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##   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

##   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

##   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

##   Youth Ambassadors for Community Service 2023

05/20/2022

07/18/2022

Program Description The U.S. Embassy France Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for U.S. and French organizations to submit applications to implement an exchange program for 30 to 40 French high school students, in the United States, for ten to fifteen days in July and/or August 2023. Through the Youth Ambassadors for Community Service program, 30 to 40 young adults from France between the ages of 15 and 18 will develop the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to become more engaged in their communities, learn about the U.S. education system, and will further their understanding of the United States. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of the Youth Ambassadors for Community Service Program: Established in 2008, the Youth Ambassadors for Community Service Program selects high-school participants from underserved backgrounds across France, including the French Caribbean, to participate in a yearlong leadership training program that encourages volunteerism, self-confidence, intercultural sensitivity, and independence. Participants will attend pre-departure training sessions before the travel to the U.S., as well as a debriefing upon their return, organized by a different French implementing NGO, in coordination with the organization awarded the overall grant. In partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Paris, the recipient organization will design the two-week U.S. exchange program, in July and/or August 2023[2], which will enhance participants’ understanding of American democratic institutions and volunteer initiatives. Participants will travel to Washington D.C. for initial programming. After spending time in Washington D.C., they will be divided into subgroups in different cities/host communities, where they will be placed with American host families and meet American students their age. They will then return to Washington D.C. for debriefing and evaluation, as well as visits to the Department of State and the French Embassy to the U.S. Participants will engage in a variety of activities, including but not limited to workshops on leadership and community service, community site visits related to program themes, interactive training and discussion groups, volunteer opportunities, visits to educational facilities, local cultural activities, homestays, and other activities designed to achieve the program’s stated goals. The exchange must include multiple opportunities for participants to have significant, meaningful interactions with their American peers. Follow-on activities with the participants are an essential part of the program, and the exchange activities should prepare participants to apply the knowledge and skills that they will have acquired during their time in the United States in the planning of concrete projects in their home communities. Program Objectives: • Promote equal opportunities for all and encourage knowledge-sharing and intercultural dialogue between French and American youth; • Raise awareness about civic engagement and volunteerism among young people; • Strengthen Franco-American friendship and understanding through soft diplomacy; • Offer French youth the chance to represent their peers and participate in civic initiatives abroad; • Build leadership skills, encourage volunteerism, self-confidence, intercultural sensitivity, and nurture excellence and civic engagement among young leaders from underserved communities; • Allow participants to become pillars of community organization, keeping their peers involved in positive social activities and promoting tolerance and achievement; and • Provide participants with tools to build alliances with American counterparts and to produce positive change in underserved communities. Program Outline: Applicants must demonstrate their capacity for conducting international exchanges in the U.S.; administering exchanges focused on youth that involve different geographic regions; implementing exchange projects that address specific policy challenges; and providing substantive programming and leadership training for youth. The award recipient will be responsible for the oversight and management of performance of all sub-award recipients under the award. U.S. Embassy France reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal project configurations, budgets, participating countries and regions, and participant numbers in accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds. The budget should include international travel to and from the U.S. for 30 to 40 participants (including domestic travel for 20 to 30 metropolitan participants to and from Paris and their French city of residence). One staff member must accompany participants for the international travel (France-U.S.-France). The budget should include the in-country travel and local transportation, lodging, activities, food, insurance, and ESTA costs for 30 to 40 participants. As participants are under 18, they must be accompanied by facilitators and the host families must be validated by the recipient organization. Participants and Audiences: 30 to 40 outstanding French high school students, between the ages of 15 and 18, from underprivileged backgrounds with leadership potential and commitment to civic engagement. For more information, eligibility, and deadlines please read the Notice of Funding Opportunity PDS-France-FY2022-04 and/or refer to the U.S. Embassy in France website (Grants Programs). Questions can be directed to GrantsFrance@state.gov. Please note: We do not provide any pre-consultation for application related questions that are addressed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity

340548

19.040

##   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.

344613

19.040

##   U.S. Embassy Seoul PD Small Grants Program

01/20/2023

03/17/2023

Total Amount Available: $300,000 Award Ceiling: $100,000 (with typical grants expected in the $25,000 range) Award Floor: $1,000 Expected Number of Awards: 3ea – 10ea Deadline for Applications: March 17, 2023, 11:59 p.m. GMT+9 This notice is subject to availability of funding. The U.S. Embassy Seoul Public Diplomacy Section (PD) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is a Notice of Funding Opportunity, outlining our funding priorities and the process to submit applications for funding. Purpose of Small Grants: PD Seoul invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) through programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American element, or connection with American experts, organizations, or institutions in a field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Successful proposals will strengthen the capacity of Korean civil society organizations and individuals in order build sustainable activities that advance U.S.-ROK ties. Proposals may include requests for international travel and related costs of experts, speakers and key individuals in support of broader activities. However, participant exchanges should not be the exclusive program activity. Program activities should take place primarily in Korea or have strong justifications for activities in the U.S. or third countries. PD Small Grants Program priorities include, but are not limited to: - Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs; - Professional and academic exchanges and programs; - Youth leadership development exchanges and programs; - Capacity building programs for grassroots civil society groups; - Activities that focus on areas and audiences outside of the Seoul metropolitan region. Program Area 1) Programs between the United States and the Korea that build the capacity of organizations or individuals focused on the promotion and protection of human rights, the rule of law and civic participation either domestically or internationally. Applications should focus on developing the capacity of organizations or individuals to define a mission statement, fundraise, manage finances, promote effective advocacy and civic engagement, launch public awareness campaigns, monitor and evaluate programming, and other skills as appropriate. Participants and Audiences: Participants should reflect the United States government’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility Participants can range from high school and university-aged youth to established professionals who are active in civil society groups focused on the following areas: - LGBQTI+ or other gender minority rights - Disability rights and accessibility - Human rights (global or domestic) - Support for DPRK defector communities - Mitigating gender conflict or providing support for victims of gender-based violence - Religious diversity and interfaith understanding - Support for other marginalized communities Program Area 2) Programs that encourage meaningful discussion amongst either youth, academics, or established professionals in the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan on issues of importance to the trilateral relationship such as regional security protection and architecture; climate change and sustainability; international aid coordination and prioritization; economic growth and trade; economic security and supply chain resiliency; civilian space research and cooperation; pandemic response and public health; youth empowerment and global leadership; global affairs and volunteerism; and other issues as appropriate. Participants and Audiences: Participants should reflect the United States government’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility - Emerging youth voices (aged 18-29) from the Republic of Korea, Japan, and United States with major fields of study, research topics and/or careers related to the issues listed above and/or other issues affecting the trilateral relationship. - Established professionals from the Republic of Korea, Japan, and United States with academic expertise and/or careers related to the issues listed above and/or other issues affecting the trilateral relationship. Program Area 3) Programs building ties and understanding between Korean, U.S., and regional climate activists and leaders to help countries meet pollution reduction goals; promote sustainable local development; enhance the capacity of independent grassroots environmental groups; build connections between the ROK and other regional environmental activist groups and/or journalists (especially those from natural resource exporting nations in ASEAN); raise youth awareness of climate issues; mediate conflicts arising due to environmental degradation; build capacity and networks of climate-focused social enterprises; and other related issues as appropriate. Priority will be given to proposals that include audiences from both within and outside of the Seoul Metropolitan Region. Participants and Audiences: Participants should reflect the United States government’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility - Youth members of climate and sustainability-focused civil society or other independent activist groups - Key influencers, including but not limited to journalists, civil society leaders, academics, regulators, legislative aides, and members of regional governments Program Area 4) Programs to highlight the 70th Anniversary of the U.S.-Korea Mutual Defense Treaty, with a particular focus on exploring the future of the comprehensive security, trade, scientific, and people-to-people cooperation. Applications should include public campaigns and engagements that demonstrate the connection between the comprehensive bilateral alliance and Koreans’ daily lives and livelihoods. Participants and Audiences: Participants should reflect the United States government’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility - Key influencers, including but not limited to journalists, civil society leaders, academics, youth interested in issues relevant to the comprehensive bilateral alliance including: o Trade and shared economic security o Economic cooperation in critical industries (semiconductors, electric vehicles, computing, space, etc.) o Indo-Pacific security and stability o Support for Ukraine o Economic development in the global south o Technological research and development o Democratic shared values and press freedom o Cross-cultural exchange and the cultural economy o Other issues as appropriate

345455

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.

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.

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##   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.

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##   Youth Ambassadors for Community Service 2024

03/24/2023

05/25/2023

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy France Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to implement an exchange program for up to 30 French high school students, in the United States, for fifteen days in July and/or August 2024. Through the Youth Ambassadors for Community Service program, up to 30 young adults from France between the ages of 15 and 18 will develop the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to become more engaged in their communities, learn about the U.S. education system, and will further their understanding of the United States. Please follow all instructions below. Purpose of the Youth Ambassadors for Community Service Program: Established in 2008, the Youth Ambassadors for Community Service Program selects high-school participants from underserved backgrounds across France, including the French Caribbean, to participate in a yearlong leadership training program that encourages volunteerism, self-confidence, intercultural sensitivity, and independence. Participants will attend two pre-departure training sessions between January 2024 and June 2024, as well as a debriefing upon their return, organized by a different French implementing NGO, in coordination with the organization awarded the overall grant. In partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Paris, the recipient organization will design the two-week U.S. exchange program, in July and/or August 2024, which will enhance participants’ understanding of American democratic institutions and volunteer initiatives. Participants will travel to Washington D.C. for initial programming. After spending time in Washington D.C., they will be divided into subgroups in three different cities/host communities, where they will be placed with American host families and meet American students their age. They will then return to Washington D.C. for debriefing and evaluation, as well as visits to the Department of State and the French Embassy to the U.S. Participants will engage in a variety of activities, including but not limited to workshops on leadership and community service, community site visits related to program themes, interactive training and discussion groups, volunteer opportunities, visits to educational facilities, local cultural activities, homestays, and other activities designed to achieve the program’s stated goals. The exchange must include multiple opportunities for participants to have significant, meaningful interactions with their American peers. Follow-on activities with the participants are an essential part of the program, and the exchange activities should prepare participants to apply the knowledge and skills that they will have acquired during their time in the United States in the planning of concrete projects in their home communities. Program Objectives: Promote equal opportunities for all and encourage knowledge-sharing and intercultural dialogue between French and American youth. Raise awareness about civic engagement and volunteerism among young people. Strengthen Franco-American friendship and understanding through soft diplomacy. Offer French youth the chance to represent their peers and participate in civic initiatives abroad. Build leadership skills, encourage volunteerism, self-confidence, intercultural sensitivity, and nurture excellence and civic engagement among young leaders from underserved communities. Allow participants to become pillars of community organization, keeping their peers involved in positive social activities and promoting tolerance and achievement. Provide participants with tools to build alliances with American counterparts and to produce positive change in underserved communities. Program Outline: Applicants must demonstrate their capacity for conducting international exchanges in the U.S.; administering exchanges focused on youth that involve different geographic regions; implementing exchange projects that address specific policy challenges; and providing substantive programming and leadership training for youth. The award recipient will be responsible for the oversight and management of performance of all sub-award recipients under the award. U.S. Embassy France reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal project configurations, budgets, participating countries and regions, and participant numbers in accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds. The budget should include international travel to and from the U.S. for up to 30 participants (including domestic travel for up to 25 metropolitan participants to and from Paris and their French city of residence). One staff member must accompany participants for the international travel (France-U.S.-France). The budget should include the in-country travel and local transportation, lodging, activities, food, insurance, and ESTA costs for up to 30 participants. As participants are under 18, they must be accompanied by facilitators and the host families must be validated by the recipient organization. Participants and Audiences: Up to 30 outstanding French high school students, between the ages of 15 and 18, many from underprivileged backgrounds with leadership potential and commitment to civic engagement. For more information, eligibility, and deadlines please read the Notice of Funding Opportunity PDS-France-FY2023-03 and/or refer to the U.S. Embassy in France website (Grants Programs). Questions can be directed to GrantsFrance@state.gov We do not provide any pre-consultation for application related questions that are addressed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

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##   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.

