IRAN SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 STATE 033385 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ABUD AFIN AMGT ECON IR KDEM KPAO PREL SUBJECT: IRAN SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM REF: 07 STATE 83945 -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Department announces the availability of funds for programs to support civil society, human rights, and rule of law in Iran. The Iran small grants program is an opportunity for posts to strengthen their contacts with the Iranian diaspora and advance the U.S. goal of supporting democratic reform in Iran. Interested posts should encourage appropriate local NGOs and other organizations to submit proposals that fit within the parameters described below. Deadline for the first round grant applications is April 11; deadline for the second round is July 18. END SUMMARY. -------------- SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM ) WHAT IT IS -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The Office of Iranian Affairs (NEA/IR) has funds available for small grants at addressee posts to support civil society, human rights, and rule of law in Iran. The small grants program is designed to support programs that: -- strengthen the capacity of Iranian civil society organizations; -- promote human rights, labor rights, and personal freedoms for Iranians; -- expose members of Iranian society, particularly Iranian youth, to democratic ideas and processes; -- increase public awareness and involvement in current political issues, including voter education and building advocacy skills among individuals and groups; -- promote freedom of information, including unrestricted access to the Internet; -- encourage women and minorities, participation in public life; -- promote transparency and anti-corruption; -- promote the rule of law and legal and judicial reforms; -- encourage education and awareness of international economic practices. ¶3. (SBU) Broader cultural or academic activities can be considered for funding as long as they have an element related to civil society, human rights, or rule of law. An example would be an academic conference on Iran and host country relations that would also address academic standards. Short-term student exchanges administered through private or public universities dealing with cross-cultural or interdisciplinary topics in the social sciences would also be appropriate. STATE 00033385 002 OF 003 ¶4. (SBU) Successful existing programs address issues related to democratic reform in a phased, low-profile manner, and build on organizations, existing ties in Iran. For example, a successful conference on human rights addressed family law reform in a comparative Islamic context. Another successful conference on women,s rights invited women from across the region to talk about their common experiences. Programs that connect Iranian NGOs, including social, health, and environmental NGOs, to their counterparts outside the country are welcome. -------------- POSTS, AND DEPARTMENT,S RESPONSIBILITIES -------------- ¶5. (SBU) While the Department encourages posts to participate, this is a voluntary program that posts should consider as a resource. Posts may either reach out to specific NGOs or universities and encourage them to submit applications, or have them submit applications on an ad hoc basis. Posts will be the point of contact for potential award recipients and should work with them to develop proposals. NEA/IR developed small grants with political officers at selected posts, but grants are managed in coordination with posts, public affairs section. Post liaison officers should contact NEA/IR (see para 12) for guidance. ¶6. (SBU) Post should ensure applications meet the criteria for consideration before forwarding them to NEA. Upon favorable review, post should send any application recommended for funding by cable and email for NEA review and final approval. NEA staff will ensure no duplication of existing programs, compliance with USG policy, and offer final approval within three weeks of each deadline. For the purposes of Congressional and intergovernmental (OFAC licensing) requirements and reporting, NEA/IR retains final authority over the award of funds. Once the Department has approved a grant application, NEA/IR will provide a standard terms and conditions document that can be adapted for individual grantees. ¶7. (SBU) Post PAOs, CAOs, or grant officers will sign these grants. NEA will provide posts with award fund cites as soon as possible. Posts must develop a statement of work with the grantee that will become part of the grant agreement once the Department approves the award. Awardees may have up to two years to expend funds. Department defers to post discretion on informing host country government officials of USG funding of Iran-related activities in-country. -------------- PROGRAM GUIDELINES -------------- ¶8. (SBU) NEA will allocate $500,000 to fund approved projects by local and third country NGOs that address the above-noted priorities. Posts should contact NEA/IR for a copy of the grant application form and detailed instructions for potential grantees. ¶9. (SBU) In general, grants should fund discrete events such as conferences or one-off training seminars. Organizations with ideas for programs with long timelines should apply directly to NEA/IR for funds. Individual awards may vary from $5,000 up to $100,000. Any organization interested in a larger grant should apply directly to NEA/IR. STATE 00033385 003 OF 003 ¶10. (SBU) While this program is not classified, we encourage limiting discussion of the program to potential grantees and host governments, rather than advertising via the local media. -------------- DEADLINE -------------- ¶11. (SBU) Posts should forward recommended proposals to NEA no later than the designated dates for submission: the first deadline is April 11 and the second is July 18. The first deadline is meant for posts with projects pending approval that did not receive FY 2006 funding. The second deadline is for posts interested in developing new projects. -------------- POINTS OF CONTACT -------------- ¶12. (U) Please contact Shervin Hadjilou at HadjilouS@state.gov or Carolyn Coberly at coberlych@state.gov for any questions concerning the small grants or Iran democracy program. RICE