Strengthening Government through Civil Society Engagement

The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, Belize announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to strengthen democratic governance through civil society engagement. The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan intends to issue awards in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 in FY 2022 Economic Support Funds (ESF), pending availability of funding. The anticipated start date for successful proposals is September 29, 2023. U.S. Embassy Belmopan anticipates funding four to six awards between the amount of $150,000 and $250,000 each for this NOFO. Applications are due on May 10, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time (Washington, D.C).

The NOFO and submitted proposals should focus on Pillar II of the Root Causes Strategy (RCS): Combating corruption, strengthening democratic governance, and advancing the rule of law. Proposals should be oriented towards activities by civil society organizations working in partnership with governments to (1) promote transparency and anti-corruption, or (2) enhance public service delivery particularly to vulnerable and/or marginalized communities or (3) support access to justice. Proposals should facilitate citizens' ability to hold the government accountable for its responsibilities and advocate for change and/or improve government transparency across all levels. Specific objectives and indicators should be included in the proposals that allow the organization to measure and demonstrate progress. Proposals may also support Pillars III - Promoting respect for human rights, labor rights, and a free press, and Pillar IV Countering and preventing violence, extortion, and other crimes perpetrated by criminal gangs, trafficking networks, and other organized criminal organizations.

Funding awarded under this NOFO cannot be used for law enforcement, to train members of law enforcement, or to provide social services.

U.S. Embassy Belmopan invites qualified U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or overseas-based NGOs, U.S. and overseas-based public and private institutions of higher education, and public international organizations (PIOs) to apply.

U.S. Embassy Belmopan reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for each award. The authority for this NOFO is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Eligible organizations interested in applying are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the scope of eligible projects, the application submission requirements, and the review process.

To be eligible for this award, the applicant should submit all required information in its application through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) or via email to BelmopanCARSIESF@state.gov , including the requirements found in any attachments to this opportunity.