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

PAS Paramaribo invites proposals from NGOs, individuals and government educational institutions for programs that contribute to the improvement of social, economic or environmental conditions in Suriname and which further one or more of the priorities listed below. All programs must include a connection with American cultural element(s), expert(s), organization(s) or institution(s) that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy, culture, and perspectives.Priority Program Areas Strengthening democracy Promoting civic involvement, free and fair elections, or democratic governance at the local or national level in a non-partisan manner.Addressing climate change and environmental education Nurturing efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change and reduce food and water insecurity, particularly among underserved and vulnerable populations.Limiting Corruption - Supporting efforts to counter or prevent corruption in business or government, including efforts to develop greater fiscal transparency, enhance the rule of law, and/or protect intellectual property rights.Supporting a free and expressive media environment Strengthening the professionalism of the media and/or advancing media literacy within the population.Advancing diversity, equality, inclusion, and accessibility for all marginalized communities Addressing issues involving ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical disabilities, and/or indigenous and tribal communities.Promoting academic linkages Creating programs or exchanges designed to increase college and university professional linkages between the U.S. and Suriname, especially with community colleges and technical schools.Empowering women Creating programs focused on the mentorship of women entrepreneurs and/or supporting womens increased participation in civil society.Developing Alumni Supporting programs led by, supported by, or involving the Suriname American Alumni Association, its members, or alumni of U.S. exchange programs.Enhancing agricultural production Supporting efforts that advance understanding of modern agricultural practices and expanding entrepreneurship skills with the goal of increasing exports to U.S. and EU markets.Supporting cultural exchange Hosting cultural performances, artistic workshops, trainings, and exhibitions that highlight the deep and ongoing ties between the United States and Suriname and our shared democratic values.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to strengthen independent media entities and their members as well as local organizations that will support independent media in Central America. This project will assist in conducting better investigations and provide fact-based reporting on crime and corruption through an evolving media landscape to inform populations and hold power-holders accountable, improving transparency and accountability in Central America.

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Mission to Pakistan of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce an open competition for awards available through the Mission Pakistan PublicDiplomacy Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement (APS) outlines our broad funding priorities,strategic themes, and the procedure for submitting requests for funding. Applications for funding will be accepted until June 30, 2024. Applicants may apply for funding for small grants (between $10,000 and $40,000) or large grants (between $50,000 and $150,000). Preference will be given to applications that make clear their careful consideration of effective use of resources. Please follow carefully allinstructions below and use the grant application document and budget template found on our website.This APS was developed to support projects proposed by U.S. and Pakistani not-for-profit organizations,think tanks, and educational institutions that fulfill the U.S. Mission to Pakistans foreign policy goals andobjectives.

The U.S. Department of States Embassy Astana announces an open competition opportunity to implement a project that strengthens Kazakhstans media environment through the provision of legal support to journalists who may need assistance; legal-related training for journalists and media content creators, law students or practitioners; ethics and management training for journalists and media outlets; and educational initiatives targeting law enforcement to raise awareness about the rights of journalists. The project aims to promote professional journalism standards and ensure proper legal protections where needed, while supporting Kazakhstans efforts towards democracy and rule of law. Providing legal assistance is crucial in addressing the prevalent issue of journalists facing harassment and intimidation. This support helps safeguard press freedom, ensuring their ability to report freely and holding accountable those who seek to suppress their work. Priority will be given to projects that focus on and provide evidence of tangible, measurable results. Projects consisting solely of conferences or roundtable discussions, theoretical research or surveys, or the writing or publishing of books, are unlikely to be funded. The United States of America and the Republic of Kazakhstan collaborate extensively on bilateral and regional matters, including support for Kazakhstan's commitment to safeguarding media freedoms and elevating journalistic professionalism. Legal protection is foundational to a safe environment for journalism practice, ensuring the safety of journalists and their ability to fulfill their duties. Equally crucial is the need for journalists and content creators to be well-versed in their rights and responsibilities as outlined by the law. This knowledge extends to law students, practitioners, and law enforcement, fostering a holistic understanding of media law. In addition to safeguarding media freedoms, enhancing ethics and management practices helps ensure a robust and well-functioning media landscape. The objective is to not only level the media playing field for independent outlets, but also to empower them with the skills needed to navigate economic challenges, such as financial generation management and resilience during economic downturns. In line with these goals, the U.S. Embassy seeks to facilitate collaboration between various stakeholders by partnering with a qualified non-profit organization in implementing a program. This initiative aims to provide legal support as well as ethics and management training to journalists, content creators, law students, practitioners, and law enforcement in Kazakhstan, bridging the gap between legal expertise and the media landscape. Project Audience(s): The project should target journalists, media professionals, media content makers, law students and practitioners, and law enforcement agents throughout the country. The project should be able to provide services in Kazakh and Russian. Project Goal: Strengthen press freedom and independence in Kazakhstan by providing access to legal support services and training programs to media and legal professionals. Project Objectives: The program should support objective journalism and ethical journalism standards through the provision of timely, exhaustive, and comprehensive legal consultations to journalists, content creators, law students and practitioners, and media consultants. The program should be able to provide pro-bono legal support in cases when a journalist or a media outlet, requesting such support, were fulfilling their professional duties in accordance with international journalism standards and ethics, as well as the laws and regulations of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The program must include media rights and responsibilities trainings for journalists and content creators, law students and practitioners, and for law enforcement agencies. Proposals should outline strategies and activities aimed at empowering media entities to build strong and sustainable management practices. This may include initiatives focused on financial generation management, strategic planning, and resilience-building measures to navigate economic challenges and enhance the overall managerial competence of independent media organizations. The DREAM Initiative encompasses three key lines of effort to fortify independent media in Kazakhstan: Legal Support, Ethics and Management Training, and Media Transparency. These objectives align with the overarching goal of fostering objective journalism and ethical standards. Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives, or other objectives within the above policy priorities. Objective 1: Improve knowledge and awareness of legal rights and media laws among a minimum of 100 participants through a series of six training sessions. (Ensure at least half of the training sessions are conducted in Kazakh). Topics may include media laws, ethical journalism standards and management practices, journalist legal protections and emerging legal challenges. Objective 2: Advocate for enforcement of legislation that uphold international journalism standards and legal protections by providing media professionals access to timely legal support and consultation services. Objective 3: Improve the ability of independent media organizations, including media executives, editors, and journalists to implement effective management practices through capacity building training focused on organizational management, strategic planning, developing diversified revenue streams, and ethical journalism practices.

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

The 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). Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Sports Diplomacy Division (ECA/PE/C/SU), in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for the implementation of the FY 2024 Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP). 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 conduct two separate month-long professional development mentorship programs and a reciprocal overseas exchange involving approximately 70-80 international and American participants in total (30 emerging leader participants from other countries and 40-50 American mentors). By empowering women and people with disabilities, the GSMP directly supports U.S. foreign policy goals, promotes social inclusion, and elevates the status of marginalized populations. Through the mentorship experience, the GSMP encourages mutually beneficial relationships between American sports executives and leaders in the sports sector overseas. Furthermore, the GSMP engages alumni from previous years through sustained U.S. Embassy relationships, follow-on individual grants to alumni, and monitoring and evaluation. Tapping into the power of public-private partnerships and founded on participant-led business plans, the GSMP positively affects communities at home and abroad and creates a more secure and democratic global playing field for all.The FY 2024 GSMP model has two distinct professional development mentorship exchangesthe Sport for Community GSMP and the espnW GSMP. Set for spring of 2025, the Sport for Community GSMP on disability rights taps into the global attention received by mega-sporting eventsin particular, the Paralympic Games, Special Olympics, and Deaflympicsto connect approximately 15 emerging leader participants with 15 to 20 American mentors in the adaptive sports sector. Sport for Community focuses on increasing the inclusion and full participation of marginalized youth and people with disabilities through sports opportunities worldwide. In fall of 2025, the espnW GSMP on womens empowermenta public-private partnership with espnW (ESPNs sports brand dedicated to women in sports)will connect approximately 15 female change agents with approximately 15 to 20 American mentors, all of whom are dedicated to promoting the rights and empowerment of women and girls around the world through sports. From start to finish, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title IX serve as core themes. By demonstrating how landmark U.S. legislation promotes democratic values and equality, the GSMP underscores American competitiveness and leadership on an international scale. To keep pace with the burgeoning sport for social change and business trend, the GSMP will also incorporate programmatic elements on how sports philanthropy, marketing, and entrepreneurship play into action plan development and implementation. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

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

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

The 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.

Purpose of PAS Public Diplomacy Grants: The Public Affairs Sections of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Brazil through cultural, arts, educational, media, information, and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. The bilateral nature of proposals is especially important during calendar year 2024, the 200th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brazil and the United States. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert(s), organization(s), or institutions in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies, values, and perspectives as well as incorporate a cross-cutting approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Examples of PAS public diplomacy grants include, but are not limited to: Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs that include U.S. speakers; Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions; Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs; Programs that strengthen U.S. college and university relationships with local higher education institutions, businesses, and/or regional organizations; Media trainings PAS encourages applications from eligible civil society organizations, community representatives, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, government institutions, and international organizations. Please keep in mind that while an applicant may submit multiple proposals, each proposal must address only one of the initiative areas listed in the NOFO.

The Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to support the Nigerian interagency in designing, revising, and implementing crisis response plans and protocols. Nigeria is Africa’s largest democracy with a population of over 230 million people and the continent’s largest economy. However, Nigeria currently faces a terrorist threat from primarily the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria West Africa Province (ISIS-WA), the largest ISIS affiliate outside Iraq and Syria, that continues to expand throughout the country. Boko Haram, alQa'ida-aligned Ansaru, and a myriad of gangs and bandit organizations also remain persistent threats. Ensuring that Nigeria’s civilian security services are capable of responding to and managing a crisis is critical to ensuring the safety, stability, and prosperity of the country. This program should identify how the Nigerian interagency prepares crisis response plans, who is involved in that process, and how those plans are tested. CT expects the selected implementer to build the Nigerian interagency’s capacity to develop and/or update these crisis response plans through trainings, mentorship, and simulation exercises and assist the Nigerian interagency with developing their own trainings and exercises to maintain those crisis response plans after the program is over. The application should show an emphasis on interagency coordination in the program’s theory of change and an explanation of how interagency coordination will be assessed and measured. CT is also interested in how the implementer will facilitate sustainability through preparing the Nigerian interagency to institutionalize crisis response reviews. CT can also assist the selected implementer in coordinating and deconflicting program activities with previous foreign assistance programs that worked on this topic. Program Goal: Nigeria’s civilian security services are capable of effectively executing crisis response measures using interagency coordination and institutionalizing emergency management procedures, including the allocation of resources for response activities. Program Objective(s): This program seeks to achieve the following objectives: 1. By 2026, Nigeria has assessed its current interagency coordination efforts and crisis response plans. This objective must be met before the period of performance ends as all other objectives will build on it. 2. By 2027, Nigeria has developed or updated crisis response management plans that delineate roles, responsibilities, and authorities among applicable agencies and/or entities depending on where, when, and what type of crisis has occurred. 3. By 2027, Nigeria’s designated civilian security agencies (noted in Participants and Audiences) and interagency coordination capacities are strengthened through training, exercises, and simulations based on the crisis response plans developed with the assistance of the selected implementer. 4. By 2027, Nigeria’s designated civilian security agencies and interagency coordination capacities are assessed through tabletop exercises to determine the sustainability of crisis response planning, development, and validation procedures. Participants and Audiences: The intended target audience includes Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Advisor, the Department of State Security Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria’s Security and Civil Defense Corps, INTERPOL’s Abuja National Central Bureau, Nigeria’s National Counterterrorism Center, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other Nigerian civilian security agencies and relevant ministries.

Improve data-driven and accurate media reporting, amplify the social media narrative to combat climate change and pollution, and allow reporters to advocate for better public health resources and actions. The project output will be at least six national-level media training workshops hosted at the American Center and other American Spaces in New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and at least two other appropriate second-tier cities, potentially including the Sundarbans (where they are especially affected by climate change), Ghaziabad, or Lucknow. The workshops, each for 40-50 journalists over 18 months, will be organized by the grantee and provide participants with technical knowledge by citing U.S. case studies and policies, in order to empower participants to report substantially more on climate change in India, using factual and actionable information. Strengthen the reporting capacities of 40-50 journalists in each of the 6 workshops (total 300) and improve data-driven media reporting through these training workshops over 18 months Increase the number of actual reports, amplify the social media narrative, and increase the number of articles where the journalist ties environmental issues to policy issues. Improve reliability of information on climate and environmental issues through accurate reporting. Participants and U.S. and local experts will also discuss priority areas that can be highlighted by media for practical actions to raise awareness on climate change challenges and promote public engagement in environmental conservation to reach net zero emissions and limit global warming to 1.5C.

Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of States Embassy Ashgabat announces an open competition to implement a program focused on building the capacity of higher educational institutions in Turkmenistan to carry out short- and long-term bilateral exchanges, offer dual-degree programs, conduct and commercialize research, obtain international accreditation, and other activities directed at supporting ongoing educational reform in Turkmenistan. The ultimate goal of the projects is to enable Turkmenistan to become an active member of the global education community, and a viable partner in international exchanges, with an eventual opening of a U.S. branch university in Turkmenistan. The initial timeline for these activities is one year, with the possibility of extension. Please follow all instructions below. Background: Turkmenistan is a post-Soviet state of roughly 5 million people (official statistic) that gained its independence in 1991. The Ministry of Education oversees all educational institutions from kindergarten to university. Turkmenistan has implemented several educational reforms within the last 10-15 years, mostly introducing new subjects to schools and universities (such as those from the STEM field), increasing the use of technology in teaching (such as smartboards and laptops) and adapting textbooks and materials to make them fit better within Turkmenistans context. However, the centralized structure of the education system has not changed significantly, with universities continuing to offer highly structured five-year specialist degrees that fall somewhere between bachelors and masters degrees on the western scale. Under the current system, students play a limited role in crafting their own educational process and/or degree. When students matriculate to university, they do so by declaring their chosen specialization. In fact, they dont apply to the university as a whole; they apply to a specific department. Once accepted, they have no option to drop classes or switch majors. Students also do not choose which classes to take a specific major has a set list of classes. These rules severely limit students academic opportunities and affect future professional opportunities. In the last few years, the Ministry of Education has stated its intention modernize Turkmenistans education system, which include several stated priorities: a) Launching a dual degree program together with a U.S. university (bachelors or masters); b) Obtaining international accreditation; c) Establishing a branch of a U.S. university in its capital, Ashgabat; d) Gradually moving all universities to the Western, credit-based system. Turkmenistans government is very eager to begin work on these goals and is interested in assistance from U.S. universities in providing expertise and guidance on conducting these large-scale overhauls. The Public Diplomacy Section has worked closely with the Ministry of Education to develop a road map to bring Turkmenistans education system closer to the U.S. model, as well as signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of Turkmenistan on cooperation in the education sector. The MOU and the road map lay out concrete steps, including inviting U.S. experts on internationalization and education reform, and are some of the first actions that Embassy has taken, together with the Ministry of Education, to help Turkmenistan reach its stated goals. Through the projects described in this NOFO, the Embassy would like to develop a realistic road map to overhaul the education system, bringing it closer to Western standards and accreditation, and eventual establishment of a U.S. university branch campus in the capital city of Ashgabat. The initial project duration is one year, but will most likely be extended, as the envisioned task is multi-pronged and will likely require more than 12 months. Project Audience(s): Turkmenistans higher education institutions (HEIs), including universities and institutes, as well as the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan Project Goal: Improve access to quality higher education opportunities in Turkmenistan through adoption of best practices by Turkmen higher education institutions Project Objectives: Objective 1: Increase understanding of internationalization requirements for universities, the U.S. education system, and best practices among Ministry of Education officials and higher education representatives through training, workshops, and/or short-term exchanges to the United States. o Topics may include: how to establish dual degree and joint degree programs, accreditation requirements, opening branch campuses, etc. Objective 2: Conduct a general analysis of Turkmenistans education system and create a road map that provides clear recommendations to the Ministry of Education on the practical steps needed to advance educational reforms. Objective 3: Establish a working group of Turkmen Ministry of Education officials and higher education representatives to facilitate collaboration and implementation of recommendations aimed at modernizing and internationalizing the higher education system in Turkmenistan.

The U.S. Embassy Podgoricas Public Diplomacy Section announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the 2024 Media Professionalization Assistance Program. The Embassy plans to support specific projects and initiatives that facilitate the development of media freedom and journalistic professional standards in Montenegro through grant awards ranging from $30,000 $70,000. Grants will be awarded to media, educational institutions, or civil society/non-governmental organizations that adhere to high professional standards in their reporting and/or activities and have a record of trustworthiness and success. Proposals will be evaluated according to the ability of the applying organization to carry out a project with clearly formulated goals that benefits the intended beneficiaries and has the greatest positive impact. Project proposals should address at least one of the following priority areas: 1. Support for the practice of high-quality, professional journalism through projects designed to support independent and fact-based journalism, as well as through initiatives involving practicing journalists and students aspiring to a career in media. 2. Support for media literacy and critical thinking through projects designed to help citizens of all ages recognize, analyze, and ultimately reject disinformation. 3. Support for investigative journalism through projects that support Montenegros continued Euro-Atlantic integration. Areas of focus include (but are not limited to) the following topics: a. The rule of law (e.g., corruption, organized crime, etc.) b. Environmental protection c. The strengthening of democratic institutions d. Human and minority rights (e.g. ethnic minorities, LGBTQi+, etc.) e. Gender equality f. Trade, commerce, economics, and business development 4. The integration and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in journalism, including how it can be utilized to combat disinformation and malign influence. Applicants should clearly define project goals that advance one or more of the aforementioned areas, as well as define tangible outcomes that can be measured after the projects completion. All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected] by 17:00 Montenegro time, on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Please send all supporting documents via email attachments or in a zipped folder (RAR files/zipped folders wont be accepted). Do not send application materials via WeTransfer links or Dropbox. You will receive a confirmation of receipt within two business days (by 17:00 on May 16). If you do not receive a confirmation within that time, please send a follow-up email. Please email any questions about this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to [email protected]. Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. Please find more information about this funding opportunity on the link below.

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.

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

Executive Summary: The U.S. Embassy Ashgabat, Turkmenistan announces an open competition to implement American Spaces Programs project at the four American Spaces in Turkmenistan located in Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat. The program will include a variety of programs in a) enhancing English skills (e.g., drama club, English club and sessions, etc.), b) introducing to STEM skills (e.g., math contest, NASA apps development challenge, coding, etc.), c) business skills development (e.g., interactive economics, business camp, etc.), and d) climate change awareness. The primary audience for these programs will be Turkmen youth ages 10 to 25, including girls and women, school and university students and young professionals, especially from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The program will also engage alumni from previous Embassy programs as experts and program coordinators as well as bring local businesses and nonprofit organizations to share their expertise and build stronger local professional communities. Potential implementer will be responsible for planning, executing, closing, and monitoring and evaluation of the programs. The expected date range for implementation of this project is October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. Potential candidates can apply to administer all of the suggested programs below or just one or several of the programs at a time. Background: American Spaces are the premier public diplomacy platform of the U.S. Embassy Ashgabat in Turkmenistan that further strengthens mutual understanding and friendship between the people of Turkmenistan and the United States of America. American Spaces are located in Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat and offer English resources and development opportunities to meet interests of diverse audiences, while also serving as gateways for the Turkmen citizens to learn about American society, culture and education. The American Spaces are well known in the community for their regular English-language activities, such as conversation groups with native speakers, workshops with visiting specialists, and regular presentations by Americans on U.S. life and culture. American Spaces also partner with international and local organizations to conduct highly impactful programs, such as Academy for Women Entrepreneurship in partnership with Arizona State University, a variety of STEM programs to introduce local youth to web design and app development, as well as book festivals and eco festivals. The American Spaces Program aims to support implementing a range of diverse programming activities with key primary audiences in all four American Spaces across Turkmenistan. Project Goal: Increase mutual understanding between the United States and Turkmenistan through experiential learning activities that promote English language, innovation, entrepreneurship, environmental protection, and gender equality in STEM. Primary Audiences: The primary audiences for the American Spaces Program in Turkmenistan are: a. School and university students b. School and university teachers c. Young professionals, such as current/aspiring entrepreneurs, especially from economically disadvantaged backgrounds d. Girls and women e. Civil society representatives f. USG programs alumni Project Objectives: Objective 1: Enhance STEM and problem-solving skills of at least 500 youth, in Ashgabat and in the regions. Objective 2: Create a network of youth interested in tech and STEM by facilitating community networking opportunities between Turkmen youth and tech communities in Turkmenistan and the United States. American Spaces Program may include the following suggested STEM programs at American Spaces in Turkmenistan: Tech Lab will cover two primary audiences and can cover program coordinator and trainers fee, activities, supplies, catering and promotional materials in all four American Spaces: o A. Coding skills lab will introduce around 100 English speaking school graduates and young professionals, ages 18 30, to the basics of web design and digital skills through a 4-month long program. This program aims to help local youth pursue education in computer science and enter tech careers in Turkmenistan. o B. Technovation Girls will provide program support to around 150 schoolgirls, ages 8-18, in app development and tech entrepreneurship to enable them to successfully compete in the global tech entrepreneurship competition. Regional Math Contest. American Spaces in Turkmenistan plan to organize a first-ever math tournament for school students, ages 10-14, based on the popular U.S. math competition 24 Challenge. The budget may include study materials for a series of 3-month long sessions, tournament materials for the final national tournament in Ashgabat and travel expenses of winners from regional tournaments in each American Corner from Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat. The NASA International Space Apps Challenge. This program aims to engage English speaking students ages 16 - 25 to participate in the global NASA Space Apps challenge through a series of in-person workshops and events in the American Spaces. The budget may include project coordinator and trainer fees, training/activities supplies, final Hackathon promo materials, catering, and social media content creation to amplify the program. Objective 3: Increase English language skills among at least 500 local youth by providing hands-on English learning activities, including but not limited to: An English Immersion program to engage up to 500 English speakers throughout the year, ages 10 to 18 to enhance their English skills through topics on U.S. values of diversity and inclusion, climate change, media literacy, entrepreneurship, and public speaking, through a variety of activities and projects. The budget can include trainer fees, training supplies, promotional items and coffee breaks. This project may include: a. English Drama Club that might organize a play by an American author, that can be also performed at local events and schools through a mobile mini-theater. b. English language learning immersive camps that can be conducted during spring, summer and fall school breaks. c. English language book clubs that can introduce the American Corner resources and services (e.g., English resource books, readers, magazines and games) to improve English skills. Objective 4: Increase knowledge and awareness of climate change mitigation efforts among 100 young eco-champions through educational and networking programs focused on climate action, innovative business best practices and entrepreneurial strategies. These programs may include the following: Climate Champions organize a 10-day climate change awareness program for English speaking students in all American Spaces (ages 16 - 25) throughout September 2024 to August 2025 that will include workshops, field trips, and community service activities conducted in partnership with the local eco activists and nonprofits. During the program participants will learn about the challenges posed by climate change, water, energy, sustainable consumption, and discuss common myths and explore best practices from the United States. The budget may include project coordinator and trainers fees, training supplies, promotional materials, and coffee breaks in American Spaces. Farmcraft program. American Spaces in Turkmenistan plan to organize a global North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) Farmcraft competition for school students, ages 10-18. This educational program uses the popular game Minecraft to introduce the basics of agricultural science, food security and climate change. The budget may include facilitator fees for a series of 3-month long sessions, training supplies, promotional materials, and coffee breaks in American Spaces. Objective 5: Increase interest in business and entrepreneurship among at least 100 local youth in Turkmenistan through training on business development and economics. These programs may include the following: Business Skills program. The program can run for middle and high school students for 40 hours, with the final pitch events at American Spaces that will bring together local and international business communities. Playful Economics. Based on the playful economics curriculum, this program will introduce the basics of economics concepts in a fun way to middle and high school students (ages 12-18). American Spaces plan to organize a series of programs and activities throughout the year for local youth ages 12-18 across all American Spaces. The budget may include project coordinator and trainer fee, training supplies, and promotional materials. The goal of the program is to introduce the basics of business, entrepreneurship, and other economic concepts. All the programs proposed by the potential implementer should have clear goals and objectives, clear output and outcome statements. Proposals should also indicate plans for reports about success and impact of the programs, social media presence, photo release procedures and other logistics. Potential implementer will be responsible for planning, executing, closing, and monitoring and evaluation of the program.

