Lifeline: Embattled NGO Global Assistance Fund

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DRL seeks proposals for effective and rapid methods to conduct the following two activities: 1) provide emergency assistance for embattled local civil society organizations; and 2) provide small grants to local civil society organizations for discrete program activities. First, the Lifeline program will provide watchdog and advocacy NGOs and their staff under siege with small amounts of emergency assistance including, but not limited to, providing funds for legal representation, appeals, and trial monitoring; medical bills arising from abuse; transportation costs for prison visitation for incarcerated members; and equipment replacement for equipment damaged or confiscated as a result of harassment. Second, in addition to providing support to meet emergency needs, the program will provide small grants to local civil society organizations to support discrete project activities including, but not limited to, sending a delegation of local NGO representatives to international meetings to raise international awareness about and foster support for civil society; initiating a public advocacy campaign within countries to oppose repressive measures; and providing opportunities to network regionally with other civil societies under siege to exchange best practices and share legal expertise. DRL will award a cooperative agreement to a consortium of international NGOs with global reach, with one lead organization serving as the primary recipient/applicant. The consortium must include a minimum of at least three international NGOs from other (non-U.S.) geographic regions who will participate in implementing program activities. Consortium members must demonstrate strong ties to local NGOs across the globe who can serve as local partners as appropriate. The lead NGO will be required to develop a detailed program plan outlining the role and responsibilities of the other international NGO partners in the consortium and the review criteria for emergency assistance and small grants. The lead applicant should submit a letter of intent from each international partner organization in the consortium. The primary applicant must be a non-profit organization registered in the U.S. and meet the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c) (3) and have demonstrated experience administering successful projects in various countries. (See section on Applicant/Organization below for more information.) Proposals should allocate requested funding to provide as much direct assistance to embattled NGOs as possible and keep overhead costs to a minimum. The emergency support funds would be distributed to recipients through the recipient(s)’ local partners and/or networks. The recipient shall obtain receipts and/or reimbursement documentation for all expenditures over $10,000 and for those under $10,000 to the fullest extent possible. Organizational Expertise: The consortium should ensure that it has a solid reach in all geographic regions and can maintain, through a demonstrated track record, strong relationships with experienced, reliable, local partner NGOs across the globe. Strategies to develop stronger contacts to improve the administration of the program can be included, but associated costs must be reasonable and kept to a minimum. Organization Vetting: Vetting will be required in accordance with the Department’s standard vetting procedures. Funding Process for Emergency Assistance: DRL will negotiate with the recipient the conditions and criteria under which emergency assistance will be provided. The DRL recipient must transmit information to the appropriate DRL officer who would work with the relevant USG officers to vet and evaluate the legitimacy of the request. Applicants should include their plan for publicizing/raising awareness of the Fund’s existence in the Program Planning section of the proposal. Funding Process for Small Grants: DRL will negotiate with the recipient the conditions and criteria under which these small grants will be awarded. Activities that may be considered for support include, but are not limited to, sending a delegation of local NGO representatives to international meetings to raise international awareness about and foster support for civil society; initiating a public advocacy campaign within countries to oppose repressive measures; and providing opportunities to network regionally with other civil societies under siege to exchange best practices and share legal expertise. All final decisions are made by DRL and all recipients will comply with the same standards, laws, and regulations with which other DOS grantees/recipients comply.

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