Grants for Individuals

The Public Diplomacy section (PD) of the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar and Comoros, part of the U.S. Department of State, is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines our funding priorities, our strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: The Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program supports projects proposed by U.S., Malagasy, and/or Comorian educational, cultural, and other non-profit organizations or individuals that promote U.S. values, strengthen understanding between U.S. and Malagasy and/or Comorian people and institutions, and/or support U.S. Embassy goals of promoting human rights, transparency and good governance, economic and social prosperity, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development of natural resources. All programs must include a U.S. cultural element or a connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that will encourage increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Priority Program Areas: Promoting human rights, civic engagement, and democracy; Advancing a free and responsible press and combatting disinformation including election disinformation; Promoting the free exercise of religion and ensuring laws and government policies do not interfere with its practice; Developing skills in innovation technology, STEM, and entrepreneurship for women, girls, and/or underrepresented populations; and, Promoting U.S.-Madagascar/Comoros exchange in sports, music, and art. Participants and Audiences: The list below delineates our target audiences: Professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators; Media professionals; Civil society professionals; Women, girls, minorities, and underrepresented populations. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; Charitable or development activities; Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; Scientific research; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or Programs that duplicate existing programs. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt Act or the Fulbright-Hays Act. The source of funding is FY2024 Public Diplomacy Funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: up to 18 months Number of awards anticipated: Up to 4 awards (depending upon amounts) Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $2,000 to a maximum of $5,000 Total available funding: $20,000 (pending the availability of funds) Type of funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding Anticipated program start date: September 01, 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grants, Fixed Amount Awards, Awards to Individuals, or Cooperative Agreements. Cooperative agreements require substantial involvement and are different from grants in that Public Diplomacy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 18 months or less. The Public Diplomacy Section may entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

The Effectiveness Monitoring Committee (EMC) is seeking project proposals that: (1)   Address one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions and; (2)   Address natural resource protection issues that are important for California forestlands. The critical monitoring questions are organized under 12 Research Themes. Four prioritized critical questions were determined by vote amongst the current EMC members at the beginning of each calendar year:  Are the FPRs and associated regulations effective in...  Question 1h: managing WLPZs to reduce or minimize potential fire behavior and rate of spread? Question 6c:  managing fuel loads, vegetation patterns and fuel breaks for fire hazard reduction? Question 6d: managing forest structure and stocking standards to promote wildfire resilience? Question 12a: improving overall forest wildfire resilience and the ability of forests to respond to climate change (e.g., in response to drought or bark beetle; reducing plant water stress) and variability, and extreme weather events (evaluate ecosystem functional response to fuel reduction and forest health treatments)? I.       FUNDING AVAILABILITY. Funding available for newly proposed projects is anticipated as follows: $973,392 over three FYs beginning in 2024/25, comprising: $173,232 in FY 2024/25; $375,160 in FY 2025/26; and $425,000 in FY 2025/26. II.     AWARD LIMITATIONS. Applicants requesting more than the stated annual amount available for funding will not be considered. In the case that EMC funding for the full three years is awarded to one new project, project solicitation may not occur in the subsequent two FYs. While the EMC may choose to fund projects that span multiple FYs up to the annual funding cap, the EMC generally prefers to fund multiple research projects annually. Proposers should keep this in mind when developing their project and annual budget requests. Longer-term projects (greater than three years) may re-apply for funding for additional years through the competitive grants process advertised in the EMC’s Request for Proposals. Annual allocations are dependent upon demonstrated progress towards project completion pursuant to the project schedule and workplan.  a.      ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES. Eligible projects will test one or more specific FPRs or other rule or regulation under the Board’s jurisdiction and which addresses one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions. Proposed projects must clearly apply to management activities on private timberlands in California. Projects on public land may be eligible for EMC funding provided they clearly apply to the activities and systems that also exist on non-federal timberland. b.      ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS. Eligible applicants are local, state, and federal agencies including federal land management agencies; institutions of higher education; special purpose districts (e.g., public utilities districts, fire districts, conservation districts, and ports); Native American tribes; private landowners; for-profit entities; and non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations.

