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Grants and Resources for Human Rights

Latest call for proposals, grants, fellowships and other resources for the promotion and protection of human rights.

The Scurrah Wainwright Charity Grants Program: Supporting Projects Emphasized on Social Inequity

Deadline: 14 May 2016

The Scurrah Wainwright Charity is currently accepting applications for its grants program, in support of a wide range of charitable projects with an emphasis on social reform and tackling the root causes of Social Inequity.

Grant Size

Typically, grants size lies between £1,000 and £5,000.

Eligibility Criteria

The Charity has three programmes:

  • Yorkshire: Trustees give priority to applicants working in the Yorkshire region. An organisation need not be based in the region but the project itself must directly benefit the Yorkshire community. The national charitable organisations  are funded only if the project is specifically working in the Yorkshire region, with clear evidence of local control and access to the grant.
  • Southern Africa, particularly Zimbabwe.
  • Projects that have applied to the Andrew Wainwright Reform Trust because they meet the AWRT’s broad objectives to work for a just and democratic society and to redress political and social injustices, but have not been able to proceed with an application to that Trust because they are eligible for charitable funding.

An organisation does not have to be a charity to apply, but its work must satisfy the Charity Commission’s definition of charitable purposes and public benefit.

Ineligible Entities

The Charity does not fund:

  • Individuals
  • Large and national charitable organisation unless specifically working in the Yorkshire region and providing local control and access to the grant
  • Animal welfare
  • Buildings
  • Medical research or support for individual medical conditions
  • Substitution for Government funding eg in education and health
  • Charities who send unsolicited general appeal letters
  • Activities that have already happened
  • Applicants who do not have a UK bank account into which a grant can be paid

How to Apply

Applicants must submit:

  • a completed application form
  • Applicants’ most recent audited accounts
  • an application of not more than two A4 pages, setting out:
    • Background information about you and/or your organisation
    • The nature of the project you wish to pursue and what it seeks to achieve
    • Your plans for practical implementation of the work and a budget
    • Other current funding applications, successful or not.

Applications must be sent via email or a post.

For more information, please visit this link.

Call for Applications: The Global Drug Policy Advocacy Fellowship Program for Asia & Africa

Deadline: 25 April 2016

The Global Drug Policy Program under Open Society Foundations (OSF) invites applications to the 2016 Asia & Africa Advocacy Fellowship Program on Drug Policy Reform.

This program supports those working in sectors related to drug policy in order to increase their understanding of international drug policy reform issues, improve their advocacy skills, and enhance their capacity in working with the media on drug policy. The fellowship seeks to increase the capacity of emerging and new leaders in drug policy reform, including people not necessarily working full-time on drug-related issues.

Objectives

The objectives of the fellowship include the following:

  • increase their knowledge of global drug policy reform issues on a region-by-region approach
  • increase their understanding of the international drug control system and conflicts with other United Nations priorities
  • have a greater awareness of the drug policy reform landscape and key figures within that movement
  • establish links with those working in drug policy, particularly in the UK
  • build and develop their communications skills, including for media interviews, press releases, press databases, public speaking
  • have an understanding of the tools for debate, so that they can confidently challenge anti-reform positions
  • improve their confidence as drug policy advocates both through participation in the program and through ongoing support from the host organization

Priority Areas

The program includes the following topics:

  • global overview of drug policy reform
  • overarching issues relevant to drug policy reform
  • international drug control system
  • overview of international human rights in the context of drug policy
  • drug policy developments in Africa
  • effective campaigning
  • media and public engagement

Eligibility Criteria

  • Successful candidates will have a track-record of public engagement in the issues of drug policy reform or other relevant field (e.g., public health) at the local, national, or international levels.
  • Applications are welcome from those working across numerous fields related to drug policy. Previous fellows have worked in drug policy NGOs, at law enforcement agencies, in national governments, in health care facilities, and at universities, among other organizations. Please note that before receiving the fellowship, finalists will be asked to present a letter from their employer agreeing to their two-week participation in the course.
  • The purpose of this program is to promote the capacities of both new advocates and individuals who are emerging leaders in drug policy reform. Starting in 2016, employees of organizations currently receiving support from the Open Society Foundations are eligible to apply for the fellowship.

Eligible Countries

  • Asia Program
    • Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia
    • East Asia: Japan
  • Africa Program
    • West Africa: Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, and Nigeria
    • East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda
    • South Africa

How to Apply

To be considered for the program, applicants should submit the following documents in English as .doc or .pdf attachments, together via email:

  • Application: Download and complete the application form. Note that the applicant is asked to address all prompts, including providing short-answer responses to four questions.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): The CV should specify the applicant’s academic and professional background, including a detailed description of previous employment, a list of academic and policy projects in which the applicant has been involved, public engagement record, and honors (including scholarships and fellowships).
  • Writing sample (optional): The sample must be in English and should demonstrate the candidate’s expertise in a field related to drug policy. The writing sample should not exceed two pages.

