Cross Border University Partnership Initiatives

The U.S. Department of State's Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) at the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, invites applications for the Cross Border University Partnership Initiatives grant under the opportunity number PDS-SIV-100-FY25-NOFO. Funded through FY25 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, the program aims to enhance collaboration between accredited higher education institutions in the United States and Côte d’Ivoire. These collaborations are intended to create sustainable linkages and foster mutual understanding between American and Ivoirian universities through academic exchange, joint research, and professional development initiatives. This initiative encourages partnerships that incorporate an American cultural component and support the exchange of ideas and expertise. Projects should focus on goals such as strengthening institutional capacity, developing globally relevant curricula, and promoting innovation through joint research. Other objectives include advancing environmental sustainability, enhancing educational technology, and enabling the long-term sustainability of the partnerships formed. Proposals are expected to demonstrate institutional commitment and include plans for ongoing collaboration beyond the grant period. Eligible applicants must be accredited higher education institutions based in the United States or Côte d’Ivoire that have already identified a partner institution. While cost-sharing is not mandatory, applications that demonstrate institutional sustainability and long-term commitment are prioritized. Applicants must also have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration in SAM.gov. Exemptions may be requested on a case-by-case basis by contacting the grant administrators. Applications must include standard forms SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B (if applicable), a detailed proposal (maximum of 10 pages), a budget justification narrative, CVs or resumes of key personnel, and letters of support from partner institutions. Proposals must clearly state the project goals, timeline, and evaluation plan. They must also include details on key personnel, partners, sustainability, and monitoring mechanisms. All application documents must be submitted in English, with budgets in U.S. dollars and formatted per the stated requirements. The grant offers awards of up to $75,000 per project, with multiple awards anticipated. The performance period is up to 12 months, and projects are expected to start in September 2025. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through July 4, 2025, but an earlier internal submission deadline is listed as April 30, 2025, at 17:00 GMT. Proposals are evaluated based on program feasibility, organizational capacity, potential impact, budget justification, and sustainability. For questions or application submission, contact USEmbassyAbidjanGrants@state.gov. Award notifications will be issued by June 30, 2025. Recipients are required to comply with federal anti-discrimination laws, foreign funding disclosure requirements, and reporting obligations as stipulated by the Department of State.

Ensure institutional support for sustainability Include an American cultural element Be thorough in budget justification and evaluation metrics