This solicitation aims to reduce building dependency on grid electricity, increase energy efficiency of HVAC equipment operating on DC power, decrease burdens – and enhance access – to solar and heat pump adoption, and create business and manufacturing opportunities for those who develop DC HVAC nanogrid modules. The potential technology solution could be a modular system that includes an appropriately-sized PV array and energy storage integrated with a DC HVAC system. Such systems could support cost-effective decarbonization, summer electric demand management, and increased market adoption of clean HVAC electrification while avoiding the complexities of interconnection and stand-alone PV and storage installation, particularly for those in under-resourced communities. These systems could provide the benefits of solar and storage to ratepayers who have limited roof space or cannot afford a larger building-level PV/storage system. The installation would ideally be similar to an HVAC replacement, in that it would not require an inverter, onsite electrician, interconnection agreement, conduits, wiring, electric panel upgrades, or other utility-side requirements. Power from the solar PV and energy storage would be used entirely onsite and would not be exported to the grid. Rather, these systems would gain efficiency benefits from direct DC connections among the solar PV, storage, and HVAC equipment. Projects under this initiative could also eliminate or reduce building HVAC load during peak hours in summer months, improving reliability on the grid. The unit would typically be powered by solar PV and energy storage, except when either solar or stored energy is unavailable; at those times, the HVAC would use an AC/DC converter to be powered by the grid. The HVAC could continue operation uninterrupted during a grid outage when there is adequate solar and storage power available to meet the HVAC system’s load. Funded projects must develop and demonstrate the following technologies in existing buildings: ·       DC-powered HVAC equipment that directly uses onsite solar generated electricity; ·       Energy and/or thermal storage integrated into the system to improve cost effectiveness; and ·                A transfer switch incorporated into the module to isolate generation equipment from the grid and simplify installation. Projects must fall within one of the following project groups: ·       Group 1: Residential DC HVAC Nanogrid; and ·       Group 2: Commercial DC HVAC Nanogrid.

Each funding opportunity description is a synopsis of information in the Federal Register application notice. For specific information about eligibility, please see the official application notice. The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html. Please review the official application notice for pre-application and application requirements, application submission information, performance measures, priorities and program contact information. For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an application, please refer to our Revised Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2022. Purpose of Program: The Comprehensive Centers Program supports the establishment of Comprehensive Centers to provide capacity-building services to State educational agencies (SEAs), regional educational agencies (REAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and schools that improve educational opportunities and outcomes, close achievement gaps, and improve the quality of instruction for all students, and particularly for groups of students with the greatest need, including students from low-income families and students attending schools implementing comprehensive support and improvement or targeted or additional targeted support and improvement activities under section 1111(d) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA). Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.283B.

The Red Bluff Fish and Wildlife Office (RBFWO), Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) Program is soliciting proposals for the completion of a Feasibility Study to assess potential solutions to increase available floodplain habitat in the lower Feather River corridor through Nelson Slough and contribute to improved quality of juvenile salmonid rearing habitat through increased production and availability of food resources. The project location is in the California Department of Fish and Wildlifes Feather River Wildlife Area Nelson Slough Unit. Scope of WorkThis award will provide funds for a work effort consisting of identification, development and feasibility of a floodplain connectivity solution in Nelson Slough primarily benefiting juvenile salmonids. This will include facilitating meetings with the Technical Advisory Committee, composing of members from United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Marine Fisheries Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and California Department of Water Resources (CDWR). The USFWS and Project Management Team intend to use information collected from this study to develop a future habitat restoration project at this site. The project tasks and applicant responsibilities are the following: Information gathering and site reconnaissance; Project Management;Data Collection and Evaluation; Develop a multi-dimensional hydrodynamic flow model to assess floodplain inundation frequencies; Develop a sediment transport model; Landowner access; Facilitate, plan, and provide notes from Technical Advisory Committee meetings; andDevelop juvenile salmonid habitat alternatives (i.e., restoring natural processes, side-channel creation through historic oxbow, floodplain connectivity, etc.).Project The CVPIA SIT and Core Team recommended increasing access to juvenile rearing habitat in lower Feather River and Sutter Bypass and identified it as a high priority for FY2020 (2019 Tech Memo). The project will continue to be funded for planning and analysis in FY2025 with potential construction and implementation in FY2026. The proposed project completes a feasibility study to develop and evaluate potential restoration actions at the Nelson Slough Wildlife Area Unit to increase the frequency with which floodplain habitat is inundated. The project would be located on CDFW property at the confluence of the lower Feather River corridor and the Sutter Bypass near Nelson Slough.The project may include lowering and widening an existing slough within setback levees in the lower Feather River corridor downstream of Highway 99 and tying this into the Sutter Bypass; creating multiple swales within the area; and/or lowering the floodplain terrace. This would allow Feather River basin water to flow into the Sutter Bypass with much greater frequency than under current conditions, thereby connecting remnant floodplain (including an abandoned oxbow from the Feather River) in the lower Feather River corridor with existing floodplain in the Sutter Bypass. Nelson Slough, a 750-acre unit of the Feather River Wildlife Area, is adjacent to more than 3,500 acres of conservation properties along the Feather River and approximately 4,500 acres of conservation properties within the Sutter Bypass. The project could increase floodplain habitat available to Feather, Yuba, and Bear River salmonids by up to 1,000 acres or more under certain flow conditions. Additional floodplain inundation resulting from this project could provide rearing benefits to Sacramento River origin juvenile winter and spring-run Chinook salmon, juvenile Butte Creek spring-run Chinook salmon in the Sutter Bypass, Feather River basin spring-run Chinook salmon, as well as Central Valley steelhead and potentially juvenile green sturgeon. Currently, River Partners has been awarded funds through the CVPIA for improving salmon and steelhead juvenile rearing habitat through creation and restoration of up to five miles of side channels on the Lower Feather River adjacent to the Nelson Slough Wildlife Area Unit. This project could potentially be integrated with the River Partners Lower Feather River Side Channel Restoration Project. The Peterson, Coarse Resolution model Report, 2014 (DSM) suggests that supporting increasing juvenile Chinook size at emigration can be beneficial to the outcome of a greater number of returning adults. Post project monitoring may help improve or validate the hypothesis of the DSM. Supplemental InformationOutcome of the project would achieve the following goals: Increase accessible floodplain for Feather, Yuba, and Bear River salmonids by through increased access; Determination of the amount of accessible acres created at various flow ranges compared to existing conditions with various landscape changes;Reduce habitat fragmentation to improve rearing and emigration corridors; Increase and improve the quantity, quality, and diversity of riverine habitat, including floodplain rearing habitat for juvenile fish; Reduce predation impacts of non-native fish species in channel;Increase native riparian vegetation in restored habitat;Contribute to the recovery of federal and state listed fish populations; and Contribute to the Central Valley Project Improvement Act doubling goal for the Feather, Yuba, and Bear Rivers. Questions that will be addressed in the feasibility study are:Up-to-date topographic and bathymetric LiDAR or similar, relative to project area or any other areas of influence. Characterization of the hydrodynamics that would facilitate floodplain activation. Characterization of the hydrodynamics that would facilitate floodplain activation. Prioritize updating physical habitat characterization.Focus on (potential) instream system parameters (longitudinal profiles, cross section installation and revisiting those, etc.). Using a drone to map area pre-project, as well as post project. Assess:Flood conveyance, flood storage and inundation frequency and duration; Fluvial geomorphic processes;Aquatic and riparian habitat;Project costs;Land availability;Sedimentation;Excavated materials and spoil placements; andInfrastructure (i.e. utility pipelines, roadway bridge abutments).Pre-project assessments: This would include assessing hydrology and water quality, as well as biologic monitoring cataloging insect, bird, and other current animal habitat necessary to understand what the area is currently providing and serve as a baseline for assessing post project performance after implementation. Monitoring and evaluation are essential to determine whether restoration projects are implemented correctly and performing as expected so that we achieve the intended benefits. Wildlife Habitat Area Management Objectives: Current acreage of upland habitat shall not be decreased. Must not fragment current available upland habitat.Any side channels created would require a crossing for wildlife and staff to facilitate bird plants. Species of interest include quail, deer, turkey, pheasant, and multiple waterfowl. No restoration activity shall reduce the various hunting opportunities offered by CDFW on the Nelson Slough Unit (i.e., deer hunt season, waterfowl hunt season, quail hunt season, turkey fall hunt season, turkey spring hunt season, and pheasant hunt season). Awardee will coordinate closely with CDFW wildlife area staff to develop alternatives that do not impact these opportunities for the public. Considerations:Consider restoration design and implementation timing with DWR and Sutter County to complement their future levee improvement work at the Nelson Slough Unit and the surrounding reach of the Feather River and Sutter Bypass as described in the Riparian Restoration Plan for the Nelson Slough Unit (2009 River Partners) Department PriortiesThe mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Fish and Aquatic Conservation is an integral program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and supports the mission by working with partners to achieve benefits for aquatic species and their habitats. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plays a key role in addressing the challenges identified in the Biden-Harris administrations priorities. https://www.fws.gov/initiative/directors-priorities Rebuilding the economy;Tackling climate change;Developing a wildlife conservation strategy for the 21st century;Combating Wildlife Trafficking.

