U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S. EMBASSY CHAD, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC SECTION
LOCAL GRANTS PROGRAM
Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. Embassy Chad, Africa Regional Democracy Fund
Funding Opportunity Number: A) 15 State 112730, B) 15 State 22048
CFDA Number: 19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs for Chad
Date Opened: May 10, 2019
Federal Agency Contact: Tel. (235) 2251 5017
Email: NdjamenaGrants@state.gov
- Funding Opportunity Description
The Political and Economic Section (POL/ECON) of the U.S. Embassy in Chad is pleased to request proposals for funding under the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Grants program. Please read and follow all instructions carefully.
Purpose of Grant: Local grants are intended for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions. They support projects that: 1. Strengthen democracy, human rights, and good governance in Chad;2. Promote Accountable, Transparent, and Responsive Governance;3. Promote and Protect Fundamental Rights and Liberties; and4. Support Democratic Processes and Promote Strong Democratic Norms. Local grant proposals must have a connection to American culture and values or should be directed to increasing understanding in Chad of American culture and society. Proposals should also be related to one or more of the following U.S. Embassy priorities:
Chad develops and strengthens democratic institutions and processes, and promotes accountable governance and respect for human rights:
- Build capacity within Chad’s electoral system and government institutions to promote transparency and accountability and strengthen democratic processes.
- Technical assistance and training facilitates enactment and enforcement of legislation protecting human rights for all residents.
Activities that are typically funded include, but are not limited to:
- Improve the way the legislature and legislative processes and procedures work to uphold democratic practices. Focus on the quality and effectiveness of legislation, including the constitution, codes, laws, and regulations applying to various development sectors. Increase the legislature’s capacity to be responsive to the people it serves, enhance public participation, engage in policy-making, hold itself and the executive accountable, and oversee the implementation of government programs, budgets, and laws.
- Provide assistance that enables citizens to select and replace their leaders through periodic, inclusive, accountable, and free and fair elections. This includes support for legal and regulatory frameworks, open and effective election administration, broad public participation and civic awareness, societal oversight of electoral processes, and accountable procedures for election-related grievances and appeals.
- Support activities that advance citizen engagement to hold governments accountable and to participate in economic, political, governing, and other critical process aimed at creating more peaceful, democratic, and pluralistic societies. Promote citizen engagement in local decision-making processes, such as through participatory budgeting processes and public-private dialog for economic development priorities. Examples of other activities include, supporting CSO and citizen advocacy efforts; backing citizen monitoring and oversight initiatives; and strengthening citizen engagement in service delivery. Activities in this element relate to the role of civil society in holding public institutions accountable (watchdog role).
- Support systems to prevent and address human rights violations through early warning, monitoring, investigating, and reporting. Promote respect for human rights and support human rights defenders through utilization of national, regional, and international legal systems for human rights protection and enforcement. Harmonize domestic laws and policies with international human rights standards; promote the adoption and implementation of human rights and labor standards; and sponsor legal aid and other assistance for victims of human rights violations. Support the work of National Human Rights Commission[s]. Integrate human rights into training for security sector actors, teachers, civil society leaders, journalists, religious leaders, and government officials.
Activities that are not typically funded include, but are not limited to: ESF-OCO funds may not be used for any military or paramilitary purposes. These resources also generally may not be used to support police, prisons, or other law enforcement forces or foreign intelligence services.
Background Information: The U.S. Embassy in Chad Political and Economic Section is soliciting proposals for local grants that fall into one of the four areas specified above from non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions. More information about the Political and Economic Section and its Grants Officer can be found at: NdjamenaGrants@state.gov
- Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Floor of Award Amounts: $100,000
Ceiling of Award Amounts: $400,000
The U.S. Embassy Chad Political and Economic Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described in the absence of worthy applications or under such other circumstances as it may deem to be in the best interest of the U.S. government.
Project and Budget Periods: Local grants projects must be completed in one year or less. The Political and Economic Section will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards, beyond the initial budget period, on a noncompetitive basis, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the applicants, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the United States Government.
- Eligibility Information: Unrestricted
Applications are encouraged from all sectors: committed and organized civil-society organizations, local representatives of civil society, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions. Applicants are encouraged to provide cost sharing from additional sources in support of proposed projects; applications should explain clearly other likely sources of funding or in-kind participation.
- Application Submission and Deadline
Proposals should be submitted via email to the U.S. Embassy in Chad Political and Economic Section at the following email address: Proposals will also be accepted in hard copy and should be delivered to: Political and Economic Section, ATTN: Funding Proposal, U.S. Embassy in Chad, NdjamenaGrants@state.gov.
Applications are accepted in English and French; however, and final grant agreements will be concluded in English. Please note that we cannot guarantee the return of original documents; copies should be provided, if appropriate.
Applicants must complete and submit a detailed budget.
- Review and Selection Process
Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project and to determine the likelihood of its success. The criteria are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. Applications will be reviewed on the basis of their completeness, coherence, clarity, and attention to detail.
Applicants must submit a full project description, including a detailed narrative that outlines the plan of action, describing the scope of the proposed work and how it will be accomplished. The narrative should be accompanied by a detailed budget that includes all program costs and clearly indicates the proposing organization’s cost-share and/or in-kind participation.
Application Evaluation Criteria:
Goals and Objectives – The project is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results and the organization. The project addresses one or more of the U.S. Embassy Chad Political and Economic Section priorities outlined previously.
Strengths and Innovation – Applicant clearly describes how its proposal will address the requested program within the proposed time frame and articulates an innovative strategy or plan. The project builds civil society leadership and capacity, and demonstrates sustainable capacity building.
Organizational Capacity – The organization has expertise in one or more of U.S. Embassy Chad Political and Economic Section priorities and demonstrates the ability to perform the proposed activities.
Sustainability – The organization demonstrates a clear plan for sustainable activity or impact of the activity after the grant period of performance.
Budget and Budget Justification – The budget and narrative justification are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results and the plan for services is realistic.
- Award Administration
Award Notices: The grant award shall be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer (GO). The Grants Officer (GO) is the U.S. government official delegated the authority by the U.S. Department of State Procurement Executive to write, award, and administer grants. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the recipient. Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified in writing.
Deadline of submission: Proposals are accepted not later than May 22, 2019.
Reporting Requirements: All awards issued under this announcement will require both program and financial reports on a frequency specified in the award agreement. The disbursement of funds may be tied to submission of these reports in a timely manner. All other details related to award administration will be specified in the award agreement.