Strengthening Civil Society and Civil Servant Capacity through Partnership

a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to strengthen democratic governance through capacity building for civil society organizations and civil servants through partnership in Belize with up to $1,261,666 USD in FY 2017 Economic Support Funds (ESF). The anticipated start date for successful proposals is September 28, 2018. U.S. Embassy Belmopan anticipates funding up to five awards between the amount of $200,000 and $400,000 USD for this NOFO.The Embassy seeks proposals that strengthen civil society’s capacity and role in the governance process, and/or strengthen civil service capacity at all levels of government. Proposals should be oriented toward civil society organizations working with national and/or local government, particularly in vulnerable and/or marginalized communities. Proposals should detail how each planned activity will incorporate principles of accountability in all substantive areas, processes, and procedures. The overall goal of this NOFO is to support democracy and governance efforts in Belize. Funding awarded under this NOFO cannot be used for law enforcement or to train members of law enforcement. Applicants should address one or more of the following project objectives:1) To strengthen civil society organizations and civil servants’ knowledge and skills to develop policies/procedures aimed at reducing corruption and impunity or improved accountability. Proposals should be oriented towards enhancing the capacity of civil servants at all levels of government or that of individuals within civil society organizations to effect legislative and legal reforms to reduce impunity, advocate for change and/or improve government transparency.OR2) To increase and enhance civil society and government partnership to improve service delivery and accountability. Proposals should be oriented towards activities by civil society organizations working with national and/or local government, particularly in vulnerable and/or marginalized communities, to improve governance systems.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 the award. The authority for this NOFO is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.