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

Funding Opportunity Title: Young Womens Leadership Program Funding Opportunity Number: PD-SEOUL-FY24-02 Deadline for Applications: Monday, July 15, 11:59 p.m. GMT+9 CFDA Number: 19.441 ECA - American Spaces Total Amount Available: $50,000 This notice is subject to availability of funding. A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Seoul Public Diplomacy Section (PD) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available for a womens leadership program focused on supporting young women across the Republic of Korea (ROK). The ROK is now one of the worlds most influential countries following decades of impressive economic growth, technological innovation, cultural exports, and public sector initiatives. As like-minded democracies, both the ROK and the U.S. have a strong responsibility to make sure economic and social opportunities are open to all citizens, especially women. To support womens economic opportunity, the U.S. Embassy in Seouls Public Diplomacy Section will create a leadership and mentorship cohort of at least twenty South Korean women between the ages of 25-39 who represent diverse sectors of the economy and have shown the potential to grow as leaders in their respective fields. Through this program, participants will learn from American and Korean experts, and broaden their professional network. The U.S. Embassy seeks proposals from ROK-based organizations to run this program which includes recruiting members, planning and implementing events, and expanding its existing network that connects Korean and American women leaders. Strong preference will be given to proposals that include participants from outside of the Seoul metropolitan region and utilize our American Corner network (located in Busan, Gangneung, Gwangju, Jeju and Pyeongtaek) in addition to the American Diplomacy House in Seoul. Outputs/Outcomes This program should focus on developing leadership skills, expanding participants global mindset, and connecting emerging leaders with one another. Details/Logistics U.S. Embassy Seoul and the grantee will be jointly responsible for selecting participants. The U.S. government retains final approval authority for all participants, who will apply via a standardized application form. Participants should be between the ages of 25-39, in their early to mid-careers, and demonstrate their potential to grow as leaders in their professions. Grantee Expectations The following components should be included in the program: Minimum of 6 coaching and/or discussion sessions (either in-person or virtual) Minimum of 2 interactive workshops on leadership Minimum of 2 networking opportunities Coaching Sessions The grantee will be responsible for organizing and implementing a series of in-person, virtual, and/or hybrid engagements with U.S. and/or Korean experts who can empower and provide coaching sessions to this group of selected participants. Engagements should provide opportunities for participants to share their challenges, develop their leadership skills through professional coaching, and provide guidance on their career paths. In-Person Leadership Workshop The leadership program will also host at least 2 in-person workshops at the American Diplomacy House Seoul (or another location of choice), featuring guest experts, opportunities for candid conversations about workplace challenges, and advice for advancing ones career. As part of the workshop, Embassy Seoul will arrange engagements with a guest speaker. Networking Opportunities The grantee will be responsible for organizing a networking event where the cohort can engage one another in person and meet other leaders across various fields. One networking session should include the Young Womens Leadership Program alumni from year 1. If youd like to use the ones the Embassy provides, please find them here: https://kr.usembassy.gov/grants/ (download here: Proposal Template / Budget Template) For more information, please refer to the NOFO document, and email us at [email protected] for any questions.

The U.S. Mission to Yemen Public Affairs Section (PAS) 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. Awards will be made to successful applicants subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Purpose of Small Grants: PAS in Yemen invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between United States and Yemen through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

To implement a project aimed at advancing U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities by supporting initiatives that ensure partner states strategic trade control systems meet international standards and by engaging on bilateral, regional and multilateral levels with foreign governments to aid in the establishment of independent capabilities to regulate transfers of weapons of mass destruction, WMD-related items, conventional arms, and related dual-use items, and to detect, interdict, investigate, and prosecute illicit transfers of such items.

The Department of States Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (ISN/NDF) is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). ISN/NDF invites non-profit/non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and educational institutions to submit proposals for projects that will advance the NDFs nonproliferation mission by mapping proliferation and sanctions evasion networks and related illicit actors as well as their business, financial, and logistics networks based in or operating from South or East Africa that are or may be facilitating Russias aggression in Ukraine or the Peoples Republic of Chinas (PRC) Military-Civilian Fusion (MCF) industrial base. This analysis will assist partner countries, bilaterally or regionally, advance their counter-proliferation and counter-sanctions evasion activities by helping partners identify and disrupt these networks. Proposals may not exceed the total availability of funds under this NOFO. ISN/NDF prefers proposals that address multiple objectives of at least one line of effort, which are further described in section II.

The Global Engagement Center (GEC) at the Department of State, announces "Enabling Advanced IUU Fishing Exposure." This project will enable advanced exposure work on IUU fishing by civil society, academics, and journalists, to counter PRC unsustainable fishing practices and the PRC disinformation/information manipulation that makes these practices possible, hard to spot, and hard to counter.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Namibia, targeting organizations and individuals engaged in community, education, and cultural initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working to strengthen global efforts against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and missile technologies from Iran and North Korea.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and educational institutions for projects that promote cultural and academic exchanges, enhance understanding of U.S. values, and foster collaboration with American experts in Hong Kong and Macau.

This grant provides funding for projects that strengthen U.S.-Kyrgyz ties through initiatives in economic growth, governance, education, and environmental protection, particularly in rural or underserved communities.

The U.S. Embassy in Lome, Togo, through this Notice of Funding Opportunity is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy (PD) 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: PD Lome invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Togo through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Examples of PD Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to: Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs; Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; Professional and academic exchanges and programs; Priority Program Areas: 1. Peace Security -Promote peace and tolerance and social cohesion -Counter violent extremism 2. Democratic Institutions -Encourage civic engagement and democratic participation of youth and women 3. Economic Growth -Promote entrepreneurship and social enterprises -Strengthen public-private partnerships 4. Opportunities for Development -Support education initiatives -Empower women, minorities, and persons with disabilities

