Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0014022
The Strengthening Civil Society and Governance in South Asia Fund is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity seeking a single organization to serve as the Fund Manager for a regional program that supports civil society efforts to improve governance, transparency, and accountability across South Asia. The Fund was established in 2019 and has already supported a large cohort of local organizations by providing sub-grants and hands-on capacity-building. The next award continues that model by selecting one managing organization to oversee how funds are distributed and how participating civil society groups are strengthened to deliver results.
The program is focused on five South Asian countries where prior support has been concentrated: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The intent is to help civil society organizations play a more effective role in governance-related work, including monitoring government performance and advocating for reforms that increase openness and reduce opportunities for corruption or misuse of public resources. In practice, this means the Fund Manager would be responsible for running a structured sub-grant program and providing technical assistance so local partners can execute stronger projects, improve compliance and financial management, and demonstrate measurable impact.
The Fund prioritizes four broad thematic areas. First, it emphasizes increasing public sector accountability and transparency, with particular attention to infrastructure procurement and public spending. This can include monitoring procurement processes, tracking public expenditures, and supporting watchdog or oversight activities that help citizens understand how public money is allocated and used. Second, it supports strengthening democratic institutions and practices, including work that counters disinformation. That can involve efforts to strengthen civic information ecosystems, promote election integrity or institutional checks and balances, and build resilience against coordinated misinformation campaigns. Third, it recognizes emerging concerns such as environmental governance, reflecting growing demand for civil society engagement on climate, natural resource management, pollution, and the integrity of environmental decision-making. Fourth, it aims to promote civic participation in all these areas, reinforcing the idea that improvements in governance are more durable when citizens and communities have the tools and opportunities to participate in public decision-making.
From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary funding opportunity issued under a cooperative agreement, which typically implies a more collaborative relationship with the U.S. government during implementation than a standard grant. The opportunity lists an award ceiling of $2,595,000 and anticipates making one award, meaning the selected organization would manage the full program budget and act as the central hub coordinating sub-awards, partner support, and reporting. The opportunity number is DFOP0014022, the assistance listing is tied to CFDA 19.108, and the original application closing date was July 1, 2024, with a posting/creation date of May 3, 2024.
Eligibility, as provided in the source data, is limited to nonprofits that do not have 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education). In effect, the Department is looking for an organization capable of operating as a regional fund manager: designing and running sub-grant competitions, conducting due diligence, overseeing compliance and monitoring, providing capacity-building, and ensuring that supported civil society organizations can carry out effective governance and accountability initiatives across the target countries.Apply for DFOP0014022
- The Bureau of Counterterrorism in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Strengthening Civil Society and Governance in South Asia Fund" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.108.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2024-05-03.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-01. (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 $2,595,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Strengthening Civil Society and Governance in South Asia Fund?
The Strengthening Civil Society and Governance in South Asia Fund is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity to run a regional program that supports civil society efforts to improve governance, transparency, and accountability across South Asia. The Fund was established in 2019 and has previously supported local organizations through sub-grants and hands-on capacity-building.
What is being funded under this opportunity?
This opportunity funds a single organization to serve as the Fund Manager. The Fund Manager is expected to operate a structured sub-grant program and provide technical assistance so participating civil society organizations can execute stronger projects, improve compliance and financial management, and demonstrate measurable impact.
Who is the funder for this opportunity?
The funder is the U.S. Department of State.
How many awards will be made?
The opportunity anticipates making one award. The selected organization would manage the full program budget and act as the central hub coordinating sub-awards, partner support, and reporting.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The listed award ceiling is $2,595,000.
What type of funding instrument is this?
This is a discretionary funding opportunity issued under a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement typically implies a more collaborative relationship with the U.S. government during implementation than a standard grant.
Which countries are included in the program focus?
The program focuses on five South Asian countries where prior support has been concentrated: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
What is the overall goal of the program?
The goal is to help civil society organizations play a more effective role in governance-related work, including monitoring government performance and advocating for reforms that increase openness and reduce opportunities for corruption or misuse of public resources.
What are the main responsibilities of the Fund Manager?
Based on the opportunity description, the Fund Manager would be responsible for designing and running sub-grant competitions, conducting due diligence, overseeing compliance and monitoring, providing capacity-building and technical assistance, coordinating partner support, and ensuring reporting across the regional portfolio.
Will the Fund Manager provide sub-grants to local organizations?
Yes. The model described is a structured sub-grant program in which the Fund Manager distributes funds to local civil society organizations and supports them with hands-on capacity-building.
What kinds of capacity-building are expected for local partners?
The opportunity highlights hands-on capacity-building and technical assistance aimed at helping local partners execute stronger projects, improve compliance and financial management, and demonstrate measurable impact.
What are the priority thematic areas supported by the Fund?
The Fund prioritizes four broad thematic areas: (1) increasing public sector accountability and transparency, particularly around infrastructure procurement and public spending; (2) strengthening democratic institutions and practices, including countering disinformation; (3) environmental governance (such as climate, natural resource management, pollution, and integrity of environmental decision-making); and (4) promoting civic participation across these areas.
What does the Fund mean by public sector accountability and transparency?
The description emphasizes accountability and transparency with particular attention to infrastructure procurement and public spending. Examples include monitoring procurement processes, tracking public expenditures, and supporting watchdog or oversight activities that help citizens understand how public money is allocated and used.
What does the Fund mean by strengthening democratic institutions and practices?
The opportunity includes strengthening democratic institutions and practices and explicitly mentions countering disinformation. This can include strengthening civic information ecosystems, promoting election integrity or institutional checks and balances, and building resilience against coordinated misinformation campaigns.
