Grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - International Development

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy in Panama of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to administer a Panama Exchange Alumni Seminar with a networking reception for former participants of U.S. government-sponsored and U.S. government facilitated people-to-people exchange program alumni (exchange alumni) in Panama. The cooperative agreement includes a micro grants component to help participants take concrete actions as a result of their seminar experiences. Purpose: The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to enhance the U.S. Embassys engagement with exchange alumni in support of U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy objectives. During the course of this award, the award recipient will conduct one seminar on the thematic topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a particular focus on the use of AI to promote equity and inclusion and organize an alumni networking reception to celebrate the impact of exchange alumni in Panama. The award recipient will also manage a competitive small grants program for teams of seminar participants that builds on the seminar theme and empowers seminar participants to be catalysts and force multipliers on the seminar theme within local communities. The U.S. Embassy leads and coordinates efforts to maintain relationships with Panamanian exchange alumni. With over 4,000 exchange alumni in Panama, U.S. Embassy Panama is committed to providing resources to sustain engagement with and tap into the energy, enthusiasm, and expertise of this influential audience; most are established or emerging leaders in their fields of interest. The U.S. Embassy supports alumni programs that are strategic and designed to reinforce U.S. foreign policy objectives.

The overall goal of the project is to expose the disinformation and propaganda surrounding PRCs current policies, and the risk inherent in the reliance on the PRC to deliver financial and commercial engagement opportunities for U.S. partners and allies. Ultimately, this project will provide constructive evidence to policymakers, business leaders, as well as concerned civil society and academics through fact-based, analytical case studies and through focused international engagement.

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)

The U.S. Department of State announces an Open Competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support understanding and raising awareness of the Peoples Republic of Chinas sub-national diplomacy in Europe.

Please see attached Funding Opportunity for details and application information. This notice is subject to availability of funds. PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONThe U.S. Embassy Gaborone of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program which will create a country-wide polling exercise and a comprehensive traditional and social media baseline survey, allowing for better insight into current issues related to the 2024 election process throughout Botswana. Program Objectives: This project will assess Botswanas political participation by addressing the lack of political polling and a media baseline survey. The project will carry out a series of polls throughout Botswana, allowing access to much-needed data on some of the major concerns affecting the election process including youth apathy, the lack of women in government positions, as well as gain insight into how the influence of foreign entities in traditional and social media has influenced voters opinions. The proposed project includes the following activities: Develop and execute a substantial polling initiative to take place in Botswanas largest youth population areas, including Gaborone, Maun, Francistown, Kasane, Palapye, Mahalapye, Serowe, Lobatse, Goodhope, Ghanzi, Jwaneng, Tsabong and Nata leading up to Botswanas national election in October 2024. Conduct a methodologically sound media baseline survey (inclusive of digital and social media) involving Batswana around the country representing different ages, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Provide a media baseline survey report on Batswana media consumption habits (inclusive of digital and social media), and which media outlets are the most influential to various demographics in various areas of the country. Publish a report at the conclusion of the grant outlining the work done to fulfill these objectives and provide statistical feedback on Batswanas views on issues of national importance that the Embassy has identified ahead of time.

The U.S. Embassy Algiers Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to create a regional network of journalists trained in identifying and combatting mis- and dis-information. Please follow all instructions below. Priority Region:Algeria Tunisia Libya Program Objectives: Establish a Regional Network of Journalists. For example: Create a collaborative network of journalists across the region to share best practices, resources, and strategies for identifying and combatting mis- and dis-information. Provide Specialized Training. For example: Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs focused on the skills and techniques necessary to identify, verify, and counteract mis- and dis-information. Ensure training includes modules on digital literacy, fact-checking, investigative journalism, and the use of technology in tracking information sources. Enhance Collaboration and Information Sharing. For example: Facilitate meetings, workshops, and conferences to promote collaboration and information sharing among network members. Establish appropriate mechanisms for continuous communication and resource sharing among journalists in the network. Promote Public Awareness and Education. For example: Implement public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the dangers of mis- and dis-information and how to identify credible sources of information. Engage with local communities through town halls, social media, and other outreach activities to foster a more informed and vigilant public. Monitor and Evaluate Program Impact. For example: Assess the effectiveness of the training programs and the overall impact of the network. Conduct regular assessments and adjust strategies as needed to ensure the program meets its objectives and addresses emerging challenges in the information landscape. Sustain the Network. For example: Encourage the development of local chapters within the network to ensure long-term sustainability and regional relevance. Participants and Audiences: Primary audiences: Journalists and media professionals who are actively engaged in reporting and news dissemination. Media organizations and news agencies that can support and amplify the program’s efforts. Secondary audiences: Journalism students and educators who can integrate the training into their curricula. Fact-checkers and digital literacy advocates who focus on combating mis- and dis-information. Community leaders and influencers who can help raise public awareness and education on the issue. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 18 to 24 Months Number of awards anticipated: 1 award Award amounts: maximum of $500,000 Total available funding: $500,000 Type of Funding: Smith-Mundt FY2024 Public Diplomacy funding Anticipated program start date: Fall 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant or cooperative agreement. If cooperative agreement, the U.S. Embassies Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya will have substantial involvement in reviewing the participants and/or activities that are part of the program. Program Performance Period: The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION Eligible Applicants The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from U.S., Algeria, or other country for projects that have any significant bonds with the priority programs areas. Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience. Non-profit or governmental educational institutions Social enterprises: public or private. Press and media: Including public and private traditional media outlets. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing is not required. Other Eligibility Requirements Applicants should submit authorization from appropriate local authorities to receive funding from the U.S. Embassy in the countries where the authorization is mandatory. In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications. Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. Please note that as of November 2022 and February 2022 respectively, organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code or CAGE code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove a CAGE or NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (incident) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain a CAGE or NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION Address to Request Application Package Application forms required below are available at https://dz.usembassy.gov/funding-opportunities_2024/ Content and Form of Application Submission Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Please ensure: All documents are in English All budgets are in U.S. dollars All pages are numbered All documents are formatted to 8 x 11 paper, and All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. The following documents are required: Mandatory application forms SF-424(Application for Federal Assistance organizations),InstructionsorSF-424-I,Instructions SF424A(Budget Information for Non-Construction programs),Instructions SF424B(Assurances for Non-Construction programs),Instructions Summary Page Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. Proposal (10 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it should include the items below. Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact. Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies. Problem Statement: Clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed. Program Goals and Objectives: The goals describe what the program is intended to achieve. The objectives refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate. Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. Key Personnel:Names, titles, roles, and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees. Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? Future Funding or SustainabilityApplicants plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See sectionH. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissionsbelow for further information. Attachments: 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file. Official permission letters, if required for program activities in each country. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than August 11, 2024. Other Submission Requirements Applications may be submitted electronically through www.Grants.gov or by email to [email protected].

The U.S. Embassy Dushanbe, Tajikistan announces an open competition opportunity to implement the English Without Borders (EWB) project in Tajikistan. The EWB project has a number of components and objectives highlighted in this funding opportunity to support English teachers through (1) providing professional development and peer- to- peer engagement and networking; (2) equipping secondary school teachers with modern teaching methodologies, and (3) utilizing the newly designed and published English textbooks. The implementer must be a legally recognized non-governmental organization, that meets U.S. and Tajikistan technical and legal requirements to develop and implement Public Diplomacy Programs as specified in Section C. Background: English Without Borders (EWB) is a project funded by the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan and implemented since 2021, providing support to English teachers across all regions in Tajikistan. The current EWB project will conclude December 2024; this year PDS seeks to consolidate some English Language Programs under one umbrellanamely continuing EWB networking-type activities, but also providing more targeted support for secondary school (high school) English teachers to use modern teaching methods as well as the new English language textbook. EWB unites English language teachers and students at all levels, supporting them through peer-to-peer networking, the development of pedagogical materials, online and in-person training sessions, and train-the-trainer programs. These online and in-person activities develop teachers capacity to employ modern, student-centric methodologies and design supplementary materials. The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe has an ambitious slate of English language projects, many in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science. These efforts support Tajikistans strategy on improving English language learning by 2030 and President Rahmons 2024 statement on learning foreign languages, including English. While the number of students interested in learning English is on the rise, the number of teachers qualified and prepared to teach them is not. This is due to the relatively sudden increase in the number of classes offered, the relatively recent emergence of English as a foreign language -- resulting in few professional teachers with a specialization in English -- and an insufficient number of English teachers. U.S. Embassy English language programs range from secondary school teacher training programs and providing English language textbooks to English Access Scholarship programs and supporting universities with English Resource Centers and English Language Fellows. In its new iteration, EWB should continue to complement and expand their collaboration with other PDS-funded projects and their participants. Due to the demand for the U.S. Embassy Dushanbes English language programs, the EWB network should continue to utilize its platforms to reach teachers across the country. EWB should continue to expand its partnership with other governmental, non-governmental, private, and international organizations to support a sustainable network for English teachers and students and provide access to learning resources, including collaboration with TESOL International Association, the English-Speaking Nation Project in Uzbekistan, and English Teachers Associations in Dushanbe and across Central Asia. The expected date range for implementation of project is December 1, 2024, to December 1, 2026. Please follow the instructions below for the application. Project Goal: Develop a network of English language educators and educational institutions across Tajikistan to deliver high-quality and effective English language instruction. Project Audience(s): Direct Audience Approximately 4,000 secondary school English teachers of Tajikistan Teachers at higher education institutions teaching in English (English language and other subjects) Tajikistan English Teachers Association members USG English-language program alumni (Fulbright TEA, FLTA, ETM, OPEN online course, SUSI, Access Scholarship programs) Institute of Professional Development members EWB members Project Objectives: Objectives: Objective 1: Increase participation of English language educators from educational institutions, particularly secondary schools, in rural areas of the DRS, Gorno-Badakhshan, Khatlon, and Sughd regions by 10% each year. Objective 2: Increase the ability of secondary school teachers from rural areas (DRS, Gorno Badakhshan, Khatlon, Sughd regions) to use modern teaching methods with the new English language textbook through comprehensive training conducted by EWB regional trainers and mini grants. Objective 3: Increase the number of EWB initiatives implemented at schools, universities and institutions, and local communities in urban and rural areas through .... Objective 4: Increase knowledge sharing between USG English language program alumni and non-alumni English language educators through mentorship programs. Objective 5: Strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing practices between English teacher associations and English teacher networks in Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Objective 6: Identify avenues for collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sciences Institute of Professional Development (IPD), such as joint research, curriculum, or teacher training programs. Activities: Hold an annual leadership development program to support proactive English teachers in the regions to take on new initiatives and cooperate with the EWB regional representatives in promoting EWB activities at schools and in local communities. Create a team of EWB leaders/ambassadors in each of the four regions to hold weekly professional development and capacity building events and organize annual regional meetings. Strengthen the community of USG English language alumni in the regions (Fulbright TEA, FLTA, ETM, OPEN online course, SUSI, FLEX, Access Scholarship programs) and develop mentorship programs in each region to engage the alumni in different EWB activities and events, and to act as mentors to other (non-alumni) English teachers. Sustain dynamic work and explore new avenues for collaboration with the Institute of Professional Development (IPD) under the Ministry of Education and Science. Strengthen and expand upon our partnership with English teacher associations and English teachers networks in Central Asian countries through national and international online collaborative events and activities. Train teachers to use the new English language textbooks, for example through the EWB regional trainers activities and EWB mini grant.

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy Hanoi of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement to develop and implement a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Regional Workshop on Digital Policy and Emerging Technologies A Catalyst for Inclusive Economic Growth pending the availability of funding.

The U.S. Embassy Namibia, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to focus on Media Literacy and Counter Disinformation activities. PDS Windhoek invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Namibia through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or 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. The objective of this specific funding opportunity is to improve media literacy, reduce vulnerability to misinformation and disinformation, and/or raise awareness about the importance of media literacy and fact-checking. Proposed projects will work with an audience aged 18 to 50. Examples of activities in potentially successful proposals include, but are not limited to: Training Namibian journalists, media professionals, and journalism students on fact-checking and verification of credible sources and/or the identification of disinformation and misinformation. Conducting trainings for Namibian professionals in any relevant field that focus on media literacy and community leadership in checking the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Hosting events or trainings that promote the development of innovative technologies or solutions to strengthening media literacy and/or unmasking misinformation/disinformation (e.g., a media literacy hackathon or coding event to develop tools that support easy fact-checking or the identification of disinformation and misinformation).

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]

The U.S. Embassy to Angola and Sao Tome e Principe in Luanda is pleased to announce the availability of an open competition funding opportunity to carry out a project to empower lawyers, legal professionals, and human rights defenders to advocate for access to justice for vulnerable populations and provide adequate defense in cases of human rights violations, particularly in cases related to freedom of speech and assembly and arbitrary detention of human rights defenders. The project aims to create a unified vision for the legal defense of human rights in Angola. While the law states that all detainees have a right to legal counsel, either chosen by them or appointed by the government on a pro bono basis, legal professionals report that there are an insufficient number of lawyers to handle the volume of criminal cases. This situation is exacerbated for vulnerable populations (women, youth, underrepresented ethnic groups), detainees outside of Luanda, and cases involving sensitive human rights issues. This project should complement and build upon prior and ongoing work in these areas by international organizations, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), but ideally would seek to meet challenges not currently being addressed by other projects.

PD Ethiopia invites proposals for initiatives that will strengthen the capacity of Ethiopias ten leading universities to transition their governance structures to operate with greater independence from Ministry of Education (MOE) oversight, as defined in University Autonomy Proclamation No. 1294/2023. The program activities should be designed with the ultimate goal of helping these universities to improve the quality of education, enhance academic freedom, and strengthen relations with U.S. universities. All programs must include an American educational element or connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies, values, and perspectives.Specifically, the proposed initiatives should build upon the success of PDs interventions to date, which have aided Ethiopias flagship research university Addis Ababa University (AAU) - to implement key framework policy documents necessary for its autonomous governance through consultations with U.S. and Ethiopian university experts. Through these prior interventions, AAU has developed its key framework policy documents for its strategic plan, senate legislation, student admissions, internationalization, endowment, and resource mobilization. PDs prior interventions have also included intensive engagements with the next nine leading universities on accreditation and internationalization.The proposed initiatives should provide technical assistance to AAU and the next nine leading public universities via consultations and partnerships with U.S. universities and technical experts.This technical assistance will help the ten Ethiopian universities develop their own key framework policy documents and build their institutional capacity to implement governance reform in key aspects of university administration including student admissions, research administration, faculty development, alumni engagement, internationalization, accreditation of key programs, and financial administration in advance of their 2025 deadline to successfully transition to autonomous governance.

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 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.

The U.S. Department of State through Embassy Bridgetown announces an open competition for a project to strengthen independent medias ability to increase access to objective and quality information in the Eastern Caribbean. Media outlets across the Caribbean face challenges including declining revenue sources and expensive operating environments. These challenges are compounded by the fact that many outlets have been traditionally under resourced. Media enterprises are suffering loss of advertising revenue and other funding streams. Many media houses also have gaps in adapting to the financial and editorial challenges of the current age and may lack fully developed business plans, leaving the outlets open to potential malign influence or interference efforts. Outlets also lack up-to-date equipment, computers, and software, hampering their ability to produce high-quality and timely content. Further, many operate under austere conditions and struggle to produce enough original, local content, exacerbating their vulnerability to disinformation, propaganda, and co-optation. Assistance is needed to ensure that journalists, outlets, and other media-related institutions have access to the training, networks, content, and equipment they need to resist false narratives and maintain a free and diverse media ecosystem. Embassy Bridgetown and partners seek to build the capacity of Eastern Caribbean media outlets using a third-party implementer. The implementer will scope its approach based on the following lines of efforts: Training and capacity building: training to include but not limited to: methods to increase content production on a wide range of stories, how to expand reach and advertising revenue, how to develop sustainable business models and plans, fact checking and other core journalistic skills, identifying and countering disinformation, and better educating the general public on how to spot disinformation. A training centered around World Press Freedom Day and multimedia training will be built into the program deliverables. Mentorship and network building: mentorship on journalism and media production skills building and financial/business practices. Network building to support joint reporting and fact-checking, and to create a sustainable community of practice that can share best practices beyond the life of this project. Content provision: providing Caribbean media outlets with access to wire service licenses to enable them to run high-quality, independent, third-party content (Associated Press in English, for instance). Content provision may draw on collaboration with other international wire services to offer an aggregated package to local media partners that they could pull from to disseminate themselves. Supplies: providing up-to-date media equipment, computers, and software on an objectively assessed needs basis to support independent, locally developed news content. Embassy Bridgetown seeks proposals that will provide financial and technical assistance to small and medium-sized media outlets to strengthen their ability to safely produce and disseminate accurate information to audiences in the Eastern Caribbean. The goal of this project is to support the independence of regional journalists and media outlets to increase access to information within the domestic and regional media ecosystems.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Algiers Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a cooperative agreement to build civil society capacity through microgrants. Please follow all instructions below. Program Objectives: PAS Algiers invites proposals for a program that will strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Algeria through administering a small grants competition that builds civil society capacity and highlights shared bilateral values. All programs should include an American cultural element, or 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: Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs; Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; Priority Participants and Audiences: Algerian youth, particularly those from minority groups or underserved areas. Civil society organizations and individuals, influencers, and bloggers. Algerian creators, particularly those from minority groups or underserved areas and/or those who work on building civil society or climate friendly/sustainable projects.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; or Programs that duplicate existing programs.Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: Smith-Mundt FY2024 Public Diplomacy funding B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 12 to 18 months Number of awards anticipated: 1-2 Award amounts: from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $100,000 Total available funding: $100,000 Type of Funding: Fiscal year 2024 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy funding Anticipated start date: After October 1st, 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement the U.S. Embassy will have substantial involvement in the activities undertaken through this program. The Embassy will closely work with the grantee to provide suggestions on the program and validate steps, key actors, places and subgrantees. The embassy can also propose the schedule and review financial management or make any decision about the program and its execution. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 18 months or less. The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION1. Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply: Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience. Non-profit or governmental educational institutions Governmental institutions Social enterprises: public or private. Entities specialized in the project fields. The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from U.S.A. and Algeria and any other country for projects that would have any significant bonds with the priority programs areas. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

Funding Opportunity Title: 2025 Young Trilateral Leaders Network (YTL) Regional Workshops on Critical and Emerging Technologies Funding Opportunity Number: PD-SEOUL-FY24-04 Deadline for Applications: Wednesday, July 31, 11:59 p.m. GMT+9 CFDA Number: 19.040 Public Diplomacy Programs Total Amount Available: $120,000 This notice is subject to availability of funding. A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Introduction: The Public Diplomacy Sections (PD) of U.S. Embassy Seoul and U.S. Embassy Tokyo of the U.S. Department of State are pleased to announce a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for a series of regional workshops and accompanying virtual engagements on critical and emerging technologies to be run under a Cooperative Agreement as part of the 2025 Young Trilateral Leaders Network (YTL) program. YTL is a new initiative based on the outcomes of the 2023 Camp David Trilateral Leaders Summit and 2024 U.S.-ROK-Japan Trilateral Global Leadership Youth Summit that seeks to include youth aged 20-35 in meaningful dialogue about the shared opportunities and challenges facing the United States, Republic of Korea, and Japan. The inaugural YTL programmatic year will focus on a series of regional workshops that encourage Korean and Japanese youth to collaborate with -- and learn from -- American peer experts on issues related critical and emerging technologies. Workshops should explore how youth living in the ROK, Japan, and U.S. can leverage new technologies to tackle the most challenging issues facing the Indo-Pacific region today. Potential programmatic topic areas could include: AIs impact on democratic institutions and education systems Quantum computing Social media mis/disinformation Young womens participation and success in STEM fields Semiconductors Games and immersive technologies as collaborative spaces Next generation clean energy technology Leveraging new technologies to encourage youth civic participation Space exploration Based on their organizational expertise, applicants may also propose other critical and emerging technology topics that are not listed here. Please refer to the White Houses Critical and Emerging Technologies List for more detailed information. Target Audience: Korean and Japanese college students and young professionals aged 20-35 from diverse backgrounds who work, study or have a demonstrated interest in critical emerging technologies, speak fluent English, and are interested in trilateral collaboration. The total number of participants should be adjusted based on the available budget. Participants should reflect the United States governments commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility Location: Workshops must take place in both the Republic of Korea and Japan. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit proposals that include most of their programming outside of the Seoul and Tokyo metropolitan areas. Virtual components should supplement in-person activities. Timeline: Successful proposals should include a series of focused programs on topics of interest that will take place starting throughout 2025. Alumni Engagement: Proposals must explain how the inaugural program year will build a tight-knit network of program alumni and should include a robust and realistic alumni engagement plan. Monitoring and Evaluation (M): Proposals must include a substantive monitoring and evaluation plan that sets clear goals and metrics to be tracked throughout the project. In addition, M plans should include data collection (via focus groups, surveys, etc.) of participant populations to capture their feedback on the program and opinions on broader trilateral cooperation. Misc: Proposals must include an American element or connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions. Proposals may include requests for international travel and related costs of experts, speakers, and key individuals in support of broader activities. Given the nature of trilateral programs, programs should be conducted in English or if the target population lacks English fluency, must include interpretation. Programs whose exclusive goal is teaching English will not be considered. 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]

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Kigali Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to organize and implement the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program, which will include facilitating a course on Global Entrepreneurship Sustainable Business and planning and hosting a regional AWE conference. Please follow all instructions below. Program Objectives: The first program element is to facilitate the traditional DreamBuilder program, which brings together a cohort of 30 women who meet online and in-person to learn core business skills such as strategic planning, marketing, and finance, then discuss the material with local facilitators, business leaders, and U.S. exchange alumni mentors. The DreamBuilder program should run for a period of six months, one facilitation session per week for 13 weeks, followed by three months of mentoring. The content for the training is offered at no-cost through the DreamBuilder online platform. The second program element is facilitating a course that is part of the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative, which will seek 15 participants whos businesses are at more advanced level. The course should run for six months using the curriculum of the Global Entrepreneurship Sustainable Business course. The third program element is organizing and hosting an AWE conference in Rwanda, designed to be a full two-day program targeting 80 AWE alumnae. The program will have the following objectives: Objective 1 Ensure that more women have the skills, capabilities, and resources to fully participate in the economy. Objective 2 Promote women's social and economic empowerment. Objective 3 Continue to build on past AWE cohorts to strengthen the entrepreneurial eco-system in Rwanda for women. Participants and Audiences: For the DreamBuilder program, selection criteria will be based on having a small business or business idea. The target audience will be 30 women aged 25-45 who are starting businesses or have just started one and want to learn how to grow it. For the Global Entrepreneurship Sustainable Business course, participant selection criteria should be based on type of business, maturity of business, and education level of applicants. This course targets women aged 25 to 45 who have strong computer and internet skills. A bachelors degree is required. For the conference, selection criteria should be based on graduation from an AWE program, include a mix of participants from prior AWE cohorts, and have the availability to participant for two full days.

The Global Engagement Center seeks to support a third-party implementer to conduct a three-phase project to mitigate foreign influence efforts in Indonesia. The project implementer is expected to share findings through a publicly available report, partnered media reporting, and a series of briefings that integrate findings and propose actionable recommendations, with translation of published materials and public events into Indonesian.

U.S. Embassy Mexico City of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to promote workforce development in the printed circuit board (PCB) industry through curriculum development for PCB focused courses at secondary and tertiary educational levels, certificate programs, vocational instruction, dual education, technical English language skills building, and full or partial support for internships in Taiwanese PCB manufacturing firms either in Taiwan or Mexico.