Grants for Private institutions of higher education - International Development

The 2024 SSH Notification of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from the US Embassy in Uganda announces an open competition for registered organizations interested in submitting applications for the Ambassadors Special Self-Help (SSH) Program, which supports small-scale, community-based initiatives that promote self-reliance, foster development, widen civic space and engagement, protect and promote human rights, and promise an immediate and dramatic effect on local communities. Projects tailored to gathering spaces and targeted for vulnerable populations, promotion of gender and equity, civic participation, and the prevention of the negative effects of climate change are of particular interest this year. Entering its sixtieth year of continuous operation, the SSH program is a direct reflection of the U.S. governments commitment to helping Ugandans help themselves. The project must be submitted by an organized group, motivated, who has a real need, and has already worked with communities. The project should be feasible based on the socio-economic context and include the necessary information and documentation indicated on the form. Interested organizations can obtain an application from the Office of Self Help or download it here: Special Self-Help Fund Application (PDF 213 KB). The organization may also send its own drafted project provide that all needed information in the SSH application were answered in their proposal. The applicant should fill the form carefully with special emphasis on the following critical aspects of the proposed project: Objectives, impacts and key activities Implementation strategy Monitoring mechanisms Itemized budget The application should be sent to: Special Self-Help Coordinator U.S. Embassy Kampala Plot 1577 Ggaba Road, P.O. Box 7007 Kampala, Uganda [email protected] ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION C.1 Eligible Applicants The U.S. Embassy Kampala Small Grants Office welcomes applications from all established Uganda-based, non-profit organizations/Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), Community Based Organizations (CBO), and grassroots organizations. The application must be submitted by an organization that is motivated, demonstrates a real need, and has already successfully implemented projects in the community. The project should be feasible and based on the socioeconomic context of the local community. To be eligible for funding, your project must meet the following criteria: Be community-based. Be initiated locally. Be administered at the local level; and Include substantial community participation and contributions in cash, labor, food, accommodation for qualified labor, transportation costs, or materials such as carts of sand or gravel, bricks for construction, fence materials, or water. Organizations that apply for SSH funds must be established and registered as Community Based Organizations (CBO) or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) at the local government level in the communities in which they work. Please provide registration certificate. Help improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community or village level and have long-lived value. Particular attention will be given to projects that focus of enhancing civic engagement, fiscal independence, and reduce the effects of climate change. The projects should be high impact, benefiting the greatest number of people possible. Funding is limited to one project, which must be completed within twelve (12) months or less. Projects must be self-sustaining upon completion. The U.S. Embassys support for the project must be a one-time-only/one grant contribution. Projects must be within the communitys ability to maintain and operate. Requests for large-scale agriculture or construction projects, or for expensive equipment are not considered priority projects. All applicants must display sound management in the form of financial and administrative procedures that protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching Although providing a specific cost sharing, matching, or cost participation amount is not an eligibility requirement for this NOFO, the project proposal must include community participation and contributions in cash, labor, and/or materials as noted above in C.1. The Special Self-Help Program does NOT fund: Requests to buy equipment like vehicles, motorcycles, office equipment, computers, phones, tablets, copiers, and stereos. Salaries or supervision costs for the supervising organization. Contingency estimates also do not qualify. Labor, salaries, operating costs, printing material, fuel, or land. Payment for pesticides and herbicides Proposals that have a purely police, military, or cultural emphasis. Religious projects unless they genuinely assist the whole community without regard to religious affiliation. Personal businesses. Scholarships, donations, start-up money, loans or honorariums. HIV/AIDS projects. Projects that focus on refugees or displaced persons. There are specific U.S. bilateral or multilateral assistance programs designed to address those needs. Projects that the community cannot continue after the SSH funding cycle has ended. Projects that have received prior SSH funds. To remodel or renovate an existing facility that is in disrepair because of neglect or lack of money. Office supplies such as pencils, paper, forms, and folders. Projects that are partially funded by another donor or from the Government of Uganda. Funds cannot be commingled with funds from other donors, international organizations or other U.S. government programs. SSH funds may not be used to buy previously owned equipment, luxury goods, or gambling equipment. Activities that are the responsibility of the government, for example, building hospitals. Activities that could potentially create tension within the community, harm community members, or damage the environment. Sports equipment or uniforms for a national sport team. Musical instruments or uniforms for a national orchestra or dance company. Surveillance equipment. Abortion-related facilities and services. Payments to government officials. Ceremonies, parties, celebrations, or representational expenses. C.4 Other To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) Number or evidence of applying for a UEI. Any selected organization will be required to have a UEI for the grant to be issued. Organizations can register for a UEI at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration . Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations. Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM) (www.sam.gov) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR,1986 Comp., p.189) and 12689 (3 CFR,1989 Comp., p. 235), Debarment and Suspension. Additionally, no entity listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM can participate in any activities under an award. Lastly, applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding. PROJECT EXAMPLES D.1 Elements of successful projects The project is initiated by the community. The project benefits the greatest number of people within the community. The project plan contains pre-established long-term goals and a coherent plan to keep the project running in the future. A capable project manager who is a long-term resident in the community is responsible for the project. The project is assisted by a non-biased umbrella organization, such as a religious mission or a local NGO that provides guidance and arbitration on issues when necessary. There is strong coordination and communication amongst the grant-recipient group, local leaders, and local government representatives. The project makes use of materials and supplies that can be maintained by the community, and the use of materials that will not harm the environment. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION E.1 Address to Request Application Package Applicants can find the required application forms on the U.S. Embassy Kampala website at https://ug.usembassy.gov/embassy/kampala/grant-programs/?_ga=2.158558194.912728234.1709815691-399122090.1698829609 or on www.grants.gov under the announcement title Small Grants Ambassadors Special Self-Help Program, funding opportunity number DOS-KAM-AMBSSH-FY22. E.2 Content and Form of Application Submission Complete applications must include the following: Complete the SSH 2024 application (Annex A) Completed Budget package (Annex B). Includes: Detailed line-item budget. Budget Narrative; and Activity logical framework with project timeline. A copy of the organizations registration certificate, if available. A letter of approval for proposed project from the local development committee, tribal authority, and/or local town or district council. Original pro-forma invoices/quotations from the intended suppliers. Three quotes for each item are required. Download: Detailed NOFO: Ambassadors Special Self-Help Program 2024 Download: Budget Template: SSH 2024 BUDGET Download: Application Form: SSH2024-APPLICATION-FORM All application materials must be submitted in English. Please make a copy of your entire application for your own records. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Africa Time (EAT), on June 4, 2024, and must be made electronically to [email protected]. Please submit the application package in Word and Excel format; do not submit as a PDF. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION F.1 Criteria Only complete applications will be evaluated. The Proposal Review Committee will evaluate proposals according to several criteria, including: quality of project idea and impact on target group; community participation and contribution in the project design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation; project outreach/impact (i.e. cost per beneficiary); feasibility of successful project implementation/impact (over a 1-year grant period); sustainability; and transparent and participatory beneficiary selection process. Organizational capacity and past performance will also be considered. F.2 Review and Selection Process The Small Grants Office strives to ensure each application receives a balanced evaluation by a Review Panel. The Small Grants Office will determine technical eligibility for all applications. Proposals that meet the evaluation criteria and move on to the next level will be informed of next steps in the application process. Non-eligible applicants will be notified that they are not being considered for funding. CONTACT INFORMATION For technical submission questions related to this solicitation, please contact the Small Grants Office at [email protected] or +256 (0)414 306444. Applications and additional guidelines are available at https://ug.usembassy.gov/embassy/kampala/grant-programs/?_ga=2.158558194.912728234.1709815691-399122090.1698829609 OTHER INFORMATION Applicants should be aware that Small Grants Office understands that some information contained in applications may be considered sensitive or proprietary and will make appropriate efforts to protect such information. Issuance of the NOFO and negotiation of applications does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government. The Small Grants Office reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the project evaluation requirements.

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.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in strengthening the rights of workers in the care economy in line with internationally recognized labor standards.

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.

The U.S. Embassy in Cameroon announces an open competition for U.S. based NGOs, or non-profit organization to submit applications to implement the participation of 4 to 5 Cameroonians in a 10-day-in person capacity building international leadership program. The U.S. Embassy Yaounde Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is seeking proposals to design and implement a ten-day program for four to five leaders of trade unions of journalists or media associations. The program should combine field trips and meeting with relevant experts from the government, civil society, academia and the media. Interested U.S. based NGOs or non-profit organizations should submit proposals to [email protected] by September 8, 2024, at 5 p.m., Yaounde time. The brutal assassination of journalist Martinez Zogo in January 2023 served as a reminder of the ongoing challenge of press freedom in Cameroon. Many journalists and media outlets are grappling with a broad range of challenges, including a contracting sector, economic challenges, harassment and threats, and inadequate training. Additionally, trade unions and journalist associations lack resources and ideas to sustain their efforts in defending press freedom of the press in Cameroon. Professional associations are neither very active nor very organized and rarely stand together to defend the profession. Through this project, 4-5 executive members of trade unions or journalist associations would travel to the United States for a maximum of 10 days in Washington and New York, facilitating a greater immersive understanding how associations and trade unions operate in the United States and how they promote and defend press freedom, freedom of expression and protection of journalists. The selected participants will meet with established associations of journalists, trade unions to gain exposure to their function, membership, and objectives. Other possible meetings would include Freedom House, ICJ, FPC, and a meeting at the State Department. The expected outcome is that media associations and trade unions return with greater capacity to organize and generate resources, and to defend press freedom in Cameroon. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Program Objectives: Design a program in the United States for current/rising Cameroonian leaders of media associations or trade union of journalists to engage with American media associations and trade union of journalists. Participants acquire knowledge and skills on the operations and functioning of US media associations and trade unions of journalists. Acquire skills, tools on lobbying activities, funding, crowd-funding etc. Promote networking between Cameroon association of journalists and association of journalists or NGOs promoting free press and press freedom in the United States. Initiate possible collaboration, partnership and networking between U.S. media associations/trade unions and Cameroons journalists associations. Participants and Audiences: The participants will consist of four to five Cameroonian leaders of trade unions of journalists and media associations.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit and educational organizations working to promote U.S. values and cooperation with Sudanese communities through initiatives in areas like women's leadership, peace promotion, and civic engagement.

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.

Purpose of Public Diplomacy Grants: PDS Embassy Dushanbe invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Tajikistan in priority program areas (see below) in order to highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. All proposed programs must include an American element, either through a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institutions/s, usage of American educational/informational resources, or any other activities that promote or contribute to increased mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of Tajikistan. Competitive proposals will promote continued and sustainable cooperation between the people of the United States and Tajikistan even after the project concludes. Competitive proposals will include partnership with Tajik governmental bodies, and to organizations that have a demonstrated track record of implementing such programs. Examples of programs could include, but are not limited to: Academic or professional exchanges, lectures, seminars, trainings, speaker programs, or workshops; and Artistic, cultural, or sports workshops, masterclasses, joint performances, and/or exhibitions. PDS welcomes proposals that support one of the following priority program areas: TOPIC 1: Counter Gender-based Violence (GBV) Domestic violence (DV) and gender-based violence (GBV) remains a serious issue in Tajikistanand much of the world. In a USAID-funded survey in Tajikistan, 97% of men and 60% of women believed spousal abuse was justified. Cases of GBV and DV are underreported because victims wish to avoid humiliation, reprisal, or social stigmatization, or believe it may have been warranted. Further, authorities wishing to promote traditional gender roles frequently dismiss domestic violence as a family matter or only gave a warning or fine. Government resources for survivors are also limited. Project Audience(s) may include: Religiously or socially conservative communities, especially Tajik men (18-50 years old) High school students (14-18 years old.) Youth and emerging