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##   Combating Child Trafficking in Jamaica

03/28/2018

//

Notice of Intent: Combating Child Trafficking in Jamaica NOTE: This is a Notice of Intent. An announcement is not related to this notice. The U.S. State Department’ s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) is not accepting applications at this time. Any commercial, international, educational, or non-profit organization(s), including any faith-based, community-based, or public international organization(s) capable of successfully working with government and civil society to address child trafficking in Jamaica are eligible to apply if and when a Notice of Funding Opportunity is published. Lack of past experience with U.S. Department of State cooperative agreements, grants, or contracts does not bar eligibility. All applicants for TIP Office funding opportunities must have a valid Unique Entity Identifier (formerly the Data Universal Numbering System or DUNS). Although not required for submission of an application via SAMS Domestic on https://mygrants.service-now.com/grants, a valid UEI number is required for organizations selected for an award. Organizations should verify their UEI number or take the steps needed to obtain one as soon as possible. Instructions for obtaining a UEI number can be found at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Selected grantees will also be required to have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) found at https://www.sam.gov/. Although registration is not required prior to submitting an application via SAMS Domestic, all applicants should register at SAM.gov as soon as possible to avoid future delays. Successful applicants will be required to ensure any sub-recipients also have a valid UEI number prior to receiving TIP Office approval of any sub-awards. Subject to the availability of funds and to the successful conclusion of a U.S.-Jamaica Child Protection Compact Partnership, the TIP Office intends to award, through a competitive process, one or more cooperative agreements to organizations to implement a project in Jamaica. The objective of the project is to strengthen the capacity of the Jamaican government and civil society to address all forms of child trafficking in Jamaica effectively and thereby strengthen existing efforts to eradicate these crimes. The project will support the objectives and activities of the U.S-Jamaica CPC Partnership, which will be provided in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Existing projects in support of CPC Partnerships in other countries have included the following activities: strengthen efforts to effectively prosecute and convict child traffickers; provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for child victims of these crimes; and prevent child trafficking in all its forms. Projects have also supported outcomes in line with the recommendations of the country narrative of the most recent Trafficking in Persons Report, as they relate to child trafficking. Information about existing CPC Partnerships, including the CPC Partnership documents in their entirety, is available on our website: https://www.state.gov/j/tip/cpc/. Background: A CPC Partnership is a multi-year plan, developed jointly by the United States and a particular country that documents the commitment of the two governments to achieve shared objectives aimed at strengthening efforts to effectively prosecute and convict child traffickers; provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for child victims of these crimes; and prevent child trafficking in all its forms. The United States has signed CPC Partnerships with the governments of Ghana, the Philippines, and Peru. Such partnerships may include up to $5 million in foreign assistance supporting projects tailored to address the child trafficking situation in the particular country. During the course of negotiating a CPC Partnership, the unique context of the trafficking situation in the country is examined and strategies for addressing child trafficking are discussed in order to reach a shared commitment on partnership objectives and activities. Currently the TIP Office is in discussions with the Government of Jamaica to establish a fourth CPC Partnership – the first in the Caribbean. If successfully concluded, this Partnership will be a jointly developed and jointly implemented multi-year plan intended to strengthen the capacity of the Jamaican government and civil society to address all forms of child trafficking in Jamaica effectively, thereby strengthening existing efforts to eradicate these crimes. It is anticipated that this Partnership would include up to $4.5 million in U.S. government funding to civil society and/or international organizations to collaborate and cooperate with relevant Jamaican government agencies and other stakeholders in support of the objectives and activities of the Partnership. The TIP Office anticipates that a Notification of Funding Opportunity will be released within the next few months.

