Programs and Events

Democracy and Human Rights Fund

Overview

The United States Embassy in Lome’s Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF) provides assistance through grants to local organizations to implement small, short-term, high impact activities targeted at supporting democratic institutions, political pluralism, and the protection and advocacy of human rights in African countries. The project, authorized in 1991 by the Congress of the United States, under the Foreign Assistance Act, compliments other funding mechanisms that support larger, multi-year initiatives as part of the U.S. Government's overall strategy to promote democracy and improved governance.

The DHRF program is administered through the Political Office at the United States Embassy in Lome.

Criteria for Grant Eligibility

All DHRF funded activities must have a substantive link to the promotion of democracy or human rights.

DHRF encourages activities or projects that promote:

• Training about or change in civil and political rights
• Adherence to the rule of law through a legal framework conducive to civil and political rights
• Free and democratic electoral systems
• Development of democratic principles and institutions that promote human rights
• Increased participation of women and ethnic groups in the judicial system and political process.

Activities NOT Eligible for Grants

In general the fund is not intended to support on-going activities, or long-term institutional development, of organizations or government bodies, even though these may be in support of democracy or promotion of human rights.

The grant cannot be used for to influence the outcome of elections; support specific political parties; training or advice, or support for police, prisons or other law enforcement forces, military or any program of internal intelligence or surveillance; building construction; vehicle purchase; long term (more than 12 months) recurring administrative costs such as building or equipment maintenance, rent, office supplies, or administrative salaries; conferences or workshops that lack a specific and clear goal; economic development projects; and social or cultural rights activities or humanitarian assistance.

Grant Amounts

The maximum grant of DHRF funds is $25.000; however, most grants are about $10.000. Funds can only be used to fund activities outlined in the signed agreement.

Proposal and Selection Timeline

• Proposals are due by December 31st each year for financing to occur the next fiscal year.  Proposals may be submitted throughout the year.  Review of proposals starts in January and ends in March and allocations are generally made by April.

• Financial agreements are signed for selected projects in September.

• Projects must be completed and all funds expended within one year of receiving grant.

N.B. Even if the project and organization satisfy the criteria, not all projects submitted will necessarily be accepted.  Even those accepted may not receive the total amount requested. 

Application Instructions

Please use the DHRF form, which can be downloaded from the feature box on this site. Forms are available in English and French.