DRL Fostering Civil Society's Oversight Role in Morocco

Background
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that expand civil society’s role in oversight and accountability around Morocco’s commitments to improve respect for freedom of expression and the protection of journalists. DRL’s goal in Morocco is to advance human rights and expand civil society’s role in oversight and accountability, including as Moroccan governmental institutions look to implement UPR recommendations.

Grant Details
The grant aims to expand space for civil society to advocate for improved fundamental rights and freedoms and the protection of critical voices, such as journalists, bloggers, and activists to express their views safely and peacefully. The program should focus on approaches that strengthen civil society’s oversight role to promote the implementation of existing international recommendations for Morocco—prioritizing those focused on fundamental freedoms related to the protection of journalists and media actors.
Potential program approaches may include expanding knowledge and skills for media and civil society actors, increasing engagement between civil society and media actors, increasing awareness, understanding, and support for the promotion and protection of human rights, promoting greater trust and cooperation between media actors, civil society organizations, and Moroccan institutions working on UPR-related reforms.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernmental organizations (NGO) and public international organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses.
DRL’s preference is to work with non-profit entities; however, there may be occasions when a for-profit entity is best suited. Cost sharing or matching is not an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO.

Period of Performance
The period of performance is 24-36 months with an anticipated time to award pending availability of funds at 6-9 months.

Grant Value
$750,000 - $1,000,000 with an anticipated number of awards being 1.

Place of Performance
The specific geographic location(s) where the grant will be performed is Morocco.