About

The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Banjul has announced an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support capacity activities for local civil society organizations (CSOs).

Grant will be awarded for work that will build the capacity of CSOs which will enable them to effectively engage the government and hold them accountable, help fight corruption and educate the public on key social and human rights issues. 

The project will be two-fold: support the burgeoning networks of civil society organizations in building capacity in communications, financial management, proposal writing, human resources, and resiliency and to raise awareness on corruption, recently passed anti-corruption legislation and advocate for government transparency. 

Goal

• Projects should build the capacity of local CSOs to provide oversight and/or conduct human rights workshops, promote transparent and accountable governance, and increase public education on corruption, including the anti-corruption law. 

Objectives

• Projects should be designed to achieve the following: 

  • Build capacity of CSOs so they are more effective in communications, grant proposal writing and financial management.

  • Enhance public awareness of the new anti-corruption law. 

  • Increase the capacity of CSOs and the general public to advocate for government transparency and accountability and/or human rights for civil society. 

Funding Information

• Grant amount: $500,000.00

• Duration: 12 – 18 months

Expected Outcomes

• Specific results could include the following:

  • CSOs are able to communicate with the public more effectively on social issues. 

  • CSOs able to effectively engage with government on issues. 

  • CSOs have the capacity to apply for grant proposals. 

  • Public is more informed about the Anti-Corruption Law.

  • CSOs and the public are more aware of human rights and able to identify violations. 

Eligible Activities

• To achieve the goals and expected results, the program should include the following: Build the expertise of CSOs on sustained monitoring of government policy and activities:

  • Train CSOs on grant proposal writing and effective management of project grants. 

  • CSOs keep the public informed on the anti-corruption legislation and commission.

  • Train CSO and media on monitoring and reporting on corruption.

  • Increase public awareness of and engagement on government activities.

Application Requirements

• Complete applications must include the following:

  • Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms. 

  • Organizations that engage in lobbying the U.S. Government, including Congress, or pay for another entity to lobby on their behalf, are also required to complete the SF-LLL “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form (only if applicable). 

  • Cover Page/Executive Summary (not to exceed two (2) pages). Include the organization name, project title, target country/countries, and name and contact information for the application’s main point of contact and brief section that clearly outlines the problem statement addressed by the project, research-based evidence justifying the applicant’s approach, and quantifiable project outcomes and impacts.

Eligibility

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:

  • U.S.-based not-for-profit/non-governmental organizations subject to section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. tax code

  • Foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO)

  • Public International Organizations; Foreign Public Organizations; and private, public, or state institutions of higher education. 

Post Date: June 27, 2025