Empowering Defense Attorneys, Strengthening Investigative Journalism and Support to the New Constitution Implementation in Uzbekistan | OFOP0001414

Opportunity Information: Apply for OFOP0001414

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), is offering a discretionary grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number OFOP0001414) to support rule of law and justice sector reforms in Uzbekistan. The overall purpose is to improve the timely delivery of justice for Uzbek citizens by funding practical, capacity-building projects that strengthen key institutions and actors involved in legal accountability, public oversight, and implementation of legal reforms.

This opportunity is structured around three distinct but related 18-month projects, each funded at up to USD 500,000, for a combined potential total of USD 1,500,000 across all awards. INL anticipates making three awards, which suggests a likely award per project area, though applicants should rely on the full announcement for how proposals may be organized and evaluated. The projects are designed to reinforce each other: stronger defense representation supports fairer criminal justice outcomes, stronger investigative journalism increases public accountability and anti-corruption pressure, and effective constitutional implementation helps ensure that reforms are translated from paper into real changes in law, administration, and everyday civic life.

The first project, the INL Empowering Defense Attorneys Initiative, focuses on building the professional capacity and independence of defense lawyers in Uzbekistan. Its core aim is to strengthen defense attorneys ability to perform their role effectively within the justice system, which can include improving legal skills, ethics and professional standards, and institutional resilience. The emphasis on independence and the role of defense attorneys signals an interest in ensuring that defense counsel can operate without undue interference, contribute meaningfully to fair proceedings, and help protect due process rights in practice rather than only in principle.

The second project, INL Investigative Journalism to Combat Corruption, is intended to support and strengthen investigative reporting as a tool for transparency and accountability. The description highlights two connected goals: helping journalists uncover systemic corruption and addressing gaps in journalism education. This indicates the funding is not only meant to support investigations or newsroom work, but also to improve the pipeline of skills and training that investigative journalism requires, such as research methods, verification practices, legal and ethical standards, and the ability to report responsibly on complex public integrity issues.

The third project, INL Supporting New Constitution Implementation, targets the practical rollout of Uzbekistan's reformed constitutional framework. The stated objective is to facilitate effective implementation and integration of constitutional reforms into the countrys legal, administrative, and societal structures. In other words, this project area is aimed at bridging the common gap between constitutional change and real-world adoption by institutions and the public, supporting efforts that help align laws, procedures, governance practices, and civic understanding with the updated constitutional provisions.

Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education, and applicants are directed to review Section C of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for details. The awarding agency is INL (Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs). The original application deadline listed is July 17, 2024, and the funding activity category is Law, Justice and Legal Services under CFDA 19.703.

• The Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Empowering Defense Attorneys, Strengthening Investigative Journalism and Support to the New Constitution Implementation in Uzbekistan" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.703.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-05-21.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-17. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,500,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for OFOP0001414

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