302241

19.019

##   Child Labor in Botswana

07/12/2021

08/23/2021

The U.S. Embassy Gaborone announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to strengthen children's rights in Botswana. The program would raise awareness of child labor, particularly in agriculture, empower civil society and local leaders to contribute to solutions, and ensure the government enforces laws to protect children. Program Objectives: Child labor exists in Botswana, particularly in the commercial agriculture and cattle farming sector, but the scale of the problem is largely unknown, and enforcement of Botswana's existing laws on child labor is minimal. A lack of research and inconsistencies in knowledge about child labor likely contribute to these problems thus driving conceptions that child labor is isolated and that children's work is mostly harmless. There is also little public awareness of the issue. Many child workers are from the San ethnic group, a minority population that has faced considerable discrimination on land rights, education, and language. The Government of Botswana has little capacity to enforce labor laws due to insufficient data too few inspectors, and poor access to agricultural sites. The proposed project includes the following activities: Research: A study of child labor to identify trends, current numbers and demographics of victims, and possible tactics to counter the problem. This would provide much needed data to assess the scale of child labor in Botswana, the type of work children are engaged in, potential hazardous work, government actions to respond to child labor, and obstacles to enforcing child labor laws. Outreach: Engage with stakeholders in agricultural regions, including the cattle farming areas of Ghanzi and Tsabong, to ensure they are aware of child labor regulations, can identify child labor, know their responsibilities under the law and the legal ramifications of violating the laws, and are able to play a productive part in solutions. This outreach would include traditional leaders, the San ethnic group, parents, journalists, and most importantly, farmers and cattle industry organizations. Local government labor divisions would also be included. Public Awareness: The project will fund media campaigns including radio, local television, and social media in farming areas to raise awareness of what child labor looks like, its deleterious effects on children and their rights, and how to report it. This public awareness would also focus on government officials, encouraging them to take greater action to address the problem. Victim Assistance: Botswana’s system of child victim assistance, including for issues such as Gender Based Violence and Trafficking in Persons (TIP), is highly dependent on a loose network of poorly funded NGOs and victim assistance groups. Most NGOs are based in Gaborone, meaning any child in need of assistance must be brought to the capital, often more than a thousand kilometers in distance. The project would work with these NGOs to improve their capacity to identify and provide services to children in child labor situations. The role of the grantee will be the following: Organize logistics; gather, analyze, and present information; and host a series of events or educational/cultural sessions, each focused on at least one of the priority areas listed above. The award amount includes venue, travel, speaker, media, refreshments, or any other fees directly related to the project. No funding request above the $300,000 award ceiling will be considered. Applicants should consider that much of this work will occur outside of Botswana’s capital and major population centers. Therefore, budgets must include travel to rural areas outside of public transportation networks. Successful applicants must provide a detailed strategy on how to gain access to traditional communities, farmers, local leaders, government officials, and local business communities. Given the ongoing constraints on public gatherings and travel posed by COVID-19, as a contingency, grantees should be prepared to explain how their proposals could be conducted virtually if in-person events are not possible. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION: Length of performance period: 18 months; Anticipated program start date: January 1, 2022. This notice is subject to availability of funding. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION Eligible Applicants: The following organizations are eligible to apply: Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations; Public and private educational institutions; Individuals; Public International Organizations; Cost Sharing or Matching: None : Other Eligibility Requirements: In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (Data Universal Numbering System/DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a unique entity identifier or be registered in SAM.gov. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION: Application Package: Application forms required below are available at grants.gov Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Content of Application: Please ensure: The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity; All documents are in English; All budgets are in U.S. dollars; All pages are numbered; All documents are formatted to US Letter size paper (8.5” x 11”), and; All documents must be in Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel, the paragraphs must be single-spaced, the font must be 12-point Times New Roman, and the margins must be 1-inch. Mandatory application forms: SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance --individuals) at Grants.gov SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at Grants.gov SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at Grants.gov (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov) Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period, proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. Proposal (10 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below. Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact. Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies. Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed. Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate. Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees. Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? Future Funding or Sustainability: Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information. 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; If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file; Official permission letters, if required for program activities; Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Required Registrations: Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award. Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included. All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge: Unique entity identifier from Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS number), NCAGE/CAGE code; SAM.gov registration; After receiving the NCAGE Code, proceed to register in SAM.gov by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov; SAM registration must be renewed annually. Submission Dates and Times: Applications are due no later than August 23, 2021 Funding Restrictions: Funding is intended for activities in Botswana Other Submission Requirements: All application materials must be submitted by email to mannings@state.gov; schaperd@state.gov; and moreengar@state.gov. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION: See NOFO for details. Federal Awardee Performance & Integrity Information System (FAPIIS): See Notice of Funding (NOFO) for more information. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION: Federal Award Notices: Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. See NOFO for more information. Reporting Requirements: See NOFO for more information. Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR) requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. See NOFO for more information. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS: If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: mannings@state.gov; schaperd@state.gov; and moreengar@state.gov OTHER INFORMATION: Guidelines for Budget Justification: See NOFO for more information.

