ARDF-Africa Regional Democracy Fund, POL/ECON, U.S. Embassy Yaounde

Background
The Political and Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon is seeking experienced Cameroon-based Civil Society Organizations to submit applications under the FY 2023 Africa Regional Democracy Fund program. The goal of the grant is to advance human rights systems, policies, and protection, and elections and political processes.

Grant Details
The program aims to enhance inclusive democratic participation of vulnerable groups in the 2025 elections and strengthen mechanisms for the respect of human rights in Cameroon. Proposals should address promoting electoral transparency, increasing the participation of youth, women, and vulnerable groups in democratic processes leading up to the 2025 elections, as well as strengthening the rule of law, promoting social justice, and protecting the rights of children, detainees, vulnerable women, indigenous and minority groups including LGBTQI+ persons.

The expected results include increased voter participation, availability of reliable information on electoral activities, documentation and reporting of events surrounding elections by observers, among others. Activities could include educational campaigns on voter registration, training leaders of youth and marginalized groups for civic education, facilitating access to public information during electoral periods, capacity strengthening of actors in judicial/child protection chain and law enforcement officials, among others.

Eligibility Requirements
The Africa Regional Democracy Fund program is limited to Cameroonian local registered Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with at least two years of experience working in the areas of Democracy, Governance and Human Rights. Organizations with a prior history of poor performance of U.S. government grants are ineligible for this funding. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov.

Period of Performance
The length of performance period is 12 months from September 2024 to September 2025.

Grant Value
$600,000 is available for eight to 14 awards with individual awards ranging from a minimum of $24,000 to a maximum of $100,000 for Elections and a maximum of $50,000 for Human Rights.

Place of Performance
The intended target audiences should be CSOs active in human rights, democracy, and governance issues; administrative authorities; local leaders; local populations including vulnerable populations.