Opportunity Information: Apply for DRL 10 GR CUBA PROP 062810
Apply for DRL 10 GR CUBA PROP 062810
- 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 "Request for Proposals Cuba" 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 Jul 9, 2010 and posted on Jun 28, 2010.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 26, 2010 Applicants have until midnight (1200 a.m.), Washington, D.C. time of the closing date to ensure that their entire application has been uploaded to www.grants.gov. There are no exceptions to the above deadline. Applications uploaded to the site after midnight of the application deadline date will be automatically rejected by the www.grants.gov system and will be technically ineligible. Please refer to www.grants.gov for definitions of various application statuses and the difference between a submission receipt and a submission validation. Applicants will receive a validation e mail from www.grants.gov upon the successful submission of an application. Again, validation of an electronic submission via www.grants.govcan take up to two business days. DRL will not notify you upon receipt of electronic applications. Faxed, couriered, or emailed documents will not be accepted at any time. Applicants must follow all formatting instructions in this document and the PSI.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $3,650,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 6 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Organizations submitting proposals must meet the following criteria Be a registered U.S. non profit organization meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c) (3). Applicants in the process of registration must submit proof that they are seeking non profit status from the Internal Revenue Service at the time of proposal submission. Should the applicant be selected for a grant award, funding will be contingent upon 501(c)(3) status or Be a U.S. university or research institution meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c) (3) or Be a comparable, non U.S. based non profit organization and Have demonstrated experience administering successful projects, preferably targeting the requested country, 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. Organizations may form consortia and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.
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Opportunity Summary:
This Request for Proposals (RFP) comes from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL), and it focuses on supporting Cuban-led civic and human rights efforts on the island. DRL is looking to fund one or more grants that include a subgrant mechanism, meaning the main award recipient would run a small-grants program that can quickly respond to needs and opportunities that emerge in Cuba during the life of the award. The intent is to complement and strengthen DRL's broader Cuba programming by channeling support to Cuban partners through flexible, targeted subawards. Potential partners on the island may include local groups, cooperatives, associations, informal groups, NGOs, student groups, and media outlets.
A central feature of this opportunity is that the prime grantee must operate an organized, transparent subgrant process. That includes publicizing the availability of subgrant funds so U.S.-based NGOs and/or Cuban partners can submit project ideas, reviewing proposals and selecting appropriate subawardees, distributing funds and overseeing both performance and financial stewardship, and then documenting and reporting results and impact from the subawards. DRL emphasizes that applicants (and any proposed U.S.-based subgrantees) should already have real, verifiable relationships with Cuban partners on the island, because the subgrant pipeline is expected to be driven by proposals that originate with Cubans for Cuban-conceived and Cuban-led projects. DRL also highlights that subgrants can be used to support non-traditional activities that other donors cannot fund, and that in-kind support is acceptable and sometimes preferred when partner groups lack the administrative capacity to handle cash.
Applicants must demonstrate they can manage multiple subawards responsibly and strategically under the prime grant. As part of the proposal, applicants must include a draft Subgrant Implementation Manual as an annex (it does not count toward the page limit). This manual is expected to align with Department terms and conditions and relevant federal requirements (including applicable OMB circular guidance). Once funded, the grantee must provide DRL quarterly reporting that itemizes all subgrant disbursements, shows how funds were allocated, identifies the activities supported, and tracks progress toward goals. DRL also reserves the right to request additional programmatic or financial information at any point during the award period to ensure transparency and oversight.
Program proposals must target only one of the listed topic areas; proposals that combine multiple topics may be ruled technically ineligible. While DRL considers subgrant-based designs highly competitive, it will also consider proposals that implement assistance directly, as long as the applicant can show it has the on-island contacts needed to do that effectively. The project period is expected to run between one and three years, and the bulk of activities must directly target Cuba. DRL explicitly signals what it does not want to fund: U.S.-based activities (including study tours, scholarships, or exchanges) are unlikely to be competitive; proposals centered on academic research, conferences, dialogue events, or similar formats are also discouraged. Health, technology, or scientific proposals are discouraged unless they clearly and directly advance the specific democracy and human rights objectives in the RFP. Commercial law or economic development projects are considered non-competitive. DRL also will not consider any proposal that would provide any kind of support to designated terrorist organizations or their members, affiliates, or representatives.
