Grants for Exclusive - see details - International Development

The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL, or the Department) announces the availability of approximately $3,000.000 total costs (subject to the availability of Federal funds) for one cooperative agreement to fund a technical assistance project in Cambodia to increase the responsiveness of Cambodian Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and their key stakeholders to labor exploitation and barriers that impede access to decent work. We encourage prospective applicants and interested parties to use the Grants.gov subscription option to register for future updates provided for this particular FOA. In order to achieve the project goal, applicants must propose strategies to achieve the following outcomes:Outcome(s) (1) Increased understanding of the linkage between disability and vulnerability to child labor, forced labor and/or human trafficking and of barriers that impede access to decent work for persons with disabilities. (2) Increased coordination and partnerships between/among Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and their key stakeholders to address the prevalence of child labor, forced labor and/or human trafficking among persons with disabilities and barriers that impede their access to decent work. (3) Increased implementation of sustainable interventions by OPDs and their key stakeholders that address the linkage between disability and vulnerability to child labor, forced labor and/or human trafficking and barriers that impede access to decent work. Questions regarding this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) may be emailed to [email protected].

The U.S. Embassy Praia of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to enhance Cabo Verde’s climate resilience and adaptability by implementing comprehensive dune restoration strategies. In addition, the project should amplify awareness of dunes’ ecological significance and encourage sustainable eco-tourism practices, leading to better public policy and reduced coastal flooding. In Cabo Verde, efforts to restore dunes and coastal areas are in their infancy, yet they are critical due to the archipelago’s unique vulnerabilities to climate change. This project proposes a strategy for dune restoration to counteract the severe implications of environmental degradation, such as sand mining and off-road driving. With projections from the Food and Agricultural Organization indicating that significant tourist zones in Cabo Verde could be submerged by 2070, the urgency for adopting best practices in dune restoration cannot be overstated. Cabo Verde’s low-lying areas are projected to face increased coastal flooding due to climate change. Sand dunes, which serve as natural barriers against such flooding, are under threat from human activities like sand mining, unregulated tourism, and off-road driving, which has compromised their protective capabilities, especially on the islands of Sal, Boa Vista, Maio, Santiago, and Sao Vicente that have seen the rapid growth of beachfront hotels. Rapid tourism development, while economically beneficial, often overlooks environmental sustainability, leading to habitat degradation and loss of biodiversity, including species like sea turtles that depend on healthy dune ecosystems. Additionally, key actors lack awareness and management capacity to protect and restore these vital areas. Addressing these challenges is imperative for enhancing the ecological resilience of Cabo Verde’s coastal regions, safeguarding biodiversity, and ensuring the sustainable development of its tourism industry, the largest sector of its economy. By focusing on dune restoration, the project will contribute to climate adaptation, safeguard coastal communities, and promote the conservation of natural resources. Specific benefits include fortifying coastal resilience through natural barrier reinforcement, fostering biodiversity conservation by preserving habitats for key species, and encouraging community-driven sustainability efforts.The project aims to rehabilitate degraded coastal dunes, facilitate access to restored areas for educational purposes, and foster sustainable ecotourism that benefits local communities, stakeholders, and biodiversity. By integrating global restoration practices, this project will not only shield coastlines but also preserve the ecological and economic well-being of the region for future generations. Dune protection and restoration initiatives should be environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial, while also boosting local and tourist awareness of the importance of dunes in climate change adaptation. Given the pilot approach of the project, applicants should explain in their proposals how they would leverage the initial grant to pursue additional funding. The proposed implementation strategy should involve relevant expertise and know-how in the design and implementation phases of the project and include relevant partnerships relevant government entities at the central and local level, with non-governmental, community-based organizations, municipalities, central government departments, and/or other relevant entities. Proposed projects should build monitoring and evaluation - including time-bound milestones for performance/results into the project. Participants and Audiences: Main project beneficiaries are the local populations of the targeted areas. Given the awareness component of the project, it is expected that there may be positive knock-on effects at the national level as more access to information leads to more people benefiting from project implementation than originally planned. Priority Region: Project activities will be implemented in Cabo Verde. Proposals should prioritize high-value tourism sites and specify targeted areas where restoration works could be completed with the available budget and within the anticipated period of performance. Program Goal: By the end of the performance period, the project will strengthen climate resilience and adaptability by completing dune restoration strategies at the selected area and implementing awareness of dunes’ ecological significance and of sustainable eco-tourism practices. Program Objectives: Objective 1: Implement Sustainable Dune Restoration Techniques: Champion the use of evidence-based, sustainable practices to safeguard biodiversity and stop erosion. Objective 2: Integrate Ecotourism: Help drive localized climate adaptation projects promoting the integration of sustainable eco-tourism as an economic development tool. Objective 3: Strengthen Capacity and Awareness: Build local expertise and leadership and heighten awareness of the ecological importance of dunes through educational initiatives, leading to policy change at the central and municipal levels. Expected Results: Expected results of the project must at least include: Result 1: Launch dune restoration techniques, laying the groundwork for subsequent initiatives across Cabo Verde. Result 2: Enhance capacity at local and national levels for executing dune restoration projects. Result 3: Elevate awareness and engagement among the local population regarding the value of coastal dunes to prevent flooding and conserve biodiversity. Main Activities: Detailed activities should be proposed by applicants and include references to partnerships that the applicant will establish with relevant government entities at both the central and local levels, as well as with other stakeholders, These activities should include at minimum: - Forge technical partnerships to ensure successful dune restoration project execution. - Formulate a green belt plan to regulate visitor and vehicular access in crucial dune regions, adhering to best practices. - Design and implement cost-effective dune restoration strategies, not using invasive plants for dune restoration, but prioritizing native species recovery. - Host a workshop for Protected Area managers and conservation groups, imparting knowledge from dune restoration specialists. - With expert assistance, create adaptable protocols and guidelines for initiating dune restoration projects. - Establish an interpretive trail within a restoration site, complete with educational signage detailing the restoration process and its significance.- Produce and distribute an educational video, complemented by social media content, to broaden understanding and support for dune preservation efforts. Performance Indicators: The project should monitor and report on performance indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time bound. Applicants should establish, where possible, performance targets for each expected activity and result and include details on sources that will be used to document performance, how the indicators will be measured and frequency of measurement. Applicants shall use and add indicators to the list below and insert it in the proposed application document. Subsequent to the award, periodic reporting of indicators will be required. Adaptation Indicators: - Number of people trained in climate change adaptation supported by the project (USG assistance). - Number of institutions with improved capacity to assess or address climate change risks supported by the project (USG assistance). - Number of people supported by the project (USG assistance) to adapt to the effects of climate change.- Number of people using climate information or implementing risk-reducing actions to improve resilience to climate change as supported by the project (USG assistance) Key indicators: - Number of hectares with improved management. - Area of land or habitat under restoration in hectares. - Number of people with improved capacity. - Number of information panels placed informing about the restoration project. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATIONOrganizations can only submit one application in response to the NOFO. The Embassy may: (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept an application other than the lowest cost application, or (c) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received. The Embassy may make the award on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicants best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. The U.S. government reserves the right to enter into discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application. The funding instrument type for this award is a grant. Program Performance Period: The proposed program should be completed in two years or less.This notice is subject to availability of funding.

The Political and Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaound, Cameroon, announces an open competition for experienced Cameroon-based Civil Society Organizations that are working in the areas of Environment to submit applications under the FY 2023 Climate Grants Program to advance sustainable landscapes. Note: The U.S. Embassy expects to receive funding for the Climate Grant program before September 30, 2024. Grant awards are contingent on the receipt of funding. If the program is not approved, no grants will be awarded under this call.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the US Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to establish regional standards on judicial independence in Central Asia through the enforcement of merit-based systems for selections of judges

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mexico, seeks to increase its understanding of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (MECLA) activities in Mexico, with particular interest in its current market conditions, supply and demand by local entities, as well as its associated costs.USAID is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to solicit input from organizations currently offering this type of services, including but not limited to assessment, consultancy, and organization of working sessions between partners in Mexico. The goal of the RFI is to better understand the local actors engaged in this space, their reach, capabilities projects, and general pricing, as part of USAIDs market research.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), West Africas Regional Peace and Governance Office (RPGO) is interested in seeking organizations working in the local, national, and cross-border level on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Countering Trafficking-in-Persons (C-TIP) in West Africa (inclusive of Coastal West Africa (CWA), the Sahel, and Cameroon) and their particular approaches (community/local, national or cross-border level). We are particularly interested in responses concerning organizations active in the CWA countries of Benin, Cte dIvoire, Ghana, Guinea, Togo, and Cameroon. To that end, USAID/WA/RPGO is reaching out to all local stakeholders to obtain insight into the composition of these sectors.

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) announces the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment (MRRA) Engagement Project. The project aims to facilitate group sessions for the MRRA Engagement Project team to develop comprehensive policies associated with the MRRA. The project will be funded through a cooperative agreement and has an estimated total program funding of $50,000. The expected number of awards is one. The funding opportunity is open until June 10, 2024. This notice is to inform that NIC intends to make an award without full competition.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that promote economic competitiveness through well-paying, quality jobs and dismantle systemic gender barriers that limit Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent women abilities to fully participate in the economy in the Dominican Republic.

The Media Small Grants Program advances the U.S. Embassy goal of supporting a more inclusive and accountable democracy. It seeks to increase journalistic professionalism, expand the capabilities of independent media, and promoted access to information. The intended result is increased production of balanced, locally relevant, diverse, and high-quality media products. Prior activities through this program have included support for projects that: Produced quality journalism and educated journalists on best practices, including investigative work on key issues. Educated the public on safe social media use for children by partnering with social media influencers and bloggers. Supported the ability of government relations officials to effectively communicate with constituents. Produced journalistic content that highlights womens leadership in the regions. Proposed programs should be innovative and clearly demonstrate how they will complement any ongoing programs and avoid duplicating past efforts. They may include activities that improve upon or expand existing successful projects. Applicants should pay close attention to the PDS project goal and target audiences when developing their proposals.

PAS Philippines invites individuals and non-profit organizations to submit project proposals to carry out monthly programming at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines American Center for a one-year period. The American Center is part of the sixteen American Spaces network in the Philippines. American Spaces are the U.S. governments primary public cultural and information centers abroad that provide free and open access for communities worldwide interested in learning more about the United States. Through people-to-people connections and modern environments equipped with advanced technologies, over 600 American Spaces in 140 countries serve as the initial experience that millions of global visitors have with the United States, building mutual understanding and partnership. These innovative hubs offer programs and events that foster learning, discussion, and civic engagement around democratic principles. In the fiscal year 2023, American Center Manila hosted programs for thousands of participants, many joining online. These programs focused on entrepreneurship, English language learning, environmental conservation, good governance, media literacy, STEM, and civic engagement. The primary audiences include high school students, undergraduate students, and academics. In 2024, American Center Manila aims to continue implementing impactful monthly programs for our audiences. Examples of projects include, but are not limited to: An incubation program empowering youth to become environmentally conscious entrepreneurs committed to sustainability. A good governance workshop training local government unit youth council members to become accountable and conscientious public servants. A science camp where participants are given hands-on training to stimulating STEM topics and innovative content such as artificial intelligence, coding, robotics, 3D modelling and printing. A media seminar for campus journalists equipping them with skills to combat misinformation and disinformation. Participation in global science competitions such as Technovation Girls and NASA Space Apps Challenge hackathon. The primary target audience are young Filipinos, aged 18 30 and the principal method of engagement will be through in-person programming at the American Center located at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. Virtual engagement may be a part of the overall strategy as a supplementary activity supporting in-person engagements. Preference will be given to proposals that prioritize and maximize the needs of Filipino public-school students and teachers while limiting overhead, equipment, and other expenses that do not directly support program participants. A successful proposal will develop a clear monthly calendar of activities spanning at least twelve months from September 2024 September 2025 at the American Center specifying a defined audience and directly addressing at least one of the six key programming areas below. Six Priority Program Areas Promote English Language Teaching and Learning: Build the skills of English language teachers and promote English language learning in all demographic sectors. Skills Development Programs: Empower young and professional audiences to develop skills in a wide array of areas that will help them meet local and global challenges and support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and opportunity. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: Prepare students with 21st century skills needed to succeed in their careers during the Information Age by engaging them in existing global competitions such as Technovation Girls and NASA Space Apps Challenge hackathon. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility: Provide guidance and resources to empower youth to promote effective change in their communities particularly on topics related to disability, sexual orientation, cultural sensitivity, ethnicity, social justice, racial equity, and managing biases. Media Literacy: Develop the ability of youth to identify and combat misinformation and disinformation especially on online platforms while supporting them to become responsible digital citizens. Environmental Conservation: Increase awareness on pressing environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss, food waste, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The USG Alumni Small grants program is designed to engage USG Alumni by funding innovative projects that align with the prioritized themes. The organization awarded this grant will demonstrate capacity for creative and effective solicitation of project proposals from USG Alumni, collecting applications biannually in spring and fall cycles. The chosen organization will also play a critical role in strengthening the USG Alumni network across all regions of the Kyrgyz Republic, organizing professional development seminars, and facilitating reunions to foster alumni community. PDS anticipates allocating approximately $88,000 to support between 10 to 15 alumni initiatives. Funding will be awarded based on panel review. Program Goal: Enhance engagement of U.S. government exchange alumni throughout the Kyrgyz Republic on key issues affecting their communities through skills-building, networking, and professional development opportunities. The goal of the program is to support 20-30 USG alumni-led projects that aim to strengthen the alumni community, benefit local communities, advance shared goals between the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic, and contribute to the professional and personal development of at least 500 USG alumni. This will be achieved through a series of reunions and professional and personal development workshops designed to enhance skills, foster networking, and promote continuous learning and collaboration among alumni.

Economy Energy Security Entrepreneurship programs for underserved audiences that develop an entrepreneurial spirit and business development skills in target groups, including high school students, women, minorities, and people in small cities and rural areas outside of Zagreb. Innovative and educational programs that promote green economy and eco-friendly entrepreneurial initiatives. Programs that promote energy diversification in the near term and renewable energy development. Programs that promote energy security, cyber security, and/or our NATO security alliance. Croatia as a Regional Leader Global Challenges Programs that promote human rights, support marginalized groups, encourage gender equality and empowerment of women and youth, and that foster a culture of integration and diversity. Programs that train audiences to recognize disinformation or misinformation online and in news, their ability to counter foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation that undermines faith in democratic governance. Proposals that support increased awareness of disinformation among the media and journalists are welcome.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) serves as the head of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), overseeing and directing the implementation of the National Intelligence Program and acting as the principal advisor to the President, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council for intelligence matters related to national security. ODNIs Office of the Assistant Director of National Intelligence for Human Capital (ADNI/HC) houses the IC Centers for Academic Excellence (CAE) Program Office (IC CAE PO), responsible for developing and distributing this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), managing the application review process, and providing post-award grants program administration. The design of the IC CAE Program was formulated and executed in accordance with: The Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 (updated/amended 18 July 2019); 50 U.S.C. 3224 (Intelligence Officer Training Program); and 50 U.S.C. 3024(n)(4) (Acquisition and Other Authorities) The IC CAE Program began as a three-year pilot project directed by congressional authorization and appropriation for FY 2004 and was initiated by the Director of Central Intelligence to meet the nations demand for a diverse cadre of professionals to carry out national security priorities and obligations. In 2005, following the establishment of ODNI, the program moved under ODNI management with the intent to increase the pool of applicants by expanding awareness of the IC mission and culture throughout ethnically and geographically diverse communities. From October 2011 through December 2019, the IC CAE Program was managed by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), with oversight from ODNI, and expanded in scope and number of grant recipients. In December 2019, congress returned management of the IC CAE Program to the ODNI. Section 1024 of the National Security Act, as last amended in 2019, provides for this Program as follows: (a) PROGRAMS (1) The Director of National Intelligence may carry out grant programs in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) to enhance the recruitment and retention of an ethnically and culturally diverse intelligence community workforce with capabilities critical to the national security interests of the United States. (2) In carrying out paragraph (1), the Director shall identify the skills necessary to meet current or emergent needs of the intelligence community and the educational disciplines that will provide individuals with such skills. (b) INSTITUTIONAL GRANT PROGRAM (1) The Director may provide grants to institutions of higher education [IHEs] to support the establishment or continued development of programs of study in educational disciplines identified under subsection (a)(2). (2) A grant provided under paragraph (1) may, with respect to the educational disciplines identified under subsection (a)(2), be used for the following purposes: (A) Curriculum or program development. (B) Faculty development. (C) Laboratory equipment or improvements. (D) Faculty research. (c) GRANT PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN MINORITY-SERVING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. (1) The Director may provide grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities [HBCUs] and Predominantly Black Institutions [PBIs], Hispanic Serving Institutions [HSIs], and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions [AANAPISIs] to provide programs of study in educational disciplines identified under subsection (a)(2) or described in paragraph (2). (2) A grant provided under paragraph (1) may be used to provide programs of study in the following educational disciplines: (A) Intermediate and advanced foreign languages deemed in the immediate interest of the intelligence community, including Farsi, Pashto, Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian dialects. (B) Study abroad programs and cultural immersion programs. (d) APPLICATION An institution of higher education seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application describing the proposed use of the grant at such time and in such manner as the Director may require. (e) REPORTS An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this section shall submit to the Director regular reports regarding the use of such grant, including (1) a description of the benefits to students who participate in the course of study funded by such grant; (2) a description of the results and accomplishments related to such course of study; and (3) any other information that the Director may require For the 2024 IC CAE grant cycle, any acceptably accredited four-year Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) in the United States (its Territories and the District of Columbia) shall be eligible to apply as a Lead Institution. Acceptably accredited two-year IHE in the United States (its Territories and the District of Columbia), e.g., Community Colleges shall be eligible to apply as consortium partners, not as lead institutions. If the lead IHE is one of the four Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) categories listed in (c)(1) above, a consortium partner(s) is optional, but not required. However, if the lead IHE does not belong to one of the four MSI categories, then the application must include at least one additional IHE that qualifies as one of the four MSI categories listed above. Schools designated as any of these four MSI categories may be either the lead applicant or a consortium partner, or these MSI categories may make up the entire consortium. IHEs with Minority-serving designations other than the four listed may be either the lead applicant or a partner so long as at least one member school from the four named MSI categories is also a partner. The 2022 IC CAE grant receiving institutions and their consortia partners are not eligible to apply as they may not receive funds for the same initiative from two separate grants at the same time. More detailed information on eligibility can be found in Section III Eligibility. IHEs that receive grants under this program (lead and IHE consortia members) shall submit to the DNI, regular reports regarding the use of the grant funds including: A description of the benefits to students who participate in the course(s) of study funded by the grant. A description of the results and accomplishments related to the program objectives for the selected instructional pathway. The number of IC CAE Scholars and aspiring Scholars Demographic information related to participating students (anonymized). Any additional programmatic information that the IC CAE Program may require. Applicants (lead and consortia member IHEs) for this funding opportunity announcement acknowledge and accept these reporting requirements and must reflect this understanding and their compliance plans in their applications. Recipients of this grant shall be required to report metrics related to student ethnic and cultural diversity, as well as participation in all funded aspects of their program. Schools selected as grant recipients become known as IC CAE Program Schools. Students that participate in IC CAE Program School-funded curricula and programs are encouraged to work towards becoming IC CAE Scholars, a status obtained by achieving certain milestones and defined in the Key References, Appendix B. This association propels the students toward becoming part of an IC talent pool of choice. Becoming a scholar also recognizes students exceptional intellect, academic achievements, and dedication to knowledge pursuit. The IC CAE Program Office at ODNI (IC CAE PO) encourages applications that showcase innovative ideas for establishing enduring curriculum, partnerships, and programs in areas of interest to the IC and national security. The IC CAE PO has found the most successful recipients are those guided by personnel with knowledge of and experience in the IC; however, this is not a requirement. Further findings show that school programs are enhanced by partnerships with and outreach to IC installations (offices, bases, or other concentrations of personnel) and private industry in their regions supporting intelligence/national security work. This allows additional resources to provide Subject Matter Expert speakers, internship opportunities, and other interactions with intelligence professionals. Applicants for this grant are encouraged to obtain and become familiar with the information on the IC CAE Program by accessing the ODNI website at: https://www.odni.gov/iccae.

The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi is pleased to announce an open competition to apply for the Media Sustainability Program aimed at supporting the sustainability of media organizations that inform Georgian audiences through a grants program. The program seeks to support media outlets looking to develop business and media management skills. It also supports outlets looking to build data or technological skills as a means of enhancing media sustainability. Program Objectives: The objective of the program is to provide support to media organizations in enhancing their sustainability by offering grants to address the following priorities: Develop or update business models to adapt to the rapidly changing media landscape. Implement strategies to better understand key audiences and inform decision-making. Improve digital presence. Integrate new technologies to improve efficiency. Explore opportunities for diverse revenue streams (one example could be offering production services to external clients). Collaborations with a U.S. expert or with a private sector entity are looked upon favorably.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) is pleased to invite eligible organizations to submit applications for a cooperative agreement to conduct physical security and stockpile management (PSSM) support in Jordan during fiscal year 2024. Specific goals, objectives, and technical requirements for application packages are detailed below. PM/WRA anticipates awarding up to $2,400,000 under this funding opportunity.

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Mission Afghanistan is pleased to announce an open competition for eligible organizations to submit applications to carry out a program providing educational advising services to public diplomacy program participants and alumni, and to current undergraduate and high school students in Afghanistan, with the goal of assisting qualified applicants in Afghanistan who are ready to pursue higher education at institutions in the region, and in the U.S. This program aims to provide a range of educational advising services, in group and individualized sessions, to promote awareness of educational opportunities for Afghans, and build Afghan capacity to successfully apply for and participate in international higher education opportunities. This program supports increasing access to higher education and should focus on improving access to education for Afghan particularly the women.

The U.S. Embassy Tashkent Public Diplomacy Section (PD) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations or individuals to submit applications to conduct innovative and creative programs to promote and improve English language usage, teaching, and learning for certain specific purposes. As part of the cooperative agreement, priority areas will be identified by Tashkent PD. Potential priority areas include but are not limited to cyber security, law enforcement and forensics, geology and mining, tourism, agriculture, water management, and cultural heritage preservation sectors across Uzbekistan. Proposals must support initiatives such as: improving the English language capacity within one or more of these specific sectors, creating sustainable development models to support the continued development of English language within the identified sector, and increasing the usage of the English language for professional purposes such as publications, international conferences, and international communities of practice. This funding opportunity seeks to improve the quality of English for specific purposes by supporting new programming and projects focused on: increasing English language capacity among those working or studying in designated fields, furthering knowledge of new and innovative ways to support engagement with potential English-speaking partners and developing sustainable programming to support the growth of English within the designated area of study throughout Uzbekistan. More specifically, this opportunity is looking for English language educators and institutions to be creative and establish centers or programs that can increase English language ability for current and future professionals.

The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Pilot (USFCS) Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for Masters degree students in the fields of International Affairs, International Relations, International Studies, Economics, Business, Trade, Public Administration, or Public Policy, to increase their level of knowledge and awareness of the Foreign Commercial Service (FCS) and its vital role in promoting American exports and facilitating trade and commerce around the world. The program also provides a pathway to potential employment with the Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, Global Markets, and particularly encourages students from underserved communities to apply. The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service is dedicated to ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of every action and every decision. Having varied perspectives helps generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of a changing world. It also enables us to be effective stewards and reflect the communities in which we live, work, and play. As such, creating a culture that is welcoming and inclusive of all helps to ensure the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service is able to effectively execute on its mission of creating prosperity by strengthening the international competitiveness of U.S. industry, promoting trade and investment, and ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements. Individuals who are U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals and are in the first year of an eligible Masters degree program, or will complete their first year in the spring or summer of 2024, at a U.S. accredited institution, may apply. Given the structure of the Program, individuals enrolled in Masters degree programs of less than a two-year duration are not eligible to apply. Fellowship selections are based on academic excellence, letters of recommendations, a personal statement, relevant experience, skills demonstrated during interviews, and financial need. Applicants must have either 1) a cumulative 3.30 grade point average (GPA) in their graduate program or 2) have earned a cumulative 3.30 grade point average from undergraduate studies to be eligible to apply. Applicants must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 per either semester or quarter for the duration of their Masters degree program. If Fellows engage in fraudulent conduct or fail to comply with any term or condition of the fellowship, funding may be withdrawn, or Fellows may be required to repay monies already received. Additionally, if the selecting official determines that satisfactory progress towards market research and the Fellowship paper is not completed within the timeframe of the award, Fellows may be required to repay any expenses borne by the government for their participation in the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Pilot Fellowship Program. The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Pilot Fellowship Program may provide, subject to appropriations, up to $35,000 of support per person for up to an eight-week fellowship program in an overseas U.S. diplomatic mission. Recipients of a U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Pilot Fellowship will be required to participate in a mandatory one-week Office of Global Talent Management Orientation and Training in the spring of 2025. As a recipient of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Pilot Fellowship, you become a recognized member of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service community. Global Markets will provide financial resources to help you increase the level of knowledge and awareness of the Foreign Commercial Service (FCS) and how it facilitates the growth of global trade, commerce, and American exports, as well as provide mentorship to assist you with your learning experience. There will be two separate program deliverables required of each Fellow. The first deliverable is the Individual Post Analysis Report (IPAR) which will document the up to eight-week summer enrichment program at an assigned overseas post, summarizing industry sector-focused market research that helps clients understand the opportunities available in selling their specific products and services in a select market as well as any specific tariff or non-tariff regulatory barriers that may impede market access. The IPAR must be submitted by July 31, 2025. During the succeeding Professional Development and Networking phase of the fellowship, which runs from August 2025 through September 2025, the fellows will be assigned their second deliverable, a Capstone Project. Fellows will be provided with the Capstone Project requirements including specific prompts that highlight how they will transfer the knowledge and skills learned through the fellowship into her or his professional career. Mentors will be assigned to enhance the fellows growth and help them understand their own personal career development opportunities. At the culmination of the fellowship, the Fellow will be required in September 2025 to present their project virtually before a diverse panel of ITA/Global Markets senior managers. Fellows must be ready to travel overseas and pass a Security Assurance Check. Placements to an overseas location for the duration of the fellowship are required for every fellow. Federal financial support (grant) for the summer enrichment program may be used toward allowable costs such as: travel to and from the Department of Commerce facility, housing, per diem, books/materials costs. Funds cannot be used toward research costs. Fellows are required to provide their own health insurance coverage during the program collaboration. Health insurance coverage and any supplemental insurance can be paid for with grant funds. More details on allowable costs can be found in 2 CFR part 200, Subpart E Cost Principles. Applications for the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Pilot Fellowship Program will be assessed on the criteria listed below. As a reminder, if you are in the last year of your Masters program, you are not eligible for this program. For a complete list of review criteria, please see Section V, subsection A. 1. Your statement of intent aligns closely with the International Trade Administration Foreign Commercial Service mission, with a particular interest in a career with the Foreign Commercial Service. This is 30 points of your application score. 2. You have exceptional letters of recommendation. This is 20 points of your application score. 3. Additional relevant experience and communication skills. This is 15 points of your application score.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to bolster the capacity of obligated entities and government supervisors in El Salvador to develop and implement effective Anti-money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Finance (AML/CFT) compliance programs consistent with international standards and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations. The primary objective of the project is to ensure that entities with high risks of money laundering in El Salvador are closely monitored and supervised. The project aims to facilitate the implementation of effective risk-based AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism) compliance programs that are in line with the best practices in the industry. By adopting these measures, the project seeks to prevent and detect instances of money laundering in the country.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) is pleased to invite eligible organizations to submit applications for a cooperative agreement to conduct a physical security and stockpile management program in Nigeria during fiscal year 2025. Specific goals, objectives, and technical requirements for application packages are detailed below. PM/WRA anticipates awarding up to $500,000 under this funding opportunity.