Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0005628
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) offered this discretionary grant opportunity (SFOP0005628) to support projects in Lebanon that strengthen the rule of law, improve government accountability and responsiveness, and reduce violence against women. The announcement is structured as two separate but related open competitions, and applicants can propose work aligned with either track depending on their expertise and program focus. Overall, the opportunity is rooted in democratic governance and human rights priorities, with an emphasis on practical interventions that respond to Lebanon's context and build on existing citizen-led advocacy and reform momentum.
Funding Opportunity I focuses on supporting the rule of law and government responsiveness. The goal is to promote stronger rule of law and greater government accountability in Lebanon, and the objective is specifically tied to reinforcing the legal and institutional framework following the repeal of Article 522 and related penal code provisions. Article 522 had been a well-known loophole in Lebanon's penal code because it allowed a perpetrator accused or convicted of rape, kidnapping, or statutory rape to halt prosecution or suspend conviction by marrying the victim. DRL's intent in this competition is to help consolidate reforms and prevent backsliding by strengthening the surrounding legal framework and accountability mechanisms connected to that repeal. In practice, this kind of project could include efforts such as legal analysis and reform support, policy advocacy, public legal awareness initiatives, monitoring implementation, and work that encourages government institutions to respond to citizen demands for justice and protection.
Funding Opportunity II concentrates on engaging men and boys in strategies to reduce violence against women, while also framing this as part of promoting rule of law. The goal is to reduce violence against women in Lebanon and reinforce legal and social norms that protect women and girls. The objective is to increase the meaningful participation of men and boys in prevention programming, recognizing that long-term reductions in gender-based violence often depend on shifting attitudes, behaviors, and community norms among those most likely to perpetrate or enable violence. DRL indicates that competitive proposals should be grounded in Lebanon's specific social and cultural context and should use proven, best-practice technical interventions for violence prevention. That typically implies approaches that go beyond awareness campaigns alone and instead use evidence-informed behavior change models, community engagement, peer networks, school or youth programming, work with influential community leaders, and strategies that address underlying drivers of violence.
The opportunity was offered as a grant with an award ceiling of $750,000, and the agency expected to make about two awards in total across the competition(s), with language also indicating 1 to 2 awards expected under each funding opportunity area. Eligible applicants were limited to nonprofit organizations with U.S. 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education). The funding is associated with CFDA number 19.345 and was posted March 5, 2019, with an original application deadline of May 2, 2019.Apply for SFOP0005628
- The Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "DRL Supporting the Rule of Law and or Engaging Men and Boys in Reducing Violence Against Women in Lebanon" 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 Mar 05, 2019.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 02, 2019. (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 $750,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having 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 this grant opportunity?
This is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), identified as SFOP0005628. It supports projects in Lebanon that strengthen the rule of law, improve government accountability and responsiveness, and reduce violence against women.
Where will funded projects take place?
Projects are intended to take place in Lebanon and address Lebanon-specific governance, legal, and social challenges described in the opportunity.
What are the main focus areas of the opportunity?
The announcement is organized as two separate but related open competitions (two tracks). Applicants can propose work aligned with either track depending on their expertise and program focus.
What are the two funding opportunity tracks?
The opportunity includes:
- Funding Opportunity I: Rule of law and government responsiveness (strengthening accountability and the legal/institutional framework linked to the repeal of Article 522 and related provisions).
- Funding Opportunity II: Engaging men and boys to reduce violence against women, framed as part of promoting rule of law, using proven/best-practice prevention interventions.
Can an applicant choose which track to apply under?
Yes. Applicants can propose work aligned with either Funding Opportunity I or Funding Opportunity II, based on the applicant's expertise and program focus.
What is Funding Opportunity I trying to achieve?
Funding Opportunity I aims to promote stronger rule of law and greater government accountability in Lebanon. Its specific objective is tied to reinforcing the legal and institutional framework following the repeal of Article 522 and related penal code provisions, helping consolidate reforms and prevent backsliding.
What was Article 522, and why is it mentioned?
Article 522 was a loophole in Lebanon's penal code that allowed a perpetrator accused or convicted of rape, kidnapping, or statutory rape to halt prosecution or suspend conviction by marrying the victim. The opportunity references it because projects under Funding Opportunity I are specifically linked to strengthening the surrounding legal framework and accountability mechanisms after its repeal.
What types of activities could fit under Funding Opportunity I?
Examples described include legal analysis and reform support, policy advocacy, public legal awareness initiatives, monitoring implementation, and efforts that encourage government institutions to respond to citizen demands for justice and protection.
What is Funding Opportunity II trying to achieve?
Funding Opportunity II aims to reduce violence against women in Lebanon and reinforce legal and social norms that protect women and girls, with a specific objective to increase the meaningful participation of men and boys in prevention programming.
Why does Funding Opportunity II emphasize men and boys?
The opportunity notes that long-term reductions in gender-based violence often depend on shifting attitudes, behaviors, and community norms among those most likely to perpetrate or enable violence. For that reason, competitive proposals should meaningfully engage men and boys in prevention strategies.
What kinds of approaches are expected under Funding Opportunity II?
Proposals are expected to be grounded in Lebanon's social and cultural context and to use proven, best-practice technical interventions for violence prevention. The description suggests approaches beyond awareness campaigns alone, such as evidence-informed behavior change models, community engagement, peer networks, school or youth programming, work with influential community leaders, and strategies addressing underlying drivers of violence.
How much funding is available per award?
The award ceiling is $750,000.
How many awards did the agency expect to make?
The agency expected to make about two awards in total across the competition(s). The announcement language also indicates that 1 to 2 awards were expected under each funding opportunity area.
What type of funding instrument is this?
The opportunity was offered as a grant.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants were limited to nonprofit organizations with U.S. 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education.
Are universities eligible to apply?
No. Institutions of higher education are excluded under the eligibility statement provided.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The funding is associated with CFDA number 19.345.
When was the opportunity posted?
It was posted on March 5, 2019.
What was the application deadline?
The original application deadline was May 2, 2019.
What is the overall theme or rationale of the announcement?
The opportunity is rooted in democratic governance and human rights priorities, with an emphasis on practical interventions that respond to Lebanon's context and build on existing citizen-led advocacy and reform momentum.
Do proposals need to connect to rule of law and accountability?
Yes. Funding Opportunity I directly focuses on rule of law and government responsiveness, and Funding Opportunity II frames engaging men and boys to reduce violence against women as part of promoting rule of law and reinforcing protective legal and social norms.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: United States Army Garrison (USAG) Hawaii Army Compatible Use Buffer Program (ACUB)
Previous opportunity: Strengthening Rule of Law through Capacity Building for the Defense Bar
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 SFOP0005628
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SFOP0005628) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| DRL FY18 Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) in Sub-Saharan Africa Apply for SFOP0005594 Funding Number: SFOP0005594 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,100,000 |
| DRL FY18 Strengthening and Supporting Civil Society in Vietnam Apply for SFOP0005600 Funding Number: SFOP0005600 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| 2019 Egypt Apply for SFOP0005640 Funding Number: SFOP0005640 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| DRL FY18 Promoting Religious and Ethnic Tolerance in Ethiopia Apply for SFOP0005617 Funding Number: SFOP0005617 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| United States Army Garrison (USAG) Hawaii Army Compatible Use Buffer Program (ACUB) Apply for MICC FSH 19 0003 Funding Number: MICC FSH 19 0003 Agency: Department of Defense, Mission and Install. Cmd. JBSA Ft. Sam Houston Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000,000 |
| DRL Promoting Internet Freedom in Ukraine Apply for SFOP0005589 Funding Number: SFOP0005589 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,180,500 |
| Karachi – Science, Technology, Environment, Mathematics (STEM) Programming Apply for SCAISB 19 009 03082019 Funding Number: SCAISB 19 009 03082019 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $95,000 |
| Plant Genetics for North Park Bugseed, Rocky Mountain Monkey Flower and Weber's draba Apply for F19AS00128 Funding Number: F19AS00128 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Centre for Excellence in Journalism – Workshops, Scholarships, and U.S. Internships Apply for SCAISB 19 010 03092019 Funding Number: SCAISB 19 010 03092019 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $370,000 |
| NATO’s 70th Anniversary: New challenges and changing landscapes Apply for DOS USNATO PAA 2019 001 Funding Number: DOS USNATO PAA 2019 001 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to NATO Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Annual Program Statement for Cultural Affairs Apply for DOS KAZ AST PAS 19 003 Funding Number: DOS KAZ AST PAS 19 003 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| U.S. Embassy South Africa Public Affairs Section Annual Program Statement Apply for DOS PTA 201905 Funding Number: DOS PTA 201905 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to South Africa Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $24,000 |
| 2019 Media Professionalization Assistance Program Apply for 006 FY2018SUPP PG Funding Number: 006 FY2018SUPP PG Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Montenegro Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| WRRI 104b Annual Grant Program Apply for G19AS00039 Funding Number: G19AS00039 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $277,005 |
| Water Resources Research National Competitive Grants Program Apply for G19AS00040 Funding Number: G19AS00040 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| 20 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP: NORTH CAROLINA - REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA. PRODUCTION OF 10- EPISODE TELEVISION SERIES Apply for PAS CHISINAU FY19 14 ISPACE Funding Number: PAS CHISINAU FY19 14 ISPACE Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Moldova Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Deepening Linkages in Civic Participation Activity Apply for 72011519RFA00004 Funding Number: 72011519RFA00004 Agency: Agency for International Development, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $14,000,000 |
| Academy for Women Entrepreneurs - South Africa Apply for DOS PTA 201908 Funding Number: DOS PTA 201908 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to South Africa Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| SAHEL COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION (SCC) ACTIVITY Apply for 72068519RFA00005 Funding Number: 72068519RFA00005 Agency: Agency for International Development, Senegal USAID-Dakar Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $16,000,000 |
| Improving Public Access to Government Information Apply for SCAKAB 19 GR 002 SCA 03142019 Funding Number: SCAKAB 19 GR 002 SCA 03142019 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $400,000 |
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 "SFOP0005628", 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.