Supporting Moldovan Civil Society Criminal Justice Sector Oversight | INL18GR0017 EA MODOLVAJUSTICE 031918

Opportunity Information: Apply for INL18GR0017 EA MODOLVAJUSTICE 031918

The grant opportunity titled "Supporting Moldovan Civil Society Criminal Justice Sector Oversight" is a discretionary funding program issued by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). It focuses on strengthening oversight of Moldova's criminal justice sector by supporting the work of civil society organizations and, where relevant, academic institutions that can help monitor and evaluate how justice and law enforcement bodies operate in practice. The underlying premise is that when independent actors are able to observe, document, and publicly discuss government decision-making, it can protect fundamental rights, improve transparency, and create healthier communication between institutions and the communities they serve.

The need for the program is framed by two related problems highlighted in the opportunity description. First, the 2017 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index reporting noted that across Eastern and Southeast Europe, civil society and independent media often face obstacles when attempting to monitor and criticize decision-makers. Second, Moldova in particular is described as facing widely perceived selective justice and systemic corruption, both of which are seen as major barriers to meaningful criminal justice reform. These issues also contribute to low public confidence in justice sector institutions. In that context, the program emphasizes the role of an active civil society in monitoring local actions of law enforcement and justice institutions, helping to deter abuses, encourage lawful and fair procedures, and build public trust through increased accountability and transparency.

This opportunity is structured as a grant with an award ceiling of $100,000. While the notice does not provide extensive details on the exact activities required, the title and narrative make clear that proposed projects are expected to center on criminal justice sector oversight, which typically includes activities such as independent monitoring of institutions and procedures, analysis of patterns of abuse or corruption risks, public reporting and advocacy grounded in evidence, and constructive engagement that improves communication between civil society and state bodies. The overall activity category is listed as Law, Justice, and Legal Services, and the funding is administered under CFDA number 19.703.

Eligibility is open to a range of applicants, including U.S. or overseas-based nonprofits (including those with 501(c)(3) IRS status as well as nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education) and both public/state-controlled and private institutions of higher education. The listing also explicitly mentions U.S. or overseas-based NGOs with 501(c)(3) status and U.S. or overseas private or state institutions of higher education, reinforcing that both domestic and international entities can apply if they meet the stated organizational criteria.

Key administrative details include the funding opportunity number INL18GR0017 (EA MODOLVAJUSTICE 031918), an original closing date of April 20, 2018, and a creation date of March 19, 2018. In practical terms, the opportunity is aimed at supporting targeted, oversight-oriented initiatives that can help counter corruption and selective justice concerns in Moldova by enabling civil society to more effectively scrutinize justice sector performance and contribute to reforms that increase accountability and public confidence.

• The Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Supporting Moldovan Civil Society Criminal Justice Sector Oversight" 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 2018-03-19.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-04-20. (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 $100,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for INL18GR0017 EA MODOLVAJUSTICE 031918

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