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 $750,000 USD in FY 2020 Economic Support Funds (ESF), pending availability of funding. The anticipated start date for successful proposals is September 30, 2021. U.S. Embassy Belmopan anticipates funding three-to-five awards between the amounts of $100,000 and $250,000 USD each for this NOFO.

The NOFO and submitted proposals should concentrate on democracy, accountability, and governance and focus on civil society organizations (CSOs) working with national and/or local government, particularly in vulnerable and/or marginalized communities. The projects should be oriented toward activities that strengthen the partnership between government and CSOs to (1) enhance public service delivery, (2) promote anti-corruption and government accountability and transparency, or (3) curb human trafficking. The proposals should foster collaboration among CSOs and government to enhance public service delivery including to those affected by COVID; to reduce corruption, advocate for change and/or improve government transparency across all levels; and to improve identification, prevention, and response services to victims of human trafficking. Funding awarded under this NOFO cannot be used for police or military law enforcement or to train members of police or military law enforcement.

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 type of project sought and the application submission requirements and review process.