The Alachua County Small Farmer Grant Program is a mini-grant initiative funded by the County Commission, designed to support Alachua County-based small farms and ranches. The program aims to promote local food system economic resilience and equity, particularly for marginalized communities. This grant differs from traditional reimbursement models by offering an immediate infusion of funds upon award, recognizing that small producers may lack the immediate cash flow for capital equipment. The total funding available for this mini-grant is approximately $100,000, with individual grant requests not exceeding $5,000. The primary target beneficiaries are small producers (farms, ranches, or other agricultural operations) within Alachua County that produce foodstuffs for human consumption and have annual gross cash income between $1,000 and $250,000. There is a strong prioritization for small producers with an annual gross cash income of no more than $75,000. Furthermore, the program specifically prioritizes black, women, indigenous, and persons-of-color owned agricultural operations, aligning with broader goals of economic equity and community support. The program's key priorities and focuses include assisting Alachua County residents and supporting the immediate acquisition of capital infrastructure and equipment. This direct funding approach is intended to enhance the farm's productive capability and financial expansion, addressing a critical need for small producers who may struggle with upfront costs. The grant is not a cost reimbursement grant, emphasizing its role in providing immediate financial support. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around improving the economic viability of these small producers and increasing the resiliency of local food production. The program also aims to expand the production of related value-added farm products. Ultimately, these efforts are designed to achieve the Board's policies related to economic development, specifically by increasing economic prosperity, economic equity, and fostering a diverse tax base within Alachua County.

The objectives of this project fall under INRMP Goal 2: Manage JBER natural resources under the guidelines and principles of adaptive ecosystem management, which aim to maintain functional ecosystems and natural diversity including sustainable populations, native species, and ecological communities and Objective 2.1: Inventory and monitor JBERs natural resources, including soil, water, wetlands, flora, and fauna, to provide baseline information on ecosystem integrity and health, status of renewable resources, and status of threatened or sensitive species or communities. See full Funding Opportunity Description in Section I.

The Golden LEAF Foundation's Open Grants Program is designed to strengthen North Carolina's economy, particularly in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and/or rural communities. This program aligns directly with the foundation's mission to use its entrusted funds for projects with the highest potential for economic impact. The grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, are available to governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations across all North Carolina counties. The program targets communities and organizations capable of driving economic development in three priority areas: Job Creation and Economic Investment, Workforce Preparedness, and Agriculture. The impact goals are to foster economic growth and create opportunities in these specific sectors, ultimately benefiting the residents and businesses within the designated communities. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in projects that demonstrate a clear potential for strengthening the state's economy. Competitive projects are those that seek funds to develop new workforce training programs, implement career pathways in high schools for high-demand fields, extend infrastructure to enable industrial development and job creation, or support new crops, expand agricultural markets, and provide farmer training. These focuses reflect the foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted investments in these areas will lead to measurable economic improvements. While most awards are expected to be $200,000 or less, projects eligible for grants over $200,000 must demonstrate additional outcomes commensurate with the increased funding, result from multi-organizational planning with continued community engagement, build on a history of success to scale projects, be collaborative with innovative or regional features, leverage significant funding from other organizations, or be from applicants with limited resources where phased implementation would compromise outcomes. The expected outcomes are the creation of full-time jobs, enhanced workforce skills, improved agricultural practices, and overall economic revitalization in North Carolina.

