INL Kosovo Anti-Corruption Program | OFOP0001539

INL Kosovo Anti-Corruption Program (OFOP0001539) - FAQs

1) What is the INL Kosovo Anti-Corruption Program?

The INL Kosovo Anti-Corruption Program is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). It is focused on reducing corruption in Kosovo and advancing rule of law reforms by strengthening oversight and public accountability.

2) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number is OFOP0001539.

3) Who is the funding agency offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

4) What is the main goal of this program?

The main goal is to reduce corruption in Kosovo and push forward rule of law reforms by improving oversight and increasing public accountability. The program is built on the idea that sustained anti-corruption progress depends on stronger watchdog functions and greater transparency.

5) What is the central approach or theory behind the program?

The program is based on the premise that meaningful anti-corruption progress depends on stronger oversight and public accountability. To support that, it is designed to strengthen both civil society actors and the Kosovo Agency for Prevention of Corruption in its role as a government watchdog.

6) What types of organizations or institutions in Kosovo does the program aim to strengthen?

Based on the description provided, the program aims to strengthen (1) civil society actors so they can better monitor government performance and demand reforms, and (2) the Kosovo Agency for Prevention of Corruption to improve its effectiveness as a dedicated anti-corruption institution and oversight body.

7) How does the program plan to support civil society?

At a practical level, the opportunity emphasizes empowering civil society to monitor government performance, demand reforms, and help expose or deter corrupt practices. This includes supporting civil society's ability to increase public accountability and encourage stronger institutional performance.

8) How does the program plan to support the Kosovo Agency for Prevention of Corruption?

The grant targets improvements in the effectiveness of Kosovo's dedicated anti-corruption institution by supporting its ability to carry out oversight functions and contribute to stronger integrity systems.

9) What kinds of outcomes or results does INL intend to achieve through this program?

The intended results described include fewer corrupt practices inside public institutions, better transparency within legal and regulatory frameworks, and a stronger, more credible response by the state to corruption and corrupt behavior.

10) What broader governance changes does this program aim to promote?

The program aims to improve how government institutions operate, increase transparency, and make public bodies more answerable to citizens.

11) What is the type of award?

The award is structured as a grant.

12) What is the program area or category for this funding?

The opportunity is categorized under Law, Justice and Legal Services, with CFDA 19.703.

13) How many awards does INL expect to make?

INL anticipates making up to two awards.

14) What is the maximum funding amount (award ceiling) per award?

The award ceiling is $1,250,000.

15) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that have IRS 501(c)(3) status.

16) Are universities or colleges eligible to apply?

No. Institutions of higher education are excluded from eligibility, even if they are U.S.-based.

17) Is this opportunity open to non-U.S. organizations?

No. Based on the information provided, eligibility is limited to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status.

18) When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on 2024-08-02.

19) What is the application deadline?

The original application closing date is 2024-10-07.

20) What is the geographic focus of the program activities?

The program is focused on Kosovo, with the aim of reducing corruption and strengthening rule of law reforms within Kosovo's institutions and accountability ecosystem.

21) What does the program mean by strengthening oversight and accountability?

Within the scope of the description provided, strengthening oversight and accountability refers to improving the ability of civil society and the Kosovo Agency for Prevention of Corruption to monitor government performance, carry out watchdog functions, and increase transparency and answerability of public institutions to citizens.

22) What role does transparency play in the program's intended impact?

Transparency is described as a core intended result, including better transparency within legal and regulatory frameworks and improved operation of government institutions, which in turn supports deterrence of corrupt practices and stronger public accountability.

23) What does the program aim to change about the state's response to corruption?

The program aims to support a stronger, more credible response by the state to corruption and corrupt behavior, as one of the overall intended results.

24) Is this a competitive or discretionary opportunity?

It is described as a discretionary grant opportunity.