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 $500,000 in FY 2021 Economic Support Funds (ESF), pending availability of funding. The anticipated start date for successful proposals is September 30, 2022. U.S. Embassy Belmopan anticipates funding two to three awards between the amount of $100,000 and $250,000 each for this NOFO. Applications are due on June 2, 2022 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. The projects should focus on activities by civil society organizations working with the Government of Belize (GoB) to combat trafficking in persons (TIP) by identifying, preventing, and improving the protection of TIP victims, to promote anti-corruption and transparency, and to improve public service delivery to vulnerable and/or marginalized communities. 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.

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov.