Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0009493
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) is offering a discretionary funding opportunity titled "DRL Supporting Free and Independent Media Globally" (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0009493). The program is designed to back projects that strengthen civil society and independent media so they can more effectively advocate for the public interest and hold governments accountable. At its core, the opportunity focuses on protecting and expanding fundamental freedoms, specifically freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to peaceful assembly, with an emphasis on ensuring people can exercise these rights without harassment, intimidation, or physical harm.
This opportunity will be funded through a cooperative agreement, which typically means the government expects to have substantial involvement during implementation compared with a standard grant. The funding instrument choice suggests DRL may coordinate closely with the award recipient on program direction, monitoring, and key deliverables, especially given the sensitive nature of media freedom and civic space work in many environments.
The total possible funding for the single anticipated award is up to $1,000,000, and DRL expects to make one award under this competition. The CFDA (assistance listing) number tied to the opportunity is 19.345. While the listing in the source data indicates "Eligible Applicants: Others," it also notes that eligibility details are clarified in an additional information field not included in the excerpt. In practice, DRL opportunities of this type often attract applications from a range of entities such as nonprofit organizations, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and similar implementers with demonstrated experience in democracy, rights, governance, journalist safety, and civic space programming, but applicants would need to confirm eligibility requirements in the full notice.
Key dates included in the posting show it was created on March 8, 2023, with an original application closing date of May 10, 2023. The agency administering the competition is the U.S. Department of State, specifically DRL, which regularly funds international programs that support human rights defenders, independent journalism, democratic governance, and protections for fundamental freedoms.
Overall, the opportunity is geared toward practical, on-the-ground support that helps independent media and civil society operate more safely and effectively, push back against repression, and enable individuals and organizations to participate in public life. The emphasis on operating free from harassment and violence signals an interest not only in capacity-building and advocacy, but also in risk mitigation and protective measures for journalists, activists, and civic actors working in challenging or restrictive environments.Apply for SFOP0009493
- 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 Free and Independent Media Globally" 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 08, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 10, 2023. (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 $1,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of this funding opportunity?
The funding opportunity is titled "DRL Supporting Free and Independent Media Globally."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is SFOP0009493.
Which U.S. government office is offering this opportunity?
This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL).
What is the main purpose of the program?
The program is designed to support projects that strengthen civil society and independent media so they can better advocate for the public interest and hold governments accountable.
What core freedoms does this opportunity emphasize?
The opportunity centers on protecting and expanding fundamental freedoms, specifically freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to peaceful assembly.
What kind of outcomes is DRL looking for related to safety and intimidation?
The opportunity emphasizes ensuring people can exercise fundamental freedoms without harassment, intimidation, or physical harm, signaling interest in approaches that help reduce risk in challenging environments.
Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement?
This opportunity will be funded through a cooperative agreement.
What does it mean that the award is a cooperative agreement?
A cooperative agreement typically indicates the U.S. government expects substantial involvement during implementation compared with a standard grant. Based on the posting, DRL may coordinate closely with the selected recipient on program direction, monitoring, and key deliverables, particularly given the sensitive nature of media freedom and civic space work.
How much funding is available?
The total possible funding for the single anticipated award is up to $1,000,000.
How many awards does DRL expect to make?
DRL expects to make one award under this competition.
What is the CFDA (Assistance Listing) number for this opportunity?
The CFDA (Assistance Listing) number is 19.345.
Who is eligible to apply?
The excerpt lists "Eligible Applicants: Others," and notes that additional eligibility details exist in a separate information field that is not included here. Applicants would need to confirm the official eligibility requirements in the full notice.
What types of organizations commonly apply to DRL opportunities like this?
While eligibility must be confirmed in the full notice, opportunities of this type often attract applications from implementers such as nonprofit organizations, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups with experience in democracy, rights, governance, journalist safety, and civic space programming.
Is this opportunity focused on domestic or international work?
The title indicates a global focus ("Globally"), and DRL is described as regularly funding international programs supporting human rights defenders, independent journalism, democratic governance, and protections for fundamental freedoms.
What kinds of projects fit the intent of this opportunity?
Based on the description provided, the opportunity is geared toward practical, on-the-ground support that helps independent media and civil society operate more safely and effectively, push back against repression, and enable participation in public life.
Does the opportunity focus only on advocacy and capacity-building?
No. The description signals interest not only in capacity-building and advocacy, but also in risk mitigation and protective measures for journalists, activists, and other civic actors working in restrictive or high-risk environments.
When was the opportunity posted?
The posting indicates it was created on March 8, 2023.
What was the application closing date listed in the posting?
The original application closing date listed is May 10, 2023.
What is meant by "holding governments accountable" in the context of this opportunity?
In this context, the opportunity aims to strengthen independent media and civil society so they can more effectively advocate for the public interest and help ensure public institutions are answerable for their actions.
Why does the opportunity mention freedom of association and peaceful assembly along with media freedom?
The program description frames independent media support as part of a broader effort to protect civic space and fundamental freedoms, including the ability of individuals and groups to organize and participate in public life without intimidation or violence.
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