Civic DEFENDERS
ID: 353086Type: Forecasted
Overview

Buyer

Agency for International Development (USAID)

Eligible Applicants

Unrestricted

Funding Category

Other

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Mandatory

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/353086
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for the Civic DEFENDERS program through a Leader with Associates cooperative agreement, aimed at enhancing the resilience of civil society, independent media, and human rights defenders against digital repression. The program's objectives include improving digital security capabilities, advocating for policy changes on digital governance, and facilitating access to internet freedom, with a particular focus on supporting women and marginalized groups. This initiative reflects USAID's commitment to uphold human rights online and counter threats of digital censorship, with an estimated total program funding of $92.5 million and a projected award date of September 27, 2024. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by May 6, 2024, and can direct inquiries to Michael Kwaw at 202-567-4838 or via email at internetfreedom@usaid.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Michael Kwaw Acquisition and Assistance Speciali
    (202) 567-4838
    internetfreedom@usaid.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Civic DEFENDERS NOFO Amendment #1 (Q A).pdf
    Civic.pdf
    The amendment to the Civic DEFENDERS NOFO (7200AA24RFA00007), dated April 4, 2024, responds to questions received before the deadline of March 29, 2024. The amendment clarifies submission details and modifies the application deadline to May 6, 2024, while providing guidance on technical and budgetary requirements. Key points include the acceptance of a Table of Contents and Acronym List without exceeding page limits, specifying expectations for risk considerations in the Cost Narrative, and allowing a mix of local and regional implementation proposals. USAID emphasizes that the initiative will not directly support strategic litigation attorney’s fees but will assist organizations providing legal services. The submission of budget summaries is required by May 2, with details on cost-share, funding limits, and reporting processes outlined. The document highlights the necessity of collaborative selection of focus countries and the potential for adjustments in funding based on the co-design process. Overall, the document ensures compliance with specific regulations while promoting flexibility in the utilization of resources for addressing digital repression of civil society, independent media, and human rights defenders.
    NOFO - Civic DEFENDERS 7200A24RFAA00007 FE.pdf
    NOFO.pdf
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Civic DEFENDERS program, aimed at enhancing the resilience of civil society, independent media, and human rights defenders against digital repression. The program seeks qualified organizations to manage a Leader with Associates cooperative agreement, with an expected budget of $42.5 million over five years. The objectives include improving digital security capabilities, advocacy for policy changes on digital governance, facilitating access to internet freedom, and providing holistic support to affected individuals, particularly women and marginalized groups. The challenges of digital repression facing global civic actors require a focus on local engagement, with a priority on inclusivity and gender sensitivity. USAID encourages diverse organizations to apply, providing flexibility in funding structures and collaboration opportunities with various stakeholders. The initiative reflects USAID's commitment to uphold human rights online and counter the pervasive threats of digital censorship and surveillance, thereby aiming for a robust civil society capable of addressing these contemporary challenges.
    Similar Opportunities
    Initiative for Human Rights
    Active
    Philippines USAID-Manila
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is inviting applications for the "Initiative for Human Rights" aimed at enhancing democratic governance and respect for human rights in the Philippines. This initiative seeks to increase public engagement through effective advocacy for civil and political rights, addressing challenges related to awareness and social behavior towards human rights violations. The program emphasizes collaboration among local and international organizations to mobilize diverse stakeholders, with an anticipated funding amount of $8 million for one cooperative agreement. Interested applicants must submit concept papers by May 29, 2019, at 9:00 AM Manila time, and can direct inquiries to the Manila ROAA RFA Mailbox at manila-roaa-rfa@usaid.gov.
    Justice, Rights, and Security Annual Program Statement
    Active
    Agency for International Development
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the Justice, Rights, and Security (JRS) Annual Program Statement (APS), inviting applications for diverse partnerships aimed at promoting justice, protecting rights, and enhancing security globally. This APS serves as a framework for future Addenda that will request Concept Papers from eligible organizations, with specific eligibility criteria outlined in each Addendum. Notably, the LGBTQI+ Addendum No. 4, issued on December 15, 2023, seeks to advance the inclusive development of LGBTQI+ communities, offering funding estimates of up to $25 million for activities focused on securing rights to education, employment, and combating discrimination. Interested applicants must submit Concept Notes by March 15, 2024, and can direct inquiries to Michael Kwaw at jrs-aps@usaid.gov.
    ITR/R_EXPLORE_APS
    Active
    Agency for International Development
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has issued the ITR/REXPLOREAPS, a cooperative agreement opportunity aimed at fostering collaborations in research and higher education to address sustainable development challenges. This initiative invites unrestricted applicants to submit Concept Notes in response to future Addenda, emphasizing partnerships, innovation, and the utilization of research to tackle pressing global issues. The program is open from March 5, 2024, to March 4, 2029, with no specified funding ceiling or floor, and interested parties can contact Julia S. Banks at jbanks@usaid.gov for further information. Key deadlines include a question submission deadline by March 21, 2024, and final application submissions by April 8, 2024.
    FY2024 Development Innovation Ventures_APS