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Conakry, Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for interested organizations to submit a statement of interest (SOI) for funding a variety of program proposals that strengthen ties between the peoples of the United States and Guinea. The U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Section invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit SOI applications outlining program concepts that reflect this goal. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise one-to-two-page statement of interest in English via this form [Click Here] that succinctly and clearly communicates the applicants program idea and objectives. This is not a full proposal. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit program ideas for the U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Section to evaluate prior to requiring the development of a full proposal. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea(s) by submitting a full proposal. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before a final funding decision is made. Purpose: The U.S. Embassy in Guinea invites SOIs for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Guinea through cultural and exchange programming that highlight 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.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, of the U.S. Department of State, announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to enhance journalists reporting skills and ethical standards, support accurate reporting fieldwork, and strengthen media institutions ability to promote accurate reporting and to counter misinformation. Please follow all instructions below. Program Objectives: Thailands diverse media landscape is influenced by political, regulatory, and economic pressures, including the profit-driven nature of contemporary media. Pressured to prioritize sensationalism over comprehensive or accurate reporting, news organizations may unwittingly expose their journalists to legal and other consequences in pursuit of sensational stories and gripping visuals, or blur the boundaries between editorial content and advertorials, eroding journalistic integrity. Moreover, online media has ushered in an era of information sourced from social media and unreliable sources. While this is cheap and facilitates rapid news dissemination, it also facilitates the spread of misinformation and undermines the importance of on-the-ground reporting for factual accuracy and verification. Furthermore, journalists once reliant on editorial and support teams must be self-sufficient due to staff shortages. To improve ethical standards and media skills among reporters (including local journalists covering underserved communities), support their ability to do original reporting and research instead of relying on third-party sources, and strengthen networks between those reporters and Bangkok-based professional media organizations, mid-career journalists will participate in workshops or reporting tours to enhance reporting skills, media literacy, verification tools, and research capacity, thereby reducing their reliance on third-party sources (such as unverified social media) for content. The desired outcome is to strengthen Thai reporters capacity to investigate issues of public interest, distinguish facts from mis- or disinformation, and accurately assess the potential impact of geopolitical changes on Thailand. Through this, Thai decision-makers at both national and local levels will gain access to accurate reporting that reflects the views of people directly impacted by these changes, including marginalized voices. Stronger media institutions will support democracy by fostering informed and constructive public dialogue and enable more people to participate meaningfully in democratic processes. The grantee will work with Thai media members and/or media organizations, a majority of which should represent media markets outside of the Bangkok metro area, to improve media literacy and professionalism through workshops, reporting tours, research trips, and other events to highlight issues that matter but might be underreported due to limited newsroom resources. Specifically, participants will gain the ability to better analyze social media and other information streams and develop compelling story ideas and report on issues that matter or reflect marginalized voices that do not receive sufficient attention due to the budget constraints. The grantee will also strengthen understanding of journalists civic responsibilities to foster broad discussion on issues of public importance, to probe beyond conventional narratives, and to abide by strong ethical standards with respect to truth and fairness, building resilience against attempts to coopt or skew reporting. Grant activities might include, but are not limited to: media training, workshops, journalist matching or mentorship, reporting/fieldwork trips, or network building between established and emergent media (including citizen journalists). Participants and Audiences: 1. Early- to mid-career Thai reporters working in print, broadcast and/or web, representing both established and independent media; 2. Reporters from marginalized communities, or reporters dedicated to reporting on behalf of these communities; 3. Mid-level and senior decision-makers at the national and sub-national level who consume media subject to misinformation, or do not currently access reliable, accurate reporting about the impact of geopolitical challenges on Thai people B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: 2-5 awards (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $100,000 Total available funding: $125,000 Type of Funding: FY24 Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act Anticipated program start date: September 2024 This notice is subject to Congressional notification and availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant, fixed amount award (FAA), or cooperative agreement. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply: Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations or professional organizations. Public and private educational institutions Individual journalists or not-for-profit media collectives. 2. Other Eligibility Requirements To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. Organization or individuals not based in Thailand should demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence to orchestrate programs in Thailand, along with necessary personnel to ensure the projects success. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package Application forms required below are available at https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Content of Application Please ensure: The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity. All documents are in English. All budgets are in U.S. dollars. All pages are numbered. All documents are formatted to 8 x 11 paper, and All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. The following documents are required: (1.) Mandatory application forms SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance -- individuals) at https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov) (2.) Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. (3.) Proposal (8 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below. Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact. Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies. Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed. Program Goals and Objectives: The goals describe what the program is intended to achieve. The objectives refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives, including a proposed schedule and timeline for planned activities. Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees. Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? (4.) Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information. (5.) Attachments: 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file. Official permission letters, if required for program activities 3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Please refer to attached announcement for details. 4. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM on September 2, 2024 (Bangkok Time). 5. Funding Restrictions N/A 6. Other Submission Requirements All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected]. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: [email protected].

