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 that support Religious Freedom globally.

“Religious freedom” refers to the right set out in Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including the freedom to adopt a religion or beliefs, change your beliefs, practice and teach your beliefs (which may include through publications, public and private speech, and the display of religious attire or symbols), gather in community with others to worship and observe your beliefs, and teach your beliefs to your children. It also states that no one shall be subject to coercion that would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice. Proposed programming must be responsive to restrictions on religious freedom, and must be in line with the U.S. Government’s religious freedom, democracy, governance, and human rights goals.

Funding Information

• Funding Floor: $740,740
• Funding Ceiling: $740,740
• Anticipated Number of Awards: 1
• Period of Performance: 24-36 months
• Anticipated Time to Award, Pending Availability of Funds: 7-10 months

Outcomes

Outcomes of this program may include, but are not limited to:

• Local communities increase awareness of the value and importance of mutual respect, and inclusion for all, irrespective of one’s religion or beliefs
• Community actors act to promote and protect religious freedom for all
• Existing policies or practices protecting human rights and religious freedom are formalized or made more effective through improved implementation
• Advocacy reaches public and government stakeholders
• Advocates monitor implementation of the existing legal framework

Program Activities

Program activities may include but are not limited to:

• Improve community outreach and awareness of religious freedom principles, particularly protections for those whose views or beliefs differ from those of the majority population’s;
• Increase religious minorities' awareness of their rights;
• Improve social awareness to decrease harassment and discrimination against individuals on account of their religion or beliefs;
• Improve awareness of reporting mechanisms available to victims and witnesses of religiously-motivated crimes or abuses;
• Improve reporting and accountability mechanisms for tracking and following up on religiously-motivated crimes which may include engaging other national, state or local level ministries or authorities; and
• Advocate for investigations and follow-through when crimes are reported.

Eligible Applicants

• 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. The allow ability of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR 30, Cost Accounting Standards Administration, and 48 CFR 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.