Promoting Democratic Principles in Civil Society Communities

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The United States Department of State Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs announces a Request for Applications to support one initiative with up to $396,039 in FY 2012 Economic Support Funds for a project period of approximately 12 months. The anticipated start date for this activity is September 2013, with one award anticipated as a result of this RFA. WHA invites qualified public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Nonprofits having a 501c3 status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Nonprofits that do not have a 501c3 status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; and public international organizations to submit proposals outlining an implementation strategy to:1. Strengthen Cuban civil society leadership and to build grassroots capacity for administrative and organizational development and project design and implementation, working with a variety of civil society activists. Capacity building includes teaching core concepts of administrative law and processes, facilitating access to relevant information, strategically connecting separate groups, and promoting community development and action by applying the conceptual framework taught in a limited context.2. Support the emergence of leadership on such issues in a limited context by affording at least 25 community actors from diverse sectors of Cuban civil society the opportunity to learn about the following concepts: rulemaking; cost-benefit analysis of existing regulations; the concept of due process as applied to property, education and liberty; concepts of executive control; administrative authority for inspections; open meetings requirements; and policy-making and implementation. 3. Create an informational and virtual platform with up-to-date digital, printed and online materials to help implement Objective 1, and expand existing interactions with and among independent groups advocating change, connecting projects and actors across disciplines; and enable participants to develop a prototype framework based on administrative law that ensures procedural fairness appropriate for the group?s core interests, and encourage the practical application of concepts learned.Applicants should propose methodologies that integrate participants across sectors, and identify strategies for reciprocal and mutual support of projects. WHA reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for the award. The authority for this RFA is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended. The CFDA Number for this funding opportunity is 19.700.Future funding may be available for further work, possibly in other areas of engagement, and competitive applications received but not selected as a result of this RFA may also be considered for future funding.Eligible organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this RFA thoroughly to understand the type of project sought and the application submission requirements and evaluation process.

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