This notice is subject to availability of funding. A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION U.S. Embassy Belgrade of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications for the University Partnership Program. Please follow all instructions below. Priority Region: Serbia Program Objectives: The U.S. Embassy works to assist the Serbian people to strengthen democracy, rule of law, and the protection of human rights; help fight brain drain and advance the countrys economic development; promote regional stability and cooperation; cooperate with international partners to combat crime, terrorism, human trafficking, and other global challenges; and make further progress towards Serbias accession into the European Union. We also strive to explain U.S. policies, culture, society, and values to Serbian audiences and deepen ties between our two countries. University Partnership proposals should support these goals while facilitating lasting connections between Serbian and American institutions of higher education. Proposals can involve in-person and/or virtual exchanges for students, faculty, and/or administrators as well as any of the following activities: curriculum development; needs assessments; joint online courses; joint research projects; development of a joint degree program; development of a study abroad program; sharing of best teaching practices and instructional methods; support for participation in academic conferences or student competitions (e.g., moot court, Model U.S. Congress, Model United Nations); establishing an American Studies course or academic program; setting up a center focused on American Studies; and/or establishing or strengthening a career development center or a research and development center. Participants and Audiences: Participants or primary audiences for university partnership proposals should be Serbian and American students, professors/academics, and/or administrators. Depending on focus, projects may have secondary audiences or beneficiaries including media, civil society organizations or wider professional audiences, which you may note in the proposal. If your project idea might involve citizens or any other countries, check D.7 in the full text of the NOFO to understand restrictions on funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 6 to 30 months (including the evaluation) Number of awards anticipated: 1-5 awards (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $300,000. For returning applicants to the University Partnership Program, (previous grantees seeking additional support) awards will be capped at $75,000. Total available funding: $450,000 Type of Funding: FY23/24 Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act. Anticipated program start date: Flexible, but not earlier than September 1, 2024. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost sharing is allowed but not required and will not impact funding decisions. While filling out the application, you will be required to tell us whether you are also receiving funding from other donors for your project. Please be aware, however, that you must be able to carry out all the activities described in your application with the funding you receive, even if the contributions from other donors or other funding sources fail to materialize. C. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION Requesting the Application Package: Application forms required below are available at https://rs.usembassy.gov/grants-programs and in the Related Documents Tab. Content and Form of Application Submission: Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Content of Application Please ensure: The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity All documents are in English All budgets are in U.S. dollars All pages are numbered All documents are formatted to 8 x 11 paper, and All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. The following documents are required: 1. Mandatory application forms SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance organizations) SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov) 2. Grant Application Form for FY2024 (Fiscal year 2024). Note: Detailed instructions for filling out the grant application are included with the form. 3. Budget Justification Narrative (Excel Spreadsheet): After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use the Excel spreadsheet template to describe and explain each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information. 4. Attachments: 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file. Official permission letters, if required for program activities. Required Registrations: All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. To be eligible for consideration, every Serbia-based applicant organization must also be registered in the territory of the Republic of Serbia with the Agencija za privredne registre (APR), or the relevant court. Submission Dates and Times: Applications are due no later than May 15, 2024. Funding Restrictions: You may NOT apply for a grant from PDS if your project: Involves partisan political activity; Involves charitable activities and/or the distribution of humanitarian aid; Is a fundraising campaign; Is commercial in nature, i.e., you or a project partner are making money from this project, or the activity supports a current or future business or entrepreneurial venture; Involves the provision of health care services, childcare, food subsidies, or other social services to populations. This funding opportunity aims to support specific projects with objectives which can be achieved within a set timeframe. We will not accept applications which are aimed more broadly at supporting your organizations usual or typical daily activities and operations. Those will be deemed technically ineligible and will not be considered for funding by the review committee. Other Submission Requirements: All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected] IF PDS does not receive a complete project proposal at the above address by the deadline, it will be considered technically ineligible and will not be considered for funding. Review and Selection Process: A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications. You may be asked to submit additional information and/or a revised budget. Please also be aware that, depending on the availability of funding, PDS might be able to fund only part of the budget that you have requested. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates: PDS anticipates that final funding decisions will be made by June 30, 2024. D. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: [email protected]. The full text of the NOFO and the required documents are available at https://rs.usembassy.gov/grants-programs/ and in the Related Documents tab. Information Session. PDS will hold a virtual information session on April 17, 2024, at 15:00 (3 pm) Central European time to discuss this funding opportunity and to answer questions from potential applicants. Please contact PDS at [email protected] for details.

This fellowship provides early-career journalists in California with a paid opportunity to strengthen local reporting, particularly in underserved communities, over a two-year period.

This funding opportunity is designed to support Jordanian startups in high-impact sectors by providing training and resources to help them successfully enter U.S. markets and strengthen economic ties between Jordan and the United States.

Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC): This grant program, managed by USAID, aims to fund collaborative research projects between Israeli and MENA region partners to address shared challenges, particularly in food security, and promote lasting peace through applied scientific research and technological development.

The "Reducing Barriers that Impede Access to Education and Decent Work for LGBTQI+ Youth in Brazil and the Latin American and Caribbean Region" grant is a $4 million funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Labor to support a project that enhances understanding of, coordination for, and capacity to provide safe environments for LGBTQI+ youth, thereby improving their access to education and decent work in Brazil and the Latin American and Caribbean region.

