DRL FY24 Global Equality Fund Programs

United States Department of State
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL)
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Funding Opportunity Title	DRL FY24 Global Equality Fund Programs
Funding Opportunity Number	DFOP0017096
Type of Solicitation	Open Competition
Application Deadline	11:59 PM EST on 14, March, 2025
Assistance Listing Number	19.345
Length of Program	24-60 months
Number of Awards Anticipated	3-6
Type of Award	Grant or Cooperative Agreement
Award Amount(s)	Awards may range from a minimum of $750,000 to a maximum of $1,250,000
Total Funding Available (Pending Availability of Funds)	$2,100,000
Anticipated Program Start Date	2-8 months

DRL will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.  The authority for this funding opportunity is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA).

A. Executive Summary

DRL announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for programs that provide LGBTQI+ individuals and communities with the tools to prevent, mitigate and recover from violence and restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms, eliminate laws which criminalize LGBTQI+ status and/or conduct, and in other ways advance protection of human rights in alignment with the strategic framework of the Global Equality Fund.

LGBTQI+ persons around the world experience threats to exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including of assembly, expression, and association.  Through its Human Rights Reports, including the 2023 Reports, the Department highlights actions by governments to restrict these fundamental freedoms, such as through the use of foreign funding laws, onerous regulations of civil society, official designations of LGBTQI+ civil society as “terrorists” and “extremists,” and invasive surveillance and targeting that undermines civil society.  LGBTQI+ persons and human rights defenders are also targeted with violence and harassment by state and non-state actors, with evidence from governments and civil society documented in the Human Rights Reports.

Successful proposals will be funded by the resources of the Global Equality Fund, a public-private partnership including the governments of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Uruguay and the United States, as well as Booking.com, the John D. Evans Foundation, Deloitte LLP, the Royal Bank of Canada, Hilton, Bloomberg LP, Thomson Reuters Foundation TrustLaw Initiative, and Out Leadership.

DRL invites organizations to submit proposals that respond to the Global Equality Fund’s strategic framework, which includes but is not limited to the following areas:

• Freedom from Violence: LGBTQI+ individuals, organizations and communities are safe and secure from all forms of violence, including threats, intimidation, harassment, abuse, sexual violence, and psychological or physical harm.

Objectives may include, but are not limited to: increased capacity to document and advocate against violence and other violations of human rights targeting LGBTQI+ persons, as well as investigation processes (or lack thereof); increased and proactive engagement from national and local authorities, including police and other law enforcement agencies, to prevent, mitigate, or respond to violence targeting LGBTQI+ persons; increased protection, safety and support for LGBTQI+ persons and their advocates at risk of violence or who have experienced violence, including sexual violence and hate crimes; and, establishment of or support to broad-based advocacy coalitions.

• Access to Justice: Civil society works to ensure that equal protection under the law is extended to the LGBTQI+ community, and that the rule of law is fairly and consistently implemented and enforced.

Objectives may include, but are not limited to: increased efforts by government to repeal, reform and replace legislation and policies that criminalize LGBTQI+ conduct and/or status; improved capacity of judicial officials, lawyers, and CSOs to leverage existing domestic and international legal frameworks and multilateral institutions to protect the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons; improved efforts to hold accountable perpetrators of violence and human rights abuses against LGBTQI+ persons; increased redress for grievances for LGBTQI+ persons; and, increased access to secure and competent legal services.

• Empowered & Inclusive Movements & Organizations: The LGBTQI+ community – alongside other grassroots human rights movements –secures fundamental rights of freedom of association, expression, and assembly.

Objectives may include, but are not limited to: increased ability to publicly and collectively express, communicate and defend the common interests of the LGBTQI+ community;  increased shared strategies and understanding within LGBTQI+ communities; improved outreach and communication with broader human rights movements, allied communities and other key stakeholders; strengthened LGBTQI+ movements and leadership that reflect the diversity of the community; increased engagement and collaboration between LGBTQI+ individuals and organizations to promote human rights; increased development and use of evidence-based strategies; strengthened well-being practices for all stakeholders; strengthened communication and messaging capability; and, strong and strategic financial and organizational management.

