Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0007480
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) offered a competitive grant opportunity called "DRL Promoting and Protecting Media Freedom in Bangladesh" (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0007480). The program is designed to support projects that advance freedom of expression and strengthen media freedom in Bangladesh, responding to an environment where journalists and human rights defenders are frequently arrested, detained, or imprisoned for criticizing the government, alleged defamation, or purportedly offending religious sentiments. The opportunity emphasizes that authorities have expanded online censorship, blocked websites critical of the government, and monitored social media to identify and suppress dissent. Within that context, DRL frames its overall aim as helping uphold Bangladesh's commitments to press freedom reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and improving safety for journalists and human rights defenders facing censorship, intimidation, and harassment by government and police actors.
The core objective is to equip and enable civil society organizations and independent media to promote and defend media freedom, including online, even under restrictive laws and heightened surveillance. DRL highlights practical, needs-driven support that can be deployed quickly and tailored to realities on the ground. In terms of what applicants might propose, the notice points to several example approaches: creating and running a small grants program that funds independent media outlets while also providing training, mentorship, and support to strengthen both physical security and digital security; delivering capacity-building trainings in areas like reporting, writing, editing, filming, and ethical journalism, alongside tools for countering disinformation and addressing workplace harassment, with particular attention to rural or underserved areas; improving public media literacy so citizens are better able to access, recognize, and rely on unbiased, fact-based information; and offering legal assistance and emergency support to human rights defenders, including journalists and civil society actors, who face unfair arrest or other legal threats. Across these activities, DRL expects projects to align with broader U.S. Government democracy, governance, and human rights priorities in Bangladesh and to contribute to Bangladesh's own efforts to strengthen democratic governance and rights protections.
Administratively, this was a discretionary grant opportunity under CFDA 19.345, issued by the Department of State, DRL. The opportunity was posted on December 11, 2020, with an original application deadline of January 28, 2021. The funding structure anticipated a single award, with a maximum award ceiling of $750,000. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others" with additional details referenced in the original eligibility clarification, indicating that a range of organizational applicants could potentially apply depending on the requirements described in the full notice.Apply for SFOP0007480
- 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 Promoting and Protecting Media Freedom in Bangladesh" 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 Dec 11, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 28, 2021. (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 $750,000.00 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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