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

This program provides funding to organizations that will help Ukraine improve its ability to manage and control the transfer of sensitive defense and dual-use technologies, enhancing regional and global security.

This grant provides funding to organizations that can help strengthen Vietnam's regulatory framework for controlling the trade of sensitive technologies and dual-use items, enhancing its capacity to prevent misuse and diversion.

To implement a project aimed at advancing U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities by supporting initiatives that is 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 support civil society efforts to provide effective civic oversight of the Government of Ukraines (GOU) armed forces, security services,1 and the law enforcement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working to help Vietnam strengthen its legal and regulatory framework for controlling the trade of sensitive technologies and goods related to weapons of mass destruction and advanced conventional weapons.

TOPIC 1: Equal Rights for Marginalized Communities Background: Projects under this funding opportunity should support the efforts of empowering marginalized communities, which include groups that have been traditionally discriminated against because of their identity (race, nationality, gender and gender identity, religious affiliation, disability and socioeconomic status, marital status, and ethnicity) or are particularly vulnerable to marginalization. Competitive projects will clearly identify the challenges facing a marginalized group and sustainable efforts to help advocate for, secure, or exercise their rights. Project Goal: Empower marginalized and vulnerable communities to exercise their human rights by increasing the capacity of civil society and independent media organizations to implement prevention, education, and response efforts in combatting GBV and DV. Project Audience(s): The primary target audience for these projects should be men and women from religiously or socially conservative communities; youth and emerging leaders (14-35 years old); spouses or families of labor migrants; families, government bodies; civil society or advocacy groups; and/or independent media. Projects that support other well-defined marginalized groups and/or with a nexus to family members of radicalized individuals will also be considered. Project Objectives: Each project should achieve one or more of the following objectives: 1. Increase the ability of civil society organizations and advocacy groups to implement and advocate for initiatives combatting GBV and DV through capacity building training. Training topics may include but are not limited to advocacy campaign planning, digital communication tools, messaging best practices, and media engagement strategies. 2. Raise awareness among the Tajik general public of the prevalence, impacts, and consequences of GBV and DV, or discrimination of other marginalized communities, within Tajik society in culturally sensitive and appropriate ways. 3. Facilitate collaboration between civil society organizations, independent media firms and the government bodies to identify and address gaps in existing laws and policies related to GBV/DV prevention or other forms of discrimination through policy dialogues and roundtable discussions. Examples of activities include but are not limited to: Enlisting men as allies in an information campaign to dismantle harmful, violent behavior, and raise awareness among vulnerable women about laws concerning early marriage, domestic abuse, harassment, divorce, alimony, and other civil rights related to women in the family. Conducting educational/outreach/raising awareness activities on the topics related to DV, human trafficking, gender equality, laws related to early marriage, harassment, divorce, and other human rights violation. TOPIC 2: Enabling Environment for Media and the Free Flow of Information Background Independent journalists in Tajikistan face certain career difficulties. These include incomplete or outdated training, lack of prospects outside of state-sponsored media sources, andfor early career journalistslack of experience in telling a story or creating informative, accurate, reliable content. As circulation and revenues from traditional media continue to fall, audiences and journalists increasingly turn to social media for information and profit, but few know how to effectively produce content for this medium that can compete with misinformation, propaganda, and extremist content. Those who do have a better understanding of the techniques and craft of digital production can find themselves chasing audiences with populist topics that may lack journalistic content or integrity. Additionally, many who want to pursue a career in journalism are unable to support themselves and their families financially or are not able to express themselves freely. Project Goal: To contribute to press freedom, the dissemination of accurate information, and the safeguarding journalists including citizen journalist rights by increasing the capacity of journalists and media professionals to produce quality and accurate content that counters misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda. Project Audience(s): Early to mid-career professional journalists, bloggers, social media influencers, and media experts in Tajikistan. Projects to promote and defend media independence and freedom of expression could include media organizations, advocacy groups, managers/editors of media outlets and other influential voices. Project Objectives: Each project should achieve one or more of the following objectives: 1. Strengthen the ability of media associations and organizations to adopt measures that protect their employees and affiliated media professionals from censorship or cyber threats such as hacking, phishing attempts, and website defacement. 2. Equip media associations and organizations with the ability to develop and implement sustainable funding models or revenue strategies that ensure their survival and long-term viability. 3. Improve the reporting of journalists, citizen journalists, bloggers, social media influencers, and other information professionals with regards to ethical reporting practices, investigative journalism, and the use of data analysis tools. 4. Increase media professionals knowledge and awareness about the prevalence and common tactics used in the spread of misinformation, including but not limited to the widespread use of headlines and manipulated content. Examples of activities include but are not limited to: Inviting U.S. or other subject matter experts to train Tajik media professionals and/or advocacy organizations or offer peer to peer mentoring programs. Training Tajik journalists, editors, and media professionals in fact-checking, confirming sources, authenticating images, and identifying bots and AI-produced media. Offering training for bloggers, social media influencers, or amateur citizen journalists with a U.S. expert or other subject matter expert in creating documentary stories for digital media; this could include audio or podcasted stories, short films, or articles that cover issues of local or public interest. Consulting for Tajik media outlets to understand how to monetize their content to become economically sustainable. TOPIC 3: Countering Violent Extremism Background Tajik youth are increasingly radicalized through messages they receive through social media and messenger apps where radical voices are often more active, organized, and better funded than competing voices that advocate tolerance and non-violence. Economically disadvantaged and marginalized youth are most susceptible to radicalization often look to celebrities, athletes, and online imams for guidance over their local community leaders. Project Goal: To provide positive and constructive alternatives to those most at-risk of recruitment into extremist groups by increasing government and/or civil society capacity and engagement in this sphere. Project Audience(s): The primary target audiences are those at-risk of recruitment (Tajik males (ages 15-35) living in rural Tajikistan and Russia, including labor migrants, who have received limited formal education), civil society organizations and government bodies working on countering violent extremism, and respected and popular figures in society who are considered credible voices by those at-risk (religious leaders, teachers, influencers). Project Objectives: Each project should achieve one or more of the following objectives: 1. Raise awareness of target communities and at-risk individuals on the prevalence of violent extremism and recruitment techniques through educational or training initiatives. 2. Equip target communities and individuals at-risk of recruitment into extremist groups with vocational and job search skills for the local job market, focusing on sectors with growth potential. Examples of activities include but are not limited to: Organize summer camps where at-risk youth learn goal setting, soft-skills, and vocational skills/job training, and participate in team building activities, learn about healthy conflict resolution, increase their emotional intelligence, and learn how to tolerate diversity in society. Train at least 10 well-known Tajik athletes (particularly mixed martial artists, boxers, wrestlers, bodybuilders, and football players) or other influential and credible voices to those at-risk (who have a wide following on social media) on the consequences of violent extremism and how to be effective public speakers on the topic. Topic 4: Low Emissions Development Planning for Energy Background: Climate change poses a serious threat to all aspects of Tajikistans society. As the climate warms and natural disasters become more frequent, segments of Tajikistans population that are already vulnerable to economic shocks will become more dependent on the support of civil society and the government to survive. Climate change threatens agriculture and energy sectors through the melting of glaciers and more variable rainfall while also harming the populations health through increased air pollution. Tajikistans reliance on hydropower can serve as a positive example for a world transitioning to renewable sources of energy, but hydropower is also threatened by climate change, as it is highly dependent on glacial melt. Glaciers are receding in Tajikistan at an alarming rate, thus reducing water levels in the reservoirs that power the hydropower plants. Reduced water from glaciers and changing rainfall patterns not only threatens Tajikistans energy security, but also agriculture, and thus has the potential to affect all aspects of society, leading to food insecurity and economic problems. While many parts of Tajikistan have installed micro-hydropower stations, solar power panels are less well-known and utilized. Continued reliance on coal power and polluting industries causes Dushanbe to have the worst levels of air pollution in Central Asia. Project Goal: Support national and sub-national frameworks for low-emissions development by increasing the use of renewable and sustainable energy sources in Tajikistan. Project Audience(s): The primary target audience for these projects should be national and subnational government organizations, civil society, media consumers and outlets, young entrepreneurs, and other well-defined key audiences. Project Objectives: Each project should achieve one or more of the following objectives: 1. Build expertise and capacity in government, private sector, and civil society organizations to analyze emissions sources, set emission reduction targets, and develop mitigation plans through the use of renewable and sustainable energy sources in Tajikistan. 2. Increase collaboration between local, state, and civil society actors/stakeholders to develop practical solutions to combat climate change, advocate for environmental protection legislation, and/or help Tajikistan meet its Global Methane Pledge. Examples of activities include but are not limited to: Conduct workshops, trainings, and/or exchanges to reach the project objectives. This could include hackathons or pitch competitions for young entrepreneurs or those working in related fields (such as data analytics, tech, etc.). Awareness Campaigns promote awareness of emissions and air quality through social and traditional media, produce short video clips for social media and/or TV about environmental issues. Install air quality monitors, test water quality, or improve local capability to conduct data collection, analysis, and reporting on emissions. Organize camps and ongoing actions that teach participants about the environment, promote reforestation initiatives, and/or increase appreciation for nature, including the need for low-emissions development practices.