334688

19.225

##   STEAM and Environment Summer Camp

08/30/2021

08/31/2021

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATEWHA / U. S. EMBASSY NASSAUNotice of Funding OpportunityFunding Opportunity Title: STEAM and Environment Summer CampFunding Opportunity Number: SBF50021GR3004Deadline for Applications: August 31, 2021Assistance Listing Number: 19.040Total Amount Available: $10,000PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONThe U.S. Embassy Nassau / Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the U.S. Department ofState announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out aprogram to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) andEnvironmental Education for at-risk Youth in the Bahamas. Please follow all instructions below.Program Objectives:In his inaugural address, President Biden stated, “We will repair our alliances and engage withthe world once again. Not to meet yesterday’s challenges, but today’s and tomorrow’s. We willlead not merely by the example of our power but by the power of our example.”The U. S. Department of State is working with international organizations, civil society, andother governments to support policies and programs that conserve and restore forests; promotesustainable agriculture and fisheries; stop illegal logging, mining, and fishing; and combatwildlife trafficking and marine plastic pollution. These policies and programs help preserve theplanet’s natural beauty and provide economic benefits for generations to come.Additionally, the U. S. Department of State executes public diplomacy programs that promotethe value of science to the general public. It also implements capacity-building programs thattrain young men and women to become science and technology entrepreneurs, strengtheninginnovation ecosystems globally. The Department’s efforts contribute to scientific enterprises thathasten economic growth and advance U.S. foreign policy priorities.The U. S. Embassy Nassau supports programs which empower youth and develop the cutting edgeskills essential to an efficient and capable workforce. As a result of these priorities listedabove, the objective of the STEAM and Environment Summer Camp Federal Assistance Award(Grant) is to empower and educate underserved Bahamian Youth to join the fight against climatechange and protect their natural environment by teaching them valuable STEAM skills.The recipient will develop a summer camp program for underserved youth (age 10-18) thatempowers young Bahamians to create solutions to the climate change challenge through STEAMinitiatives. The four goals of the STEAM and Environment Summer Camp are:1. Foster the positive development and education of at-risk youth through exposure toSTEAM in support of environmental conservation and sustainability.2. Inspire and empower youth to think, design, experiment and create skills and interest forenvironmental and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) careers.3. Encourage youth to pursue and create their own solutions to combating the climatechange at the local level within their communities.4. To promote environmental and STEAM entrepreneurship among Bahamian Youth.The selected recipient will develop a curriculum and execute a Summer Camp for at-riskBahamian Youth focused on developing solutions to combat Climate Change in theircommunities utilizing STEAM and Entrepreneurship.The camp activities must occur during the summer of 2021 and follow COVID-19 protocols toensure the safety of all participants. The funding provided for the award should cover allprogrammatic expenses including stipends, equipment, materials and food for all participants.Cost sharing and/or matching by partnering with other organizations to execute the program isrecommended but not required. Applications will be awarded additional points in the review andscoring process for partnering with other organizations for some aspect of the program. As aresult of participating in this program, all youth should gain a greater appreciation for theenvironment, for their role in combatting climate change, and for STEAM careers.The proposed program should include a group community service project for all participants atthe end of the program; the community service project should be focused on environmentalconservation or sustainability, and the role of STEAM in combatting climate change.Participants and Audiences:The Participant profile for this program is at-risk Bahamian youth ages 10 – 18.

335484

19.040

##   Large Grants NOFO

11/22/2021

04/30/2022

*** PLEASE READ FULL ANNOUNCEMENT (see Related Documents) BEFORE APPLYING *** Submissions must be emailed to PretoriaGrants@state.gov, not uploaded to grants.gov. The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Mission to South Africa of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out projects in one of six categories outlined in the Project Objectives below. All project proposals must strengthen ties and build relationships between the United States and South Africa and must have a strong, central, American element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s (separate and beyond any involvement with the U.S. Mission or its American Corners or USG exchange program alumni) and have as a primary goal the promotion of increased understanding of U.S. values, perspectives, and policies and relationship building between Americans and South Africans. Priority Region: Project activities must take place in South Africa and be directed at South African audiences/participants. PAS welcomes proposals that reach multiple provinces or engage in areas outside the metropolitan areas of Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, including townships and other historically underserved areas. American Content: Successful proposals will include a clear description of how American content will be substantively and meaningfully incorporated in projects. American content may include the use of curricula from a U.S.-based institution, collaboration with an American subject matter expert, or incorporation of U.S. culture, history, or society. We encourage proposals that explain how that American content builds ties with South African audiences. Project Objectives: PAS is seeking proposals in the following six categories. An organization may only submit one application and must identify the specific category. 1. Combatting Climate Change PAS seeks proposals that will create partnerships between Americans and South Africans to generate awareness and promote shared action/collaboration on climate change and the evolving climate crisis. Project proposals in this category should identify a specific audience – such as youth, students, educators, entrepreneurs, etc. – that it will reach as well as how the project plans to measure impact during the award’s performance period. Short-term impact may lay the groundwork for longer-term outcomes. Proposals should target a specific audience and clearly identify project participants. PAS welcomes proposals that exploit connections between governmental organizations, such as the U.S. National Park Service and the South African National Parks, or between U.S. and South African civil society, including higher education institutions. Priority project areas include: sustainable waste management and recycling; urban and peri-urban clean water solutions; countering wildlife trafficking; climate adaptation; urban greening, and; healthy oceans. 2. Improving Journalism Training PAS seeks proposals that strengthen journalism skills in fields such as investigative reporting, health/science/environmental journalism, and legal reporting, particularly among professional journalists, editors, and contributors to community media outlets. We will favorably note proposals that aim to establish partnerships between media outlets and non-governmental, educational, and/or civil society institutions in South Africa. Proposals should include: a series of engagements with participants that includes training in reporting skills such as critical thinking, sourcing, disinformation, and ethics; multiple “field” exercises to encourage these skills in real world settings; a focus on the program’s sustainability, including follow-up programming with participants and the possibility of expanding the program in the future. 3. Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship: Expanding Economic Opportunities for Youth PAS seeks proposals that break down barriers faced by South Africa’s promising young entrepreneurs by leveraging American business and management approaches to help youth develop the necessary networking, marketing, and investment skills to succeed in the economy. In addition to increasing the capacity of entrepreneurs to open new businesses, we are seeking applications that foster increased "intrapreneurship," a system wherein the principles of entrepreneurship are practiced within existing organizations. The development of intrapreneurs creates opportunities to innovate new ideas, products, and processes within an organization that can lead to the adoption of best practices, decreases in corruption, and increased growth while preparing emerging leaders for greater responsibility within their organizations or to launch startups in the future that will benefit U.S.-South African economic ties. 4. Promoting Equity, Social Justice, and Social Cohesion PAS seeks proposals that build on shared American and South African priorities to promote respect for the human rights and advance racial equity, social justice, and social cohesion. We encourage proposals that focus on outreach to historically marginalized groups. Preference will be given to proposals that foster dialogue, encourage civic engagement, and increase understanding about the historical injustices in the United States and South Africa to make concrete connections with contemporary applications of the lessons learned from those histories. Priority project areas include: conducting outreach to underscore connections between the struggle for equality of marginalized groups in the United States and South Africa’s liberation struggle; and exploring the literature, culture, and histories of marginalized groups in the United States with South African audiences. Intended audiences should include: high school and university students; professors; journalists; policy makers; or youth (ages 15-35). Proposals may incorporate use of sports or the art that addresses the American experience that is relevant to the South African experience. Competitive proposals will outline how the activities will resonate with South African audiences. 5. A Global Crisis: Trafficking in Persons South Africa is a country of origin, destination, and transit for victims of trafficking in persons (TIP). PAS seeks proposals that generate awareness of TIP-related issues in South Africa and of concerns noted in the U.S. Department of State’s 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report for South Africa, with the goal of increasing public knowledge, understanding, and calls for action on this challenging issue. Proposals should aim to improve the public’s ability to recognize and report TIP, to identify TIP risk factors, and to reduce demand for labor and sexual exploitation. Priority project areas include: the lack of public awareness of trafficking crimes; available resources for victims; cultural practices that increase trafficking vulnerability; the lack of reporting of trafficking crimes; and official indifference or complicity. Successful proposals will target clear audiences in South Africa and explain the relevance of those audiences to the issue at hand. Prospective grant partners will preferably have existing relationships with or the capacity to partner with relevant South African government agencies. 6. Expanding the University Partnership Initiative PAS seeks proposals that strengthen existing ties and foster new collaborations between U.S. and South African higher education institutions under the University Partnership Initiative (UPI). Proposals should address the option to scale to a greater level pending funds availability and should address potential significant involvement by PAS. Collaboration with existing U.S. Mission South Africa programs or alumni of USG-funded exchanges is encouraged. Priority project areas include: promoting U.S.- South Africa faculty and student exchanges, particularly the development of dual degree programs that have South Africans complete their studies locally and address South Africa’s shortage of qualified academic staff; developing the use of instructional technology to increase access to educational opportunities, including in the context of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic; facilitating early-career training for academics; joint research, especially in agriculture, food security, health, and STEM; providing training and transfer skills in all aspects of university and community college administration through subject-matter exchange programs; exploring public-private partnerships, with an emphasis on commercialization, technology transfer, and job creation. Intended audiences should include: South African university and community college students; university administrators; or high school teachers and students who use materials developed by universities. Proposals should address how relationships between institutions will be sustained after U.S. government-funded efforts end. Proposals that develop linkages between South African technical universities and their American counterparts are strongly encouraged. PLEASE NOTE: The following types of projects are not eligible for funding: Projects relating to partisan political activity; Charitable or development activities; Construction projects; Projects that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or projects; Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; Projects that duplicate existing projects; Travel to the United States for family or social purposes; Travel to the United States for purposes of amplifying South Africa cultural initiatives; Travel to the United States for purposes unconnected to a larger project or initiative; Scholarships or tuition assistance; Events of a purely social nature; Prizes and competition awards without a programmatic linkage.

