Embassy of the United States

Ambassador's Special Funds

Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF)

Dear Applicant:

Attached you will find a brief explanation of the Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF) and a sample proposal format.  Please read the information very carefully.  If you think that you have a project which may fulfill the requirements of the program, submit a proposal using the format attached to the United States Embassy (Democracy and Human Rights Fund, American Embassy, B.P. 817, Yaoundé) for consideration.  You should keep a copy for your records.

Please strictly follow the attached proposal format and respond to items 1 to 6 in sequence.  Be precise and specific about what you are requesting the U.S. Embassy to provide to the project and what your organization will be contributing.  Attach a detailed budget for your project and proforma invoices (three options) itemizing any materials you will need to purchase. 

NOTE: Do not submit any documents that have not been requested. Applications made in disrespect of these guidelines WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Due to the high number of applications we receive each year, we are unable to respond to each applicant.  If you have not heard from us one (1) year after your application was submitted, please consider that your project was not selected.

Selection process:

Deadline for application     November 1, 2008

Selection period                 December 2008 - June 2009
Grant award                      August 2009
Thank you for your interest in the Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF).  We look forward to hearing from you.

Coordinator:     Tasneem Nahar; nahartx@state.gov
Office Hours:    Monday through Thursday 7:30am - 5:00pm
                          Friday 7:30am-12:30pm
Telephone:        22-20-15-00 Extension 4491
Fax:                   22-20-15-03
 
“All DHRF Application Forms are FREE of charge and the Embassy DOES NOT request any payment to receive and evaluate a project.”

DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS FUND (DHRF)

The United States Embassy in Cameroon's Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF) provides assistance through grants to indigenous organizations that will implement small, short-term, highly targeted activities designed to show measurable results with an emphasis on change in support of human rights and democratic institutions.
 
PROGRAM GUIDELINES

Grantees are expected to:
1. Complete the Activity within twelve months of signing the Activity Agreement, 
2. Adhere to the terms and conditions of the Activity Agreement, 
3. Maintain basic financial records for the duration of the funded activity, and for a period of three years after submission of their final invoice, 
4. Submit receipts on a timely, preferably monthly, basis to the DHRF Office, 
5. Ensure that expenditures are supported by adequate documentation,
6. Ensure that funds are expended for their intended purposes, and
7. Close out the activity by submitting any previously unsubmitted receipts, returning any unexpended advance of funds, and reporting on the activity's results.
8. Not exceed $25,000.

Proposals must:

1. Be generated in the field within the country context and be based on specific requests from indigenous organizations (excluding the Executive Branch),
2. Clearly describe how the activities will be managed and the activities and expenditure timelines are internally consistent and reasonable,
3. Identify anticipated results,
4. Be completed within 12 months

Additional DHRF guidelines regarding the funding of activities:

1. Activities cannot be split into components and funded over a period of two years in order to finance large, on-going projects, and
2. Organizations without sufficient prior donor experience, or without audited financial statements, may not be considered for grants.

Restrictions on the use of DHRF funds include:

• Building construction,
• Vehicle purchase,
• Long-term (12 months or more), recurring administrative costs, such as building or equipment maintenance, rent, office supplies, or administrative salaries,
• Travel outside of the immediate region,
• Conferences or workshops that lack a specific and clearly articulated goal,
• Research projects without a results-oriented component,
• Humanitarian assistance or support for refugees (unless human rights related),
• Any activities that do not directly encourage or promote increased adherence to civil and human rights in general,
• Purchase of pharmaceuticals, and
• Purchase of pesticides or fertilizers.

Additional activities not qualifying for this fund include the use of funds to influence the outcome of elections; training or advice, or support for police, prisons or other law enforcement forces, military or any program of internal intelligence or surveillance.

Qualifying activities:

Human Rights: Advance protection of international human rights by supporting governmental and nongovernmental organizations created to protect, promote, and enforce human rights. Applicable elements could include: Human Rights Advocacy; Human Rights Systems and Policies; and Human Rights Education and Training.

Civic Participation: Strengthen the legal, regulatory, institutional, and information environment which protects and enables the growth in associational life and the development of independent and sustainable civil society organizations.  Build the capacity of civil society organizations to act as agents for reform and support their participation in democratic decision-making through engaging in service delivery, and advocating for issues which become part of the public agenda and are reflected in public policies.  Encourage the strengthening of a civic culture which supports democratic institutions and processes, active participation in political and civic life, and the civic virtues of tolerance, pluralism, compromise, trust, and respect for individual rights, including gender equality.  Applicable elements could include: Civil Society Legal and Regulatory Frameworks; Civil Society Capacity for Democratic Processes; Citizen Participation and Oversight; Civic Education and Democratic Culture.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The U.S. Embassy DHRF committee will base their decision on the potential impact, feasibility and financial soundness of the proposed activity.  The committee will consider the track record of the organization proposing the activity and their ability to contribute to the project.

HOW TO APPLY
 
Please send a proposal addressing items 1 through 6 of the attached proposal format.  All proposals must have pro forma invoices to justify line item budget.  Incomplete proposals will not be considered for funding.  You should keep a copy of your application for your records. Also include a correct and current mailing address; telephone number; and e-mail address if these are available.

“All DHRF Application Forms are FREE of charge and the Embassy DOES NOT request any payment to receive and evaluate a project.”