Grants for Private institutions of higher education - International Development

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Illinois-based organizations that assist small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs with essential services like business planning, financial analysis, and access to capital, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

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 strengthens the resilience of independent media and advances the protection and inclusion of marginalized populations in Lebanon.

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.

Issue Date: July 24, 2024 Deadline for Questions: August 7, 2024 Closing Date: September 18, 2024 Closing Time: 17:30 GMT (Dakar local time) Subject:: Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: 72068524RFA00014 Program Title:: USAID Protecting Rights and Lives in the Sahel Activity Assistance Listing Number: 98.001 Dear Prospective Applicants: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID or the Agency) is seeking applications for a Leader with Associates Award (LWA) from qualified entities to implement the above-mentioned program outlined in the subject notice of funding opportunity (NOFO). Eligibility for this award is not restricted. USAID intends to make a single award to the applicant that best meets the objectives of this funding opportunity based on the merit review criteria described in this NOFO subject to a risk assessment. Eligible entities interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of activity sought, application submission requirements, and selection process Subject to funding availability, USAID intends to provide up to $50 million in total USAID funding (LWA including any future Associate Awards) to support the USAID Protecting Rights and Lives in the Sahel Activity. The initial Leader Award is anticipated not to exceed $20 million. Associate Awards may not exceed $30 million combined. There will be no initial associate award(s) with the LWA, and there is no guarantee regarding the number or amount of Associate Awards. To be eligible for award, the applicant must provide all information as required in this NOFO and meet eligibility standards in Section C of this NOFO. This notice of funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov and may be amended. It is the responsibility of the applicant to regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this NOFO and to ensure that the NOFO has been received from the internet in its entirety. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion process. If you have difficulty registering on www.grants.gov or accessing the NOFO, please contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or at [email protected] for technical Assistance. USAID may not award to an applicant unless the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifiers and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements detailed in Section D.6.g. The registration process may take many weeks to complete; therefore, applicants are encouraged to begin registration early in the process. Please send any questions to the point(s) of contact identified in Section G below. The deadline for questions is shown above. Responses to questions received prior to the deadline will be furnished to all potential applicants through an amendment to this NOFO posted to www.grants.gov. Issuance of this notice of funding opportunity does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. Government (USG) nor does it commit the USG to pay for any costs incurred in preparation or submission of comments/suggestions or an application. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicants expense. Please note that USAID reserves the right to cancel this process at any time without prior notice. Thank you for your interest in USAID programs. Sincerely,

The U.S. Embassy Kingston Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. The deadline is necessary to provide sufficient time to process and award programs in advance of the end of our fiscal year on September 30, 2024. Project proposals should aim to strengthen ties between the United States and Jamaica by highlighting shared values and promoting bilateral cooperation. Proposals must convey an American element, which supports a priority program area (see below) or includes a connection with American expert(s), organization(s) or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Priority program areas include: • Climate, Environment, and Energy o For example, addressing the climate crisis, responding to natural disasters, conserving nature, water security, sustainable agriculture, reducing harmful pollutants, energy resilience, and renewable energy. • Combating Financial Scamming and Other Criminal Activity o For example, addressing corruption and money laundering, improving police-public relations, appreciation of the law, teaching digital literacy, detecting financial scamming, and promoting behaviors that increase community safety. • Programs for At-Risk Youth o For example, diversion programs to prevent youth violence, educational programs for critical life skills, and parent/family interventions. • Economic Prosperity o For example, business development, closing skills gaps in local communities, human resources, infrastructure, cybersecurity, resource development, and trade. • Global Health o For example, managing contagious and infectious diseases, public health workforce development, and public health policy and management. • Gender Issues o For example, women’s empowerment, improving outcomes for marginalized male youth, addressing gender-based violence, and LGBTQIA+ issues. • Human Rights and Democracy o For example, addressing fundamental human rights, human trafficking, immigration, refugees, governance, the role of civil society, and freedom of the press/media. Additional details on these policy priorities are available at https://www.state.gov/policy-issues/ Target participants/audiences: • Women and/or youth in underserved communities • Business leaders and entrepreneurs • Community leaders and influencers • Academic and/or cultural institutions • Journalists and/or media organizations The following types of projects are not eligible for funding: • Projects relating to partisan political activity • For-profit activities • Charitable or development activities • Construction projects • Projects that support specific religious activities • Fundraising campaigns • Lobbying for specific legislation or projects • Scientific research • Projects that duplicate existing projects Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: Funding authorities applicable are the Smith-Mundt Act and Foreign Assistance Act for FY2024 Public Diplomacy funds.

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan, Cte d'Ivoire, of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement to develop and implement a Public Diplomacy Initiative (PD) national workshop on "Unmasking Misinformation through Gaming," to be held in Abidjan, pending the availability of funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The proposed workshop will focus on introducing existing and aspiring young game developers to the concept of designing games to combat misinformation and equipping them with the technical and narrative skill sets to create compelling interactive experiences. The program should also provide participants with nuanced background knowledge on critical issues related to misinformation that could be highlighted through a gaming medium. Proposals should seek to convene 60-70 skilled gaming industry professionals and game design students for a four-day program comprised of a two-day workshop led by American and local experts on designing games with social messages, followed by a two-day game jam during which participants form teams and conceptualize games that could address pressing misinformation issues in Cte d'Ivoire. Program proposals should also integrate a final pitching competition and budget funding that allows selected games to be developed to completion.

This grant provides funding to organizations that will conduct a regional workshop aimed at empowering young leaders in Southeast Asia to combat cybersecurity threats and online scams.

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 States Bureau of Educational Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces the American Music Mentorship Program (AMMP) open competition for one cooperative agreement to support a mentorship residency for music industry professionals from around the world. AMMP is a two-to-three-week U.S.-based mentorship residency for approximately 20 mid-career music industry professionals (mentees) from three to five countries. AMMP is ECAs Global Music Diplomacy Initiatives (GMDI) mentorship program, first announced by U.S. Secretary of State Blinken in September 2023 in response to the PEACE through Music Diplomacy Act. The program seeks to bolster music ecosystems, which play a vital role in fostering diverse and inclusive societies, championing innovation, protecting free expression, promoting economic opportunity, and contributing to the vitality of a civil society. AMMP is facilitated by a partnership between ECA and a private sector partner. With ECA input, the private sector partner will lead the recruitment and selection process and secure American professionals from its membership to serve as mentors, who will volunteer their time. Mentors will be available four days during the in-person program and meet virtually monthly with the mentees for up to a year following the residency. Mentors will provide behind-the-scenes access, bolster the mentees technical skills and build the foundations for lasting professional networks. Mentees will represent careers that support creative talent and build the music industry infrastructure in their home countries and demonstrate English language proficiency. Mentees will be recruited and selected in cooperation with participating U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Areas of specialization, or professional tracks, will be determined each year between the ECA and the private sector partner in cooperation with the award recipient and in line with needs of the participating countries. Mentees will be paired with mentors in the U.S. music industry who are in the same professional track and who bolster mentees professional skills and build networks. Mentees will travel to the United States for a two-to-three-week residency, which will take place in a site(s) that have a music industry presence and/or access to individual experts, from small/niche companies, independent labels, mid-sized companies, and larger industry businesses. During the residency, mentees work with expert workshop facilitators and mentors to receive state-of-the-art-training and industry access. Mentees will participate in professional workshops, small and full group forums, cross-industry collaborations, site visits, and develop post-program action plans. Program activities will provide opportunities for professional networking, career planning, and skills-building that create a holistic professional experience through a robust exchange of ideas and training by utilizing in-person and virtual approaches. Mentors and mentees will meet virtually monthly for approximately one year to develop mentee career plans and ensure sustainable effects of the program. Some of these sessions may occur prior to the in-person residency, but the majority should take place after the mentees have returned to their home countries. The recipient will coordinate and track the virtual component throughout the course of the year-long mentorship. The recipient must manage complex logistics, meet strict timelines, manage the needs of private sector partners and mentors, and promote the program through media and social media and develop a plan to share progress, status, updates and outcomes of program components with relevant stakeholders. 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 full announcement for additional information.

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.

This grant provides funding to support projects in Zimbabwe that promote democratic governance, economic inclusion, and cultural exchange between the U.S. and Zimbabwe, targeting civil society organizations, educational institutions, and creative communities.

Funding Opportunity Title: 2025 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Funding Opportunity Number: PD-SEOUL-FY24-05 Deadline for Applications: August 12, 2023, 11:59 p.m. GMT+9 CFDA Number: 19.040 Public Diplomacy Programs Total Amount Available: $75,000 This notice is subject to availability of funding. A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION After a successful inaugural program in 2024, U.S. Embassy Seoul is excited to launch the second Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Korea. The U.S. Department of State created AWE to support and empower women entrepreneurs globally. The program provides the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to build, manage, and scale successful businesses a key priority highlighted by both President Biden and President Yoon during the 2023 U.S.-ROK State Visit. Participants will gain skills to maximize their contributions to the Korean economy and facilitate entry into the U.S. market. The selected grantee will facilitate a pre-made curriculum combining online and offline components. The curriculum covers topics including entrepreneurship, business planning, marketing, financial management, and pitching. The grantee will also collaborate with U.S. Embassy Seoul to organize networking activities for participants to build relationships amongst themselves and to expand their networks of Korean and American business leaders. Prior to the program, the grantee organization will receive an AWE training session to familiarize themselves with the program's curriculum. Key Outputs: Recruitment: The grantee, in close collaboration with U.S. Embassy Seoul, will recruit 25 women entrepreneurs who have been running their businesses since inception. Detailed participant selection criteria will be designed in close collaboration with the grantee organization. Program: Training: The first phase of the program will focus on Thunderbird University's three-month-long 100 Million Learners Program, delivered online. During this phase, the grantee organization will maintain regular check-ins with participants to ensure their active engagement. Monthly in-person meetings will be held to facilitate discussion of the material and best practices for adapting these skills to their own businesses. Networking: The grantee organization will organize networking activities. U.S. Embassy Seoul will supplement these activities with invitations for participants to attend related ongoing programs or events. In particular, these networking activities should involve the inaugural 2024 AWE cohort and their mentors, when possible. Events: The program will culminate in a graduation ceremony in Fall 2025. Select, high-performing participants will be invited to attend Select USA in 2025 and/or to become mentees in the Select USA Global Women in Tech program. Monitoring and Evaluation: The grantee organization will conduct ongoing surveys to assess participants' experiences before and after attending the AWE program. These surveys will assess the relevance of the materials to their businesses and reflections on the trainings. 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]

