I. Funding Opportunity Description: The Department of State, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs – Iran Democracy Program (NEA/IDP) announces an open competition for projects that advance democracy, human rights, independent media, and the rule of law through civic education aimed at the Iranian people. For a democracy to survive and flourish, a critical mass of a country’s citizens must possess the skills, embody the values, and manifest the behaviors that accord with democracy. Citizens must know enough about the basic features of a democratic political system to be able to take advantage of it when their interests are at stake, and they must believe in the importance of and practice certain key democratic values, such as transparency, a respect for human rights, and support for the rule of law. They also must be able and willing to participate in local and national politics, and they must believe that their participation is essential to the continued viability of the democratic political system. Accordingly, this request seeks projects to design, plan, and execute civic education projects for Iranians. The range of possible activities includes, but is not limited to:• Imparting to citizens the institutional features of democratic political systems and providing them with knowledge about democratic rights and practices.• Conveying a specific set of values essential to democratic citizenship, such as political tolerance, trust in the democratic process, respect for the rule of law, and consensus building.• Encouraging responsible and informed political participation—defined as a cluster of activities including voting, working in campaigns, contacting officials, lodging complaints, and attending meetings.• Improving access to unbiased information, informing citizens of the policies and practices of the Islamic regime; respecting the values of freedom of expression and association.Applicants should be capable of identifying and recruiting program participants. Participant selections will be done in consultation with NEA/IDP. Applicant organizations must also demonstrate in-depth knowledge of Iran as well as experience in civic education program development and execution. NEA/IDP will favor proposals that offer participation by persons inside Iran. NEA/IDP asks all applicants to include in their proposals an explanation of how democracy and civil society will be advanced in Iran by their program. Submissions should outline activities linked to reform and demonstrate how the proposed approach would achieve sustainable impact in Iran and articulate the applicant’s capacity and expertise in civic education programming, and knowledge of local conditions and needs.

Link to Full Announcement
http://mepi.state.gov/82649.htm