initiatives that help independent Cuban civil society become more connected, strategic, publicly engaged, action-oriented, and adaptive, with a clear preference for sustained mentoring and an integrated approach across the full pipeline of civic action.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: PRM NGO Projects in Kenya
Previous opportunity: Cultural Resource Assistance
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 DRL 08 CUBA RFP 090808
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DRL 08 CUBA RFP 090808) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| PRM NGO Projects in Kenya Apply for PRM AFR 09 CA AF 090808 HORN Funding Number: PRM AFR 09 CA AF 090808 HORN Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| PRM NGO projects in Great Lakes/Central Africa Apply for PRM AFR 09 CA AF 09082008 GL CENTRAL Funding Number: PRM AFR 09 CA AF 09082008 GL CENTRAL Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| PRM NGO Projects in South Sudan Apply for PRM AFR 07 CA AF 09082008 SUDAN Funding Number: PRM AFR 07 CA AF 09082008 SUDAN Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Parliamentary Strengthening Project in Bosnia Herzegovina Apply for 168 09 001 Funding Number: 168 09 001 Agency: Hungary USAID Budapest Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,636,000 |
| State Damage Prevention Grants Apply for DTPH56 09 SN 0001 Funding Number: DTPH56 09 SN 0001 Agency: Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Creative and Sustainable TV Series for Broadcast on pan Arab satellite channels Apply for RPPR 09 AW 001 NEA 101008 Funding Number: RPPR 09 AW 001 NEA 101008 Agency: Public Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| International Arrival and Departure Program Apply for ECA PE V C R 09 01 Funding Number: ECA PE V C R 09 01 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $195,000 |
| Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Fiscal Year 2009 Safety Data Improvement Program Grant Opportunity Apply for FMCSA SADIP 2009 01 Funding Number: FMCSA SADIP 2009 01 Agency: DOT/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Russia Media Programs Apply for DRL 08 RUSSIA 102408 Funding Number: DRL 08 RUSSIA 102408 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Production of Seven Satellite/Internet Broadcasts Apply for 09A54 Funding Number: 09A54 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year 2009 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program Apply for DHS 09 GPD 057 1964 Funding Number: DHS 09 GPD 057 1964 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year 2009 Intercity Passenger Rail (Amtrak) Program Apply for DHS 09 GPD 075 1962 Funding Number: DHS 09 GPD 075 1962 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year 2009 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) Apply for DHS 09 GPD 067 1958 Funding Number: DHS 09 GPD 067 1958 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year 2009 Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP) Apply for DHS 09 GPD 111 1967 Funding Number: DHS 09 GPD 111 1967 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,617,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2009 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) Apply for DHS 09 GPD 008 1974 Funding Number: DHS 09 GPD 008 1974 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2009 Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP) Apply for DHS 09 GPD 078 1965 Funding Number: DHS 09 GPD 078 1965 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,200,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2009 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Apply for DHS 09 GPD 042 1971 Funding Number: DHS 09 GPD 042 1971 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $306,022,500 |
| Fiscal Year 2009 State Homeland Security Program Tribal (SHSP Tribal) Apply for DHS 09 GPD 067 1973 Funding Number: DHS 09 GPD 067 1973 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year 2009 Freight Rail Security Grant Program Apply for DHS 09 GPD 075 1963 Funding Number: DHS 09 GPD 075 1963 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year 2009 Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP) Apply for DHS 09 GPD 001 1969 Funding Number: DHS 09 GPD 001 1969 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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 "DRL 08 CUBA RFP 090808", 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.