This funding opportunity is designed to support research centers in developing innovative vaccines against hepatitis C virus, targeting a wide range of applicants including universities, nonprofits, and government entities.

This program provides funding to organizations worldwide for projects that preserve and protect cultural heritage, including historic sites, museum collections, and traditional practices.

Background: Since 2017, the U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan has funded the University Partnership Program (UPP) to connect U.S. and Kazakh higher education institutions, traditionally by awarding sub-awards to U.S. partners who applied for funding with Kazakh institutions. As a result, 34 Kazakh universities have partnered with 31 U.S. universities to strengthen educational programs, teaching approaches, and institutional and research capacities, and to pursue joint projects addressing issues such as air pollution, environmental protection, and economic diversification. In addition to the projects achieved under each UPP, many partnerships have successfully resulted in sustainable, continued partnerships separate from USG funding. In most cases, Kazakh universities do not have a clear strategy to engage the private sector in education and research projects that could potentially lead to research commercialization and bring investment from sources other than the Government and student tuition fees. Kazakh universities could benefit from using a diversified-income model used by U.S. universities, which would generate profit to reinvest into university operations. Building partnerships with the private sector could also generate income through commercialization while at the same time offer practical experience for university students. This will allow Kazakh universities to raise their institutional profile, improve their facilities and equipment, be better positioned to support faculty professional development, and be able to offer more student services. Since U.S. universities have a longstanding history of working with private sector and successful financial management models, pairing them with Kazakh universities through research projects in high growth economic fields can help Kazakh universities adjust to the per capita funding system that was introduced in November 2021 and speed up the design of more competitive programs for students and address private sector workforce development needs. Supporting Kazakh universities to learn more about American university best practices in managing business accelerators and research incubators to tailor Kazakh HEIs approach to pursue greater collaboration with the private sector and integrate a system will enable students to get competitive workforce development skills. Collaborating with the private sector and diversifying financial sources can also motivate university management to become more financially transparent and accountable. Medium to long-term successes in Kazakhstan would include the implementation of international management practices, research standards, and student-oriented programs and services. Success will also be gauged on increasing the sharing of best practices among Kazakh institutions with each other. This would help Kazakh universities have well-run, efficient university management models which would be better placed to be an equal and contributing partner with U.S. universities and academic associations. This is also expected to increase the number of Kazakh students and scholars studying in the United States and to contribute to a more competitive workforce equipped with the skills to support economic diversification in Kazakhstan. This NOFO looks to support innovative project mechanisms that advance U.S.-Kazakh institutional partnerships in the form of sub-awards or activities organized directly by the implementer. This can include incubation hubs, basic research capability, or professional development centers. The program should focus on building greater institutional and research capacity in fields that support diversified economic growth through joint U.S.-Kazakh research collaboration including through commercialization opportunities in research, partnerships with private sector, and workforce development programs. Partnerships that focus on curriculum development should be directed toward developing existing curricula rather than creating new curricula. Project Audience(s): Public universities in Kazakhstan (private universities can be additional partners, but not the main partner), and U.S. universities especially research universities, community colleges, and technical institutions. Beneficiaries may include students, teaching professionals, or university managers. Competitive proposals would consider working with several institutions to foster a network. Project Goal: Strengthen institutional and research capacities of Kazakh universities in fields that support workforce development and diversified economic growth through joint U.S.-Kazakh program partnerships and research collaborations. Project Objectives: Objective 1: Equip at least five Kazakh university administrators with the knowledge and skills necessary to attract investment and collaborate with U.S. universities and research centers. Objective 2: Improve the ability of at least two Kazakh HEIs to revise existing curricula and course content that incorporate U.S. best practices, real work application, and hands on learning experiences in high growth fields to address youth unemployment and workforce development. High growth fields include but are not limited to coding, IT, STEM, agriculture, and digital media. Objective 3: Facilitate at least two joint research projects between U.S. and Kazakh universities in high growth fields that demonstrate potential for commercialization. Note: Competitive proposals will include plans for preliminary discussions between American and Kazakh universities on potential roadblocks, challenges, and specifics of the local context in Kazakhstan before starting partnership activities.