336676

19.040

##   Annual Program Statement for Public Affairs Cultural and Educational Programs (“Public Diplomacy Grants Program”)

01/18/2022

04/30/2022

1) Priority Program Area One: Combating Transnational Threats PAS is seeking proposals that strengthen regional security and stability and combat transnational threats through engagement with diverse, targeted stakeholders on key issues like violent extremism, human trafficking, and emergency preparedness, incorporating American informational, educational, or cultural resources. This goal could be advanced through lines of effort such as to: ● Improve communication and coordination between civil society, local communities, and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to prevent radicalization and/or combat violent extremism; ● Develop skills that provide alternative opportunities to individuals who may be drawn to radicalization to increase in their economic and societal integration within their communities; ● Increase resilience of at-risk groups to the allure of extremist messages and recruitment attempts through messaging about the dangers of violent extremism; ● Raise awareness among vulnerable populations on human trafficking; ● Increase societal resilience to public health concerns, including by promoting the importance of COVID-19 vaccination; or ● Foster dialogue among key stakeholders, including civil society, about preparedness for climate change related challenges. 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). Objectives during fiscal year 2022 may include: ● Support a minimum of 3 initiatives in the area of Combating Transnational Threats, including at least one youth-led and one based in a region other than Chui; ● Expose to alternative opportunities a minimum of 500 beneficiaries, including a minimum of 70% young people (14-28 years old); ● Train a minimum of 150 beneficiaries (content creators, influencers, mediators, and decision-makers), including 30 representatives of local/national government agencies, on C/PVE messaging; ● Support a minimum of one initiative that informs vulnerable populations in different regions on human trafficking; ● Support a minimum of one initiative addressing public health concerns, including the importance of COVID-19 vaccination; or ● Train a minimum of 10 representatives of key stakeholders, including civil society, about preparedness for climate change-related challenges. 2) Priority Program Area Two Sustainable Economic Growth PAS is seeking proposals that build inclusive economic prosperity upon regional connectivity and sustainable solutions to human capital, energy, and environmental challenges, using American informational, educational, or cultural resources. This goal could be advanced through lines of effort such as to: · Reduce barriers to economic participation, particularly among youth, women, and underserved groups; · Develop programs and tools for small and medium businesses; or · Build support for sustainable natural resource management and/or adoption of cleaner energy sources and technologies. Project proposals may include the following or other innovative strategies to realize the goals given above: ● English-language programs that promote the use and spread of the English language to increase the professional level of government officials, educators, and civil society, including disadvantaged students, and to provide better access to English-language sources of information and U.S. subject matter experts; ● Educational programs that focus on training soft and professional skills with a focus on IT technology sector skills; ● Convening key stakeholders to support sustainable natural resource management and adoption of cleaner energy sources and technologies; ● Expanding outreach on these themes to Kyrgyz-speaking audiences; or ● Innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment programs that develop innovative ideas involving STEAM, space, social entrepreneurship, adaptive technologies, rural economic development, economic diversification, women’s empowerment, corporate social responsibility, access to finance, and support for entrepreneurs. 