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19.345

##   Civic Education Project

04/18/2023

07/15/2023

Funding Opportunity DescriptionThe Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy Port Moresby (PD Port Moresby) announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry implement and manage the youth civic education project program on Papua New Guinea’s constitution for participants in Hela and Morobe Provinces.The Constitution of Papua New Guinea is the core framework document that must guide all legislative, executive, and social principles moving forward. The document is visionary and provides a template for an ideal and humane way of life for all Papua New Guineas. The Constitution must be analyzed and fully understood by youth, translated into local languages, and spread from one village to another so that all Papua New Guineans can have a better understanding of what can be given a full transition to a society ruled by law. The Constitution of Papua New Guinea is a unifying statement in a country with 100 tribes and 850 languages. To bridge the gap between these varied and diverse cultures, the Constitution outlines rights to which all citizens can and should agree to: the right to health, education, and employment; to cultural identity, and the right for women and men to live as equals. An implementing organization will be chosen to create and execute a long-term program that teaches the foundations of Papua New Guinea’s constitution and delivers an interactive mock legislative experience for youth in in Hela and Morobe Provinces. The Civic Education Project will promote the foundations of PNG’s democratic values and participatory citizenship through activities such as mock legislative sessions, mock trials, legislative training sessions, legal workshops, debates, discussions, community service, and cultural events. The Civic Education Project should include meetings with political representatives, such as provincial, regional, and national government officials, judges, health officials and law enforcement officers. The applicant organization should propose a long-term hands-on participatory youth program that teaches the tenants of PNG’s constitution, promotes the democratic practices of proposing legislation solutions followed by discussion, debate, and compromise, and how the most successful participants of the program can lead subsequent iterations of the program in new regions. Civic Education Project should also highlight America’s own constitutional system and post-colonial history, teach the basics of our federal and state structure, and demonstrate the role of the three branches of power. The applicant should indicate the resources to be used for the proposed activities, including partner organizations the applicant wishes to involve in conducting them.In order to successfully implement the project, the grantee must collaborate closely with village, provincial, and national leaders, as well as with the U.S. Embassy Port Moresby and organizations organizing similar youth legislative programs such as UNFPA and others. Proposals that feed into or build off of existing youth legislative programs will have priority. The implementer will be expected to plan for transportation, accommodation, meals and incidentals with attention to all health and safety requirements as well as to cost efficiency, legal and administrative requirements for minors’ participation in educational programs, as well as adult supervision. Cost sharing and in-kind contributions by the applicant organization and partners are welcome but not required, and may include: provision of space or securing a venue on a partner organization’s premises for the camp activities; provision of equipment; obtaining a discounted price for accommodation, room rental, etc., providing transportation and/or meals, etc. The applicant organization should provide details on their experience organizing such events and indicate possible challenges to the proposed activity and how they would address them. The partner must include an evaluation and follow-up metric as part of the program. Applications must follow the instructions outlined below.Priority Region:Project activities may take place in Hela and/or Morobe Provinces.Program Objectives:The objective of the project is to: · Engage at least 4,000 youth in Hela and Morobe Provinces over three years in a long-term (at least six month) program that teaches young adults the basics of PNG’s constitution and legal system. · Youth learn the ability to interpret the constitution and draft basic laws.