Programs and Events

Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF)

What is the U.S. Democracy and Human Rights Fund?

The DHRF project finances small short term, high impact activities which target support at democratic institutions, political pluralism, and the protection and advocacy of human rights in African countries.  The project, authorized in 1991 under the Foreign Assistance Act, compliments other funding mechanisms which support larger, multi year initiatives as part of the U.S. Government's overall strategy to promote democracy and improved governance.

How much are the grants?

The maximum grant of DHRF funds is $50,000; however, most grants are less than $25,000. "Small” Projects cost $25,000 or less. "Large" projects cost between $25,000 and $50,000.  If an organization receives a DHRF grant, all activities and projects should be completed and all funds expended within one year.

What does it fund?

1. Human Rights
2. Legal
3. Judicial
4. Legislative
5. Civic Education
6. Women's Rights
7. Electoral
8. Conflict Resolution

What are the prohibitions on DHRF funding?

• Training of military and police (including direct civic and human rights education)
• Building construction or maintenance, or vehicle of any sort
• Long-term (more than one year) core costs (salary, rent, training or technical assistance)
• Health-related projects, including medical services and population control, except projects promoting the discontinuation of female circumcision
• Conferences or workshops without a clear goal
• Research projects without an action-oriented activity component (i.e. presentation of research at a workshop for policy makers)
• Grants to organizations lacking other means of support (unless a start-up)
• Grants 'or major dual-use equipment for the executive branch or any government or American NGO, except in limited cases to help local NGO's or to help with elections Economic development projects
• Projects that duplicate AID, D/G, Public Affairs, or other democracy projects in the same country, or that could be funded under these programs
• Projects that duplicate AID, D/G, Public Affairs, or other democracy projects in the same country, or that could be funded under these programs
  Social or cultural rights activities, including social welfare or general education projects that promote social or cultural aspiration