The RFP lays out five specific program categories with approximate funding allocations. For Political Prisoners (about $500,000), DRL seeks humanitarian assistance for family members of Cuban political prisoners, preferably through local procurement of food and non-food goods when possible, delivered either as cash or in-kind aid; proposals must clearly explain how recipients will be identified and selected. For Freedom of Expression (about $1,500,000), DRL wants programs that expand space for open expression and idea-sharing, particularly for artists, musicians, writers, journalists, bloggers, and other cultural voices, with the broader goal of increasing demand not just for information but for freedom of expression itself. For Freedom of Religion (about $500,000), DRL seeks to support initiatives proposed by on-island religious and spiritual communities that advance religious freedom. For Labor Rights/Freedom of Association (about $500,000), DRL invites proposals supporting Cuban partners such as independent labor unions and labor organizations advocating for workers' rights and the freedom to associate. For Women's Issues (about $350,000), DRL aims to strengthen independent civil society groups advocating for women's rights, with a specific focus on combating commercial sexual exploitation of women and girls through awareness, education on rights, networking and advocacy capacity, and immediate support for victims. There is also a Direct Civil Society Support category (about $300,000) designed to provide small grants to Cubans seeking support for independent civil society initiatives that are Cuban-conceived and Cuban-led; proposals that extend beyond Havana and reach sectors that have not previously received support are described as particularly competitive.
Total estimated funding across the opportunity is about $3,650,000, with an anticipated award range from $300,000 up to the maximum amount stated for the chosen topic (the largest ceiling is $1,500,000 for Freedom of Expression). DRL anticipated up to six awards. There is no cost-sharing requirement, but cost sharing is strongly encouraged and is viewed favorably during review. Awards are subject to federal compliance review, and final award authority rests with the Department of State Grants Officer; DRL and the Grants Office may request additional information during review.
Eligibility is aimed primarily at organizations capable of operating in a complex environment and managing federal funds responsibly. Applicants may be U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits (or organizations actively seeking that status), U.S. universities or research institutions meeting 501(c)(3) provisions, or comparable non-U.S.-based nonprofit organizations. Applicants must show demonstrated experience delivering successful projects, preferably in Cuba or similarly challenging environments, and they must have existing partnerships in the target country or the ability to develop active partnerships. Consortia are allowed, but one lead organization must be designated.
Proposals are evaluated by a Department of State review committee using six equally weighted criteria: the quality and originality of the program idea and its fit with DRL's mission; program planning and the ability to achieve measurable objectives (including detailed activities, stakeholder engagement, partner roles, and a monthly timeline); multiplier effect and sustainability beyond the award; a strong monitoring and evaluation plan with outputs, outcomes, baselines, targets, and disaggregation (including by gender where appropriate), with independent evaluation viewed positively; the institution's past performance and operational capacity, including staffing and fiscal compliance; and cost effectiveness, with low overhead and minimal U.S.-based costs. DRL also expects proposals to address gender considerations across activities, explain how women will participate and benefit, and include contingency planning for operating challenges.
Administratively, applications had to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by the stated deadline (July 26, 2010, midnight Washington, D.C. time), with no exceptions and no acceptance of faxed, couriered, or emailed submissions. Applicants were advised that Grants.gov validation can take up to two business days and that late submissions would be automatically rejected. Questions were directed to specific DRL contacts listed in the notice, and once the deadline passed, government officials were not permitted to discuss the competition with applicants until the review process concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) Who is offering this grant opportunity?
This Request for Proposals (RFP) is offered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL).
2) What is the main purpose of this RFP?