· Youth improve their ability to debate, reason, and compromise. · Successful participants are given the opportunity take the program to other communities. · Youth have a better understanding of the American constitution and the U.S. federal and state framework.· Youth have a better understanding of the role of the legislative and judicial system, have better access to local and national government officials, and are advocates of PNG’s constitutional framework.· The most active participants are given the opportunity to take part in broader youth legislative programs (such as national youth parliament programs in Port Moresby or model UN programs in the United States). · Participants create their own preamble to the youth constitution in Tok Pisin. · Participants create a written or recorded playbook of legislative best practices for future parliamentarians. Project RequirementsThe project proposal must clearly state how the project beneficiaries (applicants) will be selected, the mode of training and activities, how the project implementer will deliver the proposed curriculum, a sample curriculum, and a clear timeline for implementation. The implementing partner should aim at selecting at least 2,000 participants per province. The following criteria must be met by the participants to be considered for this program:• Young adults between 15-25 years of age;• In good social standing;• Demonstrated leadership and commitment to public service. Criteria for the selection of the implementing partner will include but is not limited to the following:• Established track record for organizing educational activities;• Implementer’s ability to partner with government officials, local leaders, and multinational organizations;• The implementer host civic education programs for youth that address the powers and authorities of local governments and the central government;• Project participants are at least 60 percent female;• The program should teach the participants the basic tenants of civic engagement and assist the participants in designing a civic engagement project within their local community;• Top participants are expected to teach skills to new cohorts of participants and travel to Port Moresby or the United States for participant in nation-wide or international legislative programs. Participants and Audiences: The target audience for the program should be boys and girls with an enthusiasm for leadership and civic engagement ages 15-25 living in Hela and Morobe provinces. Participants must be energetic and available to commit up to participating in the program designed by the grantee, participating in discussions and debates, meeting with officials, taking part in networking opportunities and other events as part of the program.The civic education program must be implemented both in Hela and Morobe Provinces under this award. The budget may include travel for top participants to take part in events in Port Moresby or the United States, or to bring subject matter experts to Papua New Guinea. Proposed Project ScheduleThe grant will be awarded in September 2023. The grantee will hire and train staff in the fall of 2023. The first cohort of civic education programs in Hela and Morobe will begin in February through October 2024. Top participants will take part in nation-wide or international legislative programs in November. Top participants will lead new cohorts in Hela and Morobe February through October 2025. Follow-on activities and the small grants programs should be ongoing through the period of the grant.FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATIONLength of performance period: A maximum of 36 months. Number of awards anticipated: 2 Number of Participants: 2,000 minimum. Total available funding: $250,000 (Subject to availability of funds). Type of Funding: FY2023, funding authority rests in the Fulbright-Hays Act. Anticipated program start date: Fall 2023.This notice is subject to availability of funding.Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.

