Grants for Private institutions of higher education - International Development

This grant provides funding for U.S. and Luxembourg-based organizations to develop innovative STEM and space education projects that strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

Funding Opportunity Title: Trilateral Women in Security Funding Opportunity Number: PD-SEOUL-FY24-06 Deadline for Applications: August 12, 2024, 11:59 p.m. GMT+9 CFDA Number: 19.040 Total Amount Available: $180,000 This notice is subject to availability of funding. A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The United States is deeply committed to advancing gender equity and equality as a critical element of peace and security. The security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region depends on the meaningful integration of women security experts, particularly in the joint cooperation between the United States, Korea, and Japan. To promote this vital cooperation, the U.S. Embassy in Seoul seeks proposals from organizations (preferably Korea-based or in collaboration with a Korea-based organization) to gather five female-identifying experts from both Korea and Japan (a total of ten) to explore the importance of trilateral cooperation in achieving mutual prosperity and security in the region. The selected grantee will coordinate closely with the U.S. embassies in Seoul and Tokyo to design and implement this two-way exchange program to encourage discussion on shared security priorities and effective trilateral engagement. The grantee will also facilitate the publication of any key outcomes following the program, targeting security and foreign policy experts in both countries. Key Themes This program represents the second year of Embassy Seouls Trilateral Women in Security Program (TWIS). While the 2023-2024 iteration of the program focused broadly on trilateral U.S.- Korea-Japan security cooperation, this iteration of the program should promote themes related to trilateral U.S.-Korea- Japan security cooperation on the below issues: o Maritime security. o Critical and emerging technologies: Safeguarding responsible usage of critical and emerging technologies like cyber and space. o AI and Disinformation: Countering the weaponization of Artificial Intelligence and addressing the increasing national security threats posed by foreign information manipulation. Outputs/Outcomes Ten opinion leaders from Korea and Japan will participate in this year-long grant program, including virtual topic-based discussions, exchange activities in Korea and Japan, and the publication of advisory papers and articles detailing lessons learned from the program for secondary audiences. Details/Logistics This is a cooperative agreement. The selected grantee will work closely with U.S. Embassy Seoul and U.S. Embassy Tokyo to develop and manage the program schedule, identify participants, and design on-the-ground exchange activities. The program participants are expected to gather virtually once a month to develop a forward-looking agenda for U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral cooperation. Program participants should represent women in security, including experts in economic security, emerging technologies, Indo-Pacific Strategy and foreign policy. At the end of the program, participants should draft policy advisory papers, implement press interviews, publish columns in newspapers, and/or conduct public outreach programs to share their findings. Grantee Expectations Think tanks, research institutions, and academic associations are encouraged to apply. This project will facilitate in-depth discussions between Korean and Japanese participants and site visits to organizations in both countries, including ministries of foreign affairs, local research institutes, and other relevant sites. The grantee is expected to have close relations with stakeholders in Korea and Japan for effective communication, planning, and execution. Note: Not mandatory, but you may use the templates provided here: Proposal Template / Budget Template All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected]

This funding opportunity provides financial support for a variety of organizations to promote American culture, sports, and innovation in El Salvador, fostering stronger bilateral relations and cultural exchange.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications in response to to strengthen civil society resilience in Kyrgyz Republic. The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications in response to the following solicitation.  DRL anticipates funding one proposal from this solicitation, pending availability of funding.      The Kyrgyz Republic has long had a reputation of having the most vibrant, active civil society and independent media in Central Asia.  In recent years however, concerning trends have put that reputation at risk.  Harassment of activists, independent media and CSOs has intensified, with peaceful rallies limited to specific places, with authorities extending restrictions every few months.       Kyrgyz CSOs now face systematic attacks including arbitrary criminal and administrative prosecutions, deportations, and anonymous offline and online threats. They routinely endure unannounced tax inspections and smear campaigns on social media. Additionally, draft anti-democratic legislation currently for consideration in the Kyrgyz parliament threatens to seriously undermine freedom of association and further restrict CSO operating space.     In this challenging environment, DRL aims to maintain civil space and build civil society resiliency. This project’s primary objective is ensuring Kyrgyz CSOs have the tools, training, resources, and support to remain safely and effectively engaged in their work amid increasing repressions.       Elements of useful programming could include digital and physical security trainings, financial audits, flexible small-grants, legal support, advocacy strategy development, cyber bullying response tactics, or building solidarity networks domestically and internationally. The focus should be holistic, addressing security, legal, financial, operational, and psychosocial needs given the multilayered pressures civil society faces.    Program outcomes could include one or more of the following but are not limited to:    Civil society and community actors operate and coordinate safely to navigate the new/emerging legal operating environment in Kyrgyz Republic.     Kyrgyz civil society organizations have the tools, resources, and support to safely and more effectively remain engaged in their work amid increasing restrictions and repressions that challenge the civic space.  Kyrgyz civil society engages in advocacy on human rights issues.  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 12 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.