The RFP focuses on supporting Cuban-led civic and human rights efforts on the island of Cuba. DRL intends to complement and strengthen its broader Cuba programming by channeling support to Cuban partners through flexible, targeted subawards.
3) Does DRL expect a subgrant (small-grants) mechanism?
Yes. DRL is seeking one or more grants that include a subgrant mechanism. The prime recipient is expected to run an organized small-grants program that can respond quickly to needs and opportunities that emerge in Cuba during the award period.
4) What does the prime grantee have to do under the subgrant model?
The prime grantee must operate an organized and transparent subgrant process. This includes publicizing subgrant availability so U.S.-based NGOs and/or Cuban partners can submit project ideas, reviewing proposals and selecting subawardees, distributing funds, overseeing performance and financial stewardship, and documenting and reporting results and impact from the subawards.
5) Who are the intended on-island partners that may receive support?
Potential Cuban partners may include local groups, cooperatives, associations, informal groups, NGOs, student groups, and media outlets.
6) Do applicants need existing relationships with Cuban partners?
Yes. DRL emphasizes that applicants (and any proposed U.S.-based subgrantees) should already have real, verifiable relationships with Cuban partners on the island. The subgrant pipeline is expected to be driven by proposals that originate with Cubans for Cuban-conceived and Cuban-led projects.
7) Are direct-implementation proposals allowed, or must every proposal use subgrants?
Subgrant-based designs are described as highly competitive, but DRL will also consider proposals that implement assistance directly if the applicant can show it has the on-island contacts needed to do so effectively.
8) Can subgrants fund non-traditional activities or support types other donors cannot fund?
Yes. DRL notes that subgrants can be used to support non-traditional activities that other donors cannot fund.
9) Is in-kind support allowed instead of cash?
Yes. In-kind support is acceptable and sometimes preferred when partner groups lack the administrative capacity to handle cash.
10) What reporting is required after an award is made?
The grantee must provide quarterly reporting to DRL that itemizes all subgrant disbursements, shows how funds were allocated, identifies supported activities, and tracks progress toward goals. DRL also reserves the right to request additional programmatic or financial information at any point during the award period to ensure transparency and oversight.
11) Is there a required attachment related to subgrant operations?
Yes. Applicants must include a draft Subgrant Implementation Manual as an annex to the proposal. The annex does not count toward the page limit and is expected to align with Department terms and conditions and relevant federal requirements (including applicable OMB circular guidance).
12) How many topic areas can a single proposal cover?
Proposals must target only one of the listed topic areas. Proposals that combine multiple topics may be ruled technically ineligible.
13) What are the five program categories and their approximate funding allocations?
- Political Prisoners (about $500,000)
- Freedom of Expression (about $1,500,000)
- Freedom of Religion (about $500,000)
- Labor Rights/Freedom of Association (about $500,000)
- Women’s Issues (about $350,000)
The RFP also includes a Direct Civil Society Support category (about $300,000) designed to provide small grants to Cuban-conceived and Cuban-led independent civil society initiatives.
14) What is DRL looking for under the Political Prisoners category?
DRL seeks humanitarian assistance for family members of Cuban political prisoners, preferably through local procurement of food and non-food goods when possible, delivered either as cash or in-kind aid. Proposals must clearly explain how recipients will be identified and selected.
15) What is DRL looking for under Freedom of Expression?
DRL seeks programs that expand space for open expression and idea-sharing, particularly for artists, musicians, writers, journalists, bloggers, and other cultural voices. The broader goal is to increase demand not just for information, but for freedom of expression itself.
16) What is DRL looking for under Freedom of Religion?
DRL seeks to support initiatives proposed by on-island religious and spiritual communities that advance religious freedom.
17) What is DRL looking for under Labor Rights/Freedom of Association?
DRL invites proposals supporting Cuban partners such as independent labor unions and labor organizations that advocate for workers’ rights and the freedom to associate.