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##   U.S. Embassies Seoul and Tokyo Trilateral Youth Leadership Forum

04/21/2023

05/22/2023

Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. Embassies Seoul and Tokyo Trilateral Youth Leadership Forum Funding Opportunity Number: PD-SEOUL-TOKYO-FY23-01 Deadline for Applications: May 22, 2023, 11:59 p.m. GMT+9 CFDA Number: 19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs Total Amount Available: $180,000 This notice is subject to availability of funding. A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Seoul Public Diplomacy Section (PD) and the U.S. Embassy Tokyo Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Department of State are pleased that joint funding is available for an inaugural Trilateral Global Youth Leadership Forum. In the face of growing security, trade, financial, and environmental instability in the Indo-Pacific region, the trilateral relationship between the United States, Republic of Korea, and Japan has never been more important. To build and empower this important constituency, the U.S. government will leverage its convening power to make sure youth from two of our closest allies have a forum to regularly meet and engage on global issues. The inaugural youth summit will focus on developing the global leadership skills and viewpoints of a small cohort of about 35 youth leaders who possess demonstrated superior leadership abilities. These young people will have shown an ability to effectively push for change on issues in their communities and the capacity to collaborate with similarly minded peers from the other alliance nations. We will also leverage the expertise of youth leaders from similar USG-sponsored youth initiatives like YSEALI and the Young Pacific Leaders initiative to ensure young people in East Asia understand broader regional issues, as well as how youth have successfully worked together in other areas of the Indo-Pacific. Following the inaugural summit, we plan to leverage these same youth leaders to act as an organizing committee to guide future summits. Organizing committee responsibilities will involve working alongside Embassies Seoul and Tokyo, as well as relevant offices within the Department of State, to set themes, logistics, and strategic direction for follow-on initiatives. Outputs/Outcomes This inaugural youth summit will focus on developing a small cohort of youth leaders who can lead future initiatives. The initial cohort will be responsible for strategizing the most effective route towards a goal of a regular annual forum for youth to meet, collaborate, and work for positive change on issues affecting their countries and regions. A successful initial summit focused on “Developing East Asia’s Global Youth Leadership” will result in a tight-knit leadership cohort of trilateral “youth ambassadors” who understand the issues facing the trilateral relationship and are able to steer the direction of future youth initiatives. This will include defining focus areas, membership requirements, and future expansion; advising respective governments on trilateral youth perspectives; as well as serving as members on a Steering Committee for future summits that will be based on the thematic issues of importance to the trilateral alliance. Additional cross-border activities proposed by the initial cohort can be sustained via small grants co-funded by U.S. Embassies Tokyo and Seoul. Details/Logistics U.S. Embassy Seoul, U.S. Embassy Tokyo, and a U.S.-based grantee will be jointly responsible for vetting and selecting program participants. The U.S. government retains final approval authority for all participants, who will apply initially via a standardized application form on a public website with program information and associated information and social media campaigns. Participants should be between the ages of 18-30 years old, be fluent in English, and have a demonstrated history of excellence in local and regional youth leadership programs. Applicants from regions and constituencies who are underrepresented in official programs, as well as alumni of USG programs, will be strongly encouraged to apply. We anticipate the eventual summit will be held in-person in the ROK or Japan. Grantee Expectations We suggest three distinct components of this program: o At least a four-week period of virtual engagement o A summit of at least two-three days either in the ROK or Japan o Follow-on activities which encourage implementation of post-Summit activities, including an implementation plan for future expanded annual youth summits on thematic issues Virtual Engagements: The grantee will be responsible for a series of preparatory virtual engagements with the U.S., Japanese, Korean, and select regional participants representing other regional youth leadership initiatives (ex: YSEALI, Young Pacific Leaders) to generate excitement for the summit, prepare summit objectives and structure, and allow participants to get to know one another ahead of time. These events should also include subject matter experts (academic, civil society, government, etc.) from all three countries who can speak about trends and issues facing the trilateral relationship, youth civic engagement, and other issues relevant to the theme of global youth leadership. These engagements will also lay out logistics and expectations for the in-person summit. Summit The second component involves a two-day Summit in either Korea or Japan in late 2023, which will include a series of lectures, facilitated workshops, and training sessions on civic engagement, youth leadership, and key international challenges facing the alliance. A primary focus of this summit will be to develop youth leadership skills like youth organizing, advocacy, civic engagement, and briefings on international issues (climate change, regional security, trade, science & technology, etc.) to ensure the cohort can lead a future expanded annual youth leadership summit beginning in 2024. We anticipate this summit will feature guest expert trainers and subject matter experts to facilitate sessions recruited from Japan and the ROK. We will also draw on program participants to lead sessions and teach one another about how they have successfully led their youth initiatives in their own countries. The final output of this summit will be an actionable implementation plan for an annual trilateral youth summit, including governing structure, thematic topics for future years, and proposed venues and programs. Student participants will be organized into working groups focused on discrete portions of the following event (themes, policy, governing structure, venue, communications, etc.). The Embassy in the host country will facilitate a diplomatic reception, senior level engagements, related social media, and networking opportunities. The grantee will organize limited visits to relevant cultural and/or political sites. Post Summit Follow-On Following the summit, the grantee will work with each Embassy to help the trilateral student leadership group organize the expanded 2024 youth summit. This will include follow-on virtual sessions a month after the 2023 summit to ensure our implementation plan is on track. Eventual follow-on summits may focus on issues of regional and global significance, such as regional security protection and architecture, climate change and sustainability, international development aid coordination and prioritization, economic growth and trade, economic security and supply chain resiliency, civilian space research and cooperation; pandemic response and public health; youth empowerment and global leadership; international/global affairs and volunteerism; and other issues as appropriate. Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: FY23 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds

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##   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

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