• Social Inclusion: The human rights  of LGBTQI+ persons is affirmed and protected, and the community is included in democratic institutions and processes as well as economic and human development as equal members of society in line with guidance such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda.

Objectives may include, but are not limited to: increased repect for the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons from community leaders and broader society; improved and accurate media (social and traditional) reporting to increase awareness of the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons; and increased recognition of the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons and engagement from faith and business communities, as well as other key stakeholders.

Other objectives which support the broad goals reflected above may also be considered.

Additionally, strong proposals are guided by the following cross-cutting issues:

Locally-led: “Nothing about us without us.” Projects should be led by or have strong support from and participation by local LGBTQI+ organizations and communities.  They should substantively involve local organizations, focus on activities at the local and community level, and make grants or sub-grants to local organizations where possible. Proposals should include sub-granting mechanisms to local LGBTQI+ organizations equal to, at a minimum, 30% of the proposed Total Direct Costs.

Organizational Development and Capacity: With the aim of creating and broadening access to marginalized populations, projects should support increasing capacity of organizations to develop and implement strategic plans, work plans, budgets, communication strategies, risk assessments, security plans and increasing capacity of organizations to mobilize community members and build constituencies. Successful proposals must provide appropriate resources and support for the psychosocial health of the staff and direct beneficiaries. Accordingly, please provide a section in your activities and budget to reflect these resources and support (i.e., activities can range from access to educational materials and training opportunities to counseling services to other contextually relevant support).

B. Eligibility Information

For application information, please see the proposal submission instructions (PSI), updated December 2024 on our website.

B.1 Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• Foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO);
• U.S.-based non-profit organizations/NGOs with or without 501(c)(3) status;
• Public International Organizations;
• Private, public, or state institutions of higher education;
• For-profit organizations or businesses. 

DRL’s preference is to work with non-profit entities; however, there may be some occasions when a for-profit entity is best suited.  Applications from for-profit entities may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process.  The Department of State does not allow for-profit or commercial organizations to make a profit from its assistance awards.  Profit is defined as any amount more than allowable direct and indirect costs.  The allowability of costs for commercial organizations is determined by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR 30, Cost Accounting Standards Administration, and 48 CFR 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures.

B.2 Cost Sharing or Matching

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not required for this NOFO and will not improve competitive ranking of an application.  According to 2 CFR 200.306, any budget items proposed for cost share must be allowable per 2 CFR 200, Subpart E—Cost Principles.

B.3 Other Eligibility Requirements

Primary applicants can submit one application in response to the NOFO.  If more than one application is submitted by a primary applicant, only the first application submitted and time-stamped by Grants.gov or MyGrants will be reviewed for eligibility.

All programs should aim to have impact that leads to reforms and the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources.  Programs should be driven by local needs and led by local communities to the extent possible. 

Applicants should have, or be able to develop, active partnerships with thematic or local partners, entities, and relevant partners, including private sector partners and NGOs.  Applicants should also have proven experience in managing successful and preferably similar projects.  DRL encourages applications from foreign-based NGOs located in the regions or countries relevant to this NOFO.  Applicants may form consortia to combine different expertise into one comprehensive proposal.  However, only one organization can be designated as the prime applicant, while the remaining organizations must be designated as partners or sub-awardees.  The prime applicant must meet the eligibility criteria listed above.  DRL may ask for more background information from applicants without previous federal grant experience, and these applicants might receive limited funding on a trial basis.

DRL is committed to an anti-discrimination policy in all its programs and activities.  DRL welcomes applications regardless of race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other status.  DRL looks for applications that show the recipient does not discriminate against any beneficiaries when implementing a potential award and expects implementers to include proactive strategies for nondiscrimination of people and organizations.  This means not withholding, negatively affecting, or denying equitable access to the benefits of the award based on any factor not stated in the award.  This includes race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, or veteran status.  The recipient should insert this provision, including this paragraph, in all sub-grants and contracts under a potential award.  Proposals that do not address the needs of these groups will be considered unresponsive.

C. Program Description

C.1 Goals and Objectives

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in implementing programs that provide LGBTQI+ individuals and communities with the tools to prevent, mitigate and recover from violence and restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms, eliminate laws which criminalize LGBTQI+ status and/or conduct, and in other ways advance protection of human rights in alignment with the strategic framework of the Global Equality Fund.

