Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0010242
The FY23 J/IRF Supporting Freedom of Religion or Belief of Indigenous and Afro-Descendant Communities in the Western Hemisphere or South Asia grant is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, housed within the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) through the Office of International Religious Freedom (J/IRF). The program is designed to fund projects that strengthen freedom of religion or belief for historically marginalized communities, with a particular emphasis on practical efforts that build tolerance and expand advocacy so that governments more consistently respect and protect these communities religious rights.
At its core, the opportunity seeks proposals that address discrimination, harassment, and insufficient legal or policy protections affecting Indigenous and Afro-descendant populations in the Western Hemisphere, as well as Indigenous communities in South Asia. The focus is not simply on awareness-raising in the abstract, but on initiatives that can credibly increase public acceptance and improve government responsiveness. Competitive projects are likely to be those that combine community-centered engagement with targeted advocacy, such as strengthening local capacity to document violations, engaging government institutions on policy or enforcement gaps, promoting inclusive civic participation, and building partnerships that reduce social hostility toward minority religious identities and practices within these communities.
Eligibility for this competition is broad and described as unrestricted. J/IRF invites applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based organizations, including non-profit NGOs, public international organizations, and private, public, or state institutions of higher education. For-profit organizations or businesses may also apply, although the Department of State indicates a preference to work with non-profit entities and notes that for-profit submissions may receive additional review after the panel stage. A key limitation is that the Department of State does not allow profit under assistance awards to commercial entities; any budget proposed by a for-profit applicant must reflect only allowable direct and indirect costs rather than any amount above those costs. For commercial organizations, cost allowability is evaluated under relevant Federal Acquisition Regulation principles, including FAR provisions governing cost accounting and contract cost principles.
The funding instrument is a grant, listed under CFDA number 19.345. The posted award ceiling is $1,500,000, and the program anticipates making approximately three awards, indicating a competitive environment where proposals will need a clear theory of change, credible partners, and measurable outcomes. The opportunity was created on February 13, 2024, and the original application closing date is April 15, 2024, which implies applicants should be prepared with a well-developed narrative, implementation plan, and compliant budget on a relatively short timeline.
In summary, this opportunity is aimed at organizations that can design and deliver regionally grounded projects to protect and advance the freedom of religion or belief of Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in the Western Hemisphere or Indigenous communities in South Asia. The strongest applications will likely be those that translate tolerance-building and advocacy into concrete changes, such as improved protections, better government practices, stronger community resilience, and reduced religious discrimination against these groups.Apply for SFOP0010242
- The Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY23 J/IRF Supporting Freedom of Religion or Belief of Indigenous and Afro-Descendant Communities in the Western Hemisphere or South Asia" 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 2024-02-13.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-04-15. (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 $1,500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.
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