18) What is DRL looking for under Women’s Issues?
DRL aims to strengthen independent civil society groups advocating for women’s rights, with a specific focus on combating commercial sexual exploitation of women and girls. The RFP mentions activities such as awareness, education on rights, networking and advocacy capacity, and immediate support for victims.
19) What is the Direct Civil Society Support category intended to fund?
This category is designed to provide small grants to Cubans seeking support for independent civil society initiatives that are Cuban-conceived and Cuban-led. Proposals that extend beyond Havana and reach sectors that have not previously received support are described as particularly competitive.
20) What is the total estimated funding and the expected number of awards?
Total estimated funding is about $3,650,000, and DRL anticipated up to six awards.
21) What is the anticipated award size?
The anticipated award range is from $300,000 up to the maximum amount stated for the chosen topic. The largest ceiling listed is $1,500,000 for Freedom of Expression.
22) What is the project duration?
The project period is expected to run between one and three years.
23) Does the work have to take place in Cuba?
Yes. The bulk of activities must directly target Cuba.
24) Is cost sharing required?
No. There is no cost-sharing requirement. However, cost sharing is strongly encouraged and is viewed favorably during review.
25) What types of activities are unlikely to be competitive?
DRL indicates that U.S.-based activities (including study tours, scholarships, or exchanges) are unlikely to be competitive. Proposals centered on academic research, conferences, dialogue events, or similar formats are also discouraged.
26) Are health, technology, or scientific proposals allowed?
They are discouraged unless they clearly and directly advance the specific democracy and human rights objectives in the RFP.
27) Are commercial law or economic development projects competitive under this RFP?
No. Commercial law or economic development projects are described as non-competitive.
28) Are there any restrictions related to terrorist organizations?
Yes. DRL will not consider any proposal that would provide any kind of support to designated terrorist organizations or their members, affiliates, or representatives.
29) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits (or organizations actively seeking that status), U.S. universities or research institutions meeting 501(c)(3) provisions, or comparable non-U.S.-based nonprofit organizations.
30) Are consortia permitted?
Yes. Consortia are allowed, but one lead organization must be designated.
31) What experience and capacity does DRL expect from applicants?
Applicants must show demonstrated experience delivering successful projects, preferably in Cuba or similarly challenging environments, and must have existing partnerships in the target country (or the ability to develop active partnerships). Applicants must also demonstrate they can manage multiple subawards responsibly and strategically under the prime grant.
32) How will proposals be evaluated?
A Department of State review committee evaluates proposals using six equally weighted criteria: (1) quality and originality and fit with DRL’s mission; (2) program planning and measurable objectives (including detailed activities, stakeholder engagement, partner roles, and a monthly timeline); (3) multiplier effect and sustainability beyond the award; (4) monitoring and evaluation plan (outputs, outcomes, baselines, targets, disaggregation including by gender where appropriate, and independent evaluation viewed positively); (5) institutional past performance and operational capacity (staffing and fiscal compliance); and (6) cost effectiveness (low overhead and minimal U.S.-based costs).
33) Are gender considerations required in the proposal?
Yes. DRL expects proposals to address gender considerations across activities, explain how women will participate and benefit, and include contingency planning for operating challenges.
34) Who makes the final award decision?
Final award authority rests with the Department of State Grants Officer. Awards are subject to federal compliance review, and DRL and the Grants Office may request additional information during review.
35) How were applications submitted and what was the deadline?
Applications had to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by July 26, 2010 (midnight Washington, D.C. time). No exceptions were permitted, and faxed, couriered, or emailed submissions were not accepted.
36) What should applicants know about Grants.gov validation and late submissions?
Applicants were advised that Grants.gov validation can take up to two business days. Late submissions would be automatically rejected.
37) Could applicants ask questions, and what happens after the deadline?
Questions were directed to specific DRL contacts listed in the notice. After the deadline passed, government officials were not permitted to discuss the competition with applicants until the review process concluded.
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