Opportunity Information: Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 11 005
Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 11 005
- The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor in the law, justice and legal services other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Democracy, Human Rights, Rule of Law, and Freedom of Expression/Press for the Europe/Eurasia region." 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 Oct 11, 2011 and posted on Oct 3, 2011.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 1, 2011 No Explanation. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $1,820,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $770,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Private institutions of higher education 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.
- Organizations submitting proposals must meet the following criteria 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 an international organization. Have demonstrated experience administering successful and preferably similar projects. 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. Be a registered user of www.grants.gov and/or www.grantsolutions.gov . Have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with in country entities and relevant stakeholders including industry and non governmental organizations. Organizations may form consortia and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant. An OMB policy directive published in the Federal Register on Friday, June 27, 2003, requires that all organizations applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements must provide a Dun and Bradstreet (DB) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for all Federal grants or cooperative agreements in or after October 1, 2003. Please reference http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/fedreg/062703grantidentifier.pdf for the complete OMB policy directive.
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Opportunity Summary:
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announced a Request for Proposals for projects in the Europe and Eurasia region that advance democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and freedom of expression/press. The opportunity is structured around three distinct program themes (and applicants are expected to pick a single theme per proposal), with an estimated total funding pool of about $1.82 million and an expectation of roughly three awards overall. Individual awards must fall between $300,000 (floor) and $770,000 (ceiling). DRL indicates that most funded activities should be implemented over a two to three year period, and it places a premium on practical, implementation-oriented programming rather than heavily academic or research-driven work.
Two of the three themes focus on Russia. The first, "Building the Capacity of Media to Increase Transparency and Counter Corruption" (about $770,000 available), aims to strengthen civil society and media actors so they can more effectively uncover, document, and publicize corruption at local, regional, and national levels. DRL is explicitly looking for projects that connect journalism with anti-corruption advocacy and that help journalists, bloggers, and civil society groups use both traditional outlets and newer platforms to reach the public. Applicants are encouraged to target corruption in specific sectors such as politics, religion, education, health care, or law enforcement. Because the solicitation was issued in late 2011, it also calls for programming tied to electoral contexts, specifically incorporating lessons from the December 2011 elections and preparing for the March 2012 elections. Beyond skills and content, DRL also wants a financial sustainability element that helps participating outlets or independent creators become more viable long-term, and it expects applicants to plan for interference risks by including safety and contingency measures. DRL flags several features as particularly attractive: working outside major cities and taking a broad geographic approach; strong fact-checking components; deliberate spillover strategies that move stories and methods across social media and traditional media; use of Freedom of Information tools and legislation; engagement with existing civic associations (including religious groups, labor unions, and disability communities); leveraging networks of experienced trainers (journalist associations or regional trainer pools); and approaches that improve accessibility for people with disabilities. DRL also notes a clear preference for proposals that push a significant share of funding directly to Russian sub-recipients to carry out local initiatives.
The second Russia theme, "Improving Access to Justice in the North Caucasus" (about $550,000 available), is designed to disrupt what DRL describes as a reinforcing cycle of human rights abuses, violent extremism, and authoritarian responses by expanding meaningful access to justice. This track emphasizes the realities of a high-risk operating environment and expects applicants to center the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups, highlighting women in particular while also naming journalists, independent activists, ethnic and religious minorities, LGBT individuals, and people with disabilities. DRL is open to proposals that tackle one or more of several connected objectives: strengthening civil society capacity to help citizens access justice; expanding citizens' ability to obtain legal services; improving public understanding of protections under Russian and international human rights law; and developing understanding of universal human rights within an Islamic context. A credible security plan is mandatory, and while experience in the North Caucasus is preferred, DRL remains open to other implementers that can demonstrate capacity and propose creative approaches, including multi-republic activities.
