Funding Opportunities for Supporting Workers’ Rights in Clean Energy Transition and Sustainable Production
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) has announced two funding opportunities aimed at supporting workers’ rights during the transition to clean energy and sustainable production. The funding is divided into two programs: one for Southeast Asia and one for South Asia. These projects seek to address the challenges faced by workers, particularly vulnerable groups such as migrant workers, agricultural workers, ethnic minorities, and women workers, who often do not benefit from new technologies and suffer from the effects of climate change.
The Southeast Asia program focuses on promoting freedom of expression and association for vulnerable workers affected by climate change. Its objectives include creating networks of workers and climate advocates to advocate for workers’ rights and developing strategies for a just transition to sustainable economies. On the other hand, the South Asia program aims to ensure a just transition for workers in the face of climate change and natural disasters. It intends to train workers in acquiring new skills for green and climate-friendly jobs, with a particular focus on sectors such as garment, agriculture, hydropower, and solar energy. The program also seeks to empower workers, especially women, migrant workers, and those in the informal sector, to organize and advocate for their rights in new green tech and climate sustainable jobs.
Both programs emphasize the inclusion of local civil society organizations, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of underserved and underrepresented communities. The projects should prioritize high-priority sectors and demonstrate potential for sustainability and long-term impact beyond the funding provided by DRL. The deadline for applications is June 22, 2023, and the anticipated award period is 18-36 months.
Applicants for the federal award should take note of several key points. Primary organizations are allowed to submit two applications, but each application must demonstrate competitiveness and uniqueness. The U.S. government reserves the right to reject or accept applications, even if they are not the lowest cost, and to waive irregularities in received applications. Awards may be made based on initial applications, but discussions or negotiations may be initiated to seek clarifications or improvements. The final determination of the award mechanism as a grant or cooperative agreement rests with the Grants Officer.
The funding opportunity is authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and cost sharing or matching is not required for this opportunity. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations, NGOs, public international organizations, private or public institutions of higher education, and for-profit organizations. However, for-profit applications may undergo additional review, and profit is not allowed under assistance awards.
Applicants are encouraged to have existing partnerships or the capacity to develop partnerships with relevant stakeholders and demonstrate experience in administering successful projects. Foreign-based NGOs in the relevant regions are particularly encouraged to apply, and consortia of organizations with varied expertise can form to propose comprehensive programs, with one organization designated as the lead applicant. DRL promotes an anti-discrimination policy and welcomes applications regardless of factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, disability, or other status.
Applicants should review the proposal submission instructions and relevant regulations for detailed requirements. The application package can be requested from grants.gov and SAMS Domestic using the funding opportunity number “SFOP0009691.” Specific documents, such as Individual Letters of Support and/or Memorandum of Understanding, may need to be included to strengthen applications. Successful applicants will receive separate notifications, and compliance with administrative, national policy, and legal requirements is mandatory. Recipients must adhere to post-award reporting requirements, including financial and progress reports.
Technical submission questions can be directed to DRLLaborGrants@state.gov, and support for SAMS Domestic, ILMS, and Grants.gov can be obtained through the respective help desks. The document provides background information on DRL’s mission and its focus on promoting democracy, protecting human rights,
News Source : United States Department of State
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL)