The Kazakhstan Youth Leadership Camp is a funding opportunity initiated by the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan under the U.S. Department of State. It aims to support the development of leadership and entrepreneurship skills among Kazakh youth, particularly those aged 15 to 19 who were semi-finalists or alternates for various U.S. Government (USG) youth exchange programs but could not participate due to limited space. The funding source for this initiative is the FY25 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds. The U.S. Embassy plans to begin the project in September 2025, with project activities taking place during summer 2026. The total project duration should not exceed 18 months.
This cooperative agreement intends to establish a comprehensive summer camp focused on enhancing job skills and understanding U.S. entrepreneurship models. Up to 50 youth participants will be trained through interactive workshops involving U.S. trainers and USG exchange alumni mentors. Participants will gain exposure to topics such as U.S. entrepreneurship best practices, business pitching, financial literacy, and public speaking in English. Additionally, the project encourages post-camp local entrepreneurship projects by participants and the development of a youth network for continued engagement.
Eligible applicants include U.S. and non-U.S. nonprofit organizations, public and private educational institutions, and public international organizations. For-profit entities are ineligible to apply, though subcontracting is allowed with clearly defined roles. Only one application per organization is permitted, and all applicants must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration on SAM.gov. Cost-sharing or matching is not required.
Applications must be submitted in English by July 31, 2025, at 23:59 Astana/Almaty time via email or through Grants.gov. Required materials include mandatory application forms (SF-424 series), a 10-page proposal, a monitoring and evaluation plan, budget justification narrative, resumes for key personnel, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit and registration status. Proposals should demonstrate an understanding of project goals and include a sustainability plan and a theory of change model.
Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the quality and feasibility of the program idea, organizational capacity, program planning, budget clarity, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Successful applicants will receive a cooperative agreement with oversight and potential involvement by the U.S. Embassy in participant selection, speaker identification, and logistical planning. Recipients must submit quarterly reports and adhere to audit and financial documentation standards.
Use State Department resources like RELO, American Spaces, and EducationUSA for stronger proposals. Ensure all forms are complete, numbered, and signed. Include thorough M&E and budget narratives.