Activities that are not typically allowed include, but are not limited to:

• Activities that repeat or significantly overlap with existing activities without providing a clear, additional benefit to program beneficiaries;
• Provision of humanitarian aid;
• English language instruction;
• Development of advanced computer or communications software and/or hardware;
• Purely academic exchanges or fellowships;
• External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months;
• Activities conducted outside the target country that are not clearly connected to local initiatives and impact, or are not necessary due to security concerns;
• Theoretical studies of human rights or democracy issues, including programs focused mainly on research and evaluation without training or capacity-building for local civil society;
• Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives.

C.2 Substantial Involvement

DRL plans to award either a grant or cooperative agreement based on the program’s needs and risks.  The Grants Officer will make a final determination on the type of award.  The main difference between grants and cooperative agreements is the level of “substantial involvement” by the federal government.  Cooperative agreements require more Federal government participation.  If a cooperative agreement is awarded, DRL will be significantly involved as needed.  Examples of this involvement include, but are not limited to: 

• Actively participating or collaborating with the recipient in carrying out the award;
• Reviewing and approving one stage of work before the next can begin;
• Reviewing and approving key provisions of proposed sub-awards or contracts beyond existing Federal policy;
• Approving the recipient’s work plan before the award is final.

D. Application Contents and Format

Please follow all instructions below carefully.  Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

D.1 Content and Form of Application Submission

Please ensure:

• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity;
• All documents are in English;
• All budgets are in U.S. Dollars;
• All pages are numbered;
• All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper;
• All documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with 1-inch margins.  Captions and footnotes may be 10-point Calibri font.  Font sizes in charts and tables, including the budget, can be reformatted to fit within one page width; and,
• All documents are accessible to those who use screen readers, including alternative text for images.

D.2 Application Requirements

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory Application Forms:  Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms.  Please see SF-424 instructions in Section 2B of the PSI.
2. Proposal:  The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do.  Applicants may use their own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.
   1. Cover Page (no more than page, preferably as a Word Document) that includes a table with the following information:
      • • Organization name of the prime applicant;
        • Program title;
        • Target country/countries;
        • Program synopsis;
        • Name and contact information for the main point of contact. 

Please see Cover Page Section 2C of the PSI for a template and more details.

1. • Executive Summary (no more than one page, preferably as a Word Document) that outlines program goals, objectives, and activities.  The Executive Summary should include a brief section that explicitly states: 

• The problem the program addresses;
• Research-based evidence that supports the unique approach of the program;
• Measurable program outcomes and impacts.
  

1. • Table of Contents (no more than one page, preferably as a Word Document) listing all documents and attachments with page numbers.
   • Proposal Narrative (no more than ten pages, preferably as a Word Document).  The ten-page limit does not include the Cover Page, Executive Summary, Table of Contents, Attachments, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative, Audit, or NICRA.  Applicants are encouraged to combine multiple documents into a single Word Document or PDF (i.e., Cover Page, Table of Contents, Executive Summary, and Proposal Narrative in one file).  Please see Proposal Narrative Guidelines in Section 2F of the PSI for more details.

• The Proposal Narrative must show the applicant’s commitment to ensuring the participation of all people in the program.  Inclusion strategies should be included in all sections of the Proposal Narrative to improve program impact.

• Psychosocial Assistance (to be included the ten pages allowed for Proposal Narrative, and in the Budget and Budget Narrative). Include a section in the Proposal, Budget, and Budget Narrative for appropriate resources and support for the psychosocial health of staff.  This can include access to educational materials, training opportunities, counseling services, or other relevant support).

1. Budget (preferably as an Excel workbook) that includes three columns:  the request to DRL, any cost sharing contribution, and the total budget.  Include a summary budget using the OMB-approved budget categories (see SF-424A as a sample) in a separate tab.  Costs must be in U.S. Dollars.  Detailed line-item budgets for sub-grantees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if available at the time of submission). 

Please see Budget Guidelines Section 2G of the PSI for more information.

1. • The programming approach should focus on building inclusive societies, which are essential for strong democracies.  Include the costs for this commitment in the Budget and Budget Narrative.
   • Competitive proposals may include a summary budget for 18 additional months after the proposed period of performance.

1. Budget Narrative (preferably as a Word Document) that provides detailed explanations and justifications for each line item in the detailed budget spreadsheet, as well as the source and a description of all cost-share offered.  Please see Budget Guidelines Section 2G of the PSI for more information.

1. • Competitive proposals may include a summary budget narrative for 18 additional months after the proposed period of performance.

1. Logic Model (preferably as a Word Document).  Please see Logic Model Section 2I of the PSI for more information.
2. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Narrative (no more than four pages, preferably as a Word Document).  Please see Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Narrative Section 2J of the PSI for more information.

• As stated in the DRL Guide to Program Monitoring and Evaluation, DRL strongly encourages applicants to ensure their monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems use human rights-based approaches, apply a gender and equity lens, and include the participation of sub-grantees and participants.  In the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Narrative, applicants should show their commitment to inclusive strategies and ensure that evaluation design, data collection, analysis, reporting and learning are done ethically and responsibly with all program participants (e.g., direct beneficiaries, sub-grantees).  Applicants should also protect the privacy of individuals when collecting data.  For example, when collecting data from program participants, consider whether your organization has the necessary informed consent forms, confidentiality agreements, and data security protocols.  Applicants should be aware that if their application moves forward for funding consideration, DRL will request a detailed Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan for further review and approval. 

1. Risk Analysis (preferably as a Word Document).  Please see Risk Analysis Section 2K of the PSI for more information on this requirement, including Do No Harm principles and Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) policies/plans.
2. Key Personnel (no more than two pages, preferably as a Word Document).  Please include short biographies that highlight relevant professional experience.  Given the limited space, CVs are not recommended.
3. Timeline (no more than one page, preferably as a Word Document or Excel Sheet).  The timeline of the overall program should include activities, evaluation efforts, and closeout.
4. Gender and Inclusion Analysis (no more than one page, preferably as a Word Document) that provides a brief analysis of relevant gender norms, equity and equality for underserved communities, including persons with disabilities; ethnic, religious, or language minorities; sexual orientation, as well as power relations and conflict dynamics in target countries.  Potential areas of analysis include institutional practices and barriers, cultural norms, gender roles, access to and control over assets and resources, and patterns of power and decision-making.  Applicants should briefly explain how they have included findings from their analysis into program design and/or other proposal documents, including a plan for regularly reviewing and updating the Gender and Inclusion Analysis with local partners/beneficiaries, and making any necessary adjustments to program implementation.  A set of guiding questions can be found in Section 2L of the PSI.

1. Security Plan that addresses any issues related to in-person events and recruitment for these events, as well as safety for any online programs or communications.  This includes independent IT security audits (with a vulnerability assessment) of any proposed web application or platform.  The Security Plan should show that the applicant has considered the risks identified in the Risk Analysis.  Costs can also be included in the budget and budget narrative.  Applicants are also encouraged to include contingency plans for in-person or online activities.

D.3 Additional Application Documents

Strong applications will also include:

• Individual Letters of Support and/or Memorandum of Understanding.  These must be specific to the program implementation (e.g., from proposed partners or sub-award recipients) and will not count towards the page limit.

For sample templates, visit the Resources page on DRL’s website:  https://www.state.gov/resources-for-programs-and-grants/.  The sample templates on the DRL website are suggested but not mandatory.

DRL can ask for additional documents not mentioned in this NOFO.  To ensure fair evaluation, the DRL review panel will only review up to the page limit for each section. 

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines 

E.1 Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required above are available at www.grants.gov and MyGrants (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com) under the announcement title “DRL FY24 Global Equality Fund Programs,” funding opportunity number “DFOP0017096.”  If reasonable accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities or for security reasons, please contact the DRL point of contact listed below.  Note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions. 

E.2 Contact Information

For technical submission questions related to this NOFO, please contact [email protected].

For assistance with MyGrants accounts and technical issues related to the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at +1 (888) 313-4567 (toll charges apply for international callers) or through the Self Service online portal that can be accessed from https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms.  Customer support is available 24/7.

