Global Human Rights Defenders Fund

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Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Request for Proposals: Global Human Rights Defenders Emergency Fund PLEASE NOTE: DRL strongly urges applicants to access immediately www.grants.gov in order to obtain a username and password. It may take up to a week to register with grants.gov. Please see the section titled “DEADLINE AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS” below for specific instructions. Global Human Rights Defenders Background: Defenders of human rights often risk their own and their families’ lives, safety, and jobs to advocate for universally recognized human rights. The Department of State places a high priority on defending these individuals. An emergency fund within the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) supports human rights defenders who promote human rights, democracy and good governance, women’s rights, fair labor practices, independent media and journalism, and other issues that may raise the risk of safety and/or life for their defenders. Summary: DRL seeks proposals for effective and immediate approaches to disburse small, short-term emergency financial support to human rights defenders and advocates of human rights globally or regionally when the repression or restriction of basic human rights may occur. DRL encourages applicants to submit proposals that include strategies to target all kinds of human rights activists, including those who promote the rights of marginalized populations, including the LGBT community, labor rights activists, and religious rights activists. The U.S.-based grantee(s) will manage funding for legal representation; medical bills arising from abuse; trial monitoring; transportation costs for prison visitation; appeals; equipment damaged or confiscated by government authorities; day-to-day living expenses when the primary provider is detained, imprisoned or evicted; and other types of emergency needs. Emergency assistance cannot be provided as contingency funds. Proposals should provide at least 60% of requested funding as emergency assistance for human rights defenders. DRL staff would be the focal point for receiving and approving all requests via the grantee(s), and would coordinate vetting with relevant USG officials. The emergency support funds would be distributed to recipients though the grantee(s) local partners and/or networks. The grantee shall obtain receipts and/or reimbursement documentation for all expenditures over $5,000. Successful applicants are not guaranteed continued funding in future fiscal years.

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