This grant provides funding for projects that aim to preserve cultural heritage in Kenya, including historic buildings, archaeological sites, and traditional cultural expressions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations working to combat the proliferation of advanced conventional weapons by China and Russia, focusing on enhancing security and defense capabilities in vulnerable nations.

A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Kinshasa announces an Open Competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that promote accountable, transparent, and democratic governance and promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals. In this vein, selected projects will target youth and women interested in becoming political leaders in their communities and country. Projects will focus on education and empowerment, and will develop curricula, that cover civic engagement, peaceful participation in political processes, ethics in politics, community leadership and advocacy. Goals Projects should demonstrate systemic change and be designed to achieve the following objectives: Objective 1: Inspire youth and womens desire to participate in democratic processes by enlisting experienced youth and women in politics to develop a mentorship program. Objective 2: Develop entrepreneurial capacities of youth and women that contribute towards access to educational programs, creating sustainable income-generating activities, and paying for involvement in electoral processes. Objective 3: Inspire youth and womens desire to participate in democratic processes by enlisting experienced youth and women in politics to develop a mentorship program. Objective 4: Develop entrepreneurial capacities of youth and women that contribute towards access to educational programs, creating sustainable income-generating activities, and paying for involvement in electoral processes. Objective 5: Establish centers of learning and capacity-building for open dialogue among youth and women, civil society, governments, and the communities they serve. Objective 6: Empower key reformers and actors to promote access to justice, strengthen checks on executive power, and incorporate citizen-responsive governance to reduce corruption and improve the delivery of public services. Objective 7: Provide technical support and integrate program with or leverage existing programs, local resources, and/or the activities of other donors.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in developing programs that strengthen ties and mutual understanding between the United States and Venezuela, particularly in higher education partnerships.

This program provides funding for organizations and individuals to create projects that strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between the United States and North Macedonia through various initiatives, including exchanges, artistic workshops, and community development.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for the FY2024 Global Media Makers (GMM) program. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to conduct a professional development program for film and television content creators from participating countries to enhance their skills and to support local creative economies. This program, like other ECA film program models, seeks to elevate influential voices that are building resilient civil societies by using film and television content to address critical local issues including, but not limited to, the climate crisis, democratic governance, freedom of expression, pluralism, tolerance, womens and youth empowerment.The FY 2024 GMM program will connect up to 50 mid-career film and television professionals ("Fellows) with professionals (Mentors) from the U.S. entertainment industry who will facilitate behind-the-scenes access, bolster Fellows technical skills and creative content development, and build the foundations for lasting professional networks. Fellows will travel to the United States for a four-to-six-week residency, which will take place primarily in Los Angeles (L.A.), to work on projects with a team of mentors to receive state-of-the-art-training and industry access to support conceptual development of independent, authentic, and compelling content for distribution in the Fellows home countries. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

This program provides funding for organizations to preserve and protect cultural heritage in Zambia and around the world, supporting projects like restoring historical sites and conserving traditional arts.

A project to encourage the development and dissemination of a global credential and related credentialing or certification program based on international standards for substance use professionals. Drug use disorders extensively harm health, including mental health, safety, economic well-being, fuel organized crime, and negatively impact political, social, and economic stability. Many governments as well as individual drug demand reduction professionals provide services but have little experience and few methods to determine if those programs or their efforts are effective, evidence-based, and meeting international standards or their own program goals. To encourage and document the improvement of the prevention, treatment, and recovery services, the workforce requires training to an agreed international standard and then an agreed global credential to ensure that the substance use disorder workforce is performing to that standard. Project Vision: Drug demand reduction is the field of counternarcotics that recognizes that an epidemic only ends when we reduce the number of new cases. Through a well-trained, credentialed, and enthusiastic professional workforce in the combined fields of prevention, treatment, and recovery support, we will reduce the number of those suffering from substance use disorder globally and provide a social framework that supports recovery and ongoing prevention of substance use disorders. Project Goal(s) and Objectives: Professionals that work in the drug demand reduction field including prevention, treatment, and recovery support services come from a variety of academic and non-academic backgrounds. Given the sensitive personal, political, and cultural nature of substance use disorder, it is critical to ensure that those entrusted with positions in these areas can be readily identified as having the skills, experience, and understandings of the international standards and the implementation of those standards as they work. While some nations have their own processes for testing and certification, most do not. Poor services, especially those that violate human rights, in any country negatively impact the substance use disorder field. This negative impact has far-reaching consequences globally based on historical misunderstandings of the nature of substance use disorder. For these reasons, we seek to foster a climate where training and expertise are recognized and required for participation as a professional in the practice of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. Credentialing should also be encouraged as many working in this field work as volunteers or are working in related fields such as education or youth services. The overall goal of this project is to promote and develop the framework for the credentialing or certification of professionals in this field, in order to improve overall care of persons with substance use disorders, similar to other medical professionals. Through the development of an international credential secured through standardized examination, the project will also work to decrease the stigma associated with work 5 | Page related to substance use disorders. All competencies and testing should promote and encompass those international standards developed under the auspices of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which have been accepted globally.

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

This funding opportunity supports projects that foster mutual understanding and cooperation between Kenya and the United States, targeting young Kenyans, civil society leaders, and educational institutions.

This grant provides funding to organizations that support women entrepreneurs in Cameroon, helping them improve their businesses and access U.S. export markets through training and resources.

The English Access Scholarship Program (formerly the English Access Microscholarship Program), established in 2004, is a multifaceted public diplomacy initiative at the forefront of global English language learning and the enhancement of English teaching capacity. With over 200,000 student alumni and over 10,000 teacher alumni in more than 85 countries, the English Access Scholarship Program (Access) is recognized as a high-profile, strategic program that supports U.S. foreign policy objectives, while providing educational opportunities for future leaders globally. Emphasizing critical thinking and employing student-centered and communicative approaches, the program's teaching methodology targets bright, underserved students, primarily aged 13 to 20. The Access Program focuses on four pillars that are integrated into all components of the program: global citizenship themes, 21st-century skills, U.S. culture and values, and communicative English language instruction. The Office of English Language Programs (ECA/A/L), Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs anticipates approximately 15,000 participants, including teachers, students, and alumni. Programming may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid and occur in-country, in the region, and in the United States. ECA launched the Access Program in 2004. The program has expanded to become a foundational element in the Bureaus continuum of exchanges to reach younger and more diverse audiences worldwide. For nearly over a decade, professional development for teachers has also been an integral part of the program. Many Access programs are serving as model classrooms for English teaching in their countries. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The U.S. Embassy Nassaus Public Diplomacy (PD) section announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to develop and organize a Regional Alumnae Summit for the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) network throughout the Caribbean. The PD section invites proposals from non-profit organizations, civil society organizations, and U.S. government alumni organizations to design and organize a summit to connect small and medium businesses of AWE Alumnae from across the Caribbean during a 2-day Summit in Nassau, The Bahamas in Spring 2025. This Summit will also provide a forum for AWE Alumnae to expand their professional network, share best practices and gain broader market access. In consultation with the U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy team, the awardee is expected to organize all logistics for the Summit to include, but not limited to several deliverables. Therefore, the proposal should clearly describe how each item below will be addressed: Structure and Overall plan for the event. The estimated Cost for the proposed Venue for the Summit. Equipment (Equipment cannot account for more than 10% of the total project cost.) Marketing plan Proposed 6 Conference Speakers and associated costs (this should include Bahamian, Caribbean and American Entrepreneurs as well as a Keynote Speaker.) Travel Costs for participants from Family Islands. A Business Expo opportunity for participants. Opportunities for participants to scale up their businesses (ex. export, product development and scaling.) Cost Share (not required but looked upon favorably) Public Private Partnerships Pre and Post Surveys for participants (ex. To garner input for topics for summit)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU) Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Funding Opportunity Title: VAU PDS Annual Program Statement Funding Opportunity Number: FY2024VE006 Deadline for Applications: June 30, 2024 CFDA Number: 19.040 Public Diplomacy Programs Total Amount Available: $100,000 Maximum for Each Award: $25,000 A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The VAU of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and the people of Venezuela through programs that highlight shared values and promote a peaceful, democratic transition. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Public Diplomacy Grants: VAU Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals that support democratic initiatives, higher education cooperation and an active citizenry in Venezuela, highlighting shared values, bilateral cooperation, and support for diversity, equality, accessibility, and inclusion. Priority Program Areas: VAU PDS will prioritize grant proposals that address the following themes: Strengthening independent media through capacity-building programs and other professional engagement; Promoting democratic values and citizen participation through education and outreach, particularly for marginalized groups, including youth, women, LGBTQI+, persons with disabilities, indigenous, and Afro-Venezuelans; and Building university partnerships and other higher-education exchanges that focus on curricula development, research capacity building, and tech transfer/intellectual property policies. PLEASE NOTE: All programs must include an American component, conveying an element of U.S. culture, history, and/or shared values. This must be a concrete element that establishes or strengthens ties between people in Venezuela and the United States. For example, competitive proposals will include a connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives and/or increased bilateral cooperation that continues after the program has concluded. IMPORTANT NOTE: At this time no U.S. citizen can travel to Venezuela for in-person programs with this funding. Therefore, speakers and other activities with U.S. organizations need to be conducted through online engagement. Participants and Audiences: Venezuelans in Venezuela and their U.S. counterparts in the sectors represented in the priority program areas listed above. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; Charitable or development activities; Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; Scientific research; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; Programs that duplicate existing programs; or Programs without an American component. Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: FY 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: up to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: 4 awards (dependent on available funding) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000 Total potential available funding: $100,000 Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding Anticipated program start date: October 1, 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant or Cooperative agreements. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that VAU PDS staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation (Substantial Involvement). Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. If interested in applying, please visit https://ve.mwp.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/05/VENEZUELA-2024-VAU-PDS-APS-NOFO-FINAL-5-14-24.docx-1.pdf to review all information regarding this NOFO.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations in developing collaborative curricula with Venezuelan universities to enhance academic exchange and educational development between the two countries.

The Public Diplomacy Section (PD) of the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg, U.S. Department of State, announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out programs strengthening bilateral ties between the United States and Luxembourg on Accelerating STEM and Climate Ambitions. The U.S. Embassy Luxembourg invites proposals from non-governmental organizations, think tanks, government institutions, academic institutions, and individuals for programs strengthening the bilateral ties between the United States and Luxembourg and Accelerating STEM and Climate Ambitions, including, but not limited to: Programs that raise awareness about space and satellite technology, space exploration, biotechnology, green technology, clean energy, climate change, the climate crisis, or sustainable finance. This could include educational programs for young people, trainings for educators, public debates, exhibits, speakers, etc. Educational programs with a focus on interactive STEM skills, such as computer programming, coding, and robotics, or programs about the importance of protecting the environment, clean air and water and sustainability measures. Projects that share American best practices in STEM and space research, climate change, sustainability, sustainable finance, renewables, environmental protection, or biotechnology by bringing U.S. experts to engage with Luxembourg audiences. All programs must engage Luxembourg audiences. All programs must include a U.S. element or connection with U.S. experts that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Any speaker paid with grant funding must hold U.S. citizenship. Please review the complete NOFO on the Funding Opportunities page on our website: https://lu.usembassy.gov/grants-program/ , or in the related documents tab on the announcement on grants.gov.