Please see the full solicitation for complete information about the funding opportunity. Below is a summary assembled by the Research & Innovation Office (RIO).

Program Summary

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 regional projects in the East Asia and Pacific region to strengthen transparent and accountable governance that respects human rights and addresses inequality as an integral part of addressing climate change and protecting the environment for all.

Members of marginalized and underserved communities are disproportionately adversely impacted by climate change and face further disadvantages when responses seeking to address climate change reproduce or exacerbate existing inequalities and social injustices. Large-scale infrastructure, extractive, and agribusiness projects, rapid growth, and a lack of transboundary cooperation have exacerbated environmental degradation, which also often disproportionately impacts members of marginalized and underserved communities. There has been a concerning lack of public information, exclusion of the public from decision making, lack of transparency in processes related to large-scale infrastructure and other projects, and few opportunities for accountability or redress. There have also been reports of human rights violations and abuses against members of impacted communities, including indigenous communities; civil society activists, including environmental defenders; and journalists and members of media organizations reporting on these topics. The East Asia and Pacific region has also been one of the deadliest regions for environmental defenders in recent years according to reports. As political will and momentum for addressing climate change and preserving the environment for all increases, the need arises to ensure that efforts also address high rates of violence and systemic governance, human rights, and inequality issues.

DRL seeks regional projects that clearly articulate the linkages between civil and political human rights and good governance with climate and the environment, and should be designed to achieve the following outcomes:

  • Addressing violence and systemic governance, human rights, and inequality issues are fully integrated as part of a holistic approach when addressing climate change and environmental issues by governments, the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders
  • Whole-of-society approaches that bring together governments with, inter alia, members of marginalized and underserved communities, civil society, independent media, and the private sector are utilized, increase transparency and accountability, foster increased collaboration and joint-efforts, and mitigate threats of violence
  • Members of marginalized and underserved communities, civil society, and independent media more effectively advocate for, report on, and inform government, private sector, or other stakeholder efforts free from violence
  • Transboundary and/or regional cooperation is increased to address transboundary issues

See the full solicitation for complete information.

Deadlines

CU Internal Deadline: 11:59pm MST May 3, 2021

Sponsor Application Deadline: 9:59pm MT June 4, 2021

Internal Application Requirements (all in PDF format)

  • Project Summary (2 pages maximum): Please include the following: 1) the problem statement addressed by the project, 2) research-based evidence justifying the unique project approach, 3) quantifiable project outcomes and impacts; and 4) details around the applicant鈥檚 commitment to ensure the participation of all people as a strategy for implementation.
  • PI CV
  • Budget Overview (1 page maximum): A basic budget outlining project costs is sufficient; detailed OCG budgets are not required.

To access the online application, visit:

Eligibility

Applicants should have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with thematic or in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders, including private sector partners and NGOs, and have demonstrable experience in administering successful and preferably similar projects.

Limited Submission Guidelines

Primary organizations can submit one application in response to the NOFO.

Award Information

Award Amount: $750,000 鈥� $1,500,000

Expected Number of Awards: 1 鈥� 2

Period of Performance: 2-3 years