# DRL Support for Freedom of Association in Kazakhstan

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/sfop0007857-drl-support-for-freedom-of-association-in-kazakhstan/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/332417

> Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor offered grants of up to $750,000 (at least $750,000) to the applicants described in the notice. It expected to make one award. Applications closed on May 28, 2021.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | SFOP0007857 |
| Agency | Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | May 28, 2021 |
| Award ceiling | $750,000 |
| Award floor | $750,000 |
| Expected awards | 1 |
| Total funding | not stated |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 19.345 |

## Who can apply

- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO) and public international organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses. DRL's preference is to work with non-profit entities; however, there may be some occasions when a for-profit entity is best suited.

## What the grant funds

In his first State of the Nation address on September 2, 2019, President Tokayev introduced his goal to create a “listening state” more responsive to its citizens. Since that speech, the government of Kazakhstan has taken steps to allow greater opportunities for Kazakhstan’s civil society to engage the government and society. According to Freedom House’s 2020 ‘Nations in Transit’ report, Kazakhstan’s democracy score improved to 5.36 percent vis-à-vis the previous year (4.76 percent), particularly in the category of ‘Civil Society.’ Given these reform steps laid out by President Tokayev, DRL solicits proposals for projects to strengthen advocacy and networking capacity for civil society organizations advocating specifically on fundamental freedoms. DRL’s goal is to promote respect for, and strengthen the protection of, freedom of association in Kazakhstan and to ensure Kazakhstani citizens’ role in Tokayev’s “listening state” is well-represented by a strong, diverse, and sustainable coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) that are able to advocate effectively on their behalf to Kazakhstani government officials and to the wider society. DRL seeks to support efforts that (1) strengthen the ability of Kazakhstani civil society to advocate to the Government of Kazakhstan for increased protections of fundamental freedoms, and to explain to the wider society the importance of these freedoms, including the freedom of association; and (2) align the networks, connections, and talents of established and registered organizations with the interests, practices, and skills of nascent organizations share best practices on advocating for freedom of association to the government and wider population. DRL’s objective is to provide organizations with the knowledge, tools, and networks necessary to advocate effectively for citizens’ right to freely associate.

## Questions people ask

### Is SFOP0007857 still open?

No. It closed on May 28, 2021. A newer notice is open: DFOP0019929, closes December 7, 2026 (30 days left).

### Who can apply for DRL Support for Freedom of Association in Kazakhstan?

Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor accepted applications from the applicants described in the notice. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for DRL Support for Freedom of Association in Kazakhstan?

Closed May 28, 2021. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $750,000 each.

### Who has won International Programs to Support Democracy, Human Rights and Labor grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were National Endowment for Democracy, Vital Voices Global Partnership Inc, International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. The program made 53 awards worth $1.7 billion in that time.