Strengthening Rule of Law in Criminal Defense | BFPOL NOFO 21 002

Opportunity Information: Apply for BFPOL NOFO 21 002

The Strengthening Rule of Law in Criminal Defense opportunity is a U.S. Department of State (U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou) funding competition aimed at improving the fairness and stability of Burkina Faso's criminal justice system by reinforcing the people and institutions responsible for criminal defense. The core idea is that protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms depends on real access to legal services, especially for vulnerable defendants, and on a legal profession that can operate independently without harassment or intimidation. To do that, the program focuses on strengthening existing bar associations and legal aid groups so they can provide stronger advocacy, better training, and sustained professional development for defense attorneys.

A major program pillar is improving access to legal counsel, with particular attention to indigent defendants and pretrial representation. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that connect independent legal advocates and non-governmental organizations to legal aid support, expand the availability of quality defense services, and help ensure that the right to counsel is actually enforced in practice rather than existing only on paper. This includes building systems and mechanisms aligned with international and regional best practices to support the provision of counsel for those who cannot afford representation. The opportunity also emphasizes ongoing training for legal assistance providers so defense counsel is not only available, but competent and consistent in quality, including during the early stages of criminal proceedings when detention decisions and case trajectories are often set.

Another key emphasis is the use of data to strengthen accountability and effectiveness in the defense ecosystem. The program calls for improved data collection related to pretrial representation and case outcomes, which can help identify gaps in service delivery, patterns of rights violations, and areas where reforms or resource allocations are most needed. In addition, the opportunity highlights the importance of improving access to prisoner and detainee information for families, independent legal advocates, and NGOs. That focus reflects practical barriers in many justice systems where families struggle to locate detained relatives or learn basic case information, and where limited transparency can undermine due process and timely legal intervention.

Capacity-building for the Burkinabe bar associations is another central objective. Beyond case-by-case legal aid, the grant seeks to strengthen these professional bodies so they can offer continuing professional development and structured learning opportunities for defense lawyers. The intent is to create durable systems for training and professional growth that last beyond a single workshop or project cycle. At the same time, the opportunity explicitly supports building bar association capacity to advocate for defense attorneys who face harassment and to defend the independence of the judiciary. This includes reinforcing the principle that defense lawyers must be able to represent clients and challenge prosecutions without interference, intimidation, or retaliation, which is a foundational element of rule of law.

In terms of audience and implementation approach, applicants are expected to clearly define who will benefit and where the project will operate. Proposals should identify target stakeholders and participants, describe relevant demographics, specify the region or regions in Burkina Faso where activities will be carried out, and estimate the number of direct and indirect beneficiaries. This requirement signals that project designs should be concrete and measurable, with a clear theory of change linking activities to improved access to counsel, better defense quality, and stronger institutional protections for legal professionals.

The award parameters are relatively straightforward: the anticipated total funding is up to $100,000, with an expected number of awards of one, depending on available funds and the final award amount. The performance period is 12 months, and proposed programs are expected to be completed in 12 months or less. Funding is provided through FY 2020 Economic Support Funds (ESF), and the anticipated program start date listed is September 15, 2021, with the notice stating that any award is subject to the availability of funding. The funding instrument type is listed as a grant, with the opportunity also referencing cooperative agreement and grant as possible instrument types. The Department of State notes it may consider continuation funding beyond the initial period on a non-competitive basis if funds are available, progress is satisfactory, and continued support is deemed in the Department's interest.

Eligibility is limited to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status in the United States (other than institutions of higher education). The opportunity is identified as BFPOL NOFO 21 002 under CFDA 19.225, created August 12, 2021, with an original closing date of September 1, 2021, and an award ceiling of $100,000. Overall, the grant is designed to produce practical, near-term improvements in criminal defense delivery in Burkina Faso while also reinforcing longer-term institutional resilience for bar associations, legal aid systems, and the safe, independent practice of defense law.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Burkina Faso in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Strengthening Rule of Law in Criminal Defense" 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 Aug 12, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 01, 2021. (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.
• 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.

Apply for BFPOL NOFO 21 002

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