Reducing reliance on federal funding and enhancing program effectiveness through data analysis and accountability of community implementing partners in Paraguay

The U.S. Department of State, through the Embassy of the United States in Asuncion, Paraguay, is offering a funding opportunity titled “Reducing reliance on federal funding and enhancing program effectiveness through data analysis and accountability of community implementing partners in Paraguay in the framework of America 250.” This grant aims to strengthen key public diplomacy (PD) partners in Paraguay by building capacity for more efficient, sustainable, and accountable program implementation aligned with U.S. values and practices. The initiative ties into the broader celebration of America 250, commemorating 250 years of U.S. achievements and contributions by promoting collaboration, cultural understanding, and responsible management of federal assistance. The opportunity is administered by the Public Diplomacy section of the Embassy and involves one cooperative agreement award of up to $65,000, with a minimum funding threshold of $50,000. The cooperative agreement may last for up to 24 months. The primary objective is to reduce dependency on federal aid among Paraguayan PD partners while increasing program effectiveness through training in SMART goal setting, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), sustainable development, and local financial reporting practices. American content is a required component of all submissions and may include American expert speakers, U.S.-based materials or training models, or exchanges with U.S. institutions. Eligible applicants include U.S. and Paraguayan not-for-profit organizations such as NGOs, academic institutions, think tanks, and civil society organizations, as well as individuals. All U.S.-based organizations must be registered in SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). SAM registration must be renewed annually and maintained throughout the grant lifecycle. Individual applicants do not need a UEI or SAM.gov registration. Applications are due by 5:30 p.m. Paraguay time on August 7, 2025. Submissions must be made in English via email to educationparaguay@state.gov. Required documents include the SF-424 forms, a 300-word summary page, a detailed proposal narrative, a budget and justification, CVs of key personnel, letters of support, and additional documents like NICRA (if applicable). Projects must include detailed goals, timelines, logic models, sustainability plans, and monitoring strategies. Proposals exceeding 10 double-spaced pages (excluding appendices) will be disqualified. The U.S. Embassy will evaluate applications based on alignment with strategic goals, U.S. content inclusion, innovation, organizational capacity, measurable outcomes, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Final decisions will be made by a Grants Selection Panel, and selected applicants will undergo a pre-award survey for fiscal responsibility. Payment of awarded funds will be processed via the SF-270 form. Awardees will be required to submit quarterly performance and financial reports, with final reports due 90 days after project completion. Safety protocols addressing harassment and misconduct, particularly involving minors, must be developed and submitted upon selection. Expenditures for alcoholic beverages, political or religious activity, infrastructure, or ventures that promote migration to the U.S. are prohibited. Sub-awards may be provided to trained partner organizations for the implementation of cultural or educational exchanges related to America 250. Mentorship in monitoring and evaluation will continue through the sub-award implementation phase.

Proposals must be in English, include detailed logic models, evaluation plans, and not exceed 10 double-spaced pages.