The Department of State has long supported programs that advance the rights and uphold the dignity of the most at risk and vulnerable populations. In order to formalize this focus, effective March 2012, the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) will require that, to the extent possible, program submissions advancing human rights and democracy address the human rights concerns of these groups. As it evaluates proposals, the Bureau will now assign weighted criteria to how proposals support and empower women, racial and ethnic minorities, religious minorities, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) populations within their program objectives. Grant applicants will also be required to include, as appropriate, specific means, measures and corresponding targets related to this goal. DRL’s new Program Submission Instructions can be found here: http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm
