DRL Request for Statements of Interest on Programs to Support Inclusive Political and Economic Reform, and International Religious Freedom and Human Rights in Burma | DRLA DRLAQM 17 013

Opportunity Information: Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 17 013

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), released a discretionary grant opportunity called "DRL Request for Statements of Interest on Programs to Support Inclusive Political and Economic Reform, and International Religious Freedom and Human Rights in Burma" (Funding Opportunity Number: DRLA DRLAQM 17 013). This notice is set up as a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI), meaning DRL is first asking organizations to submit a brief Statement of Interest (SOI) describing a proposed program concept before any full application stage. The overall purpose is to identify strong program ideas that align with DRL priorities in Burma.

The opportunity focuses on two main policy objectives. The first is to increase transparency and accountability in Burma, which generally points to efforts that strengthen oversight, reduce corruption risks, improve openness in governance, and promote systems where public authorities and institutions can be held responsible for decisions and actions. The second objective is to increase religious freedom and respect for religious and ethnic diversity in Burma, signaling interest in programs that protect and advance the rights of religious and ethnic communities, reduce discrimination, and promote an environment where diverse groups can practice their beliefs and participate fully and safely in society.

DRL listed a broad range of eligible applicants, which makes the competition accessible to many types of implementers. Eligible entities include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) organizations), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and other organizations not otherwise categorized. The funding instrument is a grant, and the activity category is listed as "Other," which typically indicates the work may span multiple thematic areas such as governance, civil society, human rights, and community-level initiatives rather than fitting a single narrow category.

Key administrative details include an award ceiling of $706,000, indicating the maximum amount DRL expects to provide per award under this notice. The opportunity was created on 2016-09-20, with an original closing date of 2016-10-28, so it was time-bound and required applicants to prepare and submit their SOI within that window. The CFDA number associated with the program is 19.345, which is the federal assistance listing used for tracking and compliance purposes.

Because this is an RSOI, the central instruction is that applicants must follow DRL's SOI submission requirements as posted on DRL's website. In practical terms, this usually means the first step is submitting a concept-level proposal (rather than a full technical narrative and detailed budget) that clearly explains the problem being addressed in Burma, the intended approach and activities, the target populations, the expected outcomes, and why the applicant is well positioned to deliver results. DRL is signaling that proposals should directly support inclusive political and economic reform-related aims through transparency and accountability work, and should also advance international religious freedom and broader human rights through efforts that strengthen respect for religious and ethnic diversity.

• The Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "DRL Request for Statements of Interest on Programs to Support Inclusive Political and Economic Reform, and International Religious Freedom and Human Rights in Burma" 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 2016-09-20.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2016-10-28. (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 $706,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Others.

Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 17 013

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