    Active
    Agency for International Development
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is inviting applications for the FY2024 Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) Annual Program Statement (APS), aimed at funding innovative solutions to international development challenges. This program supports various stages of project development, including pilot testing, rigorous testing and expansion, and scaling proven approaches, with a focus on evidence of impact and cost-effectiveness. The funding amounts range from $25,000 to $15 million, with applications accepted year-round, and compliance with System for Award Management (SAM) requirements is necessary prior to funding award. Interested applicants can reach out to Julia S. Banks at jbanks@usaid.gov for further information, with the application deadline set for November 1, 2024.
    Civic Participation Program
    Active
    West Bank, Gaza USAID-West Bank
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission to the West Bank and Gaza is seeking applications for the "Civic Participation Program," aimed at strengthening civil society in the region. This initiative invites qualified U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), U.S. Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs), Public International Organizations (PIOs), and U.S. for-profit firms (with the condition of forgoing profit) to implement a program that enhances civic engagement and democratic dialogue between the Palestinian Authority and its citizens. The program, with a total funding amount of approximately $18 million over three years, focuses on increasing the institutional capacity of civil society organizations, public awareness of civic participation, and fostering strategic partnerships among stakeholders. Interested applicants can reach out to Nevine Zakariya at nzakariya@usaid.gov for further information, with the closing date for submissions to be announced in the full Request for Applications (RFA) announcement.
    2024 DRG APS
    Active
    Uganda USAID-Kampala
    USAID/Uganda is inviting submissions for the 2024 Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) Annual Program Statement (APS), aimed at enhancing civil society and non-governmental organization partnerships in Uganda. The APS focuses on two key areas: media strengthening to promote freedom of speech and expression, and civic education and engagement to empower youth and women in governance processes. This initiative is crucial for fostering a vibrant democratic environment and increasing civic participation among marginalized groups. The total estimated funding for this program is $25 million, with individual awards ranging from $250,000 to $15 million, and the application deadline is July 5, 2025. Interested applicants can reach out to Meghan Waters at Uganda.oaa@usaid.gov for further inquiries.
    Cooperative Development Program_APS
    Active
    Agency for International Development
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is inviting Concept Papers for the Cooperative Development Program (CDP) under the Annual Program Statement (APS), aimed at enhancing community development through innovative partnerships with Cooperative Development Organizations (CDOs). This program seeks to mobilize the creative capacities of CDOs to address various development objectives, leveraging non-traditional partners and fostering peer-to-peer learning. The funding opportunity has an award ceiling of $90 million and a floor of $17 million, with the application deadline set for January 20, 2025. Interested applicants can submit their Concept Papers via email to cdp-aps@usaid.gov for further consideration.
    Leadership in Technology Dialogues
    Active
    U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe
    The U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe is offering a grant opportunity titled "Leadership in Technology Dialogues," aimed at fostering open and transparent discussions on how emerging technologies can support Zimbabwe's development and international partnerships. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, trusts, and coalitions focused on advancing digital rights in Zimbabwe, with projects expected to promote safe and secure network infrastructures while addressing digital rights issues. The total estimated program funding is $50,000, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $24,000, and proposals must be submitted by February 16, 2024, for consideration. Interested organizations should contact Rebecca Archer-Knepper or Reginah Mawere via email for further details and application materials.
    Digital Alliance Activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina
    Active
    Bosnia USAID-Herzegovina
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Bosnia and Herzegovina is seeking information to inform the design of a new initiative called the Digital Alliance Activity, aimed at fostering collaboration among the private sector, civil society, and academia to accelerate digitalization in the country. The initiative's objectives include identifying local stakeholders and potential partners to enhance digital transformation, ultimately benefiting citizens, businesses, and institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This Request for Information (RFI) is not a formal solicitation and responses are voluntary; interested parties are encouraged to submit their insights by June 11, 2024, through a provided Google form. For further inquiries, interested parties may contact Safiya Khalid at sakhalid@usaid.gov or by phone at 033704000.
    Transforming the International Humanitarian Data Ecosystem
    Active
    Agency for International Development
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) is inviting applications for funding under the Global Annual Program Statement (APS) aimed at transforming the International Humanitarian Data Ecosystem. This initiative focuses on enhancing humanitarian data practices through two primary objectives: developing the humanitarian workforce (Objective 1.1) and establishing data technology standards (Objective 3.1). Strengthening the humanitarian data ecosystem is crucial for improving decision-making capabilities during crises, addressing critical gaps in data infrastructure, capacity, and tools. Interested applicants can apply for funding up to $3 million over a three-year period, with the first round of applications due by June 7, 2022. For further inquiries, applicants may contact BHA at BHA.TPQ.TIHDE@usaid.gov.