Advocacy on Expropriation Compensation in Rwanda | DOS RWANDA PE 2021 03

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS RWANDA PE 2021 03

The U.S. Embassy in Kigali is offering a grant opportunity called "Advocacy on Expropriation Compensation in Rwanda" (Funding Opportunity Number: DOS RWANDA PE 2021 03). It is a U.S. Mission to Rwanda program designed to address practical problems that arise when land is taken for public purposes in Rwanda, especially around how compensation is determined and how affected people can understand and defend their rights. The central idea is to strengthen both the fairness of expropriation and compensation practices and the ability of ordinary citizens, particularly low-income households, to respond effectively when they believe a land valuation or compensation decision is unjust.

The proposed project is expected to work on three connected tracks. First, it should engage the Rwandan government bodies involved in expropriation so that processes and day-to-day practices can be improved, not just discussed in theory. That implies structured interaction with relevant institutions, attention to existing procedures, and practical recommendations or collaboration that could lead to better implementation, clearer standards, or more consistent decision-making. Second, the program should increase citizens' understanding of their rights during expropriation. That generally means public education and outreach so people know what protections exist, what steps are required in an expropriation process, what documentation matters, what timelines apply, and what options they have if they disagree with the compensation offered. Third, it should establish a mechanism specifically aimed at helping poor citizens challenge land valuations in expropriation cases. In practice, this points toward creating or strengthening some form of support channel such as legal aid referrals, case support clinics, paralegal services, advisory hotlines, or other structured assistance that can help vulnerable people navigate valuation disputes and pursue review or appeal options where available.

The broader goal of the grant is empowerment and advocacy. On the individual level, the project should help citizens advocate for their own land rights when their property is being expropriated and when compensation is being calculated. On the systemic level, it is also meant to encourage broader policy and procedural improvements, meaning the project can surface patterns, identify recurring issues, and support calls for reforms or clearer rules when the existing framework produces unfair outcomes. The emphasis is not only on awareness raising, but on enabling people to take meaningful action and on creating credible pathways for disputes to be reviewed, especially for those who cannot afford professional assistance.

This opportunity is offered as a grant under an "Other" opportunity category and "Other" funding activity category, with CFDA number 19.225. The maximum award amount listed is $100,000 (Award Ceiling: 100000). The opportunity was created on June 29, 2021, and the original application deadline was August 9, 2021. The listing indicates an open competition format, meaning eligible organizations would submit proposals that are then assessed competitively based on how well they meet the program objectives and how realistic and impactful their approach is within the budget.

Eligibility is aimed at not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations. In other words, the embassy is looking for organizations that have the credibility, technical ability, and community reach to work simultaneously with institutions and with citizens, and that can set up a practical support mechanism for valuation challenges. Overall, the grant is framed as a targeted governance and rights-focused initiative: improve institutional practices, expand public understanding of rights in expropriation, and provide concrete assistance so low-income citizens are not locked out of challenging valuations that may determine their long-term economic security.

• The U.S. Mission to Rwanda in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Advocacy on Expropriation Compensation in Rwanda" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.225.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2021-06-29.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-08-09. (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: Others.

Apply for DOS RWANDA PE 2021 03

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