For assistance with Grants.gov accounts and technical issues related to using the system, please call the Contact Center at +1 (800) 518-4726 or email [email protected].  The Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays.

E.3 Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

All prime applicants, whether based in the United States or another country, must have a UEI and an active registration with the SAM.gov.  A UEI is required by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.  An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO.

The 2 CFR 200 requires that subrecipients obtain a UEI number.  UEI numbers for subrecipients are not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.

The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from four to eight weeks.  Please begin your registration as early as possible.

• Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. 
  
• Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS, but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. 
• Organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are not required to have a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance.  If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain an NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

Organizations based outside of the United States that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions: 

Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process.  SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually. 

Organizations based outside of the United States that DO plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:

Step 1:  Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:  

NCAGE Homepage: 

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx   

NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):  

NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)

For NCAGE help from within the United States, call +1 (888) 227-2423.  

For NCAGE help from outside the United States, call +1 (269) 961-7766.  

Or, email [email protected] for any problems in applying for an NCAGE code.  

Step 2:  After receiving an NCAGE code, proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process.  SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually. 

Information to help with international registrations is included on the SAM.gov website.  Go to SAM.gov, click “HELP,” then scroll down to “New to SAM.gov?” for general information.  Guidance on SAM.gov and the guidance on GSA’s website about requirement for registering in SAM.gov may change, so applicants should check the website for the latest information.

E.3.1 Exemptions

An exemption from the UEI and SAM.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.  See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request.  Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

E.4 Submission Dates and Times 

Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on March 14, 2025.

E.5 Funding Restrictions

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) (www.sam.gov) or who has a current debt to the U.S. government is not eligible to apply for an assistance award, according to OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, “Debarment and Suspension.”  Additionally, no entity or person listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov can take part in any activities under an award.  All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov to make sure no ineligible entity or person is included in their application.

DRL will not consider applications that provide support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization.  For more information, refer to the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations:  https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/

Program activities that directly benefit foreign militaries or paramilitary groups or individuals will not be considered for DRL funding due to funding restrictions.

According to Department of State policy on terrorism, applicants are advised that successful passing of a vetting process to evaluate the risk that funds may benefit terrorists or their supporters is a condition for receiving an award.  If selected for an award, applicants will need to provide information required by DS Form 4184, Risk Analysis Information about their company and its principal personnel.  Vetting information is also required for all sub-award performance on assistance awards identified by the Department of State as having a risk of terrorist financing.  Vetting information may also be requested for program beneficiaries and participants.  Failure to provide the requested information or to pass the vetting process may result in the proposal being rejected.

The Leahy Law prohibits Department of State foreign assistance funds from supporting foreign security force units if the Secretary of State has credible information that the unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.  Per 22 USC §2378d(a) (2017), “No assistance shall be furnished under this chapter [FOREIGN ASSISTANCE] or the Arms Export Control Act [22 USC 2751 et seq.] to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.”  Restrictions may apply to any proposed assistance to police or other law enforcement.  Among these, pursuant to section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), no assistance provided through this funding opportunity may be furnished to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country when there is credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.  In accordance with the requirements of section 620M of the FAA, also known as the Leahy Law, program beneficiaries or participants from a foreign government’s security forces may need to be vetted by the Department before the provision of any assistance.  If a proposed grant or cooperative agreement will provide assistance to foreign security forces or personnel, compliance with the Leahy Law is required.

U.S. foreign assistance for Burma or Burmese beneficiaries is subject to restrictions.  This includes restrictions, according to section 7043(a) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 (SFOAA) (Div. F, P.L. 118-47) and Division K of Public Law 117–328 that “none of the funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for assistance for Burma may be made available to the State Administration Council or any organization or entity controlled by, or an affiliate of, the armed forces of Burma, or to any individual or organization that has committed a gross violation of human rights or advocates violence against ethnic or religious groups or individuals in Burma, as determined by the Secretary of State.”  In addition, funds cannot be made available to any individual or organization that has committed serious human rights abuse.

Organizations should be aware of these restrictions when developing proposals, as they will need to conduct proper due diligence on program beneficiaries and work with DRL to ensure compliance.  Due diligence vetting will apply to any individuals or entities receiving foreign assistance funding or support and will include a review of publicly available information.

