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

Purpose of Award: U.S. Mission Poland invites proposals from potential partners in Poland to develop projects to build a network of Polish educators, potentially including secondary school teachers, school administrators, public education officials, and museum and cultural institution staff, and to provide continued activities to empower those individuals as they enhance Holocaust and human rights education programs at their home institutions. This project would be announced in connection with U.S. remembrance of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the end of WWII. Priority Program Area: Accurate education about the history of the Holocaust, teaching the Holocaust and human rights in context, countering antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, and other forms of Holocaust memorialization or remembrance. Participants and Audiences: Proposals should describe both the primary and secondary audiences for the program, including anticipated numbers to be reached. Primary audiences are those who will participate directly in the program, while secondary audiences are those who will be reached by the projects primary audiences as a result of their participation. (For example, a workshop for educators would have teachers as the primary audience and the students in their classrooms as the secondary audience benefiting from the teachers professional development.) All project participants in (the primary audience for) the activities must be citizens or residents of Poland living and working in Poland, potentially including, but not limited to, secondary school teachers, school administrators, ministry of education officials, and public historians who work in museums and cultural institutions supporting secondary school or tertiary history education in their communities. The following types ofprograms are not eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; Legal services and direct physical and mental health services provided to individuals (legal guidance and/or psychological, social or emotional development activities offered in a group setting may be supported by the grant); Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; Academic or scientific research (note that curriculum development is an eligible activity); Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; and Individual travel to attend a conference and/or courses at any educational institution. This funding opportunity aims to support specific projects with objectives that can be achieved within a set timeframe. We will not accept applications that are aimed more broadly at supporting your organizations usual or typical daily activities and operations. Those will be deemedtechnically ineligibleand will not be considered for funding by the review committee.

The Office of Academic Exchange Programs (ECA/A/E), Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement to assist in the administration of the FY 2025 Fulbright Student Program. The Fulbright Student Program is a major component of the worldwide Fulbright Program, which also includes the Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright Specialist Programs, as well as the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program. For over 75 years, the Fulbright Student Program has offered awards for college and university graduates to engage in degree study, to teach, and to conduct research abroad and in the United States. The hallmark of the Fulbright Student Program is the selection of all participants through open and transparent merit-based competition. Tens of thousands of U.S. and foreign students have participated in these academic exchanges since the Fulbright Program's inception in 1946. The Fulbright Student Program sends approximately 1,908 U.S. students and early career professionals abroad annually to conduct independent research, serve as teaching assistants and cultural resources in English classrooms, and pursue academic studies at overseas institutions. Reciprocally, the program brings approximately 2,150 foreign participants from approximately 160 countries to the United States for similar activities hosted primarily by U.S. colleges and universities. Responsibility for the management of the Fulbright Student Program is shared between the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC, 49 bilateral Fulbright commissions, approximately 100 U.S. embassies overseas, and private sector cooperating agencies in the United States. Overall policies and selection guidelines for the Fulbright Student Program are determined by the presidentially appointed J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB). The organization(s) awarded a cooperative agreement under this competition will be responsible for placement, monitoring, organization of enrichment activities for program participants, disbursement of funds, and records management for the FY 2025 cohort of U.S. students and foreign students as well as the program promotion and recruitment and selection of the FY 2026 cohort of U.S. and foreign students. This work will be supervised by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a project that strengthens the resilience of independent media and advances the protection and inclusion of marginalized populations in Lebanon.

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.

The Office of English Language Programs (ECA/A/L) of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for the FY 2024 Online Professional English Network (OPEN) Program, which offers foreign English teaching professionals and language learners the opportunity for professional development through high-quality, accessible, and openly licensed virtual resources, including online English language teacher development courses, online English language learning courses, virtual exchanges, webinars, an alumni community of practice (CoP), multiple social media channels, and other types of engaging and innovative online learning. In cooperation with ECA/A/L, the award recipient will manage the selection, development, and delivery of appropriate online TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) learning courses which will be offered to English language educators or learners on an easily accessible online learning management system (LMS). Courses, webinars, and other virtual programming may be offered globally, regionally, or to specific countries at the request of U.S. embassies. Courses and exchanges are developed by U.S. academic institutions, educational NGOs, or TESOL professional associations, while webinars and other social media programming are developed by U.S.-based TESOL professionals. All content produced for this program should be accessible according to Section 508 compliance standards, openly licensed with a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) License, and follow best practices for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). ECA/A/L anticipates an unlimited number of English language professionals, educators, and learners will benefit from the openly licensed virtual programming, webinars, massive open online courses (MOOCs), and content developed under this award. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code, Section 26 U.S.C 501 (c) (3) may submit proposals to administer and manage the FY 2024 OPEN Program. It is ECA/A/Ls intent to award one cooperative agreement in the amount of $6,000,000, pending the availability of FY 2024 funds, to an applicant that has the ability to achieve these objectives and provide the necessary infrastructure and experience. ECA/A/L reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets and participant numbers in accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The Global Leaders Division in the Office of Citizen Exchanges at the U.S. Department of States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposal submissions to design, administer, and implement the FY 2024 Arctic Indigenous Exchange Program (AIEP). This new initiative will bring together approximately 50 Indigenous leaders, including business development professionals, government officials, and entrepreneurs from Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark (Greenland), and the United States (Alaska), for a multi-phase exchange program to explore areas of regional cooperation across the Arctic. The goal of this program is to strengthen people-to-people relationships, advance cooperation, and foster greater commercial and cultural ties between Arctic Indigenous populations in the United States, Canada, and Greenland across a range of priority areas. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to provide a series of exchange projects ranging in size and scope, focused on critical topics to Arctic Indigenous communities in Greenland, Canada, and the United States (specifically Alaska), including sustainable economic development, climate and the environment, and health and well-being. It is anticipated that this cooperative agreement will support approximately three to six distinct exchange projects for approximately 50 participants, including approximately 35 foreign and 15 U.S. participants. Exchange activities may include, but are not limited to, regional workshops, summits, and alumni activities, as appropriate in any of the three participating countries.For additional details please see the full announcement.

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

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an FY 2024 open competition for three distinct regional Youth Ambassadors programs (previously called Youth Leadership Programs) with select countries in East Asia and Pacific (EAP), Europe and Eurasia (EUR), and the Middle East and North Africa (NEA). U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to provide participants with four-week exchanges in the United States focused on the primary themes of civic education, leadership development, respect for diversity, and community engagement and to support the implementation of service projects in their home communities. The EAP and NEA programs also will engage approximately 3-5 adult mentors in programming alongside youth participants. Competitively selected U.S. secondary students will join participants in U.S.-based activities on the NEA exchanges. Only one proposal per region will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission per region from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review for the region from that applicant. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The U.S. Embassy Banjul Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: PDS in Banjul, The Gambia invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and The Gambia; 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.

SUMMARY: The U.S. Embassyin the PhilippinesPublic Affairs Section (PASPhilippines) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce thatwe are considering proposals for the operational and program development workforthe 2024 American Spaces Philippines Conference. Our funding goals, strategic themes, and processes for submitting grant proposals are all outlined in this notice. Please read carefully and follow all instructions. This notice is subject to the availability of funding. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION PAS Philippines invites individuals, non-profit organizations, and non-government organizations to submit proposals to implement the 2024 American Spaces Philippines Conference. The event is a three-day conference with representatives from American Spaces partner institutions. The intent of this program is to bring together university leaders and American Corner staff members from across the country for a strategic planning session, networking, and capacity-building activities. The Grantee will support the Embassy by fulfilling the logistical, travel, and administrative needs of the conference, as well as providing constructive inputs on the program of the conference. The budget should not be more than $40,000 in total. The successful Grantee must have demonstrable experience in conference management (minimum size of 40 participants), events planning, and high-level customer relations. Grantee must also demonstrate their ability to responsibly manage funds, coordinate logistics, and execute the program plan within the expected timeline. Examples of activities include, but are not limited to: Programming Develop 3 learning sessions that will build the skills of the participants in the areas of project designing, partnership building, and program management. Organize a small exhibit in the venue featuring the projects of the participants Organize a team-building activity for the participants Events Planning Scout and book a conference venue within Luzon, Visayas, or the City of Davao that is accessible to the airport, and major transportation hubs. Coordinate with a hotel for the reservations of all participants, including the processing of required down payments. Prepare financial reports and liquidations of project expenses, including hotel, equipment, food and beverage suppliers, and any relevant subcontractors. Coordinate and arrange a full-board meal for organizers and participants including the accommodation of those with special diets (halal, vegetarian, etc). Arrange overall logistics and ensuring the availability of high-speed wifi, computers, high-resolution web cams, and microphones to accommodate hybrid sessions Organize the plenary hall, any breakout rooms and prepare necessary workshop materials Design, and produce conference kits, and marketing materials such as pull-up banners, event shirts, tokens, tote bags etc. Travel Arrangements Coordinate and book flight itineraries with varying origin destinations. Arrange and book all airport transfer services for participants. Issue plane tickets, room reservations and airport transfer service to each participant. Arrange land transportation for participants as necessary. Organize and pay the travel allowance of the participants. PRIORITY PROGRAM AREAS The program should empower American Spaces partners to increase knowledge on the following priority program areas: Girls/Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Entrepreneurship Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Peace Education Democracy and Human Rights Climate Change and Environmental Protection Participants and Audiences: Target audiences include university presidents from American Spaces-hosting institutions, and library directors and staff. Please note that the following types of programs are NOT eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; Charitable, humanitarian, or development activities; Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns or programs charging a fee for participation; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; Scientific research; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of an organization; or Programs that duplicate existing programs; Activities that take place in the United States and its territories; Programs with alcohol, excessive meals, refreshments, or entertainment; and Individual scholarships.

