Strengthening Rule of Law and Criminal Defense Services in Georgia | OFOP0001651

Opportunity Information: Apply for OFOP0001651

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is offering a discretionary funding opportunity titled "Strengthening Rule of Law and Criminal Defense Services in Georgia" (Funding Opportunity Number OFOP0001651). The program will be funded through a cooperative agreement, which generally means the U.S. government expects to have substantial involvement in the project during implementation, not just provide funding and receive reports. The opportunity is focused on law, justice, and legal services (CFDA 19.703) and is framed around strengthening rule of law by improving the quality, independence, and effectiveness of criminal defense services in Georgia.

At the core of the project is capacity building for the Georgia Bar Association (GBA) and Legal Aid Services (LAS). The selected applicant organization is expected to deliver advocacy support, training, and ongoing professional development inputs that build the institutional and technical ability of GBA and LAS. After gaining skills and tools through the applicant's support, GBA and LAS will then deliver direct training to defense attorneys. The intended result is a stronger defense bar with improved practical skills and deeper knowledge, enabling attorneys to better represent clients in criminal matters and to advance due process protections in day-to-day practice.

The opportunity explicitly ties improved criminal defense capacity to human rights outcomes. It emphasizes that protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms requires meaningful access to legal services delivered by an independent and fully functioning legal profession. In practical terms, the program is meant to reinforce due process and ensure that defense attorneys can perform their roles without fear of harassment or intimidation. The focus on ongoing professional development suggests a sustained, systems-oriented approach rather than one-off trainings, aiming for durable improvements in professional standards and service delivery.

Funding details indicate an anticipated single award, with an award ceiling of $2,000,000. The original application deadline listed is December 13, 2024, and the opportunity was created on October 25, 2024. Eligibility is limited to certain applicant types, including nonprofits with IRS 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education) and other eligible entities as specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Interested organizations would need to review Section C of the NOFO closely to confirm eligibility and ensure their proposed approach aligns with INL's expectations for collaboration with GBA and LAS, training methodology, and measurable improvements in criminal defense practice.

• The Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Strengthening Rule of Law and Criminal Defense Services in Georgia" 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 2024-10-25.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-12-13. (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 $2,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Others.

Apply for OFOP0001651

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