Featured Grant OpportunitySchool Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) (Funding Opportunity) 

Featured Grant OpportunityShare with Youth: NOAA Student Opportunities Database

Featured Grant OpportunityShort Courses in Social Determinants of Health for Research Education in Nursing Research (Funding...

Featured Grant OpportunityComprehensive Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health Equity (CPACHE) Program (Funding Opportunity)

Featured Grant OpportunityRisk and Protective Factors of Family Health and Family Level Interventions (Funding Opportunity)

Featured Grant OpportunityPersonnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities--Doctoral...

Featured Grant OpportunityStanding Announcement for Tribal Title IV-E Plan Development Grants (Funding Opportunity)

Featured Grant OpportunityProviding Research Education Experiences to Enhance Inclusivity for a Diverse Substance Use and...

Featured Grant OpportunityFY 2024 Research on School-Based Hate Crimes (Funding Opportunity)

Featured Grant OpportunityChallenge America (Funding Opportunity)

Featured Grant OpportunityResearch and Evaluation on Firearm Violence and Mass Shootings (Funding Opportunity)

Featured Grant OpportunityNational Juvenile Court Data Archive (Funding Opportunity)

Featured Grant OpportunityGraduate Research Fellowship (Funding Opportunity)

Featured Grant OpportunityCommunity Programs for Outreach and Intervention with Youth and Young Adults at Clinical High Risk...

Featured Grant OpportunityPrint and Disseminate Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials (Funding Opportunity)

## Breadcrumb

            -  Funding Search 
            -           Grants.gov      

# Grants.gov

Grants.gov provides information on more than 1,000 grant opportunities for 26 federal grantmaking agencies. youth.gov has developed a customized search of Grants.gov to help you find **open grant announcements** for **programs that serve youth and their families**.
                      - Search for open grant announcements using the checkboxes below
                      - Register and apply through Grants.gov

Do you have a recommendation for a federally-funded youth program to search for? Let us know! Email the program name and CFDA number to youthgov@air.org.

### Filter by Agency

                              - Dept. of Health and Human Services(2)
                              - (-)Dept. of State(8)

### Filter by Eligible Applicant

                              - Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) non higher edu(4)
                              - (-)Others(8)
                              - Public & State institutions of higher edu(2)
                              - State governments(1)

### Filter by Topic

                              - Afterschool(3)
                              - Children of Incarcerated Parents(1)
                              - (-)Civic Engagement(8)
                              - Disabilities(5)
                              - Education(53)
                              - Employment & Training(59)
                              - Family & Community Engagement(2)
                              - Financial Literacy(2)
                              - Gang Prevention(3)
                              - Health and Nutrition(8)
                              - Juvenile Justice(4)
                              - LGBTQ(4)
                              - Mental Health(4)
                              - Mentoring(11)
                              - Native Youth(1)
                              - Positive Youth Development(7)
                              - Service Learning(2)
                              - Substance Use/Misuse(1)
                              - Teen Dating Violence(3)
                              - Teen Driver Safety(6)
                              - Trafficking of Youth(7)
                              - Transition Age Youth(4)
                              - Violence Prevention & Victimization(11)
                              - Youth Preparedness(1)

##   English Access Micro Scholarship Program (Access)

08/02/2021

09/30/2021

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy Kampala, Uganda, announces an open competition for grant proposals for the administration and implementation of the English Access Micro Scholarship Program (Access), which provides supplemental English-language instruction to high potential but disadvantaged students 14 - 18 years old. The Access Program is expected to fund two years of after-school classes and enhancement activities for a cohort of 25 students at a total cost of not more than $30,000 USD. The cohort should be executed in the peri-urban regions of Jinja. Local and international non-governmental organizations and educational institutions registered in Uganda may submit grant proposals to design, implement, and administer the Access Program. Program Information Background: The English Access Micro Scholarship Program (Access) is designed to increase language skills of 14 -18 year-old students from economically disadvantaged sectors through after-school classes and engaging enhancement activities or intensive programs during school holidays. In addition to enhanced language skills, Access students will gain an appreciation for American culture and democratic ideals, strengthen critical thinking skills and self-confidence, and deepen their community engagement. The Access program opens opportunities for further study and/or employment and helps build civic engagement and resilience to delinquency or extremist ideologies. Project Overview: Grantee organizations will be expected to provide selected groups of students with two years of after-school English language instruction and enhancement activities aimed at improving students’ overall English language proficiency in the four basic skills of speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Implementation must include at least 180 hours of instruction per year or a minimum of 360 hours for the two-year program. In addition to providing quality instruction in English language to Access students, grantee organizations will be expected to conduct enhancement activities with content that gives the participants insights into U.S. culture and democratic ideals, builds confidence and critical thinking abilities, and enhances entrepreneurship and computer skills among others. These activities could involve public speaking or debate clubs; lessons on U.S. society and culture, including celebrations of American holidays; community awareness activities, such as civic education classes; community service and advocacy discussions and activities, including Global Youth Service Days; and intensive English-language camps. Enhancement activities should be designed to help students better understand U.S. society and ideals, especially the U.S. values of volunteerism and community service. Objectives: The overall objective of the Access Program is to enhance the English-language skills of talented but disadvantaged youth and thereby develop increased self-confidence, strengthen critical thinking skills, and enhance opportunities for future study or employment. Specific objectives include: Providing high potential students from socially disadvantaged families with English language classes at no cost; Enabling these students to develop leadership and interpersonal skills through various enhancement activities; Increasing students’ understanding of U.S. culture and ideals through enrichment activities; Increasing opportunities for students with improved English language skills to successfully participate in U.S. government-funded academic exchange programs and other public diplomacy initiatives. Administration: Grantee organizations are expected to keep administration costs to a minimum. Please note that administration costs may not exceed 10 percent of the total budget. Grantee organizations are also encouraged to consider cost-sharing. Please submit grant proposals according to the following templates: Access Cost Proposal Template Access Narrative Proposal template Applicant organizational information template In addition to the above templates, please provide the following mandatory forms with your grant proposal. Mandatory application forms Application for Federal Assistance SF-424 or; Application for Federal Assistance SF 424I – Individual, if applying as an individual SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) (not required if fully registered in www.SAM.gov) Attachments 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner Official permission letters, if required for program activities Submit your complete set of application in electronic format to Kampalagrants@state.gov An organization or individual may submit only one application by the application deadline. All applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of proposals. Proposals will not be considered until all information is received. Please note that all information must be received by the application deadline listed above. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY: All organizations applying for an award must have the following registrations: Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number NATO Commercial and Government Entity(CAGE/NCAGE) code System for Award Management (SAM.gov) (If you have applied and have not yet received the registration number, provide proof of application). Please apply for the D&B DUNS Number and CAGE/NCAGE Code at the same time to expedite the registration process. The Legal Business Name and Address must MATCH EXACTLY when entering it into the D&B DUNS, NCAGE, and SAM.gov websites – this includes spaces, parentheses, capitalization, small letters, punctuation, etc. Self-registration in D&B DUNS, NCAGE, and SAM.gov is free of charge. DUN & BRADSTREET (D&B) DUNS/UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI) NUMBER The DUNS/UEI number is a nine-digit number established and assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to uniquely identify business entities. Log onto the D&B website at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/searchAction.do For assistance, contact D&B at the following email address: SAMHelp@dnb.com NATO COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY (NCAGE) CODE NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) codes are required for all foreign entities to create an account in SAM.gov. The Code is a five-character ID number, and can take, at a minimum, 4-5 business days to create. Steps to register: (Please use the Internet Explorer web browser) Foreign registrants must go to the link below to check if their entity has a valid CAGE/NCAGE code https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/CageTool/home If the search results in no NCAGE codes found, you must click on “Request New” on the right side of the page to apply for your CAGE/NCAGE code. For assistance by telephone, please call: 1-888-227-2423 (inside the U.S.) or 001-269-961-7766 (outside the U.S.). E-mail NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in obtaining an NCAGE code. SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM.gov): (Please use either the Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox web browser) SAM is a U.S.-government wide registry of vendors doing business with the U.S. federal government and requires annual renewal. The system centralizes information about grant applicants/recipients and provides them with a central location to change their organizational information. More information about SAM.gov and useful guides for setting-up a new account, updating an existing account, or renewing an expired account can be found at: . https://sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/index.jsf Please complete ALL of the above steps before attempting to register in SAM. Log onto https://sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/index.jsf If you have had an active record in The Central Contractor Registration (CCR), you may already have an active record in SAM. To check for an active registration, please conduct a “search” for your record using the organization name and/or DUNS Number in SAM. If you are not registered, your organization or entity will not be found. If your organization does not have an active registration, you must create a user account and input all information in the exact manner as you have for the IRS, D&B DUNS, and NCAGE. Complete and submit the online form. Because of the different steps required for registration, it can take anywhere from three to fourteen business days to complete the process of creating an account with the system. If you encounter any error, please contact the SAM Federal Service Desk to report the problem at https://www.fsd.gov/clients There is a standard (not toll free) number that customers can use +1 334-206-7828. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS Announcing Award Decisions: The Public Affairs Office seeks to notify applicants of funding decisions within six to eight weeks following an application deadline. The timing of approvals is, however, subject to the availability of funds. Please note: Funding for approved proposals will not be available immediately. The allocation of funds can take up to two months once all award paperwork has been completed. Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed by the Public Affairs Office’s Grant Review Committee. Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated based on the following criteria: Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea Organizational Capacity: The organization has expertise in the subject area and demonstrates the ability to perform the proposed activities The organization demonstrates capacity for successful planning and responsible fiscal management Project Plan Includes sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out Specifies target audience, participant recruitment plan, and geographic area of implementation Implementation timeline is reasonable Budget Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results Realistically accounts for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities Monitoring and Evaluation Applicant demonstrates its ability to identify key program milestones and targets and track timely progress toward those milestones Sustainability American Content The degree to which the proposed activities will improve participants’ understanding of U.S. society and ideals, such as the values of volunteerism and community service Applicants selected for further consideration will receive official written notification and detailed information on the process of finalizing awards. Applicants selected for further consideration must provide official copies of all registrations outlined in the eligibility requirements. Failure to provide these documents will result in disqualification. Awards are contingent upon availability of U.S. Government funds and the signing of official award documents. Verbal or other informal communications cannot be considered official notification of an award, and applicants may not obligate expenses for a proposed project until all required administrative procedures have been completed. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS All awards require both program and financial reports on a frequency specified in the award agreement. The disbursement of funds may be tied to submission of these reports in a timely manner. All other details related to award administration will be specified in the award agreement. PROGRAM COORDINATION AND DEADLINE The Access Program will be administered by the Public Affairs Office of the U.S. Embassy in Uganda. Please submit your grant proposals electronically to KampalaGrants@state.gov by close of business September 30, 2021 Please note that incomplete proposals will not be taken into consideration.

335060

19.022

##   U.S. Embassy-Bishkek Democracy Commission Small Grants Program

02/02/2022

03/20/2022

1) Priority Program Area One: Advancing Business Empowerment and Social Entrepreneurship This funding opportunity seeks to continue to support projects that strengthen the enabling environment for economic growth by addressing specific current challenges: high level of poverty in rural locations; lack of core competencies and skills needed in the modern workplace; and/or, lack of economic opportunities and resources. Project Objectives (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives. While these numbers are suggestions, grantees may select different targets as they see fit.) Within 12 months: 1) Increase knowledge, skills, and available tools for at least 50 potential and current women entrepreneurs in a targeted field, such as information technology (IT), to start and/or improve their businesses; 2) Increase capacity of at least 20 young women and men (age 18-35) from rural communities to improve access to top IT professions through providing training, mentorship support and/or internship in local leading IT companies; 3) Improve understanding of sustainable business practices through mentorship/speakers/exchange programs for at least 30 small business owners to learn and apply innovative approaches in sustainable business development; 4) Improve and expand public-private collaboration and information sharing through events with participation of a minimum of 30 representatives of interested local state agencies and business associations; 5) Empower at least 50 potential entrepreneurs to use online digital resources or other new resources to promote their businesses through hands-on training. 2) Priority Program Area Two: Promoting Democratic Institutions This funding opportunity seeks to promote more inclusive and accountable democracy by addressing specific current challenges: limited information flow and low level of media literacy, especially among rural populations; limited knowledge of the importance of the rule of law, civic engagement, civil society, and advocacy; limited CSO capacity in strategic planning, project design and management, monitoring and evaluation, public relations and organizational communications, building partnerships, and organizational and financial sustainability, especially in rural areas; and/or limited cooperation between rural civil society and local government. Project Objectives (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives. While these numbers are suggestions, grantees may select different targets as they see fit.) Within 12 months: 1) Increase awareness of the importance of civil participation among at least 200 secondary school students or university students through activities like debate, advocacy, speaker programs, and rule of law and leadership programs; 2) Increase media literacy and critical thinking skills of at least 150 young people from rural communities on how to recognize and respond to the dissemination of fake news; 3) Increase opportunities for youth decision-making and contribution to governance through supporting at least 7 regional youth leadership initiatives on environmental challenges and/or governmental accountability implemented with local self-governments and local councils; 4) Promote sustainable civic education practices, engagement, and leadership involving a minimum of 150 high school students so that youth more actively and positively participate in civic, social and economic life and contribute to the development of their families and communities through long-term partnerships with governing bodies and local civil society organizations; 5) Improve access to public services in rural communities through strengthened partnership between civil society and local government bodies to support the needs of underserved communities; 6) Establish robust communication plans and strategies for at least 8 rural (or relatively low-capacity) CSOs to improve their skills utilizing traditional and social media for outreach campaigns, in support of program goals; and/or 7) Engage a minimum of 8 rural NGOs working with youth, women, and other underserved groups to develop better connectivity with each other and with local government bodies, as well as better-formulated strategies resulting from associated networking and mentoring programs. 3) Priority Program Area Three Combatting Gender-Based Violence This funding opportunity seeks to build upon previous projects and strengthen the efforts to effectively prevent and respond to gender-based violence by addressing specific current challenges: entrenched gender stereotypes and prejudice; lack of economic resources and economic vulnerability; and/or, normalization and general acceptance of gender-based violence. Project Objectives (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives. While these numbers are suggestions, grantees may select different targets as they see fit.) Within 12 months: 1) Increase awareness of positive masculinity, respectful relations, breaking stereotyped gender roles and discrimination through online informational campaigns; 2) Promote new notions of masculinity associated with non-violence, respect, and equality by engaging at least 100 men and boys in programs; 3) Improve access to economic empowerment resources/programs at least 100 vulnerable women and victims of GBV through personal development programs; 4) Support civil participation in shaping policy that counters gender-based violence through increasing the coordination between local authorities and other stakeholders, including at least 5 civil society organizations; and/or 5) Increase capacity of key decision-makers working in governmental bodies to address gender-based violence through improved implementation of existing laws on countering domestic violence. 4) Priority Program Area Four Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) This funding opportunity seeks to build upon previous projects and expand PVE programming in the Kyrgyz Republic through strengthening individual and community resilience and local capacity by addressing specific current challenges: lack of sense of belonging to a community, along with low civic participation and proactivity; lack of media literacy and critical skills to recognize and reject violent extremist narratives; and/or low capacity of local government and civil society actors in PVE and lack of effective collaboration in prevention of radicalization and extremism. Project Objectives (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives. While these numbers are suggestions, grantees may select different targets as they see fit.) Within 12 months: 1) Increase positive stories and messaging on tolerance, diversity, and inclusivity through at least 5 media messaging and alternative/counter-narrative information campaigns in social media and/or traditional media; 2) Promote media literacy and critical thinking skills in rural regions or new urban communities through training at least 50 young people (aged 14-28) in recognizing and critically assessing online extremist content and propaganda, while promoting narratives based on human rights, tolerance, and democratic values; 3) Using local expertise and credible voices within communities, increase community development opportunities for at least 25 young people (aged 14-28) in rural regions or new urban communities to promote intergroup trust and increase the identification with and sense of belonging to their communities 4) Increase capacity of local government and civil society actors to address PVE and more effectively collaborate on the prevention of radicalization and extremism. 5) Priority Program Area Five Countering Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) This funding opportunity seeks to build upon previous projects and expand trafficking-in-persons programming in the Kyrgyz Republic by addressing specific current challenges: lack of approved standard operating procedures (SOPs) for state bodies including local administrations and local self-governments to implement NRM; low capacity of local government officials, including regional TIP coordination council members, as well as NGO representatives, to implement NRM and identify victims based on four identification criteria; and/or limited public awareness on trafficking-related issues, risks of illegal migration and the legal rights of migrants. Project Objectives (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives. While these numbers are suggestions, grantees may select different targets as they see fit.) Within 12 months: 1) Build capacity of 50 government officials working on countering trafficking-in-persons (CTIP) issues and members of the National Database of CTIP NGOs on the national referral mechanism, including relevant SOPs to clearly delineate the respective roles of the various agencies involved; 2) Establish a network of at least 5 civil society organizations working to combat trafficking in persons, who can provide expertise and coordinate with government officials on TIP issues; 3) Raise the awareness of at-risk youth and women, as well as current labor migrants, on trafficking-related issues, basic human rights, cyber-safety, and digital literacy, reaching at least 100 current and potential labor migrants; 4) Raise the awareness of the media by providing at least 5 journalists and media professionals with tools that will support their efforts to address and/or report on human trafficking in an ethical and professional way, including the technology-facilitated methods employed by traffickers and the risks to victims.

337404

19.900

##   Democracy Commission Small Grants Program

02/24/2022

04/11/2022

Program Office: Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy, Ashgabat Funding Opportunity Title: Democracy Commission Small Grants Program Announcement Type: Grant or Cooperative Agreement Executive Summary: The U.S. Embassy Ashgabat Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through the Embassy’s Democracy Commission Small Grants Program. This program supports the development of the country's democratic institutions and civil society by competitively awarding small grants to nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and associations, to nonprofit civil society organizations (CSOs), and to independent local media organizations in Turkmenistan. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit joint proposals with another NGO, such as a regional NGO collaborating with a Ashgabat-based organization, to build partnerships and strengthen civil society capacity. Background: The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan is soliciting Statements of Interest for grants from Turkmen civil society and independent media organizations that focus on one of the priority areas/themes specified below. Applicants should pay close attention to PAS priority goals, program areas, target audiences, and geographic location when developing their proposals. Statements of Interest, including the short budget proposal, cannot exceed three pages. Note: A specific goal and objectives for each theme are listed below. Please ensure you pay close attention to each of the goals, objectives, and target audiences when developing your proposal. Priority Themes: 1. Non-governmental organizations (NGO) capacity buildingThe Turkmen NGO sector is limited, and many NGOs lack essential capacities, especially in rural areas, that limit their impact. The registration process is opaque, complex, and difficult to navigate. Previous PAS-funded projects have focused on empowering cooperation between local governments and civil society, strengthening advocacy efforts and raising awareness on universal human rights, especially among vulnerable and marginalized populations. This funding opportunity seeks to promote more inclusive and accountable democracy by addressing specific current challenges: ● limited knowledge of the importance of the rule of law, civic engagement, civil society, and advocacy; ● limited CSO capacity in strategic planning, project design and management, monitoring and evaluation, public relations and organizational communications, building partnerships, and organizational and financial sustainability, especially in rural areas; and/or ● limited cooperation between rural civil society and local government. Project Goal: Create strong, representative, and independent civil society organizations to hold government and all institutions accountable, deter corruption, and increased CSO capacity to respond to social needs in Turkmenistan. Project Audience(s): Potential and current urban and rural NGOs, including youth organizations, rural youth and university students aged 14-28, their families and community leaders, local and state government officials. Project Objectives (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives. While these numbers are suggestions, grantees may select different targets as they see fit.) Within 12 months: 1) Increase the number of institutions engaged in the civil society sector that report making positive organizational changes. 2) Increase awareness of the importance of civil society career opportunities among at least 60 secondary school students or university students through activities like debate, advocacy, speaker programs, and rule of law and leadership programs 3) Promote sustainable civic education practices, engagement, and leadership involving a minimum of 60 high school students so that youth more actively and positively participate in civic, social and economic life and contribute to the development of their families and communities through long-term partnerships with governing bodies and local civil society organizations; 4) Increase opportunities for youth decision-making and contribution to governance through supporting at least 7 regional youth leadership initiatives on environmental challenges and/or governmental accountability implemented with local self-governments and local councils; 5) Improve access to public services in rural communities through strengthened partnership between civil society and local government bodies to support the needs of underserved communities; 6) Establish robust communication plans and strategies for at least 8 rural (or relatively low-capacity) CSOs to improve their skills utilizing traditional and social media for outreach campaigns, in support of program goals; and/or 7) Engage a minimum of 8 rural NGOs working with youth, women, and other underserved groups to develop better connectivity with each other and with local government bodies, as well as better-formulated strategies resulting from associated networking and mentoring programs. 2. Advancing Human Capacity and EntrepreneurshipThe economy of Turkmenistan relies heavily on external factors, contributing to the country’s economic instability in recent decades. The limited economic opportunities and high level of poverty, especially in rural locations, led to mass labor migration, which caused additional socio-economic problems within communities. The pandemic has presented further economic challenges. The ability to speak and read English is an important first step to improve economic opportunity for individuals in Turkmenistan because it increases access to key information and opportunities in higher education, business, trade, and a host of other fields. In addition to English language, it is essential to enhance entrepreneurship skills to expand economic opportunity and secure economic independence, particularly for vulnerable populations. Previous PAS-funded projects have focused on strengthening English language, academic preparation and alumni development initiatives by providing beneficiaries with necessary tools and knowledge; increasing the level of financial literacy and business skills; and providing English-related training programs and vocational courses to ensure economic independence and self-sustainability. This funding opportunity seeks to continue to support projects that strengthen the enabling environment for economic growth by addressing specific current challenges: ● high level of poverty in rural locations; ● insufficient number of academic slots in Turkmenistan; ● lack of English skills to successfully matriculate into U.S. universities; ● lack of core competencies and skills needed in the modern workplace; and/or, ● lack of economic opportunities and resources. Project Goal: To support socio- economic empowerment of youth in Turkmenistan through educational and professional development opportunities Project Audience(s): Youth and university students aged 14-28, their families and community leaders, local and state government officials, alumni and underserved and vulnerable populations, especially in rural regions. Project Objectives (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives. While these numbers are suggestions, grantees may select different targets as they see fit.) Within 12 months: 1) To strengthen English language skills and academic prep for at least 80 recent high school graduates (ages 17-21) to successfully enter university and create future economic opportunities. 2) Increase knowledge, skills, and available tools for at least 50 secondary high school students or university students through activities like debate, advocacy, speaker programs, entrepreneurship and leadership programs, 3) Increase capacity of at least 20 young women and men (age 18-28) from rural communities to improve entrepreneurship skills through providing training, mentorship support and/or internship with local companies; 4) Improve understanding of sustainable business practices through mentorship/speakers/exchange programs for at least 30 youth (ages 18-28) and small business owners to learn and apply innovative approaches in sustainable business development; 5) Increase awareness of at least 50 potential youth entrepreneurs on ways to use online digital resources or other new resources to promote their businesses through hands-on training. STATEMENT OF INTEREST SUBMISSION INFORMATION: FIRST ROUND Please follow all instructions below carefully. Statements of Interest that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Application Deadline: All Statements of Interest must be received by April 11, 2022, 11:59 p.m. Ashgabat time as determined by the time-stamp when received by PASAshgabatGrants@state.gov or, for any submissions by Grants.gov, the time-stamp provided by Grants.gov. This deadline is firm and is not a rolling deadline. If organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above, their application will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding. Each Statement of Interest must: 1. Clearly indicate the grant priority area to which it is being submitted for consideration; 2. Focus on the key audiences specified in the areas (i.e., women, youth, etc.), and note key geographic areas and other indicators of focus populations; 3. Clearly delineate how elements of the program will have a multiplier effect and be sustainable beyond the life of the grant; 4. Identify specific outcomes to be achieved by the end of the grant period; 5. Provide a plan for program outcomes, including social media outreach and monitoring, where applicable; and 6. Provide an approximate funding amount along with a short budget proposal. Content and Form of Statement of Interest Submission Please ensure: The Statement of Interest clearly addresses the goals, audiences, and objectives of this notice. Applicants may choose to use the attached Statement of Interest template (Attachment 1) to submit their concept paper application. All documents are in English. All budgets are in U.S. dollars. Applicants are encouraged to use the Budget Proposal template in Attachment 1 to submit the short budget proposal. All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various required forms. Statements of Interest, including the short budget proposal, cannot exceed three pages. All Statements of Interest should address the following areas: Explain the problem your project will address and why this project is needed. Give a short summary that outlines your proposed project. List your project goal and objectives. The “goal” describes what the project is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Describe a sample project activity and how it will help achieve the objectives. Describe the expected results of the program. Provide a short, but clear overview of expected costs/expenses associated with the project activities. Application Submission Process: There are two application submission methods available to applicants. Applicants may submit their application using Submission Method A or Submission Method B outlined below. ● Submission Method A: Submitting all application materials directly to the following email address: PASAshgabatGrants@state.gov. Applicants opting to submit applications via email to PASAshgabatGrants@state.gov must include the Funding Opportunity Title and Funding Opportunity Number in the subject line of the email. ● Submission Method B: Submitting all application materials through Grants.gov. For those opting to apply through Grants.gov, thorough instructions on the application process are available at http://www.grants.gov. For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 (U.S. toll-free number) or for international callers: 1-606-545-5035. Technical support may also be available at https://www.grants.gov/support.html or via email at support@grants.gov. Please note that PASAshgabatGrants@state.govn is unable to assist with technical questions or problems applicants experience with Grants.gov. Full infomation is provided in the attached NOFO.

338297

19.900

##   Democracy Commission Small Grants Program

01/31/2023

03/20/2023

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic is soliciting Statements of Interest for grants from Kyrgyz civil society and independent media organizations that focus on one of the priority areas/themes specified below. Applicants should pay close attention to PDS priority goals, program areas, target audiences, and geographic location when developing their proposals. Statements of Interest, including the short budget proposal, cannot exceed three pages. Proposals which exceed three pages limit will be disqualified from consideration. Support for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) All programs should consider strategies for expanding the pool of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries to afford opportunities for as diverse and inclusive a population as is feasible to bring perspectives based on religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, and age to implementation of the program. Note: A specific goal and objectives for each theme are listed below. Please ensure you pay close attention to each of the goals, objectives, and target audiences when developing your proposal. Priority Themes: 1. Advancing Business Empowerment and Social Entrepreneurship The economy of the Kyrgyz Republic relies heavily on external factors, contributing to the country’s economic instability in recent decades. The limited economic opportunities and high level of poverty, especially in rural locations, led to mass labor migration, which caused additional socio-economic problems within communities. Previous PDS-funded projects have focused on strengthening entrepreneurship and small business development initiatives by providing beneficiaries with necessary tools and knowledge; increasing the level of financial literacy and business skills; and providing business-related training programs and vocational courses to ensure economic independence and self-sustainability. This funding opportunity seeks to continue to support projects that strengthen the enabling environment for economic growth by addressing specific current challenges: ● high level of poverty in rural locations; ● lack of core competencies and skills needed in the modern workplace; and/or, ● lack of economic opportunities and resources. Project Goal: To strengthen rural entrepreneurship and small business development by increasing knowledge and tools that entrepreneurs and small businesses owners need to make their businesses successful. 2. Promoting Democratic Institutions The Kyrgyz Republic has made democratic gains since its independence; however, democracy in the Kyrgyz Republic continues to face challenges and risks. Independent observers have noted violations of electoral processes; high levels of corruption and low levels of transparency; attempts to impose regulations on NGO/CSOs in a discriminatory manner, persecution of independent media and political repression of freedom of speech; poor public understanding of democratic institutions and legal rights, especially in rural regions; and overall political instability due to social, economic and geographical divisions. Furthermore, while the Kyrgyz NGO sector is vibrant and provides a wide range of educational, social, and legal services, many NGOs lack essential capacities, especially in rural areas, that limit their impact. Previous PDS-funded projects have focused on increasing political participation in decision-making processes, promoting cooperation between local governments and civil society, and strengthening advocacy efforts and raising awareness on universal human rights, especially among vulnerable and marginalized populations. This funding opportunity seeks to promote more inclusive and accountable democracy by addressing specific current challenges: ● limited knowledge of the importance of the rule of law, civic engagement, civil society, and advocacy; ● limited CSO capacity in communication and public relations, digital storytelling and technology skills, especially in rural areas; and/or ● limited cooperation between rural civil society and local government. Project Goal: To strengthen democracy in the Kyrgyz Republic through increased civic engagement of rural youth, increased positive perceptions of the role of civil society and the rule of law at the citizen level, increased collaboration between citizens and government bodies on good governance, and/or increased organizational capacity of rural NGOs. 3. Combatting Gender-Based Violence Combatting Gender-based violence (GBV) is a key sub-theme of promoting the rule of law and gender equality, which are essential to democratic norms. Despite extensive work and assistance to ensure gender equality in the Kyrgyz Republic, GBV remains a widespread issue in the country. Due to many factors, including, but not limited to poverty, economic dependence, traditionalism, patriarchy and gender discrimination, women in particular face different types of violence such as domestic violence, sexual violence, early marriages, sexual harassment, and physical and mental abuse. GBV is disproportionately underreported, ignored, and silenced by the government and society. Previous PDS-funded projects relating to GBV have primarily focused on raising awareness about human and legal rights, providing economic and leadership empowerment programs, strengthening the capacity of relevant bodies to effectively respond to GBV, and assisting with legal counseling to GBV victims. This funding opportunity seeks to build upon previous projects and strengthen the efforts to effectively prevent and respond to gender-based violence by addressing specific current challenges: ● entrenched gender stereotypes and prejudice; ● lack of economic resources and economic vulnerability; and/or, ● normalization and general acceptance of gender-based violence. Project Goal: To strengthen civil society and government capacity to address gender-based violence in the Kyrgyz Republic through preventative measures. 4. Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) A significant number of young adults and teenagers in the Kyrgyz Republic experience challenges with social integration, including lack of educational and economic opportunities, especially in rural areas and new urban settlements around Bishkek. Without a strong sense of purpose, these young people are at risk of drifting into violent extremism, leading to further exclusion by their communities. One significant obstacle to young people’s positive engagement in society is a lack of critical thinking skills and ability to filter the information available to them. Previous PDS-funded projects on prevention of violent extremism have primarily focused on promoting tolerance, interethnic dialogue, and socio-economic empowerment of youth through employment partnerships, traineeship programs, and outreach events; increasing skills of positive interaction among youth in the multi-confessional environment of the Kyrgyz Republic; mitigating radicalization among young people through an educational program on media literacy and critical thinking; and working with an interfaith council to promote understanding between people of different faiths to increase acceptance and tolerance. This funding opportunity seeks to build upon previous projects and expand PVE programming in the Kyrgyz Republic through strengthening individual and community resilience and local capacity by addressing specific current challenges: ● lack of sense of belonging to a community, along with low civic participation and proactivity; ● lack of media literacy and critical skills to recognize and reject violent extremist narratives; and/or ● low capacity of local government and civil society actors in PVE and lack of effective collaboration in prevention of radicalization and extremism. Project Goal: To strengthen individual and community resilience among youth in rural regions and new urban communities and build capacity of rural civil society organizations to prevent radicalization through better coordination with key stakeholders, such as youth and government. 5. Countering Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) In 2019, the Kyrgyz Republic formally adopted a national referral mechanism (NRM) to help counter trafficking in persons (TIP.) The NRM established formal policies on victim identification, assistance referral, provision of social services, and protection of victims’ personal data, but the government provided very limited training on the NRM to key implementers. Previous PDS-funded projects have primarily focused on prevention of human trafficking through strengthened partnerships with government authorities, regional TIP coordination councils, and NGOs; improved understanding among local authorities and NGOs on the national referral mechanism policies; and raising public awareness on trafficking-related issues and risks of illegal migration through legal rights trainings to ensure safe migration and avoid exploitation abroad. This funding opportunity seeks to build upon previous projects and expand trafficking-in-persons programming in the Kyrgyz Republic by addressing specific current challenges: ● lack of effective standard operating procedures (SOPs) for state bodies including local administrations and local self-governments to implement NRM; ● low capacity of local government officials, including regional TIP coordination council members, as well as NGO representatives, to implement NRM and identify victims based on four identification criteria; and/or ● limited public awareness on trafficking-related issues, risks of illegal migration and the legal rights of migrants. Proposed projects should seek to address at least two of the three challenges above by leveraging local, state, and civil society stakeholders to strengthen interagency coordination in countering the problem of human trafficking; increase the capacity of officials in identification and protection of victims; and raise awareness of vulnerable migrants on their legal rights to ensure safe migration. Project Goal: To reduce trafficking-in-persons in the Kyrgyz Republic by educating and empowering labor migrants and at-risk groups, building capacity of government officials, and improving understanding of TIP issues.

345665

19.900

##   Democracy Commission Small Grants Program

02/08/2023

03/28/2023

The U.S. Embassy Ashgabat Public Diplomacy (PD) Section of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through the Embassy’s Democracy Commission Small Grants Program. This program supports the development of the country's democratic institutions and civil society by competitively awarding small grants to nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and associations, to nonprofit civil society organizations (CSOs), and to independent local media organizations in Turkmenistan. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit joint proposals with another NGO, such as a regional NGO collaborating with an Ashgabat-based organization, to build partnerships and strengthen civil society capacity. Background: The PD Section of the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan is soliciting Statements of Interest for grants from Turkmen civil society, economic union and independent media organizations that focus on the priority theme specified below. Applicants should pay close attention to PD priority goals, program areas, target audiences, and geographic location when developing their proposals. Statements of Interest, including the short budget proposal, cannot exceed three pages. Note: A specific goal and objectives for the theme are listed below. Please ensure you pay close attention to each of the goals, objectives, and target audiences when developing your proposal. Priority Themes: Development of a new generation of civil society leaders The Turkmen NGO sector is a developing sector, and many NGOs, especially in rural areas, are in need of certain skills in order to maximize their impact. Previously funded projects have focused on encouraging cooperation between local governments and civil society, strengthening advocacy efforts and raising awareness around universal human rights, especially among vulnerable and marginalized populations. This funding opportunity seeks to promote youth interest in civil society sector development, train youth in project management and fundraising skills, increase cooperation between existing NGOs and create new civil society organizations. The U.S. Embassy is seeking proposals that focus on addressing the following challenges: Increase knowledge on the importance of rule of law, civic engagement, civil society, and advocacy. Increase NGO capacity in strategic planning, project design and management, monitoring and evaluation, public relations, and organizational communications, building partnerships, and organizational and financial sustainability, especially in rural areas; and/or Increase cooperation between rural and urban civil society and local government. Project Goal: Create strong, diverse, and independent groups of youth representatives that will go on to engage government and all institutions, deter corruption, and increase civil society’s ability to respond to the needs our different groups in Turkmenistan. Project Audience(s): Potential and current urban and rural NGOs, including youth organizations, rural and urban youth and university students aged 14-28, community leaders, and local and state government officials. Project Objectives (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives. While these numbers are suggestions, grantees may select different targets as they see fit.) Within 12 months: 1) Increase number of registered NGOs in Turkmenistan by improving organizational capacities of institutions engaged in the civil society sector, including assessment of institutional development needs of local organizations, providing training to strengthen organizational system capacities, guidance on budgets, strategic planning, communications, and policy and program infrastructure, etc. 2) Build awareness of civil society career opportunities among at least 60 secondary school students or university students through activities like debate, advocacy, speaker programs, and rule of law and leadership programs 3) Promote youth participation for a minimum of 60 high school students in civic, social, and economic life that promote sustainable civic education practices, engagement, and leadership and contribute to the development of their families and communities. 4) Establish long-term partnerships with local CSOs. 5) Encourage youth decision-making and contribution to governance that address environmental challenges and/or governmental accountability through at least seven regional youth leadership initiatives in partnership with local self-governments and local councils. 6) Improve skills of at least eight rural (or relatively low capacity) CSOs to utilize traditional and social media for outreach campaigns (e.g., establishment of robust communication plans and strategies) that support of program goals; and/or 7) Develop better connectivity between a minimum of eight rural NGOs working with youth, women, and other underserved groups and local government bodies, that include continued engagement strategies that were the outcome of associated networking and mentoring programs. C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION The following organizations are eligible to apply: ■ Not-for-profit organizations, ■ Civil society/non-governmental organizations, ■ Economic unions, ■ Media organizations. For this announcement, only organizations based in Turkmenistan are eligible to apply. Organizations unique to Turkmenistan will be prioritized over local branches of international NGOs/CSOs.