leaders (18-35 years old.) University teachers and students. Labor migrants and spouses of labor migrants. Tajik advocacy groups. Government bodies. Independent media including bloggers and vloggers Countering Gender-Based Violence Project Goal: Empower civil society and communities in Tajikistan to prevent and prosecute cases of Domestic Violence (DV) or Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through community-led initiatives. Project Objectives (may address one or more of the following): Messaging campaigns or awareness raising activities, such as sports diplomacy, should engage and target both men and women. Having men as the face of campaigns, or having men speak to men standing against GBV, demonstrates solidarity and emphasizes that eradicating gender-based violence is the collective responsibility of everyone, regardless of gender. Improve collaboration between civil society, independent media, and the government to identify and address gaps in existing laws and policies that criminalize GBV/DV, provide protections for victims, and establish legal frameworks for persecution. Raise awareness among vulnerable populations about laws, rights, and support services concerning early marriage, domestic abuse, harassment, divorce, alimony, and other civil rights. TOPIC 2: Promoting Womens Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Due to the high rate of male labor migration and unemployment, more Tajik women are exploring ways to financially support their households and communities. However, women entrepreneurs' activities are highly dependent on the effectiveness of the business environment in the country. Moreover, the mountainous regions throughout the country challenge the development of entrepreneurship, as does lack of information, limited access to financing for starting a business, and other socio-economic conditions. Nevertheless, successful small business development creates new employment opportunities in Tajikistan and helps women support themselves and their families. Small businesses are fast becoming the main source of income for women in Tajikistan. Proposed projects should enhance womens participation, promotion, and longevity in the Tajik economy and ability to assume leadership positions. Projects should clearly support the protection of economic rights for women and increase respect for womens rights in society to improve their independence and proactive role in Tajik society. Project Audience(s) may include: Women from rural areas (including the spouses of labor migrants) and women entrepreneurs. Small businesses in rural areas. Business associations. Financial and government institutions. Tourism agencies (including guesthouse and small hotels). Community leaders and youth demonstrating leadership potential in these areas. Womens Economic Empowerment Project Goal: Increase the capacity of women from underserved, rural communities, including the spouses of labor migrants, to participate or increase their participation in the Tajik economy. Improve women's economic opportunities in Tajikistan by increasing the capacity of women to start, establish, or expand their own companies. Project Objectives (may address one or more of the following): Develop the business and technical skills of women in rural communities to increase employability, launch and/or improve their own businesses. Establish and conduct activities with a professional network for women from under-represented communities, including the spouses of labor migrants, to support mentorship relationships and collaborative initiatives among network members that go beyond the conclusion of project activities. o Projects could connect womens entrepreneurship in the development of tourism around newly recognized UNESCO heritage sites. o Increase awareness of tourism initiatives and employment opportunities centered around newly designated UNESCO heritage sites. o Projects could seek to increase participation of women from underserved and target communities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Increase womens knowledge and understanding about their legal rights in society and how to advocate for the respect of those rights. o Increase womens knowledge and understanding about their legal rights in the workplace, including rights related to employment, equal pay, job security, and access to economic opportunities. o Equip Tajik women with the ability to advocate for the recognition and enforcement of these rights. Promote womens economic empowerment and entrepreneurship through support from start-up hubs, corporate social responsibility, and/or access to finance. Emphasis should be placed on strengthening chambers of commerce, entrepreneurs, and core private sector industries through interactions or linkages with U.S. counterparts. o Facilitate access to funding resources and financing opportunities for women entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses. o Strengthen organizational capacities of chambers of commerce to support business development of aspiring female entrepreneurs. o Facilitate interactions and linkages between women entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce, startup hubs, and private sector industries in Tajikistan and their U.S. counterparts. TOPIC 3: Sharing America with Tajikistan The United States values innovation, creativity, critical thinking, freedom of expression, democratic principles, economic growth, and security. The United States supports a sovereign and independent Tajikistan, which includes support for a well-informed, discerning public who can inoculate itself against disinformation. Both the United States and Tajikistan have rich cultural traditions as shown in literature and