GrantExec

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law San Francisco Bay Water Quality Improvement Fund

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve information security and responsible technology practices in the Middle East and North Africa, targeting resilience in information ecosystems and enhancing security at critical entry points.

$2,000,000
Closed
Nationwide
Grant Description

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) has issued a *Request for Statements of Interest* (RSOI) to fund projects enhancing information security and responsible technology practices in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This solicitation aims to strengthen resilience in information ecosystems, encourage responsible technology and cyberspace practices, and improve security at critical points of entry. The available funding totals $3.7 million, with awards ranging from $100,000 to $1.5 million per project, potentially distributed across four to seven awards. Project durations can range from one to three years, with eligible entities invited to submit a brief Statement of Interest (SOI) by November 22, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with one or more specific Lines of Effort (LOEs): enhancing information integrity and countering disinformation; promoting responsible technology practices and secure digital infrastructure; supporting cyberspace security in compliance with international standards; and strengthening security at ports and other critical entry points. Proposals should detail how projects will meet these objectives, including a theory of change and measurable outcomes. Priority is given to proposals targeting region-wide impacts or multiple countries within the MENA region, such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, among others. To be eligible, applicants must be legally registered entities, including U.S.-based or foreign nonprofit and for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and community or faith-based organizations. Collaborative proposals with civil society and local stakeholders are encouraged, as is a focus on expanding opportunities for marginalized populations, including women and underrepresented communities. NEA/AC also advises applicants to consider long-term sustainability and to conduct gender analysis for projects aimed at enhancing the participation of women in technology and cybersecurity fields. The SOI submission requires concise descriptions of project objectives, outcomes, relevant indicators, and implementation timelines. Applicants must also provide organizational background and a brief problem statement. Eligible SOIs will advance to a full proposal stage based on alignment with the LOEs, project planning rigor, and the applicant’s demonstrated capacity. Submissions must be emailed to NEA-Grants@state.gov by the stated deadline. NEA/AC anticipates notifying successful applicants within eight months, with final award conditions and reporting requirements to be defined upon selection.

Funding Details

Award Range

Not specified - $2,000,000

Total Program Funding

Not specified

Number of Awards

20

Matching Requirement

No

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

City or township governments
County governments
State governments
Special district governments
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Additional Requirements

Only these types of organizations may apply. Organization types are consistent with definitions at 2 CFR 200.1: • State, local government agencies, districts, and councils. • Regional water pollution control agencies and entities. • State coastal zone management agencies. • Federally and non-federally recognized Tribes. • Public and private universities and colleges. • Public or private non-governmental, non-profit institutions are eligible to apply, unless restricted by the authorizing statutes. Non-profit organizations must have documentation of non-profit status from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or their state of incorporation, except that nonprofit organizations as defined in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying as defined in Section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 or superseding legislation are ineligible.

Geographic Eligibility

All

Key Dates

Application Opens

October 25, 2024

Application Closes

April 17, 2025

Contact Information

Grantor

Dana Michels

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Categories
Environment
Community Development