U.S. Embassy Bishkek Public Diplomacy Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, through its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) inviting proposals that promote American leadership and innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in the Kyrgyz Republic. This funding opportunity seeks to strengthen U.S.-Kyrgyz relations by expanding rural access to STEM education, building local teaching capacity, modernizing curricula, and facilitating partnerships between Kyrgyz and American STEM institutions. The program recognizes the United States' global leadership in STEM fields and seeks to leverage this position to support Kyrgyzstan’s growing technology sector. By funding proposals aligned with this goal, the U.S. Embassy aims to foster a pro-American technological ecosystem and encourage the adoption of U.S. standards and innovations in Kyrgyzstan. The funding for this opportunity comes from FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and will be administered through either a grant or cooperative agreement mechanism. Awards are expected to range from $10,000 to $50,000, with the possibility of issuing up to three awards. The performance period for funded projects will range from 6 to 12 months, with projects expected to begin between September and October 2026. Continuation funding may be available for successful grantees, subject to the availability of funds and performance evaluations. Substantial involvement from the U.S. Embassy may occur in cooperative agreements, particularly in participant selection, curriculum development, and promotional oversight. The program is open to non-profit organizations, public and private educational institutions, and individuals based in the Kyrgyz Republic or the United States, with the requirement that U.S.-based applicants partner with Kyrgyz-registered organizations. For-profit organizations are not eligible to apply as primary recipients. Although cost-sharing or matching is encouraged, it is not a requirement for this opportunity. Applicants are allowed to submit only one proposal per organization. All organizational applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration in SAM.gov. Individuals are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must submit a complete application package, including forms SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B (as applicable), a proposal of no more than six pages, a detailed line-item budget with a justification narrative, and monitoring and evaluation materials. Proposals must include clearly defined goals, measurable objectives, detailed implementation methods, a project timeline, a sustainability plan, and a plan for monitoring and evaluation. Attachments may include résumés or position descriptions for key personnel, letters of support from partners, and documentation of nonprofit status and registration. Applications will be evaluated on several criteria, including the quality and feasibility of the program idea (25 points), the applicant's organizational capacity (20 points), planning and implementation ability (15 points), budget clarity (10 points), monitoring and evaluation planning (10 points), sustainability (10 points), and inclusion of American leadership elements (10 points). Preference in tie-breaker scenarios will be given to applicants with lower indirect cost rates. Applications are due by April 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Bishkek time. Submissions may be made via email or through Grants.gov. Questions are due by April 20, 2026, and will be answered collectively on the embassy’s grants page. This funding opportunity is not recurring on a defined schedule but may support continuation projects beyond the initial period. The U.S. Embassy emphasizes STEM programs that transition Kyrgyz education from rote learning to interactive, American-modeled instruction. Proposed activities may include educator training, youth competitions, roadshows, and startup pitch events. Each activity must incorporate a strong U.S. element, such as American experts, curriculum, partnerships, or branding. Sub-awards are permitted if roles are clearly defined. Restrictions apply to lobbying, religious activities, construction, fundraising, and direct social services. Selected awardees will receive formal written notice and must comply with all Department of State reporting and branding requirements.

Include a strong American element (U.S. experts, curriculum, or partnerships) to improve competitiveness and align with embassy priorities.