The third theme is regional and focused on the Balkans, with about $500,000 available. The core goal is to reduce intolerance and discrimination based on identity (including ethnicity, language, religion, and disability) among youth, and to build cross-border and within-country interethnic understanding and dialogue. DRL frames this as a reconciliation and inclusion effort in societies affected by recent conflict and wants activities that build the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for responsible participation in democratic life. The design requirements are strict: proposals must involve participants from at least three Balkan countries and must specifically include Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. The youth cohorts should also reflect diverse majority and minority communities, including marginalized groups, with activities aimed at fostering constructive, inclusive relationships across identity lines.
On eligibility and applicant expectations, DRL allows U.S. nonprofit organizations that qualify under 501(c)(3), comparable internationally headquartered organizations, and international organizations. Applicants need demonstrated experience managing successful programs, ideally similar in type and scale; DRL notes it can request extra background from groups without prior federal award experience and may limit funding for them on a pilot basis. Registration on Grants.gov and/or GrantSolutions is required, and DRL warns that Grants.gov registration can take up to two weeks, so early action is strongly urged. Applicants must also have, or be able to build, active partnerships with in-country stakeholders such as NGOs and relevant industry actors, and consortia are permitted as long as one lead applicant is designated. A DUNS number is required consistent with federal policy at the time of the notice.
The application is tightly prescribed and must follow DRL's Proposal Submission Instructions (Revised PSI, October 2010). An organization may submit up to three proposals total, but only one per theme, and proposals that combine countries and/or themes may be ruled technically ineligible. Formatting rules are specific: numbered pages throughout (including budgets and attachments), 8.5 x 11 page size, single-spaced 12-point Times New Roman with at least 1-inch margins for Word documents. A complete package includes standard federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B), audit documentation (A-133, when applicable), and lobbying certifications; a one-page table of contents; a one-page executive summary with contact info, synopsis, objectives/activities, total funding and duration, and a brief statement on innovation, sustainability, and impact; a proposal narrative capped at 10 pages; and a budget narrative plus a detailed line-item budget in spreadsheet format with separate columns for DRL funds, cost share, and totals (all in U.S. dollars). Attachments are limited to seven pages total and must include a monitoring and evaluation plan (2 pages), brief roles and bios for key personnel (1 page), a timeline (1 page), and up to three pages of optional items such as letters of support or MOUs (or a list of supporters if documentation is extensive). Indirect costs may only be included if the applicant has a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA), which must be submitted separately as a PDF and does not count against page limits; if there is no NICRA, indirect costs should not appear as a standalone line item and must be budgeted as direct costs where appropriate.
DRL signals several cross-cutting priorities that influence competitiveness. Programs that leverage additional resources (internal funds, other donors, or public-private partnerships) are viewed favorably, and cost sharing is strongly encouraged even though the listing notes no formal matching requirement; if offered, it is treated as a binding commitment. DRL also emphasizes inclusive design: proposals should identify and address gender considerations with concrete measures and targets, and where relevant should address the participation and needs of people with disabilities. In challenging environments, DRL expects realistic contingency planning. The Bureau also states it will not consider proposals that provide support to any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization, whether or not that person is an elected official.
Finally, proposals are screened for eligibility and then evaluated by a Department of State review committee against criteria that prioritize the strength and originality of the program idea, the quality and feasibility of planning and the ability to achieve measurable objectives, multiplier effect and sustainability beyond the award period, and the rigor of monitoring and evaluation focused on outputs and outcomes. DRL also notes that only content within page limits will be reviewed, so concise writing and disciplined organization matter. While the solicitation does not guarantee awards, it indicates the Department may adjust budgets up or down based on programmatic needs and evaluation requirements, and final award authority rests with the Department's Grants Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is this funding opportunity?
This is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) Request for Proposals (RFP) for projects in the Europe and Eurasia region that advance democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and freedom of expression/press.
2) How is the opportunity structured?
The solicitation is organized around three distinct program themes. Applicants are expected to choose one theme per proposal.
3) What are the three program themes?
- Russia: Building the Capacity of Media to Increase Transparency and Counter Corruption
- Russia: Improving Access to Justice in the North Caucasus
- Balkans (regional): Reducing intolerance and discrimination among youth and building interethnic understanding and dialogue
4) What is the estimated total funding available and how many awards are expected?