The Community Services Agency (CSA) Partnership Grant program, initiated by the Board of County Commissioners, addresses human service needs in Seminole County, Florida. This program reflects a strategic priority to collaborate with local non-profit agencies, leveraging their expertise to benefit and improve the quality of life for residents. The core mission alignment is centered on assisting Seminole County residents with specific needs, demonstrating a commitment to community well-being and partnership-driven solutions. The program's theory of change posits that by providing grant funds to qualified non-profit organizations, critical human service gaps can be effectively addressed, leading to an enhanced quality of life for the county's population. The target beneficiaries of the CSA program are the residents of Seminole County who require assistance with specific human service needs. The program's impact goals are to improve the quality of life for these residents by supporting non-profit agencies that deliver direct services. Priorities for funding are given to projects or programs that provide direct services identified as top needs in the 2024 Community Needs Assessment. These top needs include Childcare, Utility Assistance, Mental Health Services, Rental Subsidy/Assistance, Homeless Services, Housing for Homeless Families, Food, and Transitional Housing. The program aims to achieve measurable results by funding initiatives that directly address these identified critical areas within the community. Eligibility criteria for the grant ensure that funds are directed to well-established and responsible non-profit organizations. Agencies must be chartered or authorized to do business in Florida for charitable purposes, possess a 501(c)(3) tax exemption for a minimum of three years, and demonstrate that their services benefit Seminole County residents and address community needs. Priority funding is extended to agencies that align with the Community Needs Assessment. Further requirements include having an uncompensated governing board free of conflicts of interest, established bylaws and policies covering management, audits, fiscal procedures, nepotism, and conflict of interest, and at least one year of experience in providing the requested service. Agencies must also be licensed and accredited. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in access to essential services for Seminole County residents, particularly in the high-priority areas identified. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of residents served, the types of services provided, and the overall impact on community well-being in the targeted areas. The program strictly defines ineligible activities, such as capital improvement, construction, property or home purchases, and administrative expenses, to ensure that funds are maximized for direct service delivery. Funding limits are also in place, with awards not exceeding twenty-five percent of an agency's prior year's expenditures, based on their IRS 990 form, to promote sustainable and diverse funding for recipient organizations.

The Arc Fund, an initiative by CultureSource, is a $1.5 million grant program designed to support culture-workers of color in Southeast Michigan. Its core mission aligns with addressing historical disadvantages, underrepresentation, and oppression faced by these professionals due to their race. The fund aims to spur growth and provide opportunities for career advancement, contributing to a more equitable and vibrant arts and culture ecosystem in the region. The program specifically targets culture-workers of color living and working full-time in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties in Southeast Michigan. Eligible beneficiaries include arts administrators, artists, arts organizers, curators, and arts programmers whose primary professional focus is advancing arts and culture in the region. The impact goal is to empower these individuals to make significant career leaps, fostering professional development and reducing financial or other obligations that limit their flexibility and growth. The Arc Fund prioritizes individuals prepared to invest in new skills, pursue novel artistic endeavors, or address financial burdens that hinder their career trajectory. It focuses on providing unrestricted awards, professional development experiences, and social networking opportunities. This comprehensive approach reflects a strategic priority to not only offer financial support but also to build capacity and community among culture-workers of color. The expected outcomes include the distribution of 74 unrestricted awards of $15,000 each, enabling recipients to fund various aspects of their professional growth. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of awards distributed, the engagement in professional development, and the overall career advancement reported by the awardees. While a formal theory of change is not explicitly detailed, the initiative implicitly operates on the theory that targeted financial support, skill-building, and networking will directly counter historical inequities, leading to significant career progression and a more inclusive cultural landscape.

The Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Nevada Heritage Fellowship, offered by the Nevada Arts Council (NAC), is designed to recognize and honor tradition bearers in Nevada who have made significant contributions to the state's traditional arts heritage. This fellowship serves as an honorarium, providing financial support without specific spending restrictions, thereby promoting public awareness and appreciation for the role of traditional arts in society. The NAC's mission to support and elevate the arts aligns directly with this program's goal of preserving and celebrating Nevada's cultural heritage through its traditional art forms. The target beneficiaries of this grant are individual artists who are current Nevada residents (for at least one year prior to application), U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, and at least 21 years old. They must be actively practicing in their traditional art discipline and not currently enrolled as degree-seeking students. Artists who have previously received two or more fellowships from the Nevada Arts Council are ineligible. The primary impact goal is to acknowledge outstanding cultural and artistic accomplishments across a body of work, thereby fostering a greater appreciation for traditional arts within the community. The program prioritizes artists who demonstrate excellence and significance within their tradition, as well as evidence of artistic impact or contribution to living cultural heritage. The review process is concealed, with applicants identified by number, and a panel adjudicates and scores applications based on these criteria. Each criterion—clear demonstration of the artist’s excellence, clear demonstration of the artists’ significance, and evidence of artistic impact or contribution—is weighted at 10 points. The expected outcome of the Nevada Heritage Fellowship is the recognition and financial support of deserving tradition bearers, which in turn helps to preserve and promote Nevada's rich cultural heritage. Measurable results include the number of fellowships awarded annually and the public awareness generated through the acknowledgment of these artists. The $5,000 award, requiring no match, directly supports these artists, allowing them to continue their work and contribute to the state's artistic landscape. The grant duration is one year, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

This program provides financial support and resources to small businesses in select U.S. cities that are dedicated to community upliftment and have been impacted by COVID-19.

This program provides financial support and resources to small businesses in the U.S. with annual revenues of $1 million or less, helping them grow and enhance their visibility.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Africa Regional Services, Bureau of African Affairs Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (AF/PDPA) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition to submit applications to organize a training on Media Smart: Spotting Truth in a Fake News World for Non-Journalists. The program aims to empower youth, young adults, education professionals and community leaders and organizers with the skills and knowledge to effectively counter misinformation and disinformation. The series of workshops should include but are not limited to the following topics: Understanding Media Literacy: Identifying bias, evaluating sources, recognizing types of media. Information, news, and opinion. Types of Disinformation: Misinformation, propaganda, fake news. Impact of Disinformation: Effects on public opinion, democracy, and social cohesion and real-world examples. Spotting Disinformation Critical Thinking Skills Media Bias, Objectivity and Trust Digital Citizenship and Responsibility Strategies to Combat Disinformation Understanding AI and Recognizing AI-generated content The project will be conducted in French and English, virtually over six months. It will consist of online presentations and dialogues between American experts and African audience, discussing theories and case studies, and sharing best practices, strategies and resources. Budget permitting the project will design an in-person colloquium with selected participants. The project should also provide a strategy for and facilitate peer-to-peer contact and content sharing between program participants following program completion. All subject matter experts must be American citizens. Targeted countries are sub-Saharan African countries, with a priority given to West African countries. Please follow all instructions below. Background: In Africa, the rise of disinformation, accelerated by digital technology, demands urgent media literacy initiatives among youth. Recent studies, such as those by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, reveal an alarming escalation in false information targeting African media, facilitated by digital channels. This surge correlates directly with societal unrest and democratic erosion. With over 60% of Africa's population under 25, empowering youth with media literacy skills is critical. It not only safeguards against disinformation but also prepares them to navigate the complexities of AI-driven content and fosters informed citizenship crucial for democratic resilience. Africa Regional Services announces a call for institutional partners and individuals with extensive experience and capacity in training and outreach among youth, African NGOs and African educative organizations in the field of information fluency to submit proposals for online and in-person training of African youth on media literacy. Subject to availability of funds, Africa Regional Services will award a grant as described below. The successful applicant must have previous experience managing the award amount of $250,000 or greater and must demonstrate capacity to manage a continent-wide grant in countering disinformation. The criteria for the competition should ensure that proposals be tailored toward African audiences. Proposed projects should include monitoring and evaluation plans. Project Audience(s): Male and female youth, educators, NGO representatives. Must ensure gender balance among target audience aged 18 to 30. Project Goal: The program will empower young adults to better understand and navigate the complex intersection of AI, disinformation, and media literacy in today's digital landscape, while utilizing American subject-matter expertise. Project Objectives: Projects should be designed to achieve the following: Objective 1: Enhance the media literacy skills of African youth through engaging workshops focused on combating misinformation and disinformation. Objective 2: Empower participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training sessions by creating and sharing stories that demonstrate their newfound skills in critical media analysis and responsible reporting, thereby fostering a culture of digital citizenship and encouraging them to fulfill their responsibilities as informed and ethical communicators in the digital age. Priority Regions: Sub-Saharan African countries including but not limited to Cote DIvoire, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, Sierra Leone, Guinea Conakry, Chad, Cameroon, Togo, Benin. Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply: Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations Public and private educational institutions Individuals For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. Other Eligibility Requirements In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via https://sam.gov/content/home as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION Address to Request Application Package Application forms required below are available at www.grants.gov. Content and Form of Application Submission Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Please ensure: The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity All documents are in English All budgets are in U.S. dollars All pages are numbered All documents are formatted to 8 x 11 paper, and All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. The following documents are required: Mandatory application forms SF-424(Application for Federal Assistance organizations)or SF-424-I(Application for Federal Assistance--individuals)atwww.grants.gov. SF-424A(Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at www.grants.gov. SF-424B(Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at www.grants.gov. Summary Page:Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. Proposal (10 pages maximum):The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below. Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact. Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies. Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed Program Goals and Objectives: The goals describe what the program is intended to achieve. The objectives refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate. Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. Key Personnel:Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees. Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? Future Funding or SustainabilityApplicants plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See sectionH. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissionsbelow for further information. Attachments: 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file. Official permission letters, if required for program activities Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Required Registrations All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications. The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee. Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible. Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if: An applicants identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organizations status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant. For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date. Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than June 15, 2024. Other Submission Requirements All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected]. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below: Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea 25 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants 15 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account. Program Content 15 points: Objectives are clear, and content is clearly linked to the U.S. and is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. Budget 15 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. Monitoring and evaluation plan 15 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured. Sustainability 10 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program. A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications. If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact:[email protected]

Africa Regional Services, Bureau of African Affairs Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (AF/PDPA) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition to submit applications to organize a training on Understanding and Countering Disinformation for African Journalists. The program aims to empower journalists with the skills and knowledge to effectively counter misinformation and disinformation, ensuring accurate and responsible reporting. The series of workshops should include but are not limited to the following topics: Understanding and Identifying Misinformation/Disinformation and its Impact Fact-Checking, Online/Offline Content Verification Methods, Recognizing Red Flags and Manipulative Tactics Ethical Reporting and Considerations in the Age of Misinformation/Disinformation Strategies for Countering Disinformation Combatting Online Abuse Against Journalists and Building Resilience Misinformation and Disinformation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence The project will be conducted in French and English, virtually over six months. It will consist of online presentations and dialogues between American experts and African audience, discussing theories and case studies, and sharing best practices, strategies, and resources. Budget permitting the project will design an in-person colloquium with selected participants. The project should also provide a strategy for and facilitate peer-to-peer contact and content sharing between program participants following program completion. All subject matter experts must be American citizens. Targeted countries are sub-Saharan African countries, with a priority given to West African countries. Please follow all instructions below. Background: The extensive spread of false information poses a significant obstacle to the stability and prosperity of African nations. Those orchestrating elaborate disinformation schemes targeting African media are leveraging the rapid expansion and accessibility of digital communication channels to overhaul the continent's information landscape at a pace and scale previously unattainable through traditional means. A clear correlation exists between the extent of disinformation and societal unrest. False narratives have directly incited violent conflicts, supported political turmoil, intimidated members of civil society into silence, and obscured acts of corruption and exploitation. These actions have tangible repercussions, eroding the rights, freedoms, and security of African populations. Furthermore, rapid advancements in technology pave the way for AI-driven content to further sow seeds of distrust and disorder within democratic systems. Africa Regional Services announces a call for institutional partners and individuals with extensive experience and capacity in training and outreach among African media organizations in the field of countering disinformation to submit proposals for online and in-person training of African journalists on disinformation. Subject to availability of funds, Africa Regional Services will award a grant as described below. The successful applicant must have previous experience managing the award amount of $250,000 or greater and must demonstrate capacity to manage a continent-wide grant in countering disinformation. The criteria for the competition should ensure that proposals be tailored toward African audiences. Proposed projects should include monitoring and evaluation plans. Project Audience(s): Male and female African journalists/reporters from print, broadcast, and digital media outlets. Must ensure gender balance among target audience aged 25 to 50. Project Goal: The program will help improve the quality of news in African countries through capacity building of journalists to counter misinformation/disinformation, while utilizing American subject-matter expertise. Project Objectives: Projects should be designed to achieve the following: Objective 1: Increase the professional capacity of African journalists through training workshops on countering misinformation/disinformation. Objective 2: Participants to develop and publish stories showcasing the application of skills acquired in the training sessions. Priority Regions: Sub-Saharan African countries including but not limited to Cote DIvoire, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, Sierra Leone, Guinea Conakry, Chad, Cameroon, Togo, Benin. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. Africa Regional Services may entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State. This notice is subject to availability of funding. Other Eligibility Requirements In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION Address to Request Application Package Application forms required below are available at www.grants.gov. Content and Form of Application Submission Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Please ensure: The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity All documents are in English All budgets are in U.S. dollars All pages are numbered All documents are formatted to 8 x 11 paper, and All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. The following documents are required: Mandatory application forms SF-424(Application for Federal Assistance organizations)or SF-424-I(Application for Federal Assistance--individuals)atwww.grants.gov. SF-424A(Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at www.grants.gov. SF-424B(Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at www.grants.gov. Summary Page:Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. Proposal (10 pages maximum):The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below. Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact. Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies. Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed Program Goals and Objectives: The goals describe what the program is intended to achieve. The objectives refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate. Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. Key Personnel:Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees. Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time-frame of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? Future Funding or SustainabilityApplicants plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See sectionH. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissionsbelow for further information. Attachments: 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file. Official permission letters, if required for program activities Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Required Registrations All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications. The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee. Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible. Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if: An applicants identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organizations status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant. For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date. Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than June 15, 2024. Other Submission Requirements All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected]. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION Criteria Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below: Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea 25 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants 15 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account. Program Content 15 points: Objectives are clear and content is clearly linked to the U.S. and is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. Budget 15 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. Monitoring and evaluation plan 15 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured. Sustainability 10 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program. Review and Selection Process A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

This funding opportunity is designed for research institutions and innovators to develop groundbreaking microsystems technologies that enhance national security and have potential commercial applications.

The NYSCA/GHHN Site Assessment Grant, a collaboration between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN), offers crucial support to museums, historical, and cultural organizations across New York State. This program is designed to facilitate half-day museum site assessments, providing professional expertise to help organizations better care for and exhibit their collections. The grant directly aligns with the broader mission of both NYSCA and GHHN to preserve and promote New York's rich cultural heritage by strengthening the foundational capacity of its cultural institutions. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are chartered nonprofit museums, historical organizations, and other cultural institutions in New York State that own, care for, and exhibit collections to the public. This also includes federal and municipal museums and historic sites upon consultation with the grant administrator. Organizations with budgets under $250,000 are particularly encouraged to apply, indicating a focus on empowering smaller institutions. The grant's impact goal is to enhance the professional care and management of cultural collections across the state, thereby ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of these vital historical assets. The grant prioritizes support for professional services from a Site Assessment consultant who will conduct a half-day site visit, focusing specifically on a collections-related topic. This targeted approach ensures that the assistance is directly applicable and addresses specific needs within the organizations' collections management. There is also a clear focus on organizations that have not previously received funding from this specific site assessment program, aiming to broaden the reach and impact of the grant to a wider range of institutions. This strategy helps distribute resources equitably and strengthens a diverse array of cultural organizations. The expected outcome of the grant is that recipient organizations will benefit from expert guidance, leading to improved collections care practices and enhanced organizational capacity. Measurable results include the completion of funded consultancy work within one year of the grant award date, demonstrating the timely application of professional advice. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly detailed, the program's structure implies that by providing expert site assessments, organizations will gain the knowledge and tools necessary to address collections challenges, leading to stronger, more resilient cultural institutions that can better serve the public. The strategic priority is clearly to invest in the operational and collections-based health of New York's cultural sector.

This initiative provides financial support to LGBTQIA+ small business owners in the U.S. to foster growth and innovation within their enterprises.

This initiative provides microgrants to empower youth-led climate action projects in Hoboken, targeting individuals aged 15 to 24 who are engaged in environmental initiatives.

This grant provides financial support for Cuyahoga County-based artists to fund public projects, events, or specific needs related to their creative practices.