Grants for Private Institutions Of Higher Education

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is offering the Solid Waste Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) Higher Education Research Grant Program. This grant program is designed to fund projects that align with and support the objectives of the Recycling Enhancement Act. The core mission is to enhance existing resources, tools, or methodologies, or to create new ones, all in furtherance of the REA's goals. This initiative demonstrates a strategic priority to foster innovation and practical advancements in recycling within New Jersey, reflecting a theory of change that posits that targeted research and development will lead to improved recycling practices and outcomes for the state. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are New Jersey institutions of higher education. These institutions may implement projects in conjunction with, or by subcontracting or partnering with, other entities as permitted by law. The primary impact goal is to support the objectives of the REA through various projects. This includes enhancing the capabilities of the higher education sector to contribute to environmental sustainability, specifically in waste management and recycling. The program aims to leverage academic expertise to generate solutions that have tangible benefits for the state's recycling infrastructure and policies. The grant prioritizes projects in several key areas: recycling demonstration, research, or education, including professional training. This focus allows for a broad range of initiatives, from practical applications and pilot programs to in-depth academic studies and workforce development. The expected outcomes include the development of new or improved resources, tools, and methodologies that directly contribute to the objectives of the Recycling Enhancement Act. Measurable results could include, but are not limited to, new recycling technologies implemented, increased public or professional understanding of recycling best practices, and data-driven insights that inform future policy decisions. Approximately $1 million in grant funding has been allocated for this opportunity, with individual grant amounts ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. Awardees and grant amounts will be determined based on the strength of the proposal, adherence to selection criteria, and the availability of funds. The grant is designed to cover personnel costs (salaries/fringe benefits), other direct costs such as supplies, printing, mailings, mileage, and contractual services, as well as indirect costs. Indirect, fringe benefits, or administrative costs should be estimated using an approved negotiated cost agreement, or a rate of 10% of modified total direct costs if such an agreement is not available. This structure ensures that funded projects are adequately resourced to achieve their stated objectives and contribute effectively to the REA.

This grant provides funding to undergraduate-focused institutions to support small-scale clinical trials that engage students in meaningful biomedical research experiences.

The Office of English Language Programs (ECA/A/L) of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for the FY 2024 Online Professional English Network (OPEN) Program, which offers foreign English teaching professionals and language learners the opportunity for professional development through high-quality, accessible, and openly licensed virtual resources, including online English language teacher development courses, online English language learning courses, virtual exchanges, webinars, an alumni community of practice (CoP), multiple social media channels, and other types of engaging and innovative online learning. In cooperation with ECA/A/L, the award recipient will manage the selection, development, and delivery of appropriate online TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) learning courses which will be offered to English language educators or learners on an easily accessible online learning management system (LMS). Courses, webinars, and other virtual programming may be offered globally, regionally, or to specific countries at the request of U.S. embassies. Courses and exchanges are developed by U.S. academic institutions, educational NGOs, or TESOL professional associations, while webinars and other social media programming are developed by U.S.-based TESOL professionals. All content produced for this program should be accessible according to Section 508 compliance standards, openly licensed with a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) License, and follow best practices for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). ECA/A/L anticipates an unlimited number of English language professionals, educators, and learners will benefit from the openly licensed virtual programming, webinars, massive open online courses (MOOCs), and content developed under this award. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code, Section 26 U.S.C 501 (c) (3) may submit proposals to administer and manage the FY 2024 OPEN Program. It is ECA/A/Ls intent to award one cooperative agreement in the amount of $6,000,000, pending the availability of FY 2024 funds, to an applicant that has the ability to achieve these objectives and provide the necessary infrastructure and experience. ECA/A/L reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets and participant numbers in accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

Key aspects of the MASA: Principal Investigator: The PI (i.e., Scholar) must be an early-career researcher or physician-scientist no more than 7 years from obtaining their first faculty-level appointment. Postdoctoral fellows (and equivalent) are not eligible for this award mechanism. The PIs record of accomplishments and the proposed research will be evaluated regarding their potential for contributing to the FY24 MRP Focus Area(s) in Section II.A.1. Not all of the PIs accomplishments need to be in the field of melanoma. The PIs organization must demonstrate a commitment to the PI through confirmation of independent laboratory space. Impact: The impact of the proposed research must relate to at least one of the FY24 MRP Focus Areas in Section II.A.1. Impactful research, including basic research, should expedite the advancement of promising ideas towards clinical and/or public utility. The application must articulate the short- and long-term impact the proposed research will have on melanoma research and/or patient care. Career Development: A Career Development and Sustainment Plan (Attachment 7) is required and should be prepared with appropriate guidance from the Career Guide. The Career Development and Sustainment Plan should include a clearly articulated strategy for establishing collaborations and acquiring the necessary skills, competencies, and expertise to advance and sustain an independent career at the forefront of the melanoma field. The Scholar must show milestones and career pathways toward achieving the milestones. The Scholar must articulate commitment to interactions with the MA. Career Guide: The Scholar must designate a Career Guide. The Career Guide must be an experienced melanoma researcher, as demonstrated by a strong record of funding and publications in melanoma. In addition, the Career Guide must demonstrate a commitment to advancing the Scholars career in the melanoma field. The Career Guide must also be committed to fully participating in the MA throughout the award period of performance, including interacting with other MA Scholars and Career Guides and participating in MA activities (e.g., serving on the MA Advisory Board) as requested by MA Leadership. The Career Guide must not be the named Career Guide on any previously funded (FY21-FY23) MASA applications, nor may a Career Guide be named on more than ONE FY24 MASA application. Preliminary Data NOT Required: Preliminary data are not required. However, any unpublished, preliminary data presented should originate from the laboratory of the PI or a member of the research team.

The FY24 MRP Idea Award supports innovative, untested, exploratory, high-risk/potentially high-reward concepts, theories, paradigms, and/or methods that address at least one of the FY24 MRP Focus Areas in Section II.A.1. Key aspects of the Idea Award: The intent of the Idea Award is to generate novel research avenues for investigation; therefore, novelty and innovation should be key aspects of the proposed research. Research supported by the Idea Award must introduce a new paradigm, challenge existing paradigms, look at existing problems from new perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities. The proposed project must be exploratory, hypothesis-driven, or hypothesis-generating research and be based on a well-developed study design and plan of analysis. Principal Investigators (PIs) new to the melanoma field are encouraged to apply. The Idea Award is NOT intended to expand or extend previously published findings or continue a line of research already established and /or funded in the PIs laboratory. Incremental advances, the next logical step, or merely switching the object or method of inquiry from one cancer to melanoma is not considered innovative. The expected outcome of research supported by this award is the generation of robust preliminary data to be used as a foundation for future melanoma-focused research projects. Inclusion of preliminary data is discouraged. PIs proposing projects already supported by significant preliminary data and/or other funding sources should consider applying to other FY24 MRP funding opportunities for which the inclusion of preliminary data is more appropriate or required. Inclusion of preliminary data other than serendipitous findings is not consistent with the exploratory/innovative nature of this award. If preliminary data are included, they should be unanticipated outcomes or results from an unrelated project or study.