storytelling, theater and performing arts, film, music, dance, sport, and education. Educational, cultural, and other exchange activities are a great way to engage the public, especially at-risk youth and those with neutral views or misconceptions about the United States, in order to bridge our cultures, deepen understanding, and discuss topics of mutual importance. Proposed projects should strengthen understanding between the United States and Tajikistan and advance areas of mutual interest by leveraging the experiences and lessons learned from the United States, while respecting cultural differences. Project Audience(s) may include: Tajik audiences who have not had exposure to the United States before. Youth 16-35. Academia, professors, and teachers. Civil society, non-government organizations, and associations/organizations promoting shared values or areas of mutual interest. Information professionals (media outlets, managers, editors, journalists, influencers). Religious and community leaders. Entrepreneurs and business community advocacy organizations. National and subnational government officials. Project Goal: To share American values, such as freedom of expression, respect for human rights, and celebrate/promote respect for diversity and social inclusion, while also improving access to objective information and increase media literacy and critical thinking skills to analyze mis and disinformation aimed at the United States. Project Objectives (may address one or more of the following): Raise awareness about shared U.S.-Tajik values and partnerships through trainings, workshops, masterclasses, joint performances, or other projects by U.S. and/or Tajik experts. Increase access to American content by Tajik audiences (such as book translations) that promote U.S. democratic and rights-based values. Increase collaboration between local, state, and civil society actors/stakeholders on well-defined social issues affecting both the United States and Tajikistan by sharing U.S. models of government-community engagement, or by working with U.S. experts/peers. Increase the effectiveness of individuals, organizations, and coalitions working to advance and/or advocate for respect and the promotion of human rights. Strengthen the ability of Tajik media professionals to develop accurate and fact-based informational media campaigns through digital skills building and training initiatives based on U.S.-best practices. Increase production and publication of objective, fact-based and editorially diverse media content by Tajik media professionals. Increase critical thinking skills, especially for youth and publics with a neutral or view or misconceptions about the United States, to identify and critically analyze sources of misinformation and disinformation. In addition to the specific requirements listed above by program area, all proposals must: 1. Clearly indicate the primary activity area to which it is being submitted for consideration. 2. Focus on the key public diplomacy audiences and activities specified in the areas, provide programs for underserved geographic regions of Tajikistan, as well as non-elite schools (if applicable); 3. Clearly delineate how elements of their program will have a multiplier effect and be sustainable beyond the life of the grant; 4. Provide a traditional and/or social media plan for marketing program activities and outcome, if applicable 5. Identify the cities/districts in which activities will take place. 6. Identify specific outcomes to be achieved by the end of the grant period. 7. Identify any tools (surveys, beneficiary interviews, focus groups, etc.) that will be developed for Monitoring and Evaluation purposes. Applicants must also demonstrate competency to manage all financial aspects of the project, including participant costs and transparent arrangements of sub-grant relationships with partner organizations, if applicable.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals in promoting cultural and educational exchanges that strengthen connections between the United States and Russia, focusing on media, democracy, collaboration, and English language learning.

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.

The U.S. Embassy Tokyo Public Affairs Section is offering a funding opportunity for programs that strengthen U.S.-Japan cultural ties and promote understanding of U.S. policy, with a total amount available of $400,000 and a maximum award of $100,000 per program, with applications due by September 30, 2024.

This program should identify how the Nigerian interagency prepares crisis response plans, who is involved in that process, and how those plans are tested. CT expects the selected implementer to build the Nigerian interagencys capacity to develop and/or update these crisis response plans through trainings, mentorship, and simulation exercises and assist the Nigerian interagency with developing their own trainings and exercises to maintain those crisis response plans after the program is over. The application should show an emphasis on interagency coordination in the programs theory of change and an explanation of how interagency coordination will be assessed and measured. CT is also interested in how the implementer will facilitate sustainability through preparing the Nigerian interagency to institutionalize crisis response reviews. CT can also assist the selected implementer in coordinating and deconflicting program activities with previous foreign assistance programs that worked on this topic.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in managing travel logistics and honorariums for participants in U.S. Government exchange programs, particularly the Mandela Washington Fellowship, in Mozambique.

The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement under the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) to develop and implement the YSEALI AI FutureMakers Regional Workshop a six-day workshop in Thailand (inclusive of arrival and departure days) on exploring the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving social innovation. Please note that this award is subject to availability of funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Priority Region: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste. Program Objectives: YSEALI (yseali.state.gov) is the U.S. governments signature initiative to engage emerging leaders in Southeast Asia. The program aims to create a network of young Southeast Asian leaders who work across national borders to address common problems. Through a variety of programs and engagements, YSEALI seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the United States and Southeast Asia, and develop a community of leaders addressing regional concerns. YSEALI is open to young leaders ages 18-35 who are both citizens and residents of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries (Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) or Timor-Leste. YSEALI programs focus on four themes (Economic Growth, Sustainable Development, Education, and Civic Engagement) because youth in the region identified them as priorities. YSEALI also organizes annual Regional Workshops across Southeast Asia on strategic topics. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology with profound implications for society, government, the economy, and the environment worldwide. Within ASEAN, governmental, societal, and economic actors are actively engaged in discussing the applications of this technology and the role of regulation, for example in the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics approved at the 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN) on February 2, 2024. Development of AI within Southeast Asia is complicated by the wide variation in economic development and technological capacity between member states, and 2025 is an opportune time to engage the YSEALI community in efforts to leverage AI to foster shared, sustainable, and inclusive growth throughout the Indo-Pacific Region. The YSEALI AI FutureMakers Regional Workshop will convene young people from throughout Southeast Asia to leverage the power of science, technology, and active civil society participation to address critical challenges and expand opportunities in Southeast Asia. The workshop will emphasize the importance of strengthening people-to-people connections, ensuring that technological advancements benefit not just economies, but societies at large, reinforcing the bridge between innovation and human-centric development. Through this workshop, the participants will not only address immediate challenges but will also lay the groundwork for long-term partnerships and collaborations that will drive positive change and development across the region. This workshop will bring together 60 YSEALI members from ASEAN countries and Timor Leste with a keen interest in leveraging technology to address regional and global challenges. It will offer a unique opportunity for YSEALI leaders to delve deeply into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a focus on at least one of the YSEALIs core themes: economic empowerment, civic engagement, education, and environmental sustainability. Participants will engage in comprehensive discussions and hands-on activities aimed at harnessing AI for sustainable change. Within the realm of economic empowerment, the proposal should explore how AI technologies can catalyze socio-economic growth by creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship, enhancing livelihoods, and fostering inclusive economic development. Through case studies and interactive sessions, participants should gain insights into innovative AI-driven business models and strategies that promote equitable access to resources and opportunities. For civic engagement, the proposal should explore how AI can be used to bridge societal gaps and empower marginalized communities. Participants will consider successful AI projects that increase citizen access to information and political participation, while examining the risks of AI perpetuating inequalities that exist within training data and other source material and strategies to mitigate these risks. In the field of education, the proposal should create space for participants to explore how AI can improve access and quality of education, including language learning among Southeast Asias diverse populations; enhanced virtual resources; and/or teacher training in remote or rural communities, along with the ethical challenges of AI generated content and promoting critical thinking skills to detect and resist misinformation. In the context of environmental conservation, the proposal should highlight the potential of AI for monitoring and managing natural resources, protecting wildlife, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Through interactive discussions and fieldwork at AI-driven organizations specializing in environmental conservation, participants should explore cutting-edge technologies and data-driven approaches that support sustainable environmental stewardship and biodiversity preservation. Through a combination of theoretical insights, practical case studies, hands-on activities, and collaborative discussions, the YSEALI AI FutureMakers Regional Workshop should equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to harness the transformative potential of AI for building sustainable, inclusive, and equitable communities throughout Southeast Asia. The proposal should include workshop follow-on activities such as virtual collaborative work, projects funded through small seed grants, and/or ongoing mentorship. The follow-on activity should be included in the monitoring and evaluation plan. The proposal should include a pre and post workshop survey to measure the overall effectiveness of the workshop as well as any changes to the participants knowledge of the workshop topic. Workshop speakers/facilitators/mentors should be citizens of the United States, an ASEAN member country, or Timor-Leste. The workshop should also include a cultural or community service component that promotes ASEAN unity, and the United States as a partner to ASEAN. The recipient is expected to develop syllabus materials and an event program with participant and speaker biographies, as well as design banners, backdrops, and other printed materials. The recipient is expected to design a digital engagement strategy for workshop participants and social media audiences, including live video or live online engagement during the program. No new website specific to the event should be created or launched. Domain hosting and build costs will not be covered. Participants and Audiences: The recipient will coordinate with U.S. Embassy Bangkok and with the U.S. embassies in ASEAN and Timor-Leste to recruit and select the final 60 participants. Participants will be between the ages of 18-35 and a keen interest in leveraging AI technology to address and solve one of the following issues: economic empowerment, civic engagement, education, and environmental sustainability, as well as collaborating with others from diverse backgrounds and building networks for future initiatives. The recruitment process should ensure that the pool of applicants reflect different regions of the country, not just capital cities. All participants must be proficient in written and spoken English. All programs must include participants from all ten ASEAN member countries and Timor-Leste. The workshop will be conducted in English. The recipient will be responsible for arranging and using cooperative agreement funds to cover all elements related to participant and staff travel including international and domestic flights, visas, travel to and from airports, visas, accommodations, per diem, meals during the program, insurance, COVID-19 testing, etc. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: September 2024 to December 2025 Number of awards anticipated: One Award amounts: Award may range from a minimum of $150,000 to a maximum of $250,000. Total available funding: $250,000 Type of Funding: FY24 Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated program start date: September 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement The U.S. Embassy Bangkok will have substantial involvement in the development, content, and schedule of the workshop. In consultation with U.S. Embassy Bangkok, the award recipient must actively engage all relevant U.S. embassies related to the recruitment and selection process as well as communication with the participants. Working closely with U.S. Embassy Bangkok, the recipient of this cooperative agreement shall develop a robust program for the workshop; schedule the event at a mutually agreed upon location; manage the application and selection process through a secure portal; develop the agenda and content for the workshop; recruit speaker(s); manage all travel logistics for participants and speakers; and generate content for social media and other publicity. The recipient is expected to provide all design files, photos and video recorded, as well as a promotion-ready, U.S. Embassy-approved photo album and a video series of the workshop after completion. Regular, transparent communication via email, phone and video conference calls and face-to-face meetings (as appropriate) with the Grants Officer, Grants Officer Representative, and Program Officer throughout the period of performance is critical to the success of this cooperative agreement. All major elements of the program and its content require advance approval by U.S. Embassy Bangkok, including, but not limited to: Choices of dates, venue, accommodations, and menus; Final selection of participants, mentors, and speakers (from the United States, an ASEAN member country, or Timor-Leste); Titles, format, and content of workshop sessions and other program activities; Design and content of all marketing materials, publicity, and media products. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. The workshop must be a minimum of six full days, including travel days. C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply: U.S. public and private educational institutions U.S. not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks Foreign public and private educational institutions Foreign not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks 2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing is not required. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (Data Universal Numbering System/DUNS number from Dun Bradstreet), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations. Individuals are not required to have a unique entity identifier or be registered in SAM.gov. Please refer to ‘related documents’ tab for full application details. If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: [email protected].

This grant provides funding to a U.S. organization to support foreign students from key regions in gaining technical and professional skills through community colleges, enhancing global engagement and economic stability in their home countries.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and individuals to implement projects in Luxembourg that promote shared values like democracy, human rights, and cultural exchange, while incorporating U.S. perspectives and expertise.