CSO announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for programs that support increasing the capacity of a cohort of civil servants within the Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG) to identify priorities for the development of inclusive stabilization plans.

The Educational Information and Resources Branch (EducationUSA Branch or ECA/A/S/A) in the Office of Global Educational Programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces a NOFO for up to three cooperative agreements to administer FY 2025 EducationUSA Advising Services, pending the availability of FY 2025 funds. EducationUSA is the U.S. Department of States global network of over 430 educational advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories. EducationUSA advisers provide accurate, comprehensive, and current information about the full range of U.S. higher education opportunities, guiding prospective students to find the institution that best fits their needs. In addition, the EducationUSA network assists accredited HEIs to help institutional leaders meet their campus internationalization goals, including strategic guidance to U.S. institutions regarding relevant international higher education systems and partners to enhance their international networks and potential partnerships. The EducationUSA network, in collaboration with ECA, also provides information on the U.S. higher education system to foreign governments and institutions and encourages study abroad by Americans to expand their understanding of foreign cultures, communities, and countries.With the goal of increasing student mobility between the United States and other countries through EducationUSA advising, ECA expects this NOFO will result in up to three cooperative agreements. Applicants can submit proposals for one, two, or all three of the components below: Component A for EducationUSA Global Advising Services to support advising operations worldwide including, but not limited to, the development and maintenance of IT infrastructure, training resources and materials, global strategic communications and outreach, and the employment and management of approximately 12 Regional Educational Advising Coordinators (REACs). (Approximately $6,600,000.) Component B for EducationUSA Advising Services in Eurasia and Central Asia, to support advising in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine. (Approximately $1,500,000.) Component C for EducationUSA Advising Services in the Middle East and North Africa, to support advising in Egypt, Gaza, Lebanon, Tunisia, West Bank, and Yemen. (Approximately $650,000.) Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in eliminating labor abuses and conditions of forced labor connected to cyber scam operations in Southeast Asia.

Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a Leader with Associate (LWA) cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement the Civic DEFENDERS program. Eligibility for this award is not restricted. USAID intends to make an award to the applicant who best meets the objectives of this funding opportunity based on the merit review criteria described in this NOFO subject to a risk assessment. Eligible parties interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of program sought, application submission requirements, and selection process. To be eligible for award, the applicant must provide all information as required in this NOFO and meet eligibility standards in Section C of this NOFO. This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov, and may be amended. It is the responsibility of the applicant to regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this notice of funding opportunity and to ensure that the NOFO has been received from the internet in its entirety. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion process. If you have difficulty registering on www.grants.gov or accessing the NOFO, please contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or via email at [email protected] for technical assistance. USAID may not award to an applicant unless the applicant has complied with all applicable Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements detailed in Section D.6.g. The registration process may take many weeks to complete. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to begin registration early in the process. Please send any questions to the point(s) of contact identified in Section G. The deadline for questions is shown above. Responses to questions received prior to the deadline will be furnished to all potential applicants through an amendment to this notice posted to www.grants.gov. Issuance of this notice of funding opportunity does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government nor does it commit the Government to pay for any costs incurred in preparation or submission of comments/suggestions or an application. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicants expense. Thank you for your interest in USAID programs. Sincerely, Mir Ershadullah Agreement Officer

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

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.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for a new project, Dignity in Documentation Initiative (DIDI). This effort focuses on global, integrated, and holistic CRSV documentation programming seeking truth and justice for victims and survivors as well as accountability for crimes committed in violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. The DIDI must take a survivor-centered and trauma-informed approach, prioritizing the individual needs and efforts of CRSV survivors, while supporting survivor networks, civil society, and community-based organizations. This solicitation will result in the first tranche of these program efforts, with incremental funding envisioned over the life of the 5-year project, depending on the availability of funding.

Questions must be submitted no later than 23:59 on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 on [email protected] 2. Applications must be submitted no later than 23:59 on Friday, June 28, 2024 3. Notification of project approval and award signing expected by September 2024. A. Project Description U.S. Embassy Port Louis announces an open competition for organizations in Mauritius and Rodrigues Island to submit applications to carry out a project through the Ambassadors Special Self-Help Program. A grant agreement for up to $15,000-$20,000 (U.S. Dollars) in fiscal year (FY2023) Economic Support Funds (ESF) will be awarded (pending availability of funds) for work that will support organizations throughout the country. The period of performance is 12 months. Funding authority rests in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended. Projects this year should fall under one or more of the following three categories: Small construction projects (less than 1,000 square meters) Communal construction equipment Miscellaneous durable goods The Ambassadors Special Self-Help Program provides small grants to assist community development projects that improve basic economic or social conditions in local communities. The small grants should aim to encourage self-reliance within local communities in Mauritius and Rodrigues Island by providing resources needed to turn a good idea into action. Proposed projects must be initiated by the community and should benefit the community by increasing income or improving living conditions. If the project is designed to generate income, it must benefit the beneficiaries and not the NGO or community-based organization and shall not be a for-profit enterprise or sole proprietorship. The project should be sustainable and not require continued support after the one-time funding from the Self-Help Program. Examples of potential project sectors/activities include: Cultural Heritage: Preservation or conservation of tangible and intangible heritage assets of society such as buildings, monuments, landscapes, archive materials, books, works of art, historical artifacts, folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge, or other types of related items. Environment: Reforestation, soil conservation, waste management, biodiversity conservation; community agriculture or aquaculture projects or other agroindustry projects, green composting projects, cold storage facilities, or fish conservation techniques for artisanal fishermen, or other types of related activities. Marine Conservation: Delimitation of marine protected areas, seagrass mapping to identify carbon sinks, coral reef restoration, protection of endemic plant and animal species, or other types of related activities. Renewable Energy: Installing solar energy, other renewable energies, or other types of related activities. Economic Support: Income generating activities, capacity building workshops in key traditional and non-traditional sectors, providing tools for furniture and handicrafts making, vocational training activities that produce employment and marketable skills, workshops to build e-commerce skills, or other types of related activities. Health: Drug demand reduction, improving health conditions of disadvantaged groups, community gardening and psychosocial support, providing healthcare assistance to at-risk community members, including homeless persons, families living under the poverty line, and/or elderly living alone, providing broadly accessible, reliable, and economically sustainable water and sanitation services to bolster healthy, secure, and prosperous communities, or other types of related activities. Civic Education: Civic engagement, civic education in the lead up to elections to increase public participation, promotion of diverse voices through education centers, or other types of related activities. Funding Restrictions The following activities and costs are not covered under this announcement and are classified as not allowable: Activities with unmitigated and negative environmental consequences, such as dams and roads through relatively pristine forest lands. Activities that contribute to commercial deforestation or conversion of land-use from forest to livestock. Actions that are likely to jeopardize, threaten, or endanger species and/or their habitat. Actions that are likely to degrade protected areas significantly, such as introduction of exotic plants or animals. Development, procurement, or use of toxic or otherwise unsafe products, including pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or hazardous chemicals. Religious, political, military, or law enforcement activities, including those relating to police and prisons. Activities that violate or abuse labor rights, human rights, or otherwise discriminates against or exacerbates inequities among members of marginalized or underserved communities. School or team uniforms. Sports equipment or musical instruments. Playgrounds. Luxury goods. Gambling equipment. Surveillance equipment. Alcoholic beverages. This notice is subject to availability of funding. Please refer to the complete NOFO on U.S. Embassy Port Louis's website.

Internet Society Foundation Research Program Program Objectives: Promote novel methodologies to address Internet-related challenges. Support a diverse and collaborative group of researchers and institutions. Facilitate access to intersectional research for decision-making in government and industry. Eligibility: Independent researchers: Postgraduate degree (PhD, Masters) with relevant publications or work. Public research institutions: 501c3 or equivalent with aligned mission. Areas of Focus: Greening the Internet Understanding environmental impact and sustainability measures. Assessment of energy consumption, waste, and toxins. Research on climate change threats to Internet infrastructure. The Internet Economy Analysis of Internet's impact on economic landscapes. Examination of competition, production, and consumption. Insight into future Internet ecosystems and markets. A Trustworthy Internet Ensuring resilience, reliability, accountability, and security. Addressing user expectations and gaps in infrastructure. Exploring methods to enhance trustworthiness. Decolonizing the Internet Examining Internet's role in inequality and injustice. Preservation of traditional knowledge and languages. Practices for a more inclusive and just Internet. Application Process: Timeline: April 2nd - May 14th, 2024 (21:00 UTC). Submission: Through Fluxx platform. Review Process: Initial staff review, external reviewer evaluation, final determination by Program Officer. Duration: Approximately two months. Apply Now! Deadline: May 14th, 2024 (21:00 UTC)

Drawing on the science of prebunking and the popularity and penetration of video games, the implementer will organize a game jam. Games developed during the United with Ukraine Game Jam will increase player skepticism of foreign propaganda and disinformation.