Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Protecting Fundamental Freedoms in Morocco | DRLA DRLAQM 17 022

Opportunity Information: Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 17 022

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) is offering a discretionary grant competition focused on protecting fundamental freedoms in Morocco. The core purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that strengthen both advocacy for, and real-world implementation of, a robust legal and institutional framework that safeguards three connected rights: freedom of expression, freedom of association, and freedom of peaceful assembly. DRL is looking for programs that can generate near-term, visible impact while also laying the groundwork for durable, long-term reforms that continue after U.S. funding ends. A strong application, based on the agency language, is one that treats the grant as a catalyst rather than ongoing support and shows credible pathways to sustainability beyond DRL resources.

The program emphasis is on improving the environment for fundamental freedoms through practical reforms and enforcement, not only through broad awareness raising. DRL is particularly interested in initiatives that increase the ability of civil society and other stakeholders to advocate effectively for better laws, better implementation of existing protections, and stronger accountability where protections are weak or inconsistently applied. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that, when appropriate, engage government entities and officials in a constructive way, especially when addressing gaps or deficiencies in protections for fundamental freedoms. In other words, the competition is not limited to adversarial advocacy; it also welcomes strategies that include dialogue, technical engagement, or problem-solving approaches with relevant institutions, as long as the goal remains improved protection and implementation of rights.

DRL signals a clear preference for proposals that do not simply repeat earlier work. The intention is to fund new and creative approaches that bring fresh thinking to persistent challenges. That said, the notice also makes room for proposals that build on proven efforts, so long as they expand or improve existing successful projects in a complementary way rather than duplicating what has already been done. This places a premium on applicants demonstrating awareness of the current Moroccan civil society landscape and prior programming, and then explaining what the proposed project adds that is distinct, timely, and realistically achievable.

Another central theme is inclusion and protection for people who are most vulnerable or at risk. DRL states that it strives to ensure projects advance rights and uphold the dignity of these populations, which implies that applicants should think concretely about who is most affected by restrictions on expression, association, and assembly and how project activities will reduce risk and expand meaningful access to rights. Competitive proposals typically connect this principle to program design choices such as safer participation pathways, rights-based approaches, targeted legal or policy advocacy, and thoughtful safeguarding practices.

Partnership and local ownership are also explicit expectations. Applicants must clearly describe how they will engage Moroccan experts and institutional partners, and how the program will leverage existing civil society efforts rather than operating in isolation. The grant is framed to complement and strengthen work already happening in Morocco by connecting with local knowledge, networks, and institutions. Practically, this means the proposal should outline credible local partnerships, describe the roles of Moroccan stakeholders, and show how local actors will help shape, implement, and sustain the work. The notice directs applicants to follow DRL proposal submission instructions on DRL's website, indicating that formatting, required components, and compliance expectations are governed by DRL's standard submission guidance.

From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is a DRL grant (Funding Instrument Type: Grant) under CFDA 19.345, with an award ceiling of $500,000. The opportunity number is DRLA DRLAQM 17 022. Eligible applicants include U.S. and non-U.S. nonprofits (including those without 501(c)(3) status), public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher education, as well as other eligible entities as indicated in the listing. The original closing date listed for this specific notice is 2016-12-19, and the creation date is 2016-10-11, which is important for determining whether the competition is still active or being used here as a reference example.

• The Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Protecting Fundamental Freedoms in Morocco" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.345.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2016-10-11.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2016-12-19. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others.

Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 17 022

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