The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) of the Department of State is soliciting Statements of Interest (SOI) from organizations to enhance the flow of independent information into, out of, and within North Korea. The SOI process involves submitting a brief concept note before creating a full proposal. Two categories are outlined for submissions: "Supporting Freedom of Information" and "Diversifying Mechanisms for Information Access," with a focus on engaging North Korean defectors and utilizing effective dissemination methods.
All proposed projects must adhere to "Do No Harm" principles, addressing risks to implementation and prioritizing partnerships with South Korean organizations and defector communities. Eligible applicants include NGOs, educational institutions, and for-profit organizations, with a requirement to demonstrate prior success in similar initiatives. The deadline for submission is January 10, 2025, and applications must meet specific formatting and content guidelines. The evaluation criteria include program quality, planning capabilities, and the capacity of the institutions involved. This initiative underscores the commitment of the U.S. government to foster human rights and democracy in North Korea by expanding access to vital information.
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) provides guidance for submitting Statements of Interest (SOIs) for grants aimed at promoting human rights and democracy. Eligible applicants include foreign and U.S.-based non-profits, public international organizations, and educational institutions. While preference is given to non-profits, for-profits may also apply under certain conditions. SOIs must be submitted electronically through MyGrants or Grants.gov, adhering to specific formatting and content requirements, including completion of the SF-424 forms.
Proposals are evaluated based on program quality, planning, implementation capacity, and attention to inclusive engagement without discrimination. The SOI review process includes criteria for assessing program ideas, addressing barriers to equal participation, and the applicant’s organizational capacity. DRL emphasizes adherence to federal laws and regulations, including requirements for vetting to prevent funding support for terrorist organizations or units with human rights violations. This comprehensive guide serves to align proposals with DRL’s mission while ensuring compliance with governmental funding stipulations.