345887

19.900

##   DRL Youth Empowerment in Serbia

02/22/2023

04/26/2023

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support youth civic engagement and empowerment in Serbia.

346297

19.345

##   DRL Youth Empowerment in Serbia

04/05/2023

04/26/2023

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support youth civic engagement and empowerment in Serbia.

347347

19.345

##   Management of U.S. Embassy Youth Council (USYC) Program

06/21/2023

07/23/2023

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Executive Summary: The Embassy of the United States in Kathmandu announces an open competition for the management of U.S. Embassy Youth Council (USYC) Program 2024. Every year, approximately fifty-five individuals, between 20-30 years old, are accepted to the Council. Throughout the duration of their membership term, council members participate in networking events, work on community engagement projects, and attend important events. The U.S. Embassy in Nepal is looking for an implementer to manage the USYC program through a cooperative agreement. Any not-for-profit, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions are eligible to apply. The deadline for submitting proposals to KTMgrants@state.gov is by Sunday, July 23, 2023. Any submission received after the deadline will not be considered for this grant opportunity. Background: The U.S. Embassy in Nepal created the U.S. Embassy Youth Council (USYC) in 2011 in order to interact directly with Nepal’s youth about the issues that concern them. The Council consists of 50-55 Nepalis between the age of 20-30 years from all regions of Nepal and representing various backgrounds, regions, castes, ethnicities, religions, and professions. The USYC has two primary objectives: 1) to interact with the Embassy about the challenges young Nepalis face and what can be done to address them, and 2) to encourage participation by Council members in their communities and the larger civil society. In 2022, over 2700 Nepali youth applied to become a member of this unique platform. The selected youth participated in multiple networking events, attended meetings, and designed and implemented civic engagement projects (CEPs). Past USYC members have built teams, developed solutions to problems, and launched products, organizations, and companies that have created opportunities for progress. For example, Youth Council members created: Project Upskill, a program that helped graduating students to gain employable skills for an easier transition to the job market; eConstruction, a website to support reconstruction after the April 2015 earthquake; Lunch Box, a kit to help rural women start small businesses; iconstutution: an app to widely circulate the new constitution of Nepal and help citizen’s understand their constitutionally protected rights; and Model Debate, a program to promote dialogue between electoral candidates and youth voters. This funding opportunity seeks to identify a cooperative agreement partner to manage U.S. Embassy in Nepal’s flagship youth program. The prospective implementer will recruit USYC members through an open and objective process, bring innovative approaches to youth programming, and design and implement programs and activities to engage the USYC members throughout their tenure. Project Audience(s): Primary beneficiaries for this project are youth aged 20-30 with the following demographic variables. 1. Gender: At least 50% of the USYC members should be female. 2. Geographic location: All seven provinces should be covered in terms of geographic representation. 3. Age group: between the age of 20-30. 4. Level of Education: Bachelor’s degree or above. 5. Diversity: Selected participants should reflect Nepal’s cultural, religious, ethnic, and social diversity. Project Goal: The United States Embassy in Nepal supports initiatives that promote democracy, increase economic prosperity, and create resilience. This is only possible when youth are provided with given tools and resources to support their communities and country. USYC provides the training, mentorship, and networking for youth to be leaders of social positive change. Project Objectives: This project has the following objectives. · Select 50 to 55 Nepali Youth, through an open and transparent manner, who represent Nepal’s diverse social, religious, cultural, geographic, and ethnic backgrounds. · Strengthen the capacity of all Council members through series of training and capacity building events. · Support Council members with designing and implementation of 5-7 Civic Engagement Projects. · Strengthen the U.S. Embassy’s and USYC Members relationship through events and other appropriate networking opportunities. · Increase in empowerment, exposure, and leadership skills of USYC members. · Effectively utilize the expertise of USYC alumni and recommend ways to include them in U.S. Embassy’s programming. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 15 Months Award amounts: $75,000 Type of Funding: FY23 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated program start date: October 1, 2023 Note: The Public Affairs Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement. Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy will work with the grantee to select the members, approve program content, and provide experts and speakers. Support for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA): All programs should consider strategies for expanding the pool of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries to afford opportunities for as diverse and inclusive population as is feasible to bring diverse perspectives based on religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, and age to implementation of the program. Note: NOFO is attached in the additional document

348819

19.040

  Download CSV