The U.S. Embassy Kingston Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. The deadline is necessary to provide sufficient time to process and award programs in advance of the end of our fiscal year on September 30, 2024.Eligible Applicants: Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification) Additional Information on Eligibility: The FY24 Call for Proposals is seeking a range of eligible applicants which include: Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, community-based organizations, and civil society/non-governmental organizations with program/project management experience, Individuals, U.S. exchange alumni, Non-profit or governmental educational institutions, and Governmental institutions.

The U.S. Embassy Tokyo of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program for a media study tour for Japanese journalists on trilateral security cooperation. Following the historic August 2023 Trilateral Leaders’ Summit hosted by President Biden at Camp David, the United States, Japan, and Republic of Korea inaugurated “a new era of trilateral partnership,” and committed to strengthening trilateral security cooperation through enhanced trilateral defense exercises, improved information sharing, and increased cooperation on ballistic missile defense, including against DPRK missile threats. To better understand how the trilateral relationship is making strides, print journalists based across Japan will learn firsthand through a five-day media study tour on trilateral security cooperation with travel to Tokyo and Seoul (including the DMZ). They will engage with policymakers and experts from all three nations to gain a deeper understanding of how this enhanced cooperation is occurring and the significance that it plays to the region. The Japan-based journalists will also have an opportunity to meet and network with ROK journalist counterparts, forging important regional connections and facilitating networking connections among media professionals. The U.S. Embassy Tokyo invites proposals from eligible institutions to execute this program. Ground rules for meetings during the trip will be a combination of on-the-record, off-the-record, and background/Chatham House Rule. As much as possible, participating journalists will be encouraged to write articles for their readers around Japan. Proposals should include all cost associated with the program, including: - round-trip international airfare between Japan and the Republic of Korea - domestic travel expenses in Japan (round-trip transportation costs to/from the airport(s) for international departure) - ground transportation and gratuities in the Republic of Korea (e.g., chartered bus) - lodging in the Republic of Korea - ROK visa fee if necessary - overseas travel insurance - meals and incidentals - interpretation fees