Evaluation Innovation Fund: Understanding Factors and Conditions for Democracy and Rights Organizations

Deadline: 28 April 2020

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects focused on understanding and assessing the factors, dynamics, and conditions critical to success for pro-democracy, human rights, and labor rights organizations.

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Objectives

Assessing the factors and conditions needed for pro-democracy, human rights, or labor rights organizations to effect positive change: Projects should focus on investigating the aforementioned research question: “What factors, dynamics and conditions should exist for pro-democracy, human rights, or labor organizations to effect positive change?”
Given that many projects operate in restrictive environments, improving the DRG community’s understanding of the types of precursors and conditions that must exist for local organizations could lead to improved grantmaking and program strategies. Improving this understanding, through systematic research, may aid funders and practitioners in establishing the necessary foundation for the effective promotion of democracy, human rights and labor rights over the next 3-10 years.
Applicants should note that when responding to the above research question, DRL is open to various methods—quantitative, qualitative, mixed and multimethod. Applicants are encouraged to propose a method that will best answer the question given their expertise, access, and capacity.
Proposals that have strong support and participation from civil society and local organizations in the target countries or regions where activities are to be conducted will be deemed more competitive. Proposals should explain how civil society and local organizations have been involved in the proposal development process. Successful applicants will outline how project deliverables will be disseminated to the public, and how the research will make a significant difference for the improved design, implementation and evaluation of DRG programs.
DRL’s preference is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and creative approaches. This does not exclude from consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary way. Programs should seek to include groups that can bring perspectives based on their religion, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, and/or sexual orientation and gender identity. Programs should be demand-driven and locally led to the extent possible. DRL also requires all of its programming to be non-discriminatory and expects implementers to include strategies for the integration of individuals/organizations regardless of religion, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, and/or sexual orientation and gender identity.

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Where appropriate, competitive proposals may include:

Opportunities for beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and skills in practical efforts.
Solicitation of feedback and suggestions from beneficiaries when developing activities in order to strengthen the sustainability of programs and participant ownership of project outcomes.
Input from participants on sustainability plans and systematic review of the plans throughout the life of the project with adjustments made as necessary.
Inclusion of vulnerable populations.
Joint identification and definition of key concepts with relevant stakeholders and stakeholder input into project activities.
Systematic follow up with beneficiaries at specific intervals (3 months, 6 months, etc.) after the completion of activities to track how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills.
Activities that are not typically allowed include, but are not limited to:

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The provision of humanitarian assistance;
English language instruction;
Purely skills- or capacity-building activities that are not clearly linked to the project goals and answering the research question.
Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary per security concerns;
Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives;
Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries
Funding Information

Funding Floor (lowest $$ value): $100,000
Funding Ceiling (highest $$ value): $400,000
Period of Performance (example 12-18 months, 2 -5 years): 12-36 months
Eligibility Criteria

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DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO) and public international organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and 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 submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process. Additionally, the Department of State prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial organizations under its assistance awards. Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs.
How to Apply

Applicants can find application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply on the given website.

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For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=324843