E.6 Other Submission Requirements

All application submissions must be made electronically via www.grants.gov or MyGrants (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com).  DRL is not responsible for disqualification due to applicants not being registered before the due date, system errors in MyGrants or Grants.gov, or other errors in the application process.  Applicants must save a screenshot of the checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to upload successfully.

DRL encourages organizations to submit applications during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM EST).  If an applicant experiences technical difficulties and has contacted the appropriate help desk but is not receiving timely assistance (e.g., no response within 48 hours), they may contact the DRL point of contact listed in the NOFO in Section E.2.  The point of contact may assist in contacting the appropriate help desk. 

MyGrants Applications:

Applicants using MyGrants for the first time should complete the “New Organization Registration.”  To register with MyGrants, go to https://MyGrants.servicenowservices.com and click “Create an Account” under “New User.”  Select “Create a SAMS/MyGrants Applicant/Grantee Account” and complete all required fields. 

MyGrants will send an email to verify the account, followed by an “Okta Account” set-up, which may require the use of smartphone for multi-factor authentication (MFA).  If an applicant does not have accessibility to a smartphone during the time of creating an account, please contact the ILMS help desk and request instructions on MFA for Windows PC.

Grants.gov Applications:
Applicants who do not submit applications via MyGrants may submit via www.grants.gov.  Completing all the necessary registration steps for obtaining a username and password from Grants.gov can take ten business days or longer.

Please refer to the Grants.gov website for definitions of various “application statuses” and the difference between a submission receipt and a submission validation.  Applicants will receive a validation e-mail from Grants.gov upon the successful submission of an application.  Validation of an electronic submission via Grants.gov can take up to two business days. 

F. Application Review Information

F.1 Review Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated based on the evaluation criteria outlined below.  Do not structure your application according to these sub-sections.

Quality of Program Idea

Applications should align with the program framework and policy objectives in the NOFO; be suitable for the country/region; and show originality, substance, precision, and relevance to DRL’s mission of promoting human rights and democracy.  Programs should aim for immediate impact leading to long-term, sustainable reforms.  DRL prefers new approaches that do not duplicate efforts but will consider programs that improve or expand existing successful programs in a new way.  In countries where similar activities are already happening, explain how new activities will not duplicate or just add to existing ones and how these efforts will be coordinated.  Proposals that offer creative solutions to ongoing challenges are encouraged.  DRL prioritizes programs with inclusive approaches for advancing these rights. 

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives

Strong applications will show how the proposed activities contribute to the overall objectives, with each activity well-developed and detailed.  Include a comprehensive monthly work plan should demonstrating the organization’s capacity.  Objectives should be ambitious yet measurable, results-focused, and achievable within a reasonable timeframe.  Include a Logic Model to show how activities will impact proposed objectives, matching the objectives, outcomes, key activities, and outputs described in the Proposal Narrative.  Address how the program will engage relevant partners and should identify local partners if appropriate. 

If local partners are identified, submit letters of support from them and describe the division of labor among the applicant and local partners.  Identify geographic locations for activities, target participant groups or selection criteria for participants, and roles of sub-awardees if applicable.

DRL recognizes that all programs have some level of risk due to internal/external variables that have the potential to adversely affect a program.  Risk management should address how the program design incorporates the identification, assessment, and management of key risk factors.  DRL will review the Risk Analysis based on the organization’s ability to identify risks that could impact the program, as well as how the organization will manage these risks.

Institution’s Record and Capacity

DRL will consider the past performance of prior recipients and the demonstrated potential of new applicants.  Applications should show a record of successful democracy and human rights programs, responsible fiscal management, and compliance with reporting requirements.  Proposed personnel and resources should be appropriate to achieve the project’s objectives.  Programs should have potential for continued funding beyond DRL resources.

Addressing Barriers to Equal Participation

DRL aims to advance the rights and dignity of all persons.  As the U.S. government’s lead bureau dedicated to promoting democratic governance, DRL requests program approaches dedicated to strengthening inclusive societies as a necessary pillar of strong democracies.  Discrimination, violence, inequity, and inequality targeting any members of society undermines collective security and threatens democracy.  DRL prioritizes programs that assess and address barriers to access for individuals and groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.  The proposal should show how the program will further engagement in underserved communities and with individuals from these communities.  This approach should be included in the program concept and design, as well as in implementation of all proposed activities, objectives, and monitoring.  Strong proposals will provide specific analysis, measures, and targets to enhance programmatic impact by including all people in society.  The goal of this approach is to bring communities and those in power together in support of more stable and secure societies.