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). Objectives during fiscal year 2022 may include: ● Support a minimum of 5 initiatives in the area of Sustainable Economic Growth including at least 4 related to social entrepreneurship and/or promoting STEAM and/or sustainable natural resource management and/or adoption of cleaner energy sources and technologies; ● Raise awareness of legal and regulatory aspects of doing business for a minimum of 500 beneficiaries , including a minimum of 80% of them young people (aged 14-28) and women, especially Kyrgyz-speaking audiences; ● Improve the capacity of a minimum of 50 business association members to advocate for policy and programmatic solutions that increase economic participation, especially for women and youth. The solutions may include reforming discriminatory laws and practices that hinder access to capital, land tenure, property rights, finance, training, technology, markets, mentors, and networks; ● Train a minimum of 20 business owners on U.S. and international business standards and how to export locally sourced products to the U.S. using internationally known e-commerce platforms; ● Support at least one project that facilitates partnerships/collaboration and/or networking among businesses to further develop their capacity; ● Support a minimum one initiative that focus on improving English language as well as soft skills for government officials, educators, and civil society, including underserved students. 3) Priority Program Area Three: Accountable Governance and Stability PAS is seeking proposals that advance more accountable, inclusive governance underpinning a stable Kyrgyz Republic, using American informational, educational, or cultural resources. This goal could be advanced through lines of effort such as to: ● Strengthen civil society and independent media organizations’ capacity through facilitating connections, relationships, and opportunities to collaborate; ● Educate citizens on rights and protections, contributing to a culture of respect for rule of law and reduced corruption; ● Increase effectiveness of citizen oversight of political processes and government, regulations, budget processes, and activities; ● More effective collaboration between citizens and government bodies, resulting in improved policy formation, governance, and service delivery; ● Better access to civically-relevant information for Kyrgyz citizens through better quality and quantity of locally produced, locally relevant, and balanced media products. Project proposals may include the following or other innovative strategies to realize the goals given above: ● Peace-building programs that promote tolerance, leadership development, youth and women’s empowerment, and diversity and inclusion. Such projects should strengthen ties between the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic or on a regional basis between Central Asian countries; ● Arts, culture, and sports programs that deepen ties between the Kyrgyz Republic and the U.S. and improve understanding of U.S. culture and values; ● Media strengthening and information literacy programs that develop Kyrgyz-language media, fact-checking and research for journalists or media consumers, capitalize on social media use for greater transparency, and/or expand such programs to rural and remote areas of the Kyrgyz Republic; ● Improving quality of media content on such topics as democracy and freedom, human rights, rule of law, civic education and advocacy, and protection of the environment and how the U.S. promotes those values through USG-supported programs; capitalizing on social media use for greater transparency and/or expanding such programs to rural areas of the Kyrgyz Republic; or ● Expanding outreach on these themes to Kyrgyz-speaking audiences. 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). Objectives during fiscal year 2022 may include: ● Support a minimum of 5 initiatives in the area of Accountable Governance and Stability, including at least three youth-led and two based in a rural areas; ● Expose to alternative opportunities a minimum of 300 beneficiaries, including a minimum of 80% from underserved groups (youth, women, minorities); ● Train a minimum of 200 beneficiaries (trainers, influencers, mediators, and decision-makers), including 30 representatives of local/national government agencies.

337405

19.040

##   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

##   2021 TIP Office International Programs to Combat Child Trafficking in Colombia - Prevalence Study

04/05/2022

06/06/2022

The TIP Office announces an open competition for prevalence study projects to combat child trafficking in Colombia under a new Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership (hereinafter the CPC Partnership).

339240

19.019

##   2022 TIP Office International Programs to Combat Child Trafficking in Colombia - Implementer NOFO

04/12/2022

05/31/2022

The TIP Office announces an open competition for projects to combat child trafficking in Colombia under a new Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership (hereinafter the CPC Partnership).

339429

19.019

##   Strength in Partnership: Call for Proposals

11/22/2022

04/30/2023

Strengthen the Relationship: The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Mission to South Africa of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for Federal financial assistance to support projects that strengthen ties and build relationships between the United States and South Africa. PAS welcomes proposals from South African organizations with a U.S. partner. U.S. organizations may also submit proposals, so long as they have a South African partner. Project Objectives: PAS is seeking proposals that address one or more of the following challenges from a public diplomacy perspective. Public Diplomacy (PD) seeks to promote partnerships and information/knowledge exchange between the Americans and South African publics and institutions to enable more effective, mutually beneficial cooperation with the United States globally, benefitting the U.S. national interest and the national security as well as South Africa. PD aims to identify and fund programs and projects that broaden and deepen dialogue and empower cooperation between American citizens and institutions – including civil society and educational organizations – and their South African counterparts. 1. Adapting to Climate Change and Implementing a Just Green Energy Transition The Challenge: Mitigating and adapting to climate change is a key policy priority for the global community. Climate change is already altering ecosystems, economies, and livelihoods. Floods, drought, and water shortages, driven by climate disruptions, have been severe over the last few years, with parts of the world facing water scarcity issues and others suffering devastating floods. As we move from fossil-fuel based energy production to renewables, livelihoods based on fossil fuels will shift, requiring social safety nets and reskilling to build resilience in these communities. A just transition aims to realize a quality life for those impacted by a transition from fossil fuels to renewables. PAS seeks proposals that will create exchanges of information and experience, as well as partnerships between Americans and South Africans. Projects may generate awareness and promote shared action/collaboration on mitigating and adapting to climate change. Projects may also facilitate the response to the evolving climate crisis with an emphasis on identifying shared challenges and solutions in implementing a just transition to green energy sources. Project proposals should identify a primary audience that the project seeks to influence. An audience related to a just energy transition in South Africa might be, for example: vocational students; secondary school or university educators; start-up entrepreneurs; leadership in community organizations; civil society representatives or government officials working on climate and energy issues. While a project may mention or incorporate multiple groups of people, a proposal must identify a single countable primary audience composed of human beings. Proposals should estimate how many people are in the primary audience. Note that short-term impact may lay the groundwork for longer-term outcomes. Priority project areas include: fostering economic opportunity and facilitating a green energy transition; sustainable waste management and recycling; urban and peri-urban clean water solutions; climate change adaptation; or urban gardening and greening. 2. Promoting Equity, Social Justice, and Social Cohesion The Challenge: The Black Lives Matter protests in the United States in 2020 quickly grew into mass protests in the United States and around the world, including Africa. Citizens and civil society organizations raised concerns about social injustice that had manifested as racial violence, economic inequality, and non-inclusive historical narratives. The United States has since seen increases in anti-Black, anti-Asian, and anti-Semitic violence but also efforts by government, business, and civil society to address questions of inequity and discrimination within American society. In South Africa, violent social unrest in July 2021, centered predominantly in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng, led to the loss of two million jobs and a substantial contraction in the South African economy. These events have highlighted continued racial and social cleavages within South Africa, raising important questions around social and economic inequality in the current post-Apartheid era. In response to these events, PAS would like to create safe spaces for dialogue and exchange on topics that address equity, racial justice, and social inclusion in an effort to create greater social and economic security for all citizens. PAS seeks proposals that build on shared American and South African goals to promote respect for human rights and advance racial equity, social justice, and social cohesion. Proposals should align with the U.S. Government’s commitment to acknowledge and protect members of marginalized racial and ethnic communities, including indigenous communities, in keeping with White House Initiatives to advance racial equity and the U.S. Department of State’s Equity Action Plan. Project proposals should complement existing equity efforts, particularly those focused on women and girls, as well as LGBTQI+ persons, persons with disabilities, persons belonging to religious minorities, and members of other marginalized communities. Preference will be given to proposals that engage audiences and help them address the existing disparities and unique circumstances faced by members of marginalized communities, including those who experience compounded discrimination due to multiple and intersecting social identities. Proposals should foster dialogue, encourage civic engagement, and increase understanding about the historical injustices in the United States and South Africa to make concrete connections with contemporary applications of the lessons learned from those histories. Project proposals should identify a primary audience that the project seeks to influence. An audience related to the promotion of equity, social Justice, and social cohesion might be, for example: secondary school or university educators; leadership in community organizations; religious leaders; journalists or editors; civil society representatives; or government officials. While a project may mention or incorporate multiple groups of people, a proposal must identify a single countable primary audience composed of human beings. Proposals should estimate how many people are in the primary audience. Note that short-term impact may lay the groundwork for longer-term outcomes. Priority project areas include: Outreach to underscore connections between the struggle for equality of marginalized groups in the United States and South Africa’s liberation struggle; Exploration of the literature, culture, and histories of marginalized groups in the United States with South African audiences; or Facilitation of dialogues and exchanges which increase connections between individuals and communities in the United States and South African committed to increasing equity and social inclusion in both countries, sharing challenges and best practices from contemporary scholarship. Proposals may incorporate use of sport or art that addresses the American experience that is relevant to the South African experience. Competitive proposals will outline how the activities will resonate with South African audiences. 3. A Global Crisis: Trafficking in Persons The Challenge: Through force, fraud, and coercion, human traffickers violate the most basic right of people everywhere to freedom. Traffickers’ exploitative practices negatively impact countries like South Africa and the United States by diminishing and destroying communities, a sense of security, and the global economy. How can we use public diplomacy to combat human trafficking in South Africa, especially in the most at-risk communities? PAS seeks proposals that aim to improve the public’s ability to recognize and report TIP, to identify TIP risk factors, and to reduce demand for labor and sexual exploitation. Proposals should facilitate awareness of and generate grass-roots action on TIP-related issues in South Africa. Proposals should address recommendations in the most recent U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report for South Africa with the goal of increased public knowledge, understanding, and calls for action to prevent this abuse of human rights. Project proposals should identify a primary audience that the project seeks to influence. An audience related to the fight against trafficking in persons might be, for example: members of a vulnerable population (children, LGBTQI+ persons, refugees, migrants, or commercial sex workers); university educators; leadership in community organizations; religious leaders; journalists or editors; civil society representatives; or government officials. While a project may mention or incorporate multiple groups of people, a proposal must identify a single countable primary audience composed of human beings. Proposals should estimate how many people are in the primary audience. Note that short-term impact may lay the groundwork for longer-term outcomes. PAS welcomes proposals incorporating South African government entities as partners. Priority project areas include: Increasing the public’s understanding of trafficking in persons; Increasing TIP awareness among populations vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation; Reducing demand for labor and sexual exploitation; or Increasing the public and civil society’s reporting of TIP offenses and official complicity to appropriate South African authorities. 4. Expanding Cooperation in Higher Education and Vocational Training The Challenge: Universities, colleges, community colleges, and vocational schools are important community institutions in both the United States and South Africa. Economically, they have a role to play in identifying and addressing gaps in skills and other needs. Socially, they can effect positive change in relation to pressing political, social, and economic problems – from youth unemployment to countering gender-based violence to climate change and adaptation. Ties between American and South African institutions should enable societies in both countries to look around the corner at the challenges of tomorrow. PAS seeks proposals that strengthen existing ties and foster new collaborations between U.S. and South African higher education institutions under the University Partnership Initiative (UPI). Proposals should address the option to scale up the scope and reach of the project pending funds availability and should address potential significant involvement by PAS. Collaboration with existing U.S. Mission South Africa programs or alumni of USG-funded exchanges is encouraged. Project proposals should identify a primary audience that the project seeks to influence. An audience related to cooperation in higher education might be, for example: South African university and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students; South African government officials in positions responsible for funding and programmatic decisions linked to South African higher education institutions; Leadership of NGOs working to improve access to higher education and higher education outcomes; Out of school and other historically underserved individuals and groups who can benefit from restored linkages to educational and vocational opportunities; or Administrators of university, TVET, or community education training centers. While a project may mention or incorporate multiple groups of people, a proposal must identify a single countable primary audience composed of human beings. Proposals should estimate how many people are in the primary audience. Note that short-term impact may lay the groundwork for longer-term outcomes. Priority project areas include: Promoting U.S.- South Africa faculty and student exchanges, particularly the development of dual degree programs that have South Africans complete their studies locally and address South Africa’s shortage of qualified academic staff and that facilitate collaboration on addressing shared challenges in the United States and South Africa; Sharing best practices and expertise in curriculum development and aligning curricula to address job market needs and skills gaps; Developing the use of instructional technology to increase access to educational opportunities, including in the context of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic; Facilitating early-career training for academics; Joint research, especially in agriculture, food security, health, and STEM; Providing training and transfer skills in all aspects of university and TVET college administration through subject-matter exchange programs; Sharing best practices for student recruitment, retention, and job placement while battling misconceptions about the utility of TVET and community college education; or Exploring public-private partnerships, with an emphasis on commercialization, technology transfer, and job creation as well as post-graduate job placement. Proposals should address how relationships between institutions will be sustained after U.S. government-funded efforts end. Proposals that develop linkages between South African technical universities and their American counterparts are strongly encouraged.

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19.040

##   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.

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19.900

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