Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0017081
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) is offering a discretionary grant opportunity titled "DRL FY24 Supporting Civil Society Advocacy and Resilience in Sri Lanka" (Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0017081). The core purpose of the competition is to fund a single project that strengthens civil society in Sri Lanka by building collective resilience among civil society actors and improving the quality and effectiveness of advocacy initiatives. In practical terms, the opportunity is focused on helping civil society organizations and related stakeholders operate more safely and sustainably, coordinate more effectively, and advance advocacy efforts that contribute to a healthier, more open civic environment.
The program is designed around the idea of creating a "thriving civic space" in Sri Lanka, meaning a setting where civil society groups can organize, speak, participate in public life, and pursue rights-based work without undue restriction or intimidation. While the public notice does not spell out specific activities, the emphasis on resilience and advocacy generally points to efforts such as strengthening networks and coalitions, improving strategic communications and public engagement, building organizational capacity to withstand pressure or crises, and enabling more coordinated, evidence-based advocacy on issues that affect democratic participation and civic freedoms.
DRL is inviting applications through an open competition and is broad in the types of applicants it will consider. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and NGOs, public international organizations, and institutions of higher education (private, public, or state). For-profit organizations and businesses are also permitted to apply, although DRL notes a preference for working with nonprofit entities; it indicates that a for-profit applicant would be considered in cases where it is uniquely well-suited to deliver the project outcomes.
The award is structured as a grant, with an award ceiling of $986,500. DRL expects to make one award under this announcement, which suggests the selected applicant will likely serve as the lead implementer responsible for overall project design, coordination, implementation, and reporting. The funding is associated with CFDA number 19.345, which corresponds to State Department assistance programs administered under this bureau's foreign assistance authorities.
Key dates included in the notice show the opportunity was created on December 19, 2024, and the original application closing date is February 17, 2025. Organizations considering submission would need to plan for a competitive federal-style application process, typically involving a clear problem statement tied to Sri Lanka's civic space, a detailed technical approach that explains how activities will build resilience and strengthen advocacy, a monitoring and evaluation plan, and a budget aligned to the proposed workplan and expected outcomes.
Overall, this opportunity is essentially a single, sizable DRL grant aimed at reinforcing Sri Lanka's civil society ecosystem by helping organizations and networks become more resilient and more effective advocates, ultimately supporting a stronger environment for civic participation and rights-based engagement.Apply for DFOP0017081
- The Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "DRL FY24 Supporting Civil Society Advocacy and Resilience in Sri Lanka" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.345.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2024-12-19.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-02-17. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $986,500.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): DRL FY24 Supporting Civil Society Advocacy and Resilience in Sri Lanka (DFOP0017081)
What is the title of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "DRL FY24 Supporting Civil Society Advocacy and Resilience in Sri Lanka."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is DFOP0017081.
Which U.S. government office is offering this grant?
This grant is offered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL).
What is the core purpose of this competition?
The core purpose is to fund a single project that strengthens civil society in Sri Lanka by building collective resilience among civil society actors and improving the quality and effectiveness of advocacy initiatives.
How many awards does DRL expect to make under this announcement?
DRL expects to make one award under this announcement.
What type of award is this?
The award is structured as a grant.
What is the maximum funding amount available (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is $986,500.
What country or location is the project focused on?
The project is focused on Sri Lanka.
What does DRL mean by a "thriving civic space" in Sri Lanka?
In this notice, a "thriving civic space" refers to an environment where civil society groups can organize, speak, participate in public life, and pursue rights-based work without undue restriction or intimidation.
What outcomes is this grant trying to support for civil society in Sri Lanka?
The opportunity focuses on helping civil society organizations and related stakeholders operate more safely and sustainably, coordinate more effectively, and advance advocacy efforts that contribute to a healthier, more open civic environment.
What kinds of activities are suggested by the emphasis on resilience and advocacy?
While the public notice does not list specific required activities, the emphasis generally points to efforts such as strengthening networks and coalitions, improving strategic communications and public engagement, building organizational capacity to withstand pressure or crises, and enabling more coordinated, evidence-based advocacy on issues affecting democratic participation and civic freedoms.
Is this an open competition?
Yes. DRL is inviting applications through an open competition.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and NGOs, public international organizations, and institutions of higher education (private, public, or state). For-profit organizations and businesses are also permitted to apply.
Are for-profit organizations encouraged to apply?
For-profit organizations are allowed to apply, but DRL notes a preference for working with nonprofit entities. A for-profit applicant may be considered when it is uniquely well-suited to deliver the project outcomes.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The funding is associated with CFDA number 19.345.
When was this opportunity created?
The notice indicates the opportunity was created on December 19, 2024.
What is the application closing date?
The original application closing date is February 17, 2025.
Is the award intended for multiple projects or one lead project?
The notice indicates DRL expects to make one award, which suggests a single lead implementer will be selected to oversee overall project design, coordination, implementation, and reporting.
What should applicants be prepared to include in a competitive application?
Based on the notice, applicants should plan for a federal-style application that typically includes a clear problem statement tied to Sri Lanka's civic space, a detailed technical approach explaining how activities will build resilience and strengthen advocacy, a monitoring and evaluation plan, and a budget aligned to the proposed workplan and expected outcomes.
What is the main theme or focus area of the project?
The main theme is strengthening Sri Lanka's civil society ecosystem by improving resilience and boosting the effectiveness and quality of advocacy initiatives, ultimately supporting civic participation and rights-based engagement.
Does the notice list specific required program activities or interventions?
No. The notice does not spell out specific activities, but it emphasizes resilience and advocacy, which generally points to coalition-building, strategic communications, organizational capacity building, and coordinated, evidence-based advocacy.
What does "collective resilience" mean in the context of this opportunity?
In the context provided, collective resilience refers to strengthening the ability of civil society actors and networks to operate more safely and sustainably, withstand pressure or crises, and work together more effectively in Sri Lanka's civic environment.
What does the notice imply about coordination among civil society actors?
The notice highlights improving coordination and effectiveness among civil society organizations and related stakeholders, implying that stronger networks, coalitions, and shared advocacy approaches are a key part of the intended impact.
What does the notice suggest about advocacy under this project?
The notice emphasizes improving the quality and effectiveness of advocacy initiatives and suggests advocacy that is more coordinated and evidence-based, contributing to a healthier and more open civic environment in Sri Lanka.
Is this opportunity intended to support rights-based engagement?
Yes. The description frames the goal as supporting civic participation and rights-based engagement within a more open civic environment.
What bureau authority or assistance category does this funding relate to?
The notice links the funding to CFDA 19.345, which corresponds to State Department assistance programs administered under DRL's foreign assistance authorities.
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