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

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that empower young people in Pakistan to engage with governance and improve legislative drafting skills, promoting democratic principles and human rights.

Executive Summary U.S. Embassy Colombo, in collaboration with the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Office of Press and Public Diplomacy, invites proposal submissions from U.S. public and private academic, cultural, and exchange-of-persons institutions, and other not-for-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501 (c) (3) (see section C. Eligibility Information) for the design and implementation of U.S. and regional workshops for the inaugural cohort of the Young South Asia Leaders Initiative (YSALI). This is an exciting opportunity to inform a new youth leadership initiative at the U.S. Department of State in a dynamic region with a significant youth population. YSALI is a new network, modeled on existing programs like the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), and others, designed to deliver on the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) by building the capacity of young leaders in South Asia. South Asias more than 420million young people will be pivotal to meeting regional and global challenges. YSALIs investment in youth from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka will help empower young leaders in the region to tackle shared challenges. Background YSALI is a new network conceived by the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Office of Press and Public Diplomacy in consultation with constituent posts, drawing on best practices from existing State Department networks for young leaders in other regions. SCA intends to build the YSALI network from existing country-specific and regional youth initiatives, offering membership to already identified young people, and moving them up the ladder of engagement with the United States by offering new opportunities and a shared platform for connection. This configuration will help build the network in a controlled growth format. The YSALI themes are: 1) driving prosperity through entrepreneurship, 2)democratic resilience and a vibrant civil society, and 3) regional climate resilience. Project Audience Participants will be undergraduate students, recent graduates, or young professionals aged 18-30 from the seven countries in South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). Mission India will manage the YSALI membership for Bhutan. All programs will be conducted in English and all participants must be able to understand and communicate in English. As needed, the implementer will be required to provide accommodations for Deaf, hard of hearing, and/or visually impaired participants to ensure they are ability to fully participate in workshops. For each individual workshop, the recipient will coordinate with the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, U.S. Embassy Colombo, and the other U.S. embassies in South Asia to recruit and select 80-100 participants from among the pool of YSALI members. For the regional climate resilience workshop, participants should have demonstrated strong community leadership skills, and the drive to make impactful change in their communities. For the civic engagement workshop, participants should have a demonstrated commitment to develop and sustain community projects, and the initiative to promote civic participation and good governance. Participants may not participate in both workshops; each will have a unique cohort of 80-100 participants. YSALI Network Goal YSALI will become a powerful network to advance the vision of a connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific by connecting and empowering promising young leaders through the region to tackle shared challenges. YSALI Network Objectives: To connect like-minded young leaders across the region, through participatory workshops and subsequent collaboration across the region via a small grants program. To sustain connections through the creation of a virtual network of emerging leaders. To deepen participants’ understanding of current issues and opportunities and equip young leaders with the confidence and skills to address regional challenges. To instill a shared sense of place and identity within the larger Indo-Pacific community. The concepts of leadership, giving back to the community, and strengthening a sense of identify and place within the broader Indo-Pacific based on shared values and shared challenges should be integrated into the program. To build leadership capacity among cohort members, and foster the spirit of community service, while increasing understanding of the United States and the South Asia region, to address common goals. FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING EXPECTED ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAM SPECIFIC GUIDANCES, PLEASE REVIEW THE FULL NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY IN THE ATTACHMENTS.

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

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that improve mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for human rights defenders, civic activists, and journalists (collectively referred to as defenders of fundamental freedoms) in Ukraine.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Harare Public Diplomacy Section 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, our strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: PD Harare invites proposals for projects that strengthen networks between the people of the United States and the people of Zimbabwe through exchanges highlighting our shared goals and values. All programs MUST include an American component, such as an American expert engagement (physical or virtual) in Zimbabwe or Zimbabweans traveling to the United States to collaborate and exchange best practices in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. perspectives. Projects that incorporate strong American components into their design will be prioritized over other proposals. Priority Program Areas: PD Harare strongly encourages applicants to apply directly to individual 2024 NOFOs to increase their chances of selection. If the idea doesnt fit one of the individual NOFOs then applicants can apply to his opportunity. This Annual Program Statement welcomes proposals in addition to those 2024 priority NOFOs in areas that: Promote democratic principles including freedom of speech and civic participation; particularly if they share best practices for citizen advocacy or explore the challenges modern media houses face in a digital economy and the ethical standards needed to gain public confidence. Advance an inclusive economy; particularly connecting social entrepreneurs and the creative community with online marketing tools. Deepen U.S.-Zimbabwean university partnerships; particularly if they bolster stronger research capacity and explore opportunities for increased internationalization of tertiary education in Zimbabwe. Deepen U.S.-Zimbabwean professional networks through organized workshops and rekindling alumni exchange partnerships and networks to solve new problems. Foster social inclusion of underserved communities, such as disabled persons, minority ethnic groups, LGBTQI+, and those in remote rural areas. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; Charitable or development activities; Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs Scientific research; Individual or group travel to conferences in the United States or abroad; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or Programs that duplicate existing programs. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt Act (10.040 funds) and the Fulbright-Hays Act (19.022 funds). The source of funding is FY2024 Public Diplomacy Funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 2-18 months Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of US$2,500 to a maximum of US$75,000*. Awards for travel to participate in U.S. conferences may not exceed $5,000. Awards for festivals looking to bring American talent must have free events. Total available funding: $250,000 USD Type of Funding: FY2024 Public Diplomacy Funding Educational and Cultural Affairs *Awards proposals for a higher amount must be extraordinary. Funding Instrument Types: 1. Grant or 2. Cooperative Agreement (The PD office is more extensively and actively involved in the project implementation than that of a grant or Fixed Amount Award). THIS NOTICE IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING PD Harare 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 Other Eligibility Requirements: Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding. Registrations: In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. Cost Sharing and Matching: Cost sharing is not required but encouraged. Financial capacity: Pressures on Zimbabwes financial systems may affect the selected applicants ability to follow through with the grant agreement. PD Harare does not infuse additional funds into a grant agreement to compensate for currency fluctuations or for unforeseen work. To guard against non-compliance owing to cash shortages borne of banking complications, it is strongly suggested that applicants have a Foreign Currency Account in addition to a local currency account. Applicants should be aware of their banking institutions policies and fees regarding electronic deposits, transfers and withdrawals of U.S. dollