The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open funding opportunity for the DRL Applied Research and Evaluation Innovation Fund, identified as number DFOP0014012. This initiative, with a funding range of $1,000,000 to $1,350,000 over 36 months, seeks to enhance monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) practices in democracy, human rights, and governance (DRG) programs. The goal is to create evidence-based program strategies that incorporate input from affected communities. Proposals must demonstrate expertise in participatory evaluation methods and focus on collaboration with community-led organizations. Key objectives include placing impacted communities at the forefront of MEL processes and promoting democratized evaluation tools to strengthen evidence bases for DRG programming. Competitive proposals will outline effective participatory MEL methods applicable across diverse DRG themes. All programs must advance equity and include strategies for the inclusion of underserved populations. Applications must be submitted by July 1, 2024, via Grants.gov or MyGrants, adhering to strict formatting and submission guidelines. This funding opportunity aims to foster innovative approaches to human rights and governance while emphasizing sustainability and accountability.

The document provides supplemental information for applicants related to the "DRL Applied Research and Evaluation Innovation Fund: MEL360 Accompaniment in Democratizing DRG Evaluation." It addresses fourteen questions raised by potential applicants regarding guidance on proposal submissions. Key points highlight the encouragement of community engagement, the need for comprehensive psychosocial support for all staff involved, and the importance of collaboration with DRL in identifying programmatic themes and civil society partners. Applicants are allowed to propose existing projects for MEL accompaniment but are not required to do so. Compensatory methods for project implementers should align with their organizational policies. The document is structured as a Q&A, ensuring clarity about deliverable expectations, such as evaluations of DRL-funded projects, and the necessity for a Logic Model and M&E Narrative. Additionally, while no minimum thematic areas are mandated, applicants are advised to select those aligned with their expertise. Overall, the file outlines the essential framework and expectations for applicant proposals within this grant opportunity, reinforcing the goals of participatory evaluation collaboration in democracy programming.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) provides comprehensive guidelines for applying to their funding opportunities. This document lays out essential eligibility requirements, submission instructions, and detailed application components necessary for organizations seeking funding for projects that promote democracy and human rights. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, public international entities, educational institutions, and, in certain cases, for-profit entities, although DRL prefers non-profits. Applicants must register with SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Proposals should include a cover page, executive summary, detailed budget, narrative outlines of the project goals, as well as monitoring and evaluation plans, risk analyses, and gender inclusion assessments. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating partnership capabilities, organizational capacity, budgeting clarity, and strategic project design that considers safety and environmental impacts. The document serves as a roadmap to ensure potential recipients meet compliance and regulatory standards while crafting thoughtful proposals that align with federal grant requirements. Overall, it reflects the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive societies as a critical aspect of supporting strong democracies.