Call for Proposals: Building Capacity of Civil Society Watchdogs (Ukraine)
About
The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to carry out a program to build the capacity of Ukrainian civil society organizations to engage in anti-corruption reforms and accountability efforts.
The Bureau’s priority programs support three inter-related objectives:
Building Criminal Justice Systems: Institutionalize rule of law by developing and expanding criminal justice systems to strengthen partner country law enforcement and judicial effectiveness, foster cooperation in legal affairs, and advance respect for human rights;
Counter-Narcotics: Disrupt the overseas production and trafficking of illicit drugs through targeted counter-narcotics and institution-building assistance and coordination with foreign nations and international organizations, and;
Transnational Crime: Minimize the impact of transnational crime and criminal networks on the United States and its allies through enhanced international cooperation and foreign assistance.
Program Objectives
They are seeking statements of interest for a program aimed at empowering a resilient civil society in Ukraine, capable of bolstering transparency and accountability within the government by enhancing its oversight mechanisms. The chosen organization will collaborate closely with local NGOs, associations, and investigative journalists. It will provide comprehensive training, advanced software tools, and expert mentorship to equip them with the skills to proficiently analyze publicly available data from open sources and the public domain.
The goal will be to enable partners to identify emerging corruption patterns, methodically expose corruption schemes, and structure analysis effectively. This structured data will aid in uncovering intricate corruption schemes. Findings may be channeled to Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions to assist with investigations into high level corruption. This collaboration between civil society and Ukrainian institutions has taken on added significance as Ukraine navigates critical anti-corruption reforms crucial for its aspirations of European Union accession and a potential influx of resources for reconstruction and recovery.
The selected organization will play a pivotal role in fostering a network of skilled anti-corruption experts, ensuring that they are strategically positioned to support Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions and actively contribute to a more transparent and accountable government.
Funding Information
Approximate Award Amount(s): awards may range from a minimum of ($1,00,000) to a maximum of ($5,000,000)
Approximate Length of Project: (12 to 24 months)
Anticipated Number of Awards: (1-2) awards (dependent on amounts/duration)
Anticipated Project Start: March 2024
Activities
Additional activities may include:
Capacity Building Workshops: The organization may organize capacity building workshops aimed at enhancing the analytical skills of participants. These workshops may delve deeper into data interpretation, identification of corruption indicators, and the utilization of specialized software tools.
Collaborative Networking Events: These gatherings may provide a platform for anti-corruption advocates, NGOs, legal experts, and journalists to share experiences, insights, and best practices in their collective efforts of exposing and analyzing corruption schemes.
Resource Sharing and Documentation: The organization may develop a comprehensive repository of resources, including training materials, software guides, and case studies. This repository will serve as a valuable reference for its counterparts and for Ukrainian anti-corruption bodies.
Mentorship Programs: The organization may establish an ongoing mentorship program, connecting seasoned anti-corruption specialists with emerging talent. This personalized guidance will further enhance participants' abilities to uncover corruption schemes effectively.
Expert Forums and Webinars: Regular expert forums and webinars may provide a platform for thought leaders and practitioners to discuss emerging trends, share innovative methodologies, and debate strategies for exposing and combating corruption.
Data Visualization and Reporting Tools: The organization may provide training on data visualization techniques, enabling participants to present their findings more effectively. Additionally, they will assist in the creation of comprehensive reports that succinctly communicate corruption trends to the relevant stakeholders.
Priority Region: Ukraine
Eligibility
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
U.S.-based educational institutions having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS
Overseas-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Overseas-based private/state educational institutions
Public International Organizations (PIOs) and For-Profit Organizations are excluded from applying to this grant announcement.
Post Date: December 15, 2023
