Grants for For profit organizations other than small businesses - International Development

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working to eliminate child and forced labor in critical mineral supply chains in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia, promoting fair labor practices and compliance with international standards.

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 support civil society in the Western Balkans to hold governments accountable and transparent by promoting greater public participation with a focus on environmental issues. The United Nations Environmental Programme held a Western Balkans Forum in late 2022 that concluded the region is heavily impacted by climate and pollution issues. Corruption and inconsistent implementation of regulations further exacerbate the situation. These environmental issues may be highly detrimental to communities in these countries, impacting the health of individuals and putting their rights to safe living conditions and access to natural resources at risk. For instance, a 2022 study from the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy cited instances of increased pollution in regions proximate to new development projects, which degraded air quality and local water sources, causing potential health risks to local communities including respiratory infections and autoimmune diseases. Activists have recounted how local politicians use fear of economic crisis to demotivate citizens from speaking out against industrial pollution. The lack of local good governance in tackling environmental challenges has catalyzed public discontent and distrust. There is a need for citizen advocacy to hold local 2 leaders accountable to environmental regulations, and to protect against egregious environmental damage. To address some of these issues and leverage civil society’s activism, DRL/GP is seeking proposals that promote greater public participation and ensure government transparency and accountability. The project will focus on environmental governance processes in Western Balkan countries with high levels of international economic influence. The program aims to: (1) support local communities and/or organizations to mobilize to advance good governance principles and their intersection with local environmental laws and regulations; (2) engage independent media and community members in monitoring and documenting cases of noncompliance with environmental policies; and (3) create a diverse network of reform advocates collaborating to build accountability for implementing current laws and development of rightsrespecting policies.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in strengthening the labor rights, protections, and conditions of decent work for migrant domestic workers in Malaysia.

This grant invites private sector organizations to collaborate with USAID on innovative projects that promote economic and social development through market-based solutions.

This grant provides funding to state and local courts, national nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions to support innovative projects that improve the administration of justice in state courts across the country.

The U.S. Embassy Dushanbe Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is soliciting proposals to manage the English for Journalists Program from accredited non-governmental schools, institutes, teacher training centers, universities, or organizations. Applicants should pay close attention to the Public Diplomacy Sections goals, priority program areas, and target audiences when developing their proposals. Current Situation Problem Statement: English is the most commonly used language on the Internet and in global media. Yet, journalists in Tajikistan generally do not make use of this global resource as their capacity in English language is low. As a result, journalists cannot research stories in English and are not able to access accurate sources of information that will allow them to recognize, respond to, and combat disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda in the news and on the internet. Additionally, many journalists miss out on opportunities to learn skills in high quality field reporting through studying the most prestigious international sources of information, or even adequately cover international stories. Review of Past Projects: The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe previously supported English for Journalists projects that trained hundreds of journalists and bloggers in professional reporting skills; past projects have increased participants ability to read and write stories in English and strengthened their investigative journalism skills. Projects have also trained journalists in new techniques and approaches to make the transition to digital journalism. Proposed Project Introduction: This funding opportunity seeks to equip journalists with English language skills to access English language news sources, write articles in English, and conduct interviews and reports in English. During this program, journalists will also become familiar with international standards of journalism ethics, and how to recognize, respond to, and combat disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda in the news and on the internet. The Embassy welcomes creative proposals to establish English for Journalists courses that can both boost the English language ability of journalists and improve their reporting and develop their critical thinking and decision-making skills. The program should consist of English language courses for intermediate and upper-level English-speaking journalists, of at least 20 hours per month, with a total of 240 hours of English language instruction over one year. The projects can be implemented in Dushanbe, Khorugh, Khujand, and Kulob. The project should include between 75 and 175 professionals in journalism from private and independent media organizations in Dushanbe, Khorugh, Khujand, and Kulob. Projects that involve higher numbers of journalists with lower costs are encouraged. To be eligible for consideration, the organization must use instructors who can demonstrate relevant teaching experience, with at least three years of experience teaching English to adults. Project Goal: Strengthen the capacity of journalists and content creators in Tajikistan to produce diverse, high-quality media content through English language development. Project Audience(s): The primary target audience for this project is between 75 and 175 Tajik professionals in journalism from private and independent media organizations, including journalists, managers, editors, and translators of media outlets, and social media influencers who demonstrate a commitment to engaging on social issues in English, as demonstrated in published or online work. Participants will have demonstrated English language proficiency: Pre-intermediate A2B1, Intermediate B1, Upper-intermediate B2, Advanced C1C2 Project Objectives: Successful proposals will achieve one or more of the following objectives: Objective 1: Over a 12-month period, participating journalists will improve their English language proficiency, namely their speaking, writing, reading, vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills by at least one standardized level on the CEFR scale, with a specific focus on journalistic language style and terminology. Objective 2: Over a 12-month period, participating journalists will improve their critical thinking, investigative journalism, source evaluation, fact-checking, and media literacy skills by participating in activities with English as the language of instruction. Objective 3: Over a 12-month period, participating journalists will improve their understanding on current trends and best practices in global journalism, specifically in the areas of digital journalism, multimedia storytelling, data journalism, and citizen journalism. Objective 4: Over a 12-month period, Journalists will learn how to recognize, respond to, and combat disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda in the news and on the internet by participating in activities with English as the language of instruction. Objective 5: Over a 12-month period, participating journalists will establish connections with international journalists and media professionals through virtual conferences, webinars, and online forums. Examples of activities include but are not limited to: English language classes for journalists focused on developing speaking, reading, and writing, skills Immersive English language camps for journalists. Lessons or seminars in English that focus on advancing skills specific to journalistic contexts, such as news writing styles, interviewing techniques, and media terminology. Practical reporting assignments, including conducting interviews in English; analyzing and summarizing English-language news reports, and producing original media content in English. Analyzing real-world journalism case studies to learn from successes and failures, analyze ethical dilemmas, and discuss best practices. Expert lectures and panel discussions from journalism experts on topics such as digital journalism, data-driven storytelling, media ethics, and cross-cultural communication

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 combats Gender Based Violence in Uzbekistan. 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 combat gender-based violence (GBV) in Uzbekistan.        ​​​On April 6, 2023, Uzbekistan’s Senate unanimously adopted amendments criminalizing domestic violence and strengthening protections for women and children.  The legislation, signed into law by President Mirziyoyev on April 11, amends the Criminal and Administrative Codes.  While this legislation amended the Criminal and Administrative Codes, there are a few barriers to making the law a reality.  First, there is uneven implementation across localities because of cultural and resource variances across urban, peri-urban, and rural communities.  Second, limited public knowledge about the new law has resulted in few people seeking access to legal assistance.  Lastly, societal norms impede individuals from reporting domestic violence.     Through this award, DRL aims to address these gaps by:      Increasing awareness among all Uzbekistanis about the new GBV law at the local level and how it applies to women and communities across Uzbekistan.  Raising awareness about harmful practices that normalize and excuse GBV toward women and girls.  Supporting local civil society, community leaders, and social workers as they advocate to local law enforcement and local governance structures for the consistent implementation of the new law at the local level.     The proposed program should achieve the following outcomes:    Local civil society organizations (CSOs) and community advocates are better equipped to promote awareness of the new GBV law and advocate for its consistent and accountable implementation with law enforcement and government structures.   CSOs are better able to advocate for and assist GBV survivors to ensure they have access to resources and all provisions provided under the new GBV law.   Communities better understand and can advocate for the even implementation of the new GBV law at the local level.  Improved data collection and monitoring of GBV case response under the new law, All programs should aim to have impact that leads to reforms and have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources.  DRL’s preference is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and creative approaches.  This does not exclude from consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary way.  DRL is committed to advancing equity and support for underserved and underrepresented communities. In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, programs should implement strategies for integration and inclusion of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries that can bring perspectives based on their religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, political affiliation, or veteran’s status.  Programs should be demand-driven and locally led to the extent possible.  DRL requires all programs to be non-discriminatory and expects implementers to include strategies for nondiscrimination of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, or veteran’s status.  Competitive proposals may also include a summary budget and budget narrative for no additional months following the proposed period of performance, indicated above. This information should indicate what objective(s) and/or activities could be accomplished with additional time and/or funds beyond the proposed period of performance. Where appropriate, competitive proposals may include: Opportunities for beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and skills in practical efforts; Solicitation of feedback and suggestions from beneficiaries when developing activities in order to strengthen the sustainability of programs and participant ownership of project outcomes; Input from participants on sustainability plans and systematic review of the plans throughout the life of the project, with adjustments made as necessary; Joint identification and definition of key concepts with relevant stakeholders and stakeholder input into project activities; Systematic follow-up with beneficiaries at specific intervals after the completion of activities to track how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills. Activities that are not typically allowed include, but are not limited to: The provision of humanitarian assistance; English language instruction; Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware; Purely academic exchanges or fellowships; External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months; Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary per security concerns; Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy issues, including projects aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorporate training or capacity-building for local civil society; Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives; Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in advancing freedom of association and improving working conditions in the palm oil sector in Indonesia.

This funding opportunity supports organizations that help vulnerable scientists and engineers prevent their expertise from being exploited by adversarial nations for weapons of mass destruction programs.

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 increase protections against gender-based violence for marginalized communities in Kosovo. Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global issue that affects one in three women in their lifetime. According to the 2022 U.S. Department of State’s Human Rights Report for Kosovo, a significant human rights issue in Kosovo included the lack of investigation of and accountability for GBV, including domestic or intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and other forms of such violence. Another issue of concern was crimes involving violence or threats of violence targeting ethnic minorities or other marginalized communities. There are also critical gaps in the systematic documentation and monitoring of the prevalence of GBV in the country. Furthermore, GBV survivors often lack awareness of their rights and access to support services. There are also social stigmas in reporting GBV coupled with cultural norms that try to keep partners together. To respond to these challenges, DRL is seeking proposals that work towards the Bureau’s goal of providing access to justice for individuals experiencing GBV, abuse, and exploitation in 2 Kosovo. The program should take an intersectional approach by considering particular issues facing LGBTQI+ women, women with disabilities, low-income women, women in public-facing positions, women from racial, religious, and ethnic minority communities, and other intersections are differently impacted by GBV. The program objectives are: 1) increasing public awareness of the various forms of GBV (i.e. psychological, physical, emotional, economic, etc.) as well as relevant laws and available protections; 2) strengthening collaboration among diverse stakeholders in all communities on rights-based, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered approaches to prevent and address GBV; and 3) providing survivor-centered support, including the provision of direct service assistance. Program activities may include but are not limited to: • Developing and implementing targeted awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives regarding the different forms of GBV and available protections under current laws; • Strengthening the financial, technical and/or organizational capacity of local organizations in providing effective and survivor-centered support services, including, but not limited to, legal, psycho-social, and/or medical assistance; • Enhancing coordination among relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement, healthcare providers, and social services to improve GBV response mechanisms, including training direct service providers on how to engage with survivors; and • Conducting research and assessments to better understand the prevalence and dynamics of GBV in the country and inform evidence-based interventions.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations in Pennsylvania to develop and promote tourism initiatives that encourage overnight stays through events, facility improvements, and marketing efforts.

This grant provides funding to organizations that will help Ukraine develop effective screening processes for foreign investments in critical sectors, ensuring the protection of its defense technologies and resources.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working with the Albanian government to develop a comprehensive system for enforcing international sanctions, enhancing their capacity to prevent illicit trade and promote global security.

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Mission to Pakistan of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce an open competition for awards available through the Mission Pakistan PublicDiplomacy Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement (APS) outlines our broad funding priorities,strategic themes, and the procedure for submitting requests for funding. Applications for funding will be accepted until June 30, 2024. Applicants may apply for funding for small grants (between $10,000 and $40,000) or large grants (between $50,000 and $150,000). Preference will be given to applications that make clear their careful consideration of effective use of resources. Please follow carefully allinstructions below and use the grant application document and budget template found on our website.This APS was developed to support projects proposed by U.S. and Pakistani not-for-profit organizations,think tanks, and educational institutions that fulfill the U.S. Mission to Pakistans foreign policy goals andobjectives.

Abidjans Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) program seeks a cooperative agreement with one partner who will issue rapid response small grants for programs that address the following priority themes: Building the storytelling capacity of Ivorian journalists across all media,Creating messages to building resilience against violent extremism and countering recruitment,Encouraging active participation of youth in a peaceful, inclusive Cote d'Ivoire,Promoting strong and trust-building communication within communities,Preventing and countering disinformation with emphasis on strengthening community institutions,Advancing security and stability,Advancing economic, social, or cultural ties between the United States and Cte dIvoire by highlighting shared values and joint projects.

To implement a project aimed at advancing U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities by supporting initiatives that make decision-making structures and processes in fragile, conflict, or crisis-affected contexts more reflective of and responsive to the needs and perspectives of partner states to ensure strategic trade control systems meet international standards and by engaging on bilateral, regional and multilateral levels with foreign governments to aid in the establishment of independent capabilities to regulate transfers of weapons of mass destruction, WMD-related items, conventional arms, and related dual-use items, and to detect, interdict, investigate, and prosecute illicit transfers of such items.

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: (1) strengthen civil society efforts to investigate and document human rights violations and abuses committed against ethnic and religious minority communities from Burma, including Rohingya communities; (2) support pro-democracy activists pursuing justice for victims and accountability for those responsible for abuses; and (3) promote non-recurrence of atrocities.

The Department of States Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) announces an open competition for projects in support of a forthcoming Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership between the United States and the Government of Romania.

The Florida Online Global-Website Localization Grant aims to help exporters expand their overseas presence through website localization services. The program, in partnership with IBT Online and SelectFlorida, offers various options for website globalization, including predefined and customized websites, website redesign, and e-commerce development, all optimized for target markets. Grants cover partial costs of localization services, with SelectFlorida covering up to $8,000 and the grantee responsible for $4,000 or the balance for customized services. Eligible entities must meet specific qualifications including being Florida-based, meeting minimum sales and employment criteria, and operating in approved sectors.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations and institutions working to prevent the proliferation of chemical weapons by enhancing partner nations' capabilities in detection, response, and compliance with international norms.