For more information, please visit The Global Drug Policy Program.

Apply to Participate in MDLI East Africa Freedom of Expression Litigation Surgery

Deadline: 16 May 2016

The Media Legal Defence Initiative (MLDI) is seeking applications from lawyers based in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi to participate in a forthcoming litigation surgery on the right to freedom of expression that will held in Kampala, Uganda from 8 – 11 August 2016.

All applicants are required to submit for discussion and workshopping a current or potential case involving a violation of the right to freedom of expression.

Objectives

  • To identify and provide substantive support to cases on the right to freedom of expression that could be pursued before domestic and/or international fora;
  • To assist and build working relationships with lawyers undertaking such cases;
  • To equip the participants with the necessary skills and knowledge regarding the international human rights mechanisms available for pursuing freedom of expression cases in East Africa.

Focus Areas

  • Defamation (criminal)
  • Privacy
  • Restriction of the media by means of regulatory measures
  • Physical safety of journalists
  • Protection of sources
  • National security

Eligibility Criteria

  • The surgery is open to lawyers from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi;
  • The lawyers can either be working in private practice, or be working for or be affiliated with NGOs promoting the right to freedom of expression in East Africa through litigation;
  • Exceptionally strong applications from lawyers who have not yet undertaken freedom of expression work, but have experience litigating other human rights cases and have a strong interest in undertaking freedom of expression work will be considered as well. A maximum of 12 participants will be selected;
  • The lawyers must have a demonstrated interest in, and/or knowledge of the right to freedom of expression and/or related issues;
  • The lawyers must have a demonstrated interest in, and/or knowledge of international and regional human rights law;
  • The lawyers must be involved in, or considering, litigating a case or cases that address violations of the right to freedom of expression. With their application, they must submit a case study of a case that they are litigating or intend to litigate that could be discussed and workshopped during the litigation surgery;
  • The cases submitted must involve a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of expression as protected in a national constitution, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the East African Community Treaty or any other relevant domestic/international human rights instrument;
  • The working language for the surgery will be English.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply via given website.

For more information, please visit East Africa Freedom of Expression Litigation Surgery.

ViiV Healthcare Small Grants Program: Positive Action for MSM and Transgender

Deadline: 20 May 2016

ViiV Healthcare is seeking applications from organisations for its “Positive Actions for MSM & Transgender” Small Grants programme which is a new global initiative designed to support and inform the global effort to alleviate the impact of HIV and AIDS among MSM (men who have sex with men) and transgender populations around the world and to enable MSM and transgender individuals to safely seek culturally competent HIV care and services.

The program focuses on vulnerable communities and the stigma and discrimination they face on a daily basis due to sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and/or HIV status and will continue to support MSM/T communities as they strengthen their capacity to lead, participate in policy-making and advocate addressing the health disparities and health service access issues keeping MSM/T individuals from lifesaving prevention and treatment.

Objectives

  • Reduce the level and impact of stigma experienced by MSM/T individuals
  • Increase access to health related services through community-based collaborations with local governments and health care enablers
  • Strengthen the capacity of community-based organizations that engage MSM/T communities in reducing HIV

Grant Information

In 2016 ViiV Healthcare will provide a series of small grants covering a two year period with funding amounts up to £25,000/year within two funding tracks;

  • Applications for MSM community-led projects that are limited to applications of 50,000 over two years
  • Applications for Transgender community-led projects that are limited to applications of £50,000 over two years.

Funding Priorities

  • Community engagement, participation and leadership
  • Community-centred approaches
  • Evidence-based and Evidence-generating
  • New technology and Innovation
  • Advocacy and Empowerment

Eligibility Criteria

  • There are no geographical restrictions on applications.
  • For applicants applying from India must have the following documentation in place to submit an application and be able to meet ViiV Healthcare due diligence process:
    • Proof of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration, and
    • Copy of current 80g

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply via given website.

For more information, please visit ViiV Healthcare.

DOL/ETA: Seeking Applications for Pathways to Justice Careers Program for Youth

Deadline: 9 May 2016

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking applications from eligible entities for the Pathways to Justice Careers (PJC) program designed to support access and entry into career pathways for at-risk and court-involved youth ages 16-21.

The PJC grants will use a career pathways model adapted for in-school youth to ensure that participants are encouraged to graduate from high school or earn a high school equivalency degree and to either enter the workforce or pursue further training or post-secondary education pertinent to each participant’s chosen career in justice or emergency services.

Program Support

This program supports at-risk and court-involved youth that are still in school by providing:

  • Exposure to the world of work in the career fields of justice and emergency services,
  • Mentoring to encourage participants to complete a high school diploma or equivalency, and
  • Supportive services that engage participants and deter them from engaging or reengaging with the criminal justice system.

Funding Information: Approximately $5,000,000 is expected to be available to fund approximately 5 grants.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Eligible Applicants
    • Units of state, local or tribal government,
    • Community- or faith-based organizations with 501(c)(3) non-profit status, including women’s and minority organizations
    • Any Indian and Native American entities eligible for grants under Section 166 of WIOA.
    • Applicants may include current or former DOL grantees;
    • New applicants that have not received previous DOL grants are also encouraged to apply.
    • Applicants must identify in their application the target area that will be served by the project.
    • Applicants must justify the number of participants they propose to serve.
    • Applicants are encouraged to locate their projects high-poverty, high-crime communities.
  • Eligible Participants
    • be between the ages of 16 to 21 years old on the date of enrollment;
    • be enrolled in public or alternative secondary school at time of enrollment and have the potential to graduate within 2 years; and
    • be a low-income individual, per WIOA sec. 3(36).
    • the individual must be either a court-involved youth, or an at-risk youth, or both; that is, the individual must either have already come in contact with the juvenile or adult justice system, which includes those that have been diverted from the juvenile justice system prior to arrest (pre-arrest diversion) or be at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile or adult justice system.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply via given website.

For more information, please visit Pathways to Justice Careers for Youth.

Bureau of INL Enforcement Affairs: Seeking Applications for Justice Sector Support Project

Deadline: 1 June 2016

The United States Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is seeking applications from qualified Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Educational Institutions and other qualified organizations to implement a program entitled “Justice Sector Support Project (JSSP)” with an aim to improve the transparency, efficiency and effectiveness of Peru’s criminal justice system while improving access to justice.

Project Objectives

  • Support an effective transition to the accusatorial criminal justice system.
  • Support the judiciary’s efforts to implement the flagrancy procedure included in Peru’s criminal code.
  • Support the judiciary’s efforts to improve access to justice for underserved populations.
  • Support efforts by Peruvian institution to adapt a rehabilitative approach to juvenile justice.

Project Activities

  • Support an effective transition to the accusatorial criminal justice system
  • Support the judiciary’s efforts to implement the flagrancy procedure included in Peru’s criminal code
  • Support the judiciary’s efforts to improve access to justice for underserved populations that historically face obstacles in accessing justice, such as, but not limited to, indigenous populations, LGBT populations, and persons living in poverty.
  • Support efforts by Peruvian criminal justice institutions to adapt a rehabilitative approach to juvenile justice.

Funding Information: The anticipated total federal funding amount is not to exceed $ 1,000,000.

Eligibility Criteria

  • U.S. non-profit organization or a U.S. private/state educational institution meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) and can demonstrate current country registration in Peru.
  • Applicants in the process of registration must submit proof that they are seeking non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service at the time of proposal submission.
  • Should the applicant be selected for an award, funding will be contingent upon 501(c)(3) status;
  • Local, in-country, non-profit organization, educational institution, or private institutions that can demonstrate current country registration in Peru, competent programmatic ability, and ability to meet INL reporting requirements;
  • Must have demonstrated experience implementing similar education or capacity building programs, preferably in Peru and the region. INL reserves the right to request additional background information on organizations that do not have previous experience administering similar programs and/or federal grant awards.
  • Applicants must have the ability to produce course materials, deliver training, and conduct evaluations in Spanish and English. The applicant’s staff should be proficient in English in order to fulfill reporting requirements.
  • Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with stakeholders in order to successfully carry out the proposed program.
  • Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.
  • Applicants must be able to respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period of time.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply via given website.

For more information, please visit Justice Sector Support Project.

Apply for 4th GALA Academy: Enhancing the Capacity of Next Generation of CSO Leaders in Asia

Deadline: 30 April 2016

The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), Asia Development Alliance (ADA), and Asia Democracy Network (ADN) are currently accepting applications for its 4th Glocal Advocacy Leadership in Asia Academy (GALA Academy), with an aim to enhance the capacity of the next generation of CSO leaders in Asia, who will play a crucial and constructive role in the national, regional, and international advocacy on human rights, development, and democracy.