The Boise City Department of Arts & History Catalyst Grant program is a one-time funding opportunity designed to support small-scale and mid-sized arts, history, and cultural activities. These activities include public programs, events, projects, exhibitions, and tours throughout the year. This pilot program aligns with the Department of Arts and History's (A&H) mission to cultivate a distinct sense of place that reflects Boise’s rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting. It achieves this by creating opportunities that nurture and sustain Boise’s creative economy, with an overall vision of bringing people together and building positive relationships to create "A City for Everyone." The target beneficiaries of this grant are individuals or representatives of organizations or nonprofit Friends groups associated with a government agency. The projects must directly benefit residents living within Boise City Limits, and if an event is involved, the venue must also be located within Boise City Limits. The impact goals are to strengthen Boise’s cultural base, promote community engagement, and foster a creative economy. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to a distinct sense of place, celebrate Boise's diverse communities, and are accessible to all residents, adhering to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and the Department of Arts & History's Equal Opportunity Statement against discrimination. The program focuses on a wide range of arts, history, or cultural initiatives. Examples of activities include public programs like presentations, workshops, walking tours, and trainings; events; performances; exhibits; educational opportunities; oral history projects; collaborations; innovative production that cultivates the cultural community; research, planning, and/or analysis available for Boise residents; and virtual/online projects with a clear intent to reach Boise residents. These diverse activities aim to achieve the broader strategic priorities of the A&H mission. The expected outcomes include the successful execution of numerous small-scale and mid-sized cultural activities that enrich the lives of Boise residents. Measurable results for this one-time pilot program include awarding a standard size of $2,000 per grant, with a total of $40,000 expected to be awarded in FY2024. Five applications are anticipated to be funded in each round. The theory of change for the Boise City Department of Arts & History through this Catalyst Grant is that by providing accessible funding for diverse cultural activities, they will foster a more vibrant and inclusive creative economy, ultimately leading to a stronger sense of community and a more interconnected "City for Everyone."

The Global Leaders Division in the Office of Citizen Exchanges at the U.S. Department of States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposal submissions to design, administer, and implement the FY 2024 Arctic Indigenous Exchange Program (AIEP). This new initiative will bring together approximately 50 Indigenous leaders, including business development professionals, government officials, and entrepreneurs from Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark (Greenland), and the United States (Alaska), for a multi-phase exchange program to explore areas of regional cooperation across the Arctic. The goal of this program is to strengthen people-to-people relationships, advance cooperation, and foster greater commercial and cultural ties between Arctic Indigenous populations in the United States, Canada, and Greenland across a range of priority areas. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to provide a series of exchange projects ranging in size and scope, focused on critical topics to Arctic Indigenous communities in Greenland, Canada, and the United States (specifically Alaska), including sustainable economic development, climate and the environment, and health and well-being. It is anticipated that this cooperative agreement will support approximately three to six distinct exchange projects for approximately 50 participants, including approximately 35 foreign and 15 U.S. participants. Exchange activities may include, but are not limited to, regional workshops, summits, and alumni activities, as appropriate in any of the three participating countries.For additional details please see the full announcement.

Key aspects of the TSA: Multidisciplinary Collaboration: The success of the project should depend on the unique skills and perspectives of each partner. The application must clearly define the synergistic components that will facilitate and accelerate progress in melanoma in a way that could not be accomplished through independent efforts. The plans for interactions among all PIs and institutions involved must be clearly articulated. Collectively, the members of the research team should represent the appropriate diversity of expertise necessary for addressing the proposed research question. Participating institutions must be willing to resolve potential intellectual and material property issues and remove institutional barriers to achieving high levels of cooperation. The following components of the proposed multidisciplinary collaboration are encouraged but not required: It is strongly encouraged that the research team has a least one investigator, key personnel, or consultant who can provide input on the ultimate utility/applicability (short- or long-term) of the anticipated outcome(s) to the melanoma field and/or patient care. The inclusion of an early-career investigator is encouraged. An early-career investigator is defined as an independent, early-career researcher or physician-scientist within 7 years of receiving their first faculty appointment by the time of the full application deadline. Investigators in mentored positions, (e.g., postdoctoral fellows) are not eligible to be named as a PI on a TSA application. The inclusion of a military and/or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) investigator is encouraged. A military or VA investigator is defined as an investigator who is active-duty, active reserve, active duty detailed to agencies outside of the Department of Defense (DOD), civilian DOD investigators, or an investigator at a VA research facility. If included as PI on the research team, the military/VA investigator should have a substantial role in the research and should not be included only for access to active-duty military and/or VA populations. Impact: The application must articulate the impact the proposed work, including basic research, will have on melanoma research and/or patient care. Outcomes from this award are expected to expedite the advancement of promising ideas toward clinical applications and/or improve the current state of the science/technology in the melanoma field. The proposed research must relate to at least one of the FY24 MRP Focus Areas in Section II.A.1. Preliminary Data Required: Applications must include preliminary data to support feasibility of the study. However, these data do not necessarily need to be derived from melanoma studies. Any unpublished, preliminary data presented should originate from the laboratory of at least one of the PIs or other member(s) of the research team.

