Opportunity Information: Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 13 021

  • 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 "DRL International religious Freedom Statement of Interest" 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 Feb 15, 2013 and posted on Feb 15, 2013.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 22, 2013 No Explanation. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
  • 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) Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
  • none
Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 13 021

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Opportunity Summary:

The DRL International Religious Freedom Statement of Interest opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DRLA DRLAQM 13 021) is a discretionary grant solicitation from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL). It asks organizations to submit a statement of interest rather than a full proposal at the initial stage, focusing on both a program concept and the applicant's demonstrated capacity to manage and implement projects. The underlying purpose is to advance DRL objectives related to protecting and expanding religious freedom in a practical, on-the-ground way, with the broader expectation that stronger protections for freedom of religion or belief can help reduce sectarian tensions and contribute to greater social stability.

The program emphasis is on religious freedom for everyone, not only citizens and not only people who belong to majority faiths. DRL explicitly highlights inclusion of non-citizens, minority religious communities, and people with no religious belief. In practice, that means proposed project concepts should treat freedom of religion or belief as a universal right and should be designed to address the vulnerabilities that often affect marginalized groups, including discrimination, harassment, unequal access to services, or restrictions on worship, association, speech, and identity. The framing also suggests that DRL is interested in initiatives that move beyond dialogue alone and help create conditions where different communities can live safely and participate in society without coercion or fear.

A central objective is to strengthen civil society so it can more effectively push governments to uphold these rights. The announcement points to programs that empower local organizations and civic actors to urge governments not only to protect their own communities, but also to publicly advocate for the rights of other religious groups and for non-believers. That detail matters because it signals an interest in building cross-community solidarity and principled advocacy, where civil society actors speak up consistently for broad rights protections rather than only for their immediate constituency. DRL is effectively looking for concepts that increase civic capacity, expand networks of support, and encourage public defense of pluralism and equal rights.

From an eligibility standpoint, the opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations, including those with 501(c)(3) status and those without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education. The funding instrument is a grant, and there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement listed. The notice does not specify an award floor or ceiling in the summary information provided (both are shown as 0), which typically means applicants need to consult the full request for proposals (RFP) for expected funding ranges, project length, and any other budget or scope parameters.

Key dates in the listing show the opportunity was posted and created on February 15, 2013, with an original and current closing date of March 22, 2013, and an archive date of April 21, 2013. The CFDA number associated with the program is 19.345, International Programs to Support Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, which aligns with DRL's broader portfolio of human rights and democracy support programming.

For applicants, the practical takeaway is that DRL is inviting concise but substantive concept submissions that describe what the organization wants to do to protect and advance freedom of religion or belief, why the approach fits the problem, and how the organization is equipped to manage the work responsibly. Because the listing repeatedly directs readers to the full RFP for details, the statement of interest would be expected to align with any specific formatting, content requirements, geographic priorities, or thematic priorities spelled out in the complete announcement. For technical issues accessing the full announcement, the listing directs applicants to the Grants.gov Contact Center (1-800-518-4726, support@grants.gov), which operates 24/7 except federal holidays.

FAQs: DRL International Religious Freedom Statement of Interest (DRLA DRLAQM 13 021)

What is this grant opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant solicitation from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), titled the DRL International Religious Freedom Statement of Interest opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DRLA DRLAQM 13 021).

What is the main purpose of the program?

The purpose is to advance DRL objectives that protect and expand freedom of religion or belief through practical, on-the-ground efforts. The broader expectation described is that stronger protections for religious freedom can help reduce sectarian tensions and support greater social stability.

Does the initial submission require a full proposal?

No. The opportunity requests a statement of interest at the initial stage rather than a full proposal. The initial submission is expected to focus on a program concept and the applicant's demonstrated capacity to manage and implement projects.

What should a statement of interest emphasize?

Based on the information provided, the statement of interest should describe: (1) a clear program concept to protect and advance freedom of religion or belief, (2) why the approach fits the problem being addressed, and (3) the organization's capacity to responsibly manage and implement the work.

What themes or values does DRL emphasize in this opportunity?

DRL emphasizes freedom of religion or belief as a universal right for everyone, including non-citizens, minority religious communities, and people with no religious belief. The framing suggests interest in initiatives that move beyond dialogue alone and help create conditions where people can live safely and participate in society without coercion or fear.

Who should proposed projects be designed to include?

The opportunity explicitly highlights inclusion of non-citizens, minority religious communities, and people with no religious belief, not only citizens and not only members of majority faiths.

What types of issues or vulnerabilities is the program trying to address?

The description points to vulnerabilities that often affect marginalized groups, including discrimination, harassment, unequal access to services, and restrictions on worship, association, speech, and identity.

Is DRL looking for efforts that focus only on interfaith dialogue?

The framing suggests DRL is interested in initiatives that go beyond dialogue alone, aiming to create practical conditions for safe coexistence and equal participation without coercion or fear.

What is a central objective related to civil society?

A central objective is strengthening civil society so it can more effectively push governments to uphold freedom of religion or belief.

Does the opportunity encourage cross-community advocacy?

Yes. The announcement highlights programs that empower local organizations and civic actors to urge governments to protect rights broadly, including publicly advocating for the rights of other religious groups and for non-believers, not only their own communities.

What does DRL appear to be seeking in terms of outcomes?

Based on the description, DRL is looking for concepts that increase civic capacity, expand networks of support, and encourage public defense of pluralism and equal rights, with the expectation that stronger protections can reduce sectarian tensions and contribute to social stability.

Who is eligible to apply?

The opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations, including those with 501(c)(3) status and those without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education.

Are institutions of higher education eligible?

No. The eligibility information provided indicates that nonprofits may apply as long as they are not institutions of higher education.

What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a grant.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost-sharing or matching requirement is listed in the information provided.

Is there an award minimum or maximum amount listed?

The summary information provided shows the award floor and ceiling as 0, which typically means applicants should consult the full RFP for expected funding ranges and other budget parameters.

Where can applicants find details like funding ranges, project length, formatting, and priorities?

The listing repeatedly directs readers to the full request for proposals (RFP) for details. The statement of interest is expected to align with any specific formatting and content requirements, as well as any geographic or thematic priorities stated in the complete announcement.

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

The opportunity was posted and created on February 15, 2013. The original and current closing date is March 22, 2013. The archive date is April 21, 2013.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number associated with the program is 19.345, International Programs to Support Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.

Which government office is sponsoring this opportunity?

The sponsoring office is the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL).

What should applicants do if they have trouble accessing the full announcement?

For technical issues accessing the full announcement, the listing directs applicants to the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. The Contact Center operates 24/7 except federal holidays.

Is this opportunity limited to protecting the rights of one religious group?

No. The program emphasis is on religious freedom for everyone, including members of minority communities, non-citizens, and people with no religious belief.

What does the opportunity suggest about the role of civil society organizations?

It suggests civil society organizations should be equipped to advocate consistently for broad rights protections, build cross-community solidarity, expand networks of support, and encourage public defense of pluralism and equal rights.

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