Public Diplomacy Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program

The U.S. Department of State, through its Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program. The purpose of this funding initiative is to promote STEM education and related investment in the Kyrgyz Republic. The initiative seeks to address systemic barriers such as limited rural access to STEM resources, outdated teaching methodologies, and the lack of local opportunities, all of which contribute to brain drain and economic stagnation. This NOFO aims to modernize STEM curricula, foster U.S.-Kyrgyz partnerships, and increase local economic potential by establishing the U.S. as the preferred partner in STEM innovation. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and educational institutions that are either registered in the Kyrgyz Republic or based in the United States and partnering with Kyrgyz organizations. For-profit entities are not eligible. Individuals from both the Kyrgyz Republic and the United States may also apply, but only one proposal per organization is permitted. Sub-contracting is allowed under specific conditions, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM.gov registration are required for organizations but not for individuals. Funding will range from $10,000 to $50,000, with up to three awards anticipated. Projects must be completed within 6 to 12 months and are expected to start between September and October 2025. While matching funds are not required, applicants must ensure their proposals align with the outlined goals. These include training STEM educators, launching competitions, modernizing curriculum in collaboration with Kyrgyz authorities, facilitating innovation pitching events with U.S. investors, and organizing mobile STEM roadshows. Strong ties to U.S. expertise, whether through partnerships, curriculum models, or alumni, are a critical component of the proposed activities. Applications must include several components: SF-424 forms, a six-page proposal addressing program objectives and sustainability, a monitoring and evaluation plan, and a detailed budget justification. Resumes of key personnel, letters of support from partners, documentation of nonprofit status, and proof of registration are also required. Applications can be submitted either through email or Grants.gov, with the first deadline on May 31, 2025, and the final deadline on July 15, 2025. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered. Evaluation will be based on the feasibility and originality of the program idea, organizational capacity, planning and objectives, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation rigor, sustainability strategies, and inclusion of U.S. leadership or resources. Notifications of award decisions will generally be made within 120 days of the NOFO deadline. Projects will be funded through Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, and may be awarded as grants or cooperative agreements, depending on the level of anticipated U.S. Embassy involvement. For questions, applicants may contact BishkekProjectProposals@state.gov. Additional guidance on proposal contents, required documentation, and reporting responsibilities are available within the full NOFO, which outlines terms, allowable costs, and audit expectations. No pre-award costs or construction activities are permitted under this funding. Awardees must submit regular financial and programmatic reports, with specific attention to monitoring progress against predefined goals and ensuring compliance with federal standards.

Emphasize U.S. partnerships and expertise, align with sample objectives, use Embassy resources if possible, and provide a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plan using the template provided.