Cost Effectiveness

Applications should clearly demonstrate cost-effectiveness, including leveraging institutional and other resources.  However, cost-sharing is not required and does not result in preference during the review process.  Budgets should have low and reasonable overhead and administration costs, with clear explanations and justifications for these costs in relation to the work involved.  All budget items should be clearly explained to show necessity, appropriateness, and connection to the program objectives.

If cost share is included in the budget, the recipient must maintain written records to support all allowable costs that are claimed as its contribution to cost share, as well as costs to be paid by the federal government.  Such records are subject to audit.  In the event the recipient does not meet the minimum amount of cost-sharing as stipulated in the recipient’s budget, DRL’s contribution may be reduced in proportion to the recipient’s contribution.

Multiplier Effect/Sustainability

Applications should show how the program will have a multiplier effect and be sustainable beyond the life of an award.  A good multiplier effect will have an impact beyond the direct beneficiaries of the grant (e.g., participants trained under a grant go on to train other people; workshop participants use skills from a workshop to enhance a national-level election that affects the entire populace).  A strong sustainability plan may include continuing impact beyond the life of the program or securing other donor support after DRL funding ends.

Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

Applications must include a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Narrative explaining how the program’s progress will be monitored and evaluated, and who will be responsible for those activities.  Applications should demonstrate the capacity to provide measurable outputs and outcomes.  The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Narrative should explain how internal or external evaluations will be incorporated into the program timeline, or how the program will be systematically assessed without them.  Please see Section X on Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Narrative in the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for more information. 

Applicants should be aware that if an application moves forward for funding consideration, DRL will request a detailed Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan for further review and approval.

F.2 Review and Selection Process

The warranted Grants Officer will determine technical eligibility for all applications.  A review panel will evaluate all eligible applications based on the criteria above.  DRL may also take into consideration the balance of the current portfolio of active projects, including geographic or thematic diversity, if needed.

The DRL review panel typically includes representatives from DRL, the appropriate Department of State regional bureau (to include feedback from U.S. embassies), and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) (to include feedback from USAID missions).  In some cases, additional panelists may participate, including from other Department of State bureaus or offices; U.S. government departments, agencies, or boards; representatives from partner governments; or representatives from entities in public-private partnerships with DRL.  At the end of the panel’s discussion about an application, the review panel votes on whether to recommend the application for approval by the DRL Assistant Secretary.  If more applications are recommended for approval than DRL can fund, the review panel will rank the recommended applications in priority order for consideration by the DRL Assistant Secretary.  The Grants Officer Representative for the eventual award does not vote on the panel.  All panelists must sign non-disclosure agreements and conflicts of interest agreements.

DRL review panels may provide conditions and recommendations on applications to enhance the proposed project, which must be addressed by the applicant before further consideration of the award.  To ensure effective use of DRL funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and project activities.

F.3 Risk Review

Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award the Department will review and consider the following risk factors:

• Financial stability; 
• Management systems and standards;
• History of performance;
• Audit reports and findings;
• Ability to effectively implement requirements.

Before issuing a federal award with a total federal share over $250,000, the Department of State must review information about the applicant found in the designated integrity and performance system on SAM.gov (41 USC §2313).  Applicants can review and comment on any information about themselves in this system.  The Department of State will consider these comments, along with other information in the system, to assess the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal awards.

G. Award Notices 

The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer.  The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and countersignature.  The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the award document signed by the Grants Officer.

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding.  Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals.  Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

DRL will provide a separate notification to applicants on the result of their applications.  Successful applicants will receive a letter electronically via email requesting that the applicant respond to review panel conditions and recommendations. 

If awarded, payments under this award will be made through PMS or by completing form SF-270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement.  Final determination will be made in conjunction with the Grants Officer.  Unless otherwise stipulated, the recipient may request payments on a reimbursement or advance basis. 

Advance payments must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the recipient in carrying out the purpose of this award.  The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the recipient for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs.

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

H.1 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.  These include the Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, and the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

Additionally, DRL supports implementation of the National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality; the Women Peace and Security (WPS) Act of 2017, which highlights the U.S. commitment to the meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention, management, and resolution; and the Department of State WPS Implementation Plan.  For additional information, please refer to the following link: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/1141.

Due to the determination made under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) for funds obligated during FY 2024, assistance that benefits the governments of the following countries may be subject to a restriction.  The Department of State determines on a case-by-case basis what constitutes assistance to a government; the general principles listed below apply. 

Assistance to the government includes:

• All branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial) at all levels (national, regional, local);
• Public schools, universities, hospitals, and state-owned enterprises, as well as government employees;
• Cash, training, equipment, services, or other assistance provided directly to the government, assistance provided to an NGO or other implementer for the benefit of the government, and assistance to government employees.

Subject to TVPA for funds obligated during FY 2024:

AF:  Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, South Sudan

EAP:  Burma, China (PRC), Macau, North Korea

EUR:  Belarus, Russia

NEA:  Iran, Syria

SCA:  Afghanistan

WHA:  Cuba, Curacao, Nicaragua, Sint Maarten

Additional requirements may be included depending on the program.

H.2 Reporting

Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports.  The award document will specify what reports are required and how often these reports must be submitted, typically on a quarterly basis.   

The Federal Financial Report (FFR or SF-425) is the required form for financial reports and must be submitted in PMS.  A copy of the report submitted in PMS should then be uploaded to the award file in MyGrants.  Program reports uploaded to the award file in MyGrants must include a narrative as described below, as well as Program Indicators (or another format approved by the Grants Officer), including standard (F) framework indicators and DRL framework indicators.  F and DRL framework indicators will be reviewed and negotiated during the final stages of issuing an award on a program-by-program basis.

Narrative progress reports should focus on measuring the program’s progress toward the main objectives and should be organized according to the objectives, outcomes, and outputs outlined in the award’s Scope of Work (SOW) and in the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Narrative.  Each progress report should include an assessment of the overall program’s achievements.  Where relevant, progress reports should include the following sections:

• Limited relevant contextual information;
• Explanation and evaluation of significant activities during the reporting period and how they reflect progress toward achieving objectives, including meeting benchmarks/targets set in the approved Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan.  Attach the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan, comparing the target and actual numbers for the indicators;
• How underserved communities, including women; persons with disabilities; ethnic, religious, or language minorities; sexual orientation; and age are being included in program activities;
• Any qualitative impact or success stories from the program, when possible;
• Copy of baseline, mid-term, and/or final evaluation report(s) conducted by an external evaluator; if applicable;
• Relevant supporting documentation or products related to the program activities (such as articles, meeting lists and agendas, participant surveys, photos, manuals, etc.) as separate attachments;
• Description of how the recipient is pursuing sustainability, including seeking sources of follow-on funding;
• Any problems/challenges in implementing the program and a corrective action plan with an updated timeline of activities;
• Reasons why established goals were not met;
• Data for the required F and/or DRL framework indicator(s) for the quarter, as well as aggregate data by fiscal year; 
• Program Indicators or another format approved by the Grants Officer;   
• Proposed activities for the next quarter; and,
• Additional information, including analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs, if applicable.

A final narrative and financial report must also be submitted within 120 days after the expiration of the award.

Foreign Assistance Data Review:  As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR).  The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement.  Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation.  In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

Delays in reporting may result in delays of payment approvals and failure to provide required reports may jeopardize the recipient’s’ ability to receive future U.S. government funds.  DRL reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial program information during the award period.

H.  Other Information

Applicants should be aware that DRL understands that some information contained in applications may be considered sensitive or proprietary and will make appropriate efforts to protect such information.  However, applicants are advised that DRL cannot guarantee that such information will not be disclosed, including pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or other similar statutes.

The information in this NOFO and “Proposal Submission Instructions for Applications” is binding.  Explanatory information provided by DRL that contradicts this language will not be binding.

Background information on DRL and its programs can be found on https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-civilian-security-democracy-and-human-rights/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/.