DRL Promoting Human Rights and Accountability in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea)

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) has issued Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for Statements of Interest (SOIs) for its programs. Eligible applicants for this opportunity include foreign-based and U.S.-based non-profit organizations, public international organizations, institutions of higher education, and for-profit entities. DRL emphasizes its preference to work with non-profit organizations; however, in cases where for-profit organizations are selected, they are prohibited from earning a profit on the award. Eligibility also requires organizations to be registered on federal systems, such as SAM.gov, and to maintain compliance with applicable U.S. laws and regulations. Applicants must submit their SOIs electronically via MyGrants or Grants.gov. Submissions should include the required forms (SF-424 and SF-424B) and a program statement limited to three pages. The program statement must outline the organization name, target countries, funding requested, program length, a summary of activities, objectives, expected results, and a demonstration of the applicant's capacity to implement the project. All costs must be presented in U.S. dollars, and the submission must adhere to specific formatting requirements, including single-spacing, 12-point font, and one-inch margins. The review process for SOIs is competitive and evaluates submissions based on criteria such as the quality of the program idea, planning, the institution’s record and capacity, and the ability to address barriers to equal participation. DRL encourages programs that offer innovative and inclusive approaches, particularly those that engage underserved communities or address discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other factors. Applications must clearly explain how proposed activities will achieve measurable, sustainable results while avoiding duplication of existing efforts. The DRL review panel, which may include representatives from various offices, will assess applications and may provide recommendations or conditions for selected SOIs. Successful applicants will be invited to submit full proposals for further consideration. Applicants are advised to ensure their SOIs align with DRL’s goals of promoting human rights, inclusive societies, and democratic governance. DRL reminds applicants that projects involving private security contractors must comply with international standards such as the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoC). Additional restrictions apply to programs benefiting foreign militaries or paramilitary organizations, as well as units involved in human rights violations per the Leahy Law. Compliance with U.S. regulations, including Title 2 CFR and applicable Department of State terms, is mandatory. Applicants must submit SOIs by the deadline specified in the corresponding RSOI. DRL encourages early submissions to mitigate potential technical issues and provides contact information for troubleshooting assistance. While submission does not guarantee funding, DRL reserves the right to reject proposals and may entertain continuation funding based on performance and the availability of resources.