Supporting Civil Society in Bahrain | NEAAC ACBURGR 16 006

Opportunity Information: Apply for NEAAC ACBURGR 16 006

The "Supporting Civil Society in Bahrain" grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number NEAAC ACBURGR 16 006) was issued by the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC), as a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement. The program is designed to strengthen citizens ability to engage constructively in public life in Bahrain by helping them advocate for government action on issues that matter to them, communicate and debate those issues in productive ways, and build effective public-private partnerships. In practical terms, the opportunity focuses on improving how civil society actors organize, communicate, and collaborate so that public concerns can be raised through channels that are more informed, professional, and solution-oriented.

Projects were expected to reach these goals through one of two main approaches. The first approach centers on professionalizing Bahraini media, with an emphasis on technical training and the fundamentals of responsible journalism in the Middle East and North Africa context. This implies activities such as strengthening reporting skills, ethical standards, fact-based coverage, and other core practices that can improve the quality and credibility of information in the public sphere. The second approach emphasizes strengthening social accord through civic engagement, supporting efforts that encourage participation, dialogue, and community-based problem solving. Under this civic engagement track, competitive proposals would likely prioritize initiatives that reduce polarization, improve communication across social groups, and create spaces where people can work together on shared concerns in ways that are constructive and sustainable.

Eligibility was broad and included U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, small businesses, private and public institutions of higher education, and public international organizations. A notable preference was built into the solicitation: NEA/AC strongly encouraged applications from civil society organizations headquartered in the Middle East and North Africa region, reflecting an interest in locally grounded leadership and regional expertise. At the same time, international non-governmental organizations based outside MENA were also encouraged to apply, indicating openness to partnerships that bring specialized experience or training capacity, particularly in journalism and related technical areas.

Financially, the opportunity listed an award ceiling of up to $1,000,000, with an expectation of making two awards. The assistance listing referenced CFDA 19.600, and the activity categories aligned with law, justice, and legal services as well as regional development, which fits the program focus on civic participation, public discourse, and institutional collaboration. The opportunity was created on May 11, 2016, and the original application closing date was June 10, 2016.

• The Assistance Coordination in the law, justice and legal services, regional development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Supporting Civil Society in Bahrain" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.600.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2016-05-11.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2016-06-10. (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 $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for NEAAC ACBURGR 16 006

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: