Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0007511
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) released this discretionary grant opportunity to support work in Sri Lanka that strengthens and protects two closely linked civic freedoms: freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly. The call is framed around concerns highlighted in the 2020 Human Rights Report and by the UN Special Rapporteur, who pointed out that Sri Lanka may have broad legal protections for peaceful assembly, but those protections are spread across multiple laws and regulations and can be applied inconsistently. DRL is looking for projects that do more than general advocacy; the emphasis is on using legal mechanisms and the judicial system to make existing protections real in practice, so that these rights are respected and enforced rather than selectively applied.
A strong proposal under this opportunity would examine how the new government is using policies, laws, and programs that affect democratic political competition, civil society space, and media freedom. In other words, applicants are expected to analyze the legal and policy environment as it evolves, identify where restrictions or enforcement practices undermine civic freedoms, and then respond with practical, law-centered strategies. DRL also signals that it wants applicants to provide direct legal and organizational support to civil society groups and individuals who are facing undue government pressure such as restrictive inspections, administrative interference, intimidation, or censorship. The goal is to help these actors continue operating safely and effectively, while also building longer-term protections through civil society-led strategic litigation designed to advance human rights standards and reinforce accountability.
The program activities DRL encourages include strengthening the role, status, and capacity of defense lawyers and other legal professionals, which can cover training, professional support, and tools that help lawyers defend civic actors and challenge unlawful restrictions. DRL also highlights expanding the capacity of judicial watchdog organizations so they can monitor courts, document due process concerns, and advocate for fair judicial proceedings and sound court decisions. Public-awareness and advocacy campaigns are another key element, especially campaigns that can be delivered through multiple media channels and social platforms to build broader understanding of rights and the legal processes available to protect them. Finally, DRL explicitly encourages assistance to small NGOs and informal advocacy groups, particularly by helping them adopt innovative, community-level approaches to civic engagement, which suggests a preference for practical, locally grounded methods that can function even in constrained environments.
Administratively, the opportunity is listed as SFOP0007511 under CFDA 19.345 and is offered as a grant by the Department of State, DRL. The notice was created on December 18, 2020, with an original closing date of February 16, 2021. DRL anticipated making one award, with a maximum award ceiling of $2,000,000. Eligibility is described broadly as "Others" with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement, indicating the competition may be open to a range of organization types depending on the specific eligibility language in the complete solicitation. Overall, the grant is geared toward legally grounded, rights-protective programming that combines policy assessment, direct support to at-risk civic actors, stronger legal defense and court monitoring capacity, and strategic litigation and communications to secure lasting improvements in civic space in Sri Lanka.Apply for SFOP0007511
- The Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "DRL Strengthening Civil Society 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 Dec 18, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 16, 2021. (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 $2,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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