The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam announces an Open Competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support Strengthening Democratic Governance. Applicants can find application forms and other materials needed to apply on GRANTS.gov https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-mandatory-family and/or U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaams website (https://tz.usembassy.gov/) under the announcement title Emerging Generation of Leaders in Democratic Governance funding opportunity number DAR0001 Democratic Governance. Please contact the U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam point of contact listed in Section G if requesting reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Please note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

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 National Park Services (NPS) Underrepresented Communities Grant Program (URC) is intended to diversify listings in the National Register of Historic Places to include communities that are currently underrepresented. URC grants are funded by the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), and are administered by the NPS. Projects include surveys and nominations of historic sites associated with communities underrepresented in the National Register. Every URC grant project MUST result in at least one new or amended nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.

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.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs public diplomacy section (OPA-PD) announces an open competition for a grant through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This program will build media literacy among Palestinian youth and is designed to partner with an organization to implement activities which advance the applicants goals and the OPA-PD mission: to advance a comprehensive and lasting peace through a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the development of a vibrant, representative, and responsive Palestinian civil society, private sector, and governing institutions through substantive engagement with American people, institutions, ideas and ideals in order to improve U.S.-Palestinian relations and create greater opportunities for mutually beneficial partnership and cooperation. With this funding, OPA-PD will support innovative approaches to cultivate critical information consumers who are equipped with the background and strategies necessary to navigate todays highly differentiated media environment. Eligible projects should address the following: (1) media production and issues of credibility (2) media messages and their intended effects (3) issues of representation in media production Through their participation in the training, project participants will be empowered to consciously assess media claims and media producer credibility, evaluate how media influences attitudes and feelings, and engage in fact-based media creation and dissemination. The successful applicant (forthwith implementer) will target audiences, conduct outreach, recruit participants, adapt and implement session curricula (see below), and monitor and evaluate the success of the training. Training workshops will take place at American Spaces in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron and at partner locations in the West Bank approved by OPA. The implementer should work with OPA media literacy program alumni where possible, as well as with established and up-and-coming journalists and include designated measurement and evaluation procedures in their project design so that OPA-PD can assess project effectiveness. There are no specific requirements for format or session structure, though implementers are very strongly encouraged to adapt existing U.S. media literacy curricula such as those published by, for example, the Media Education Lab (mediaeducationlab.com), PBS (pbslearningmedia.org); the Newseum (newseumed.org); Facing History (facinghistory.org); and/or the Office of American Spaces, U.S. Department of State. Methodologically, implementers should utilize technology and state-of-the-art educational methods in conducting interactive and effective sessions. The implementer should engage in these activities strategically and with a clear and concise theory of change in mind. OPA will give special consideration to implementers demonstrating a clear track record of engaging target audiences. Likewise, sustainable project designs seeking to maximize project effects beyond the period of performance are highly appreciated. Priority Region: East Jerusalem and the West Bank Program Objectives: Media Literacy Training The program seeks to equip project participants with the background and strategies necessary to navigate an increasingly complex information environment. After participating in the project, participants will be able to critically reflect and assess: (1) credibility and intentions of a mediums originator (2) themes, codes, and rhetorical strategies in messages and media as well as their effects (3) contentious issues of representation inherent in mass and social media (4) the responsibility of their behavior in the media environment as producers or disseminators of messages Generate Insights and Measure Success OPA expects the project to produce actionable insights on the demographics and attitudinal profiles of participants as well as data about the projects effectiveness. Participants and Audiences: Target audiences include Palestinian youth (ages 16-24) in East Jerusalem and the West Bank including but not limited to: high school students, journalism and communications students, journalists, social media practitioners, online content producers, influencers, and media specialists. Implementer Responsibilities: The implementer will: (1) adapt existing U.S. media literacy curricula for the target audience (see above) (2) identify and recruit guest speakers/trainers (3) develop a final project for program participants (4) recruit participants and coordinate training with OPA American Spaces venues (5) implement and monitor training for multiple cohorts (6) measure and evaluate project effectiveness

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo is seeking a local implementing partner to administratively support a four-day Youth Leadership Summit in close consultation with the Embassy, tentatively scheduled for March 2025. The Summit will bring together Youth Forum members representing U.S. Embassy Colombos American Spaces in Kandy, Jaffna, Matara, Batticaloa and Colombos American Center. Approximately 75 Youth Forum Members from across Sri Lanka will participate in a four-day, in-person workshop of skill-building sessions intended to develop the next generation of Sri Lankan youth leaders. In addition, approximately 25 Youth leaders from the South Asian region (nominated by the U.S. Missions to Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan) may also be invited to participate, pending confirmation of additional funding to support their travel and lodging.