This funding opportunity supports small-scale research projects at undergraduate-focused institutions to enhance research capabilities and engage students in biomedical research.

The key aspects of this award are: Overarching Question: FPA-RM applications must describe a unifying, overarching question that will be investigated by a set of research projects to address a critical unmet need relevant to rare melanoma research and/or patient care. The question may focus on one specific rare melanoma, or the question may be designed to address a critical unmet need that is relevant to multiple rare melanomas. Research Team: The overall effort will be led by a Principal Investigator (PI) with demonstrated success in leading large, focused projects. The PI is required to devote a minimum of 10% effort to this award. The PI will be the lead for one of the proposed research projects and is expected to create an environment that fosters and supports collaboration and innovation in a way that engages all members of the team. The research team assembled by the PI should be highly qualified and multidisciplinary, with an identified Project Leader(s) for the complementary and synergistic research project(s). The resources and expertise brought to the team by the Project Leader(s) should combine to create a robust collaboration. The PI and the Project Leader(s) do not have to be at the same organization. Research Projects: Applications should include multiple, distinct research projects that are each led by individual Project Leaders and address complementary aspects of the overarching question. Individual research projects may range from exploratory, hypothesis-developing studies through clinical trials. While individual projects should be capable of standing on their own high scientific merits, they should also be interrelated and synergistic to advance a solution beyond what would be possible through individual efforts. Each project, including hypothesis-developing studies, should propose a unique approach to addressing the overarching question and be capable of producing research findings with potential to advance the rare melanoma field and/or patient care. There should be a clear intent to progress toward translational/clinical work over the course of the effort. This award mechanism is not intended to support a series of research projects that are dependent on the success of the other project(s). All research projects must be based on a strong scientific rationale and preliminary data, as appropriate, that supports the feasibility of the proposed approach(es). Clinical trials are allowed; a research project proposing a clinical trial must include preliminary data. Implementation Plan: The research strategy to address the overarching question should be supported by an implementation plan that identifies critical milestones and outlines the knowledge, resources, and/or technical innovations that will be utilized to achieve the milestones. A plan for assessing individual project performance and progress toward addressing the overarching question should be included in the implementation plan. For multi-institutional collaborations, the application should discuss plans for communication and data transfer among the collaborating institutions, as well as how data, specimens, and/or products obtained during the study will be handled. Participating organizations should formalize an intellectual and material property plan. Milestone Meeting: The PI will be required to present an update on progress toward accomplishing the goals of the award at a Milestone Meeting to be held either virtually or in person in the National Capital Area after the conclusion of year 2 of the period of performance. The intent of the Milestone Meeting is to assess research progress, address problems, and define future directions. Research milestones to be accomplished by the end of year 2 must be clearly defined in the Statement of Work (SOW) and will be finalized during award negotiations. Up to two additional members of the research team may be invited to the meeting. If the research team includes rare melanoma consumer collaborators (see below), they should also be invited to attend the Milestone Meeting. The Milestone Meeting will be attended by members of the MRP Programmatic Panel, CDMRP staff, the USAMRAA Grants Officer, and other Department of Defense (DOD) stakeholders. Continued funding may be contingent upon the successful completion of specific research milestones and goals.

This grant provides funding for collaborative projects between researchers and community partners in the U.S. to develop and implement innovative solutions addressing local challenges related to climate resilience and access to essential resources.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges at the U.S. Department of States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposals for the FY 2024 Leaders Lead On-Demand program (LLOD). LLOD takes ideas generated across the U.S. Department of State and develops them into uniquely tailored, multi-segmented projects. LLOD supports U.S. foreign policy goals by enabling ECA to quickly respond to emerging foreign policy priorities. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to provide a series of multi-segmented exchange projects ranging in size and scope, each involving current or potential government, business, and civil society leaders. It is anticipated that this cooperative agreement will support four to six distinct exchange projects for approximately 75 participants including approximately 55 foreign participants and 20 from the United States.A central component of each project will include a group of foreign participants who will ideally travel to the United States for an intensive, tailored program. Activities could offer a range of program components that may include participation in workshops, meetings, events, mentorships, or working placements in U.S. organizations or businesses. Any U.S.-based program should be complemented by at least one additional segment overseas that should include U.S. participants. Both foreign and U.S. participants should have experience or expertise in the field of the exchange project and U.S. participants should engage with the foreign participants during both the U.S. and foreign program components. The award recipient will work closely with ECA, other Department of State representatives, in-country or regionally-based partner organizations, as appropriate, to recruit, screen, and select the participants and develop program activities that best address the specific project goal(s). The final list of participants should be approved by ECA. U.S. participants will be selected in close consultation with ECA. Additional project components, such as regional gatherings of participants overseas, small grants competitions, or local trainings should be developed, as appropriate, based on the scope and goals of the specific exchange. Please see the announcement for additional information.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Sports Diplomacy Division (ECA/PE/C/SU), in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for the implementation of the FY 2024 Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP). U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to conduct two separate month-long professional development mentorship programs and a reciprocal overseas exchange involving approximately 70-80 international and American participants in total (30 emerging leader participants from other countries and 40-50 American mentors). By empowering women and people with disabilities, the GSMP directly supports U.S. foreign policy goals, promotes social inclusion, and elevates the status of marginalized populations. Through the mentorship experience, the GSMP encourages mutually beneficial relationships between American sports executives and leaders in the sports sector overseas. Furthermore, the GSMP engages alumni from previous years through sustained U.S. Embassy relationships, follow-on individual grants to alumni, and monitoring and evaluation. Tapping into the power of public-private partnerships and founded on participant-led business plans, the GSMP positively affects communities at home and abroad and creates a more secure and democratic global playing field for all.The FY 2024 GSMP model has two distinct professional development mentorship exchangesthe Sport for Community GSMP and the espnW GSMP. Set for spring of 2025, the Sport for Community GSMP on disability rights taps into the global attention received by mega-sporting eventsin particular, the Paralympic Games, Special Olympics, and Deaflympicsto connect approximately 15 emerging leader participants with 15 to 20 American mentors in the adaptive sports sector. Sport for Community focuses on increasing the inclusion and full participation of marginalized youth and people with disabilities through sports opportunities worldwide. In fall of 2025, the espnW GSMP on womens empowermenta public-private partnership with espnW (ESPNs sports brand dedicated to women in sports)will connect approximately 15 female change agents with approximately 15 to 20 American mentors, all of whom are dedicated to promoting the rights and empowerment of women and girls around the world through sports. From start to finish, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title IX serve as core themes. By demonstrating how landmark U.S. legislation promotes democratic values and equality, the GSMP underscores American competitiveness and leadership on an international scale. To keep pace with the burgeoning sport for social change and business trend, the GSMP will also incorporate programmatic elements on how sports philanthropy, marketing, and entrepreneurship play into action plan development and implementation.Please see the announcement for additional information.

The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program NEHRP seeks to mitigate earthquake losses in the United States through basic and directed research and implementation activities in the fields of earthquake science and engineering. NEHRP is a multi-agency program consisting of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), FEMA, the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NEHRP program supports the mission area of the FY20-24 DHS Strategic Plan titled "Strengthen Preparedness and Resilience," as well as the national preparedness goal of mitigation, as provided in the Presidential Policy Directive (PPD-8). NEHRP also supports the FEMA 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, by contributing to the accomplishment of Strategic Goal 3: Promote and Sustain a Ready FEMA and Prepared Nation. The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity is to provide grant funding to non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education who possess the expertise and experience necessary to develop and deliver multi-State and National earthquake mitigation and preparedness products and services (See Appendix A.), on behalf of States participating in the FEMA NEHRP State Assistance program (See Appendix D.). This NOFO funds Multi-State and National activities and is not intended to provide assistance to any one particular State or Territory. Those activities are funded through the FEMA NEHRP Individual State Earthquake Assistance grant program and require individual States to provide a 25% Cost Share. All activities funded by the FEMA NEHRP, Multi-State and National Earthquake Assistance grant program must be consistent with NEHRP Vision, Mission, Goals and FEMA Program Responsibilities (See Appendix C.), and ultimately result in a measurable enhancement of National seismic safety and earthquake risk awareness.Applicants can submit applications for this funding opportunity through FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO). Access the system at https://go.fema.gov/

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.

The key aspects of this award are: Impact: The SRA is intended to support research designed to have a major impact on the health and well-being of melanoma survivors, their families, and/or caregivers. Impactful research will accelerate the movement of promising ideas into clinical applications or other real-world applications and advance the field of melanoma-specific quality of life and survivorship. Study Design: Applications should clearly articulate and justify the chosen study design. Studies proposing retrospective analyses or prospective enrollment should clearly describe the architecture of the study (e.g., descriptive, correlational, field experimental, meta-analyses) and the study population(s). The study population(s) should be representative of the people who are anticipated to benefit from the research. If applicable, questionnaires should be described in sufficient detail to justify interpretation of potential results. Melanoma Consumer Collaboration: For the purposes of the SRA, a melanoma consumer is defined as a melanoma survivor, family member, and/or caregiver who can provide lived experience expertise to the research project team. Applicants to the SRA are required to establish a collaborative research approach with the melanoma consumer community to maximize the impact and translatability of the research for the benefit of the intended melanoma community(ies). The research team must include at least one melanoma consumer or a melanoma-community supporting organization who will be integral to the planning, execution, and implementation of the proposed research. The role of the melanoma consumer collaborator(s) should include providing objective input on the research question being addressed; the study design, execution, and evaluation; and the potential impact of the research outcomes on the health and well-being of melanoma survivors, their families, and/or their caregivers. The melanoma consumer collaborator(s) should be active participants and integrated into the research team; their participation should not be limited only to passive activities (e.g., attending seminars or quarterly team meetings). Additional information and resources for establishing a collaborative research approach with the melanoma consumer community is provided below.Other Important Considerations:Collaborative Research Approaches: Collaborative research approaches create partnerships between scientific researchers and, for the purposes of the SRA, melanoma consumers to create knowledge useable by both sets of stakeholders. Recognizing the strengths of each partner, scientific researchers and melanoma consumers collaborate and contribute equitably on all aspects of the project, which may include needs assessment, planning, research intervention design, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination. Collaborative research approaches feature shared responsibility and ownership for the research project to ensure non-tokenistic involvement of the melanoma consumers within the research team. Research results are jointly interpreted, disseminated, and fed back to affected communities and in some instances may be translated into interventions or policy.Collaborative relationships with the melanoma consumer community may be established through integrating melanoma consumers and/or melanoma-community supporting organizations into research teams as co-researchers, advisors, and/or consultants. Examples for implementing collaborative research approaches are listed below, but each research team may pursue other options as appropriate for the proposed research: The research team includes at least one melanoma consumer who will provide advice and consultation throughout the planning and implementation of the research project. The consumer(s) should be able to speak to the needs of the melanoma consumer community, not just speak to their own personal experiences. The research team establishes partnerships with at least one community-supporting organization that provides advice and consultation throughout the planning and implementation of the research project. Community-supporting organizations may include advocacy groups or other formal organizational stakeholders that can speak to the needs of the melanoma consumer community. The research team assembles a melanoma consumer community advisory board. The advisory board may include melanoma consumers, a coalition of community-supporting organizations, or any combination thereof that provides advice and consultation throughout the planning and implementation of the overall program and/or individual research projects.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an FY 2024 open competition for three distinct regional Youth Ambassadors programs (previously called Youth Leadership Programs) with select countries in East Asia and Pacific (EAP), Europe and Eurasia (EUR), and the Middle East and North Africa (NEA). U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to provide participants with four-week exchanges in the United States focused on the primary themes of civic education, leadership development, respect for diversity, and community engagement and to support the implementation of service projects in their home communities. The EAP and NEA programs also will engage approximately 3-5 adult mentors in programming alongside youth participants. Competitively selected U.S. secondary students will join participants in U.S.-based activities on the NEA exchanges. Only one proposal per region will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission per region from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review for the region from that applicant. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The California Press Foundation's 2024 Campus Equipment Grants program aims to enhance the quality of campus media programs across California. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support and develop journalistic endeavors, by directly addressing the technological needs of student news programs. By providing funding for essential hardware and software, the foundation empowers the next generation of journalists with the tools necessary to produce high-quality content and improve their delivery methods. The target beneficiaries of this program are fledgling and established high school and college news programs in California. The primary impact goal is to improve the overall quality and reach of student publications by upgrading their technical capabilities. This directly contributes to a more robust and modern campus media landscape, fostering an environment where students can gain practical experience with industry-standard equipment and practices. The program prioritizes the acquisition of new hardware or software, as well as upgrades that directly contribute to the improvement of content quality and delivery for campus media. Applicants are required to articulate their current equipment's limitations and clearly demonstrate how the requested new or upgraded equipment will enhance their publications. This focus ensures that the grants are strategically utilized to address specific, identified needs within each news program. Expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in the technical infrastructure of participating campus news programs, leading to more professional and engaging content. This could manifest as enhanced visual and audio quality, more efficient content creation workflows, and broader distribution capabilities. Ultimately, the program seeks to equip students with the skills and resources needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving media landscape, contributing to the long-term sustainability and excellence of California's collegiate and high school journalism. The maximum grant amount for this program is $1,500, with applications needing to be overseen by an individual advising the news program.

The U.S. Embassy Banjul Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: PDS in Banjul, The Gambia invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and The Gambia; cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

The Pfizer Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Fellowship Grant is designed to bolster the number of fellowship programs focused on hematologists who specialize in the treatment of adults with sickle cell disease. This initiative is part of Pfizer Global Medical Grants' broader strategy to support healthcare community-led initiatives that enhance patient outcomes in critical areas of unmet medical need, aligning with Pfizer’s own medical and scientific strategies. The grant aims to enhance the quality of care for sickle cell patients by funding institutions that provide comprehensive training and research opportunities in the field. Specifically, the program supports both established and newly developed fellowship programs that include a robust curriculum in clinical practice, independent research, and education to deepen the scientific understanding of SCD. The fellowship is structured to foster an environment of expert mentorship and significant independent research opportunities. Research activities encouraged under this grant include observational studies and outcomes research that focus on the disease itself, screening tools, and their impact on patient health improvement. Grant funding is set at a maximum of $100,000 for a one-year fellowship, aiming to cover direct costs associated with the fellow’s training and research but explicitly excluding overhead or indirect costs. This financial support underlines Pfizer's commitment to advancing healthcare by investing directly in the development of professionals who are dedicated to improving patient outcomes in the field of sickle cell disease. Key to the grant’s operational framework is compliance with stringent regulatory requirements, including the U.S. Physician Payments Sunshine Act. This act mandates detailed reporting of all transfers of value to ensure transparency and maintain public trust in healthcare practices. The fellowship’s funding structure is designed to be transparent, with specific provisions to prevent any of the funds from benefiting Pfizer's business interests directly or indirectly. Overall, the Pfizer SCD Fellowship embodies a strategic effort to cultivate talent and advance knowledge in a critical area of healthcare, ensuring that the supported programs maintain high standards of integrity and contribute significantly to the field's body of knowledge and patient care practices.