Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0009665
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) is offering a discretionary funding opportunity (SFOP0009665) through a cooperative agreement to support an applied research program focused on improving how human rights work is designed, implemented, and evaluated. The central aim is to build a stronger, more usable evidence base for evaluation approaches that are grounded in human rights frameworks and that take complexity and cultural context seriously, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all evaluation models. In practice, this means generating research and practical tools that help the field better assess what works in democracy, human rights, and governance programming while also improving the underlying strategic and evaluative frameworks used by practitioners.
At the heart of the opportunity is the development of an integrated human rights framework for programming and evaluation that is explicitly guided by two core principles: "do no harm" and "nothing about us without us." The grant is not just looking for theoretical writing or high-level recommendations; it is meant to produce an actionable framework that can be applied by implementers and evaluators in real-world settings. "Do no harm" signals an emphasis on minimizing unintended negative consequences, especially for communities that may already face risk or marginalization. "Nothing about us without us" underscores meaningful participation and leadership by the people most affected by the programs being evaluated, pushing evaluation practice toward more inclusive, equitable, and justice-oriented methods.
This opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, which typically implies an active partnership style between the funder and the award recipient, rather than a hands-off grant. DRL is looking for work that strengthens the overall body of global human rights evaluation practice by testing and refining approaches that are culturally responsive and able to handle complex environments, including settings where outcomes are not linear and where power dynamics, safety concerns, and representation matter. The resulting framework is intended to bolster democracy, human rights, and governance programming by giving practitioners clearer guidance and better tools for planning and evaluating interventions in ways that align with human rights principles and equitable evaluation practice.
Key administrative details include an award ceiling of $1,780,601 with an expectation of one award. The opportunity was posted May 19, 2023, with an original closing date of July 18, 2023. The CFDA listing is 19.345. Eligibility is described broadly as "Others" with additional clarification referenced in the full notice, indicating that a range of organizational types may be able to apply depending on the specific eligibility language. Overall, the grant is best understood as a field-building effort: it funds applied research meant to produce practical, adoptable evaluation guidance that centers affected communities, improves methodological rigor in complex contexts, and strengthens accountability and learning across human rights-oriented programs.Apply for SFOP0009665
- The Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "DRL Nothing About Us Without Us: Building Evidence for an Integrated Human Rights Framework and Justice in Evaluation Practice" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.345.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 19, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 18, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,780,601.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL). The opportunity number is SFOP0009665, and it will be awarded through a cooperative agreement to support an applied research program on human rights programming and evaluation.
Which agency is offering the award?
The award is offered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL).
What is the main purpose of the project being funded?
The central purpose is to improve how human rights work is designed, implemented, and evaluated by building a stronger and more usable evidence base for evaluation approaches grounded in human rights frameworks. The work is expected to take complexity and cultural context seriously, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all evaluation models.
Is this opportunity focused on research, implementation, or both?
It is focused on applied research that produces practical outputs. The intent is not only to generate knowledge, but also to create tools and guidance that practitioners and evaluators can use in real-world democracy, human rights, and governance programming.
What type of funding instrument is this?
This opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement.
What does a cooperative agreement imply for how the project will be managed?
A cooperative agreement typically implies a more active partnership style between the funder and the award recipient compared to a hands-off grant. DRL expects to be engaged in the work in a collaborative way consistent with the cooperative agreement approach.
What program area does this grant support?
The work supports democracy, human rights, and governance programming, with a specific focus on evaluation practice and the strategic/evaluative frameworks used by practitioners.
What is meant by an "integrated human rights framework" in this opportunity?
The opportunity calls for developing an actionable, integrated human rights framework for programming and evaluation. The framework is expected to be usable by implementers and evaluators and designed to improve how interventions are planned and evaluated in ways that align with human rights principles.
What are the two core principles the framework must follow?
The framework is explicitly guided by two principles: "do no harm" and "nothing about us without us."
What does "do no harm" mean in the context of this grant?
"Do no harm" signals an emphasis on minimizing unintended negative consequences, especially for communities that may already face risk or marginalization, when designing, implementing, and evaluating programs.
What does "nothing about us without us" mean in the context of this grant?
"Nothing about us without us" emphasizes meaningful participation and leadership by the people most affected by the programs being evaluated. It pushes evaluation practice toward more inclusive, equitable, and justice-oriented methods.
Is DRL looking for theoretical work only?
No. The opportunity is not primarily looking for theoretical writing or high-level recommendations. It is meant to produce an actionable framework and practical tools that can be applied in real-world settings by implementers and evaluators.
What kinds of evaluation challenges is this opportunity trying to address?
It is aimed at strengthening evaluation approaches that are culturally responsive and able to handle complex environments, including settings where outcomes are not linear and where power dynamics, safety concerns, and representation matter.
How does cultural context factor into the work?
Cultural context is a core consideration. The funded work is intended to test and refine evaluation approaches that are culturally responsive instead of applying uniform evaluation models across very different contexts.
What does it mean that the work should "take complexity seriously"?
It means the research and resulting evaluation guidance should be suitable for complex environments where change may be nonlinear and influenced by factors like power dynamics, safety constraints, and issues of representation.
What is meant by a "field-building" effort?
This opportunity is described as field-building because it is designed to strengthen global human rights evaluation practice broadly by producing practical, adoptable guidance that improves accountability, learning, and evaluation rigor across many programs.
What are the expected outputs of the funded work?
Based on the description, the key outputs include applied research findings and practical tools, along with an integrated, actionable human rights framework for programming and evaluation that implementers and evaluators can use.
How will this work help democracy, human rights, and governance programs?
The intent is to give practitioners clearer guidance and better tools for planning and evaluating interventions in ways that align with human rights principles and equitable evaluation practice, strengthening accountability and learning.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is $1,780,601.
How many awards does DRL expect to make?
DRL expects to make one award.
When was the opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on May 19, 2023.
What was the original closing date?
The original closing date was July 18, 2023.
What is the CFDA listing for this opportunity?
The CFDA listing is 19.345.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is described broadly as "Others," with additional clarification referenced in the full notice. This suggests a range of organizational types may be eligible depending on the specific eligibility language in the full announcement.
Does the opportunity require community participation in evaluation?
Yes. The opportunity’s "nothing about us without us" principle calls for meaningful participation and leadership by the people most affected by the programs being evaluated.
Does the opportunity emphasize safety and risk considerations?
Yes. The "do no harm" principle and the emphasis on complex environments indicate attention to safety concerns and avoiding unintended negative impacts, especially for at-risk or marginalized communities.
What makes this evaluation approach different from one-size-fits-all models?
The funded work is intended to produce evaluation approaches grounded in human rights frameworks, responsive to cultural context, and suitable for complexity and nonlinear outcomes, rather than applying uniform methods regardless of setting.
Is the goal to improve evaluation methods only, or also program strategy?
Both. The opportunity describes improving the assessment of what works while also improving the underlying strategic and evaluative frameworks used by practitioners.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: University Partnership Program (UPP)
Previous opportunity: FY23-SNAP-DATA
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for SFOP0009665
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SFOP0009665) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| DRL Descent-based Slavery Apply for SFOP0009735 Funding Number: SFOP0009735 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,250,000 |
| EMPOWERING WOMEN TO ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN NORTHERN KENYA Apply for 72061523APS00001 Funding Number: 72061523APS00001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Kenya USAID-Nairobi Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Improved (Re)integration Services Activity Apply for 7200AA19APS00010 ADDENDUM4 Funding Number: 7200AA19APS00010 ADDENDUM4 Agency: Agency for International Development, Honduras USAID-Tegucigalpa Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $15,500,000 |
| Engaging Workers and Civil Society to Strengthen Labor Law Enforcement, Phase II Apply for NOI ILAB 23 06 Funding Number: NOI ILAB 23 06 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Supporting Independent Media in the Indo-Pacific Region Apply for SFOP0009798 Funding Number: SFOP0009798 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Global Public Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| South Asian Consortium for Regional Responsibility Apply for SFOP0009799 Funding Number: SFOP0009799 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Global Public Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Kazakhstan Local Governance Activity Apply for 72011523RFA00005 Funding Number: 72011523RFA00005 Agency: Agency for International Development, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| EUR Taiwan Journalist Exchange Apply for SFOP0009800 Funding Number: SFOP0009800 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Global Public Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| PRE PROPOSAL FY24 Saltonstall-Kennedy Competition Apply for NOAA NMFS FHQ 2024 2008000 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS FHQ 2024 2008000 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Boating Safety Data Collection and Analysis Grant Apply for DHS USCG SURVEY 2023 Funding Number: DHS USCG SURVEY 2023 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| U.S. Ambassador's Special Self-Help Fund Apply for SMZ 500 FY23 01 Funding Number: SMZ 500 FY23 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Mozambique Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Rural Emergency Medical Communications Demonstration Project Apply for DHS 23 CISA 120 REMCDP 001 Funding Number: DHS 23 CISA 120 REMCDP 001 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| Be Cybersmart Apply for K NOFO 23 101 Funding Number: K NOFO 23 101 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to India Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Tribal Engagement in Regional Ocean Partnership Priorities Apply for NOAA NOS OCM 2023 2008020 Funding Number: NOAA NOS OCM 2023 2008020 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Conakry PDS Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability Request for Statements of Interest Apply for DOS PDS CONAKRY FY23 02 Funding Number: DOS PDS CONAKRY FY23 02 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Guinea Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| SRP Higher Education Access NOFO Apply for SRP SSY FY2023 1 Funding Number: SRP SSY FY2023 1 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Turkey Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| U.S. Higher Education Advising – Quincy Competitive College Club Apply for DOS SAU 2306 PD Funding Number: DOS SAU 2306 PD Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $85,000 |
| The 2024 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Regional Workshop Apply for SVM700 23 PAS 003 Funding Number: SVM700 23 PAS 003 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Vietnam Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Track 2 Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding Initiatives Apply for TRACK IIFY23 ARM 1 Funding Number: TRACK IIFY23 ARM 1 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Armenia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| FY2023 Build to Scale Program Apply for EDA B2S 2023 Funding Number: EDA B2S 2023 Agency: Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "SFOP0009665", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.