Africa Regional Democracy Fund U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo
The U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo has posted a federal grant opportunity titled "Africa Regional Democracy Fund". This grant is in the category of "Other" and falls under the "Democracy and Governance" category explanation. The funding instrument type is a grant, and there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.
The grant aims to promote accountable, transparent, and democratic governance, as well as the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals in Africa. Specifically, the grant seeks to target youth and women who are interested in becoming political leaders in their communities and country.
The projects funded by this grant will focus on education and empowerment, with a particular emphasis on developing curricula that cover civic engagement, peaceful participation in political processes, ethics in politics, community leadership, and advocacy. The ultimate goal of these projects is to bring about systemic change and achieve the following objectives:
1. Inspire youth and women's desire to participate in democratic processes by enlisting experienced youth and women in politics to develop a mentorship program.
2. Develop entrepreneurial capacities of youth and women that contribute towards access to educational programs, creating sustainable income-generating activities, and paying for involvement in electoral processes.
3. Establish centers of learning and capacity-building for open dialogue among youth and women, civil society, governments, and the communities they serve.
4. Empower key reformers and actors to promote access to justice, strengthen checks on executive power, and incorporate citizen-responsive governance to reduce corruption and improve the delivery of public services.
5. Provide technical support and integrate the program with or leverage existing programs, local resources, and/or the activities of other donors.
The grant has an award ceiling of $225,000 and an award floor of $100,000. The estimated total program funding is $500,000, and it is expected that two awards will be granted. The closing date for applications is August 11, 2024, and the archive date is September 10, 2024.
For more information or to submit an application, interested organizations can contact May Obolensky, the Political Assistant and Grants Officer, via email at PolGrantsKinshasa@state.gov.
Promoting Human Rights For Vulnerable Children in Haut-Katanga U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo
The U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo, under the U.S. Department of State, has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Promoting Human Rights For Vulnerable Children in Haut-Katanga. This grant, with a funding amount of up to $395,000.00 USD, aims to support activities that promote children's rights. The grant will have a performance period of 24 months and is funded by the FY 2020 Economic Support Funds (ESF). The objective of the program is to raise awareness of children's rights among the local population, improve the capacity of local human rights defenders and service providers to assist child victims, and increase accountability of authorities in Haut-Katanga in their responsibility to protect children. The project activities include conducting a "listening session" to understand the challenges faced by children in Haut-Katanga, supporting local health and social service providers to better assist child victims, conducting surveys to track the increase in local knowledge and attitudes towards children's rights, training local organizations to build the capacity of human rights defenders, and conducting a local education campaign on radio and other platforms. Additional suggested activities include creating and distributing educational materials specific to children's rights in Haut-Katanga and facilitating dialogue between human rights defenders and local officials. Non-profit/non-governmental organizations registered in the Democratic Republic of Congo are eligible to apply for this grant. The application deadline is August 4, 2021, and the estimated award date is September 1, 2021. For more information, contact Stephanie Burk, the grantor, at PolGrantsKinshasa@state.gov.
Promoting Democratic Principles in Zimbabwe U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe
The U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe, under the U.S. Department of State, is forecasting a grant opportunity titled "Promoting Democratic Principles in Zimbabwe". This grant aims to support creative and sustainable projects that build support for democratic principles and values in Zimbabwe. The projects should address various facets of supporting democratic principles, such as advancing human rights, developing a free press, supporting free speech, increasing citizen and civil society engagement, raising awareness of disinformation, and other elements necessary for a strong democracy.
The program proposals should strengthen ties and build relationships between the United States and Zimbabwe, with a strong American element or connection. The program supports the U.S. Department of State's Public Diplomacy efforts to defend free speech, inspire civic activism, and enhance civil society's ability to influence key decision makers.
The objectives of the program include enhancing the development of Zimbabwe's democracy through civil society, media, academic organizations, and communities, as well as strengthening collaboration and building networks between Zimbabwe and U.S. civil society, press, and advocacy organizations. The program is open to proposals that develop an engaged citizenry, support journalism innovation, advocate for legal and policy reforms, build coalitions of civil society actors, raise awareness on and counter disinformation, promote dialogue and engagement for law reforms, and professionalize media, civil society, and academia.
The grant will have a performance period of 6-18 months, with 2-3 anticipated awards ranging from $20,000 to a maximum of $50,000. The total available funding is $75,000, and the program is expected to start in August 2024. The funding instrument type is a grant or cooperative agreement.
Interested applicants must meet the eligibility criteria, which include Zimbabwean or U.S. media organizations, civil society, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov and a valid registration on www.SAM.gov.
The application package can be requested by emailing PublicDiplomacyGrants-ZIM@state.gov, and the submission deadline is March 30, 2024. The proposal should address the goals and objectives of the funding opportunity, be in English, and follow specific formatting requirements. Required application forms and registrations include a completed application, detailed projected budget, SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B.
For more information, interested parties can contact Reginah Mawere, the Grantor, at mawerer@state.gov. The estimated award date is June 30, 2024, and the estimated project start date is August 30, 2024. The opportunity will be archived on September 30, 2024.
Supporting Public Interest Journalism in Rwanda’s Digital Space U.S. Mission to Rwanda
The U.S. Mission to Rwanda is offering a grant opportunity titled "Supporting Public Interest Journalism in Rwanda's Digital Space". This grant aims to promote financially sustainable investigative journalism in Rwanda, with a focus on government accountability, responsible journalism, and greater freedom of expression. The grant is open to Rwandan local registered community-based organizations, associations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with at least 2 years of experience in the areas of Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights. The grant amount is set at $300,000, with no cost sharing or matching requirement. The deadline for applications is August 30, 2024. It is important to note that grant awards are contingent on the receipt of funding for the Africa Regional Democracy Fund program. If the program is not approved, no grants will be awarded. For more information and to apply, interested parties can contact Sona Karia at KigaliASGP@state.gov.
The Uganda USAID-Kampala is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "2024 DRG APS" under the category of Community Development. This Cooperative Agreement aims to increase the sustainability and impact of USAID/Uganda's development assistance through civil society and non-governmental organization partnerships.
The grant focuses on two key areas:
1. MEDIA STRENGTHENING: USAID aims to support a vibrant media environment as a key tenet of a healthy democratic society. The grant seeks to enhance freedom of speech and expression by supporting media organizations, civil society, journalists, and the public.
2. CIVIC EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT: USAID aims to enhance civic agency, civic engagement, and youth participation in Uganda's governance processes. The grant seeks to support civic education and youth engagement, with a focus on key groups such as youth and women. The use of technology and channels appealing to youth and other focus groups is encouraged, considering access challenges posed by technology.
The grant opportunity encourages interested applicants to submit concept notes that align with the objectives outlined above. The estimated total program funding is $25,000,000, with an award ceiling of $15,000,000 and an award floor of $250,000. It is expected that two awards will be granted.
The closing date for submission is July 5, 2025. For more information and to submit concept notes, interested parties can contact Meghan Waters at Uganda.oaa@usaid.gov.