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Political and Economical Section

Democracy and Human Rights Fund II

Madagascar is facing many challenges on its new road to democracy. With returned hope and a rejuvenated effort to improve and succeed, we are on the right path. But there is still work to be done. Through the Democracy in Human Rights Fund, the United States Government hopes to support the effort of NGO’s and other local organizations seeking to promote equality and encourage respect for individual rights and responsibilities in Madagascar. We are always looking for new, motivated and creative partners to further these goals. Take part, take pride and take action in your country’s change for the better. As Aristotle once wrote,

"If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost."

Program description

The U.S. Embassy’s Democracy and Human Rights Fund II program finances small, short-term, high-impact projects having the objectives of supporting democratic institutions, promoting political pluralism, or of guaranteeing and advocating human rights in African countries.

Project proposals should be addressed to:

U.S. Embassy
Democracy and Human Rights Fund II
B.P. 620, 101 Antananarivo

Eligibility and restrictions

Projects for consideration must be completed within one year of signing the Individual Activity Agreement and may not exceed US $25,000. All projects require significant contribution from either the group or community involved. Requesting organizations will be required to demonstrate the capability of accounting for and reporting on the appropriate use of funds.

Requests for funding are accepted from August 1 to November 30, but please note that funds granted are not available until June/July of the following year. Funding requests require the completion of the attached application. Funded projects must be completed within one year of the June/July signing of the Individual Activity Agreement.

Acceptable areas for proposals (example list only):

  • Human Rights: education, human rights NGO start-up, prisoner rights, prison conditions
  •  Legal: distribution of laws and constitutions, legal association start-up, legal aid
  •  Judicial: training of court officials, improving the judiciary’s efficiency
  •  Legislative: training of legislative officials, improving the legislature’s efficiency
  •  Civic Education: journalist education on a free press, journalist assistance start-ups
  •  Women’s and Children’s Rights: education, counseling and legal support for abused women; prevention of the trafficking of women and children
  •  Electoral: assistance with election monitoring
  •  Conflict Resolution: activities promoting tolerance among sectors of society

Unacceptable areas for proposals (example list only):

  • Construction
  • Intercontinental travel
  • Training for military or police
  • Vehicle purchase, construction or maintenance costs
  • Salaries, rent, or training lasting beyond one year
  • Health-related projects
  • Pure research
  • Economic development projects|
  • Projects which could be funded by USAID or USIS
  • Cultural rights programs
  • Humanitarian assistance (refugees, prisoners, social services)
  • Funds for labor unions (other than for allowable democracy and human rights projects)

If you have any questions or need assistance in preparing the attached grant application, please contact the DHRF II Coordinator at the U.S. Embassy: 22-212-57.