DRL estimates a total funding pool of about $1.82 million and anticipates roughly three awards overall.
5) What is the allowable award size (minimum and maximum)?
Individual awards must be between $300,000 (floor) and $770,000 (ceiling).
6) How long should projects run?
DRL indicates that most funded activities should be implemented over a two to three year period.
7) What kind of programming does DRL prefer?
DRL places a premium on practical, implementation-oriented programming rather than heavily academic or research-driven work.
8) How much funding is associated with each theme?
- Media/anti-corruption in Russia: about $770,000 available
- Access to justice in the North Caucasus: about $550,000 available
- Balkans youth tolerance and inclusion: about $500,000 available
9) Can an organization submit more than one proposal?
Yes. An organization may submit up to three proposals total, but only one proposal per theme.
10) Can a proposal combine multiple themes or countries?
DRL warns that proposals combining countries and/or themes may be ruled technically ineligible. Proposals are expected to align cleanly to a single theme.
11) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofit organizations that qualify under 501(c)(3), comparable internationally headquartered organizations, and international organizations.
12) Does DRL require applicants to have prior federal award experience?
DRL expects demonstrated experience managing successful programs, ideally similar in type and scale. For organizations without prior federal award experience, DRL may request additional background information and may limit funding on a pilot basis.
13) Are partnerships or consortia allowed?
Yes. Consortia are permitted, but one lead applicant must be designated.
14) Are in-country partnerships expected?
Yes. Applicants must have, or be able to build, active partnerships with in-country stakeholders such as NGOs and relevant industry actors.
15) What registration systems are required to apply?
Registration on Grants.gov and/or GrantSolutions is required. DRL cautions that Grants.gov registration can take up to two weeks, so early registration is strongly encouraged.
16) Is a DUNS number required?
Yes. A DUNS number is required consistent with federal policy at the time of the notice.
17) What are the focus areas for the Russia media and anti-corruption theme?
This theme aims to strengthen civil society and media actors to uncover, document, and publicize corruption at local, regional, and national levels, and to connect journalism with anti-corruption advocacy.
18) Are applicants encouraged to target specific corruption sectors in the media theme?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged to target corruption in specific sectors such as politics, religion, education, health care, or law enforcement.
19) Does the media theme include an election-related emphasis?
Yes. The solicitation calls for programming tied to electoral contexts, incorporating lessons from the December 2011 elections and preparing for the March 2012 elections.
20) What types of media approaches does DRL want in the media theme?
DRL is looking for projects that help journalists, bloggers, and civil society groups use both traditional outlets and newer platforms to reach the public, including deliberate strategies to move stories and methods across social media and traditional media.
21) Does the media theme require sustainability planning?
Yes. DRL wants a financial sustainability element to help participating outlets or independent creators become more viable long-term.
22) Does DRL expect safety and contingency planning for the media theme?
Yes. Applicants are expected to plan for interference risks by including safety and contingency measures.
23) What features does DRL flag as particularly attractive for the media theme?
- Working outside major cities and taking a broad geographic approach
- Strong fact-checking components
- Spillover strategies across social media and traditional media
- Use of Freedom of Information tools and legislation
- Engagement with civic associations (including religious groups, labor unions, and disability communities)
- Leveraging networks of experienced trainers (journalist associations or regional trainer pools)
- Approaches that improve accessibility for people with disabilities
24) Does DRL express any preference about sub-awards or sub-recipients for the media theme?
Yes. DRL notes a clear preference for proposals that push a significant share of funding directly to Russian sub-recipients to carry out local initiatives.
25) What is the goal of the Russia access-to-justice theme in the North Caucasus?
This theme aims to disrupt a cycle of human rights abuses, violent extremism, and authoritarian responses by expanding meaningful access to justice, while recognizing a high-risk operating environment.
26) Which populations should be centered in the North Caucasus access-to-justice theme?
Applicants are expected to center vulnerable and marginalized groups, highlighting women in particular, and also including journalists, independent activists, ethnic and religious minorities, LGBT individuals, and people with disabilities.
27) What kinds of objectives can the North Caucasus access-to-justice proposals address?
- Strengthening civil society capacity to help citizens access justice
- Expanding citizens' ability to obtain legal services
- Improving public understanding of protections under Russian and international human rights law
- Developing understanding of universal human rights within an Islamic context
28) Is a security plan required for North Caucasus projects?
Yes. A credible security plan is mandatory for this theme.
29) Is prior experience in the North Caucasus required?
Experience in the North Caucasus is preferred. However, DRL is open to other implementers that can demonstrate capacity and propose creative approaches, including multi-republic activities.
30) What is the core goal of the Balkans regional theme?
The Balkans theme focuses on reducing intolerance and discrimination based on identity (including ethnicity, language, religion, and disability) among youth, and building cross-border and within-country interethnic understanding and dialogue.
31) Are there strict participation requirements for the Balkans theme?
Yes. Proposals must involve participants from at least three Balkan countries, and must specifically include Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.
32) What participant composition does DRL expect for the Balkans theme?
Youth cohorts should reflect diverse majority and minority communities, including marginalized groups, with activities designed to foster constructive, inclusive relationships across identity lines.
33) Is cost sharing required?
The listing notes no formal matching requirement, but cost sharing is strongly encouraged. If cost share is offered, DRL treats it as a binding commitment.
34) What cross-cutting design priorities does DRL emphasize?
- Leveraging additional resources (internal funds, other donors, or public-private partnerships)
- Inclusive design with concrete gender measures and targets
- Where relevant, addressing participation and needs of people with disabilities
- Realistic contingency planning in challenging environments
35) Are there restrictions related to designated terrorist organizations?
Yes. DRL states it will not consider proposals that provide support to any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization, whether or not that person is an elected official.
36) What proposal instructions must applicants follow?
Applications must follow DRL's Proposal Submission Instructions (Revised PSI, October 2010). DRL also notes that only content within page limits will be reviewed.
37) What are the key formatting requirements?
- Pages must be numbered throughout, including budgets and attachments
- 8.5 x 11 page size
- Single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman for Word documents
- At least 1-inch margins for Word documents
38) What standard federal forms are required?
The package must include SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B.
39) What compliance documents and certifications are required?
The application must include audit documentation (A-133, when applicable) and lobbying certifications.
40) What are the required components of the written application package?
- One-page table of contents
- One-page executive summary including contact info, synopsis, objectives/activities, total funding and duration, and a brief statement on innovation, sustainability, and impact
- Proposal narrative (maximum 10 pages)
- Budget narrative
- Detailed line-item budget in spreadsheet format (U.S. dollars) with separate columns for DRL funds, cost share, and totals
41) What is the attachments limit and what must be included in attachments?
Attachments are limited to seven pages total and must include:
- Monitoring and evaluation plan (2 pages)
- Brief roles and bios for key personnel (1 page)
- Timeline (1 page)
- Up to three pages of optional items (letters of support or MOUs), or a list of supporters if documentation is extensive
42) Are indirect costs allowed?
Indirect costs may be included only if the applicant has a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA). The NICRA must be submitted separately as a PDF and does not count against page limits.
43) What if an applicant does not have a NICRA?
If there is no NICRA, indirect costs should not appear as a standalone line item and must be budgeted as direct costs where appropriate.
44) How will proposals be reviewed and scored?
After eligibility screening, proposals are evaluated by a Department of State review committee based on criteria that emphasize: the strength and originality of the program idea; the quality and feasibility of planning and ability to achieve measurable objectives; multiplier effect and sustainability beyond the award period; and the rigor of monitoring and evaluation focused on outputs and outcomes.
45) Will DRL review content that exceeds page limits?
No. DRL states that only content within page limits will be reviewed, so concise writing and disciplined organization matter.
46) Does the solicitation guarantee an award?
No. The solicitation does not guarantee awards.
47) Can DRL adjust the proposed budget during award negotiations?
Yes. DRL indicates the Department may adjust budgets up or down based on programmatic needs and evaluation requirements.
48) Who has final authority to make awards?
Final award authority rests with the Department's Grants Officer.
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