This funding opportunity supports projects that empower young Rwandans through education, cultural exchange, and economic development, focusing on areas like STEM, media literacy, and sports diplomacy.

The Department of States Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (ISN/NDF) is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). ISN/NDF invites non-profit/non-governmental organizations, international organizations, educational institutions, US federal agencies and institutions, and for-profit organizations to submit proposals for projects that will advance the mission of NDFs biological threat reduction special project. Proposals may not exceed the total availability of funds under this NOFO. ISN/NDF will only consider proposals that fully address all NDFs lines of effort, which are further described in Section II, in their entirety.

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 a global project to 1) dissuade and deter governments from engaging in and/or facilitating transnational repression (TNR) activities and 2) mitigate the impact of TNR activities on individuals and communities. Competitive proposals will incorporate activities in at least three regions as defined by the State Department (Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and Western Hemisphere).

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.

This grant provides funding to organizations working to improve labor conditions in Mexico's key trade sectors, ensuring fair practices that benefit American workers and businesses.

This funding opportunity invites organizations to propose initiatives that address human rights abuses and promote democratic values in China, focusing on freedom of expression, access to information, and labor rights.

Through Democracy Indicators Monitoring Survey 4 (DIMS4), the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Bureau of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Office of Regional Sustainable Development (RSD), Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) aims to support citizen-responsive governance and democratic development with rigorous public opinion research on democratic norms, attitudes, and experiences in the LAC region. This will be achieved through four primary objectives, which in summary: 1) Collect statistically rigorous, cutting edge public opinion data surveys that are inclusive, related to key democratic attitudes and behaviors, contribute to long-term trend analysis, and are relevant for all stakeholders in informing policy and regulation decisions around democratic issues ; 2) Disseminate data, analysis, and research about democratic norms and attitudes in LAC; 3) Innovate by supporting and developing topics and methodologies in public opinion research and analysis; and 4) Localize the local capacity of researchers and institutions on survey design, data collection, data analysis and reporting, and evidence based policy making. These objectives consider longitudinal, country, and comparative cross-national trend analysis on topics relevant to the democracy sector in LAC, such as democratic norms and values, perceptions of institutions, and experiences with corruption, crime victimization, and migration.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations and institutions working to combat the online recruitment of youth by terrorist groups, focusing on reducing terrorist content and empowering communities to recognize and counter such threats.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for programs to bolster non-governmental organizations internal accessibility and inclusion policies and practices

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations to implement and evaluate innovative anti-trafficking interventions aimed at reducing human trafficking outside the United States.

Overview: The Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund aims to provide equity-free cash awards and Google support to assist Ukraine-based startups in sustaining and expanding their businesses, fortifying their community, and establishing a foundation for post-war economic recuperation. Background: Ukraine boasts a robust and dynamic startup ecosystem. However, the nation's economy and its enterprises confront formidable challenges. Startups often operate transnationally, with teams in both Ukraine and neighboring nations, to ensure liquidity, sustain operations, and attract further investment. Google for Startups recognizes the importance of bolstering these endeavors. Funding Details: An initial $5 million fund was allocated in 2022. A subsequent fund of $10 million has been earmarked for 2024 and 2025. Selected startups will be announced on a rolling basis. Each chosen startup will receive up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding. Ongoing Google mentorship and product support will be provided. Up to $350,000 in Cloud credits will be made available. Purpose: The fund is intended to empower Ukrainian entrepreneurs in sustaining and expanding their ventures amidst the current crisis. It seeks to support startups in maintaining growth trajectories, resuming operations, or pivoting products or operations impacted by the war and ongoing crisis. Entry Criteria: Must have at least one entity registered in Ukraine. Should be at the post-MVP stage with demonstrated traction (product launched, pilots, early revenue). Companies leveraging AI and possessing a social impact mission will receive priority. Founders intending to utilize the non-dilutive cash award for growth continuation, business resumption, or product/operation pivot due to war-induced challenges are encouraged to apply. Deadline June 5th, 2024

This program provides funding to organizations in Uzbekistan to strengthen democracy, civil society, and independent media through projects that promote good governance, human rights, and civic engagement.

The U.S. Department of States Embassy Astana announces an open competition opportunity to implement a project that strengthens Kazakhstans media environment through the provision of legal support to journalists who may need assistance; legal-related training for journalists and media content creators, law students or practitioners; ethics and management training for journalists and media outlets; and educational initiatives targeting law enforcement to raise awareness about the rights of journalists. The project aims to promote professional journalism standards and ensure proper legal protections where needed, while supporting Kazakhstans efforts towards democracy and rule of law. Providing legal assistance is crucial in addressing the prevalent issue of journalists facing harassment and intimidation. This support helps safeguard press freedom, ensuring their ability to report freely and holding accountable those who seek to suppress their work. Priority will be given to projects that focus on and provide evidence of tangible, measurable results. Projects consisting solely of conferences or roundtable discussions, theoretical research or surveys, or the writing or publishing of books, are unlikely to be funded. The United States of America and the Republic of Kazakhstan collaborate extensively on bilateral and regional matters, including support for Kazakhstan's commitment to safeguarding media freedoms and elevating journalistic professionalism. Legal protection is foundational to a safe environment for journalism practice, ensuring the safety of journalists and their ability to fulfill their duties. Equally crucial is the need for journalists and content creators to be well-versed in their rights and responsibilities as outlined by the law. This knowledge extends to law students, practitioners, and law enforcement, fostering a holistic understanding of media law. In addition to safeguarding media freedoms, enhancing ethics and management practices helps ensure a robust and well-functioning media landscape. The objective is to not only level the media playing field for independent outlets, but also to empower them with the skills needed to navigate economic challenges, such as financial generation management and resilience during economic downturns. In line with these goals, the U.S. Embassy seeks to facilitate collaboration between various stakeholders by partnering with a qualified non-profit organization in implementing a program. This initiative aims to provide legal support as well as ethics and management training to journalists, content creators, law students, practitioners, and law enforcement in Kazakhstan, bridging the gap between legal expertise and the media landscape. Project Audience(s): The project should target journalists, media professionals, media content makers, law students and practitioners, and law enforcement agents throughout the country. The project should be able to provide services in Kazakh and Russian. Project Goal: Strengthen press freedom and independence in Kazakhstan by providing access to legal support services and training programs to media and legal professionals. Project Objectives: The program should support objective journalism and ethical journalism standards through the provision of timely, exhaustive, and comprehensive legal consultations to journalists, content creators, law students and practitioners, and media consultants. The program should be able to provide pro-bono legal support in cases when a journalist or a media outlet, requesting such support, were fulfilling their professional duties in accordance with international journalism standards and ethics, as well as the laws and regulations of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The program must include media rights and responsibilities trainings for journalists and content creators, law students and practitioners, and for law enforcement agencies. Proposals should outline strategies and activities aimed at empowering media entities to build strong and sustainable management practices. This may include initiatives focused on financial generation management, strategic planning, and resilience-building measures to navigate economic challenges and enhance the overall managerial competence of independent media organizations. The DREAM Initiative encompasses three key lines of effort to fortify independent media in Kazakhstan: Legal Support, Ethics and Management Training, and Media Transparency. These objectives align with the overarching goal of fostering objective journalism and ethical standards. Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives, or other objectives within the above policy priorities. Objective 1: Improve knowledge and awareness of legal rights and media laws among a minimum of 100 participants through a series of six training sessions. (Ensure at least half of the training sessions are conducted in Kazakh). Topics may include media laws, ethical journalism standards and management practices, journalist legal protections and emerging legal challenges. Objective 2: Advocate for enforcement of legislation that uphold international journalism standards and legal protections by providing media professionals access to timely legal support and consultation services. Objective 3: Improve the ability of independent media organizations, including media executives, editors, and journalists to implement effective management practices through capacity building training focused on organizational management, strategic planning, developing diversified revenue streams, and ethical journalism practices.

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 a project that supports the meaningful political and civic participation of youth in the Solomon Islands.