Supporting Civil Society in Syria

Background
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Assistance Coordination aims to partner with Syrian civil society organizations (CSOs) to address stabilization challenges in northeast Syria as well as parts of the northern Aleppo countryside outside of the control of the Syrian regime. Communities continue to suffer from political, social, and economic deprivations following eleven years of conflict. Syrian civil society plays a vital role in serving their community members in ways that intersect with U.S. policy interests.

Grant Details
The project activities to be supported through this funding opportunity will broadly aim to advance peaceful coexistence and strengthen accountability in targeted communities while enhancing the capacity of CSOs to serve and represent all Syrians. Proposals should pay particular attention to inclusion of marginalized and underserved groups such as women, youth, and religious and ethnic minorities. The project aims to support CSOs in Syria by increasing their ability to serve, represent, and advocate for all Syrians; increasing peaceful coexistence at the community level; empowering civil society to hold local authorities accountable in areas outside of Syrian regime control.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S. or foreign non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, private, public, or state institutions of higher education, and public international organizations. Applicants must have demonstrable previous experience working in Syria, conducting risk assessments, monitoring and evaluating projects and sub-recipients, effectively working through extensive partnerships with a range of Syrian civil society organizations, advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) through a project team inclusive of Syrian nationals with previous experience managing stabilization programming in the region reflected at all levels of project management.

Period of Performance
One base year with the potential for an additional two option years. The estimated start date for this project is February 1, 2023. NEA/AC reserves the right to award more or less than the estimated program funding and reserves the right to award funding under this announcement for a period of up to two years after the announcement’s close date.

Grant Value
$12,000,000 estimated total program funding with an estimated base year award ceiling of $4,000,000 and an estimated base year award floor of $2,000,000.

Place of Performance
The project should be implemented from a third country with a strong justification for why that country was chosen. NEA/AC highly recommends a presence in Berlin, Germany for operational and donor liaison purposes.