Objectives

  • Better understanding of the international policy-agenda and processes related to human rights, development and democracy in the context of the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda on   Sustainable Development known as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Improved strategic and critical thinking by linking global discourses and local contexts.
  • Enhanced collaboration among CSOs in the region in developing cross-sectoral advocacy action plans based on collective analysis.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Full time mid-or high-level staff in a national, sub-regional (South, Southeast, and Northeast Asia) or regional NGO/CSO in Asia.
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in the field of policy and advocacy on development, human rights or/and democracy.
  • Commitment to working in the same organisation at least until the end of 2017.
  • Sufficient knowledge and experiences related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), democracy-related issues and/or national/ regional/ UN human rights mechanisms.
  • Timely and satisfactory completion and submission of (preparatory) home-assignments.
  • Ability to communicate in English (both spoken and written).

Selection Process

  • Short-listed applicants will be informed on or before 10 May 2016 by email.
  • Some applicants may be interviewed over Skype or phone during the short-listing process.
  • Short-listed applicants will receive rounds of questionnaires and reading materials for homework prior to the actual training.

How to Apply

Applicants must fill the application form via given website and also submit a letter of recommendation.

For more information, please visit http://www.forum-asia.org/?p=20577

Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice: International Fund to Support LGBTQI Communities

Deadline: 31 July 2016

The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice is seeking applications for its International Fund to support groups led by LGBTQI communities working for progressive social change, addressing oppression based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression and advancing work for racial, economic and gender justice.

Astraea supports lesbian, trans, intersex and LGBTQI groups that promote racial, economic and gender justice and mobilize communities to challenge oppression and claim rights. It funds groups in the United States, primarily led by LGBTQI people of color, and groups across the globe.

Budget – $500,000 USD or less. It strengthens LGBTQI groups by providing flexible general support grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 per year.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Based in Africa, Asia/the Pacific, Eastern Europe/Commonwealth of Independent States, Latin America/the Caribbean, or the Middle East.
  • Led by and/or for LGBTQI communities. Non-LGBTI-led groups must demonstrate how they address LGBTI human rights issues and how they involve LGBTI’s in organizational and programmatic decision-making.
  • Doing work towards long-term social change, on issues affecting LGBTQI people and/or people who are penalized, persecuted or harassed for their gender identity, gender expression, and/or sexual orientation.
  • Non-governmental organizations, not-for-profit groups, or the equivalent are eligible for the funding
  • Groups that have been active for at least one year at the time you send in your proposal. A group which has been active for less than one year may apply if you demonstrate your group’s ability to sustain activities over the long-term and illustrate how a grant would help you to build your organization’s capabilities.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply via given website.

For more information, please visit: http://www.astraeafoundation.org/apply-for-a-grant.

Apply to Participate in Humanitarian Emergency Response Operations and Stabilisation Programme

Deadline: 25 April 2016

The UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) and the Stabilisation Unit (SU) are seeking applications for its Humanitarian Emergency Response Operations and Stabilisation Programme (HEROS). It is envisaged that the programme will run for up to 5 years subject to supplier performance and on-going need.

Program Objectives

The programme consists of the following objectives:

  • Humanitarian emergency response management
  • Humanitarian planning, preparedness and capacity building
  • Anticipation, surveillance and early warning/action
  • Management, coordination and communications – Operational capability and deployment
  • Sourcing staff including surge capacity
  • Staff deployment/management
  • Staff security – Procurement, logistics and operational capability Procurement support
  • Logistics support
  • Operational capability.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must register themselves to DFID Supplier Portal.

For more information, please visit DFID-HEROS.

Call for Applications: DFID’s Accountable Justice in Pakistan Programme

Deadline: 15 April 2016

The UK Department for International Development (DFID) has currently announced a procurement of services to manage delivery of the Accountability Justice in Pakistan Programme (AJPP) for a period of 4 years starting from October 2016.

The Accountable Justice in Pakistan Programme (AJPP) aims to strengthen accountability and oversight of rule of law institutions in Pakistan, engage citizens in reforms and legally empower citizens to access justice.

Program Objectives

AJPP objectives are to achieve:

  • Increased accountability and oversight of law enforcement and justice institutions.
  • Increased engagement by citizens in reforms and legal empowerment for informed citizen choice of justice mechanism.

Award Information

The budget for this programme is 8, 000, 000 GBP – 12, 000, 000 GBP subject to ongoing need and availability of funding.

Eligibility Criteria

The law institutions of Pakistan are eligible to participate for the program.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to register themselves to DFID Supplier Portal, in order to apply.

For more information, please visit DFID-AJPP.