Feb 16, Funding Opportunity: Promoting Democratic Principles in Zimbabwe

Program Description

The U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe under the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for creative, sustainable, engaging projects that build support for democratic principles and values. Project proposals must address any facet of supporting democratic principles including advancing human rights, developing a free press, supporting free speech, increasing the engagement of citizens and civil society, raising awareness of disinformation, or other elements required for a strong, resilient democracy.

All program proposals must strengthen ties and build relationships between the United States and Zimbabwe and must have a strong, central, American element, or connection with American expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) (separate from involvement with the U.S. Mission or its American Corners).

This program supports the U.S. Department of State’s Public Diplomacy efforts to renew democracy through defending free speech, inspiring civic activism, and elevating civil society’s ability to influence key decision makers.

Theory of Change:

By supporting freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of thought, the U.S. Embassy partnering with civil society, academic organizations, and the media will improve accountable, democratic governance in Zimbabwe through an engaged citizenry and respect for fundamental human rights.

Program Objectives:

All proposals must meet the following objectives:

Enhance the development of Zimbabwe’s democracy through civil society, the media, academic organizations, and communities to support democratic sustainability and civic participation.

Strengthen collaboration and build networks between Zimbabwe and U.S. civil society, press, and advocacy organizations with an emphasis on long-term relationships and sustainability.

Proposals could include the following or address other democratic principles:

Develop an engaged citizenry that participates in civic life and defends human rights.

Support for journalism innovation that sustain independent journalism and the media

Advocacy for legal and policy reforms that promote and protect human rights.

Building coalitions of civil society actors to support democratic principles.

Raise awareness on and counter disinformation and misinformation.

Dialogue and engagement to renew discussions on and considerations for law reforms supporting democratic principles.

Professionalization of media, civil society, and academia to engage the government on democracy resilience and promotion.

Eligible Applicants:

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

Zimbabwean or U.S. media organizations, civil society, academic institutions, and non- governmental organizations.

*For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

Cost Sharing: Cost sharing is not required but encouraged.

Other Eligibility Requirements

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. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

How to Apply

For more information and job application details, see; Funding Opportunity: Promoting Democratic Principles in Zimbabwe

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