How is environmental governance reflected in the Fund priorities?
Environmental governance is highlighted as an emerging concern and includes civil society engagement on climate, natural resource management, pollution, and the integrity of environmental decision-making.
Why is civic participation included as a priority area?
The Fund aims to promote civic participation because improvements in governance are described as more durable when citizens and communities have the tools and opportunities to participate in public decision-making.
What is the opportunity number for this grant?
The opportunity number is DFOP0014022.
What assistance listing (CFDA) is associated with this opportunity?
The assistance listing is tied to CFDA 19.108.
What were the posting and application closing dates listed?
The posting/creation date was May 3, 2024. The original application closing date was July 1, 2024.
Who is eligible to apply, according to the provided source data?
Eligibility is limited to nonprofits that do not have 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education).
Is this opportunity intended to select multiple regional implementers?
No. The opportunity anticipates one award to a single organization that will serve as the Fund Manager for the regional program.
Is the selected organization expected to operate regionally?
Yes. The description indicates the Department is looking for an organization capable of operating as a regional fund manager across Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
What does it mean that the Fund was established in 2019?
It indicates the program has been operating since 2019 and has already supported a large cohort of local organizations through sub-grants and capacity-building. The next award continues that model.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other
Next opportunity: OVC FY24 Trauma Recovery Center Demonstration Project
Previous opportunity: Strengthening the Human Resource Capacity to Provide Quality Care for HIV/AIDS through the Development of Cadre of Local HIV/AIDS Experts and HIV/AIDS Strategic Information systems in the Republic of Zambia under PEPFAR
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DFOP0014022
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DFOP0014022) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| 2024 American Spaces Philippines Conference Apply for 24 PHL ACC Funding Number: 24 PHL ACC Agency: U.S. Mission to the Philippines Category: Other Funding Amount: $40,000 |
| Civil-Military Collaboration in Diffa Region Apply for NIGER STATE WPS 2024 001 Funding Number: NIGER STATE WPS 2024 001 Agency: U.S. Mission to Niger Category: Other Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Strengthening Women-Mediated Peace Processes in Tillaberi Region Apply for NIGER STATE WPS 2024 002 Funding Number: NIGER STATE WPS 2024 002 Agency: U.S. Mission to Niger Category: Other Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Strengthening Women-Led Community Policing in Maradi Region Apply for NIGER STATE WPS 2024 003 Funding Number: NIGER STATE WPS 2024 003 Agency: U.S. Mission to Niger Category: Other Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| 24.PMWRA.SouthernIraqHMA.NOFO Apply for DFOP0014380 Funding Number: DFOP0014380 Agency: Bureau of Political-Military Affairs - WRA Category: Other Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| Bolstering anti-money laundering prevention and private sector compliance programs in El Salvador Apply for OFOP0001354 Funding Number: OFOP0001354 Agency: Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Pilot Fellowship Program Apply for ITA GMX GTM 2024 00001 Funding Number: ITA GMX GTM 2024 00001 Agency: DOC NOAA - ERA Production Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Zagreb - Annual Program Statement Apply for HRV2024 APS001 Funding Number: HRV2024 APS001 Agency: U.S. Mission to Croatia Category: Other Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| English Language for Specific Purposes in Uzbekistan Apply for TASHKENT PDS FY24 010 Funding Number: TASHKENT PDS FY24 010 Agency: U.S. Mission to Uzbekistan Category: Other Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| American Spaces Notice of Funding Opportunity Apply for SVM300 24 PAS AS Funding Number: SVM300 24 PAS AS Agency: U.S. Mission to Vietnam Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Educational Advising: Supporting Access to Higher Education for Afghans Apply for SCAKAB 24 CA 001 SCA 05092024 Funding Number: SCAKAB 24 CA 001 SCA 05092024 Agency: U.S. Mission to Afghanistan Category: Other Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| DRL Empowering Independent Media to Combat Hate Speech and Disinformation Apply for DFOP0014394 Funding Number: DFOP0014394 Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,150,000 |
| FY 2025 Fulbright Student Program Apply for SFOP0010354 Funding Number: SFOP0010354 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| 24.PMWRA.JordanPSSM.NOFO Apply for DFOP0014399 Funding Number: DFOP0014399 Agency: Bureau of Political-Military Affairs - WRA Category: Other Funding Amount: $2,400,000 |
| Understanding and Countering Disinformation for African Journalists Apply for DOS AF PDPA FY24 02 Funding Number: DOS AF PDPA FY24 02 Agency: Africa Regional Services Category: Other Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Building a Network of Holocaust Educators in Poland Apply for WAW NOFO FY24 05 Funding Number: WAW NOFO FY24 05 Agency: U.S. Mission to Poland Category: Other Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| SYLEP 2.0” Open Cooperative Agreement 2025 Apply for DOS SAU 2403 PD Funding Number: DOS SAU 2403 PD Agency: U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia Category: Other Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Empowering Female Community Leaders in Countering Violent Extremism in Upper West Region Apply for DOS ACC NOFO 2024 02 Funding Number: DOS ACC NOFO 2024 02 Agency: U.S. Mission to Ghana Category: Other Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Implementation and logistics support of a Police Athletic League in Honduras Apply for OFOP0001393 Funding Number: OFOP0001393 Agency: Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Other Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Fostering Civic Engagement, Democratic Participation, and Youth Leadership Apply for WAW NOFO FY24 06 Funding Number: WAW NOFO FY24 06 Agency: U.S. Mission to Poland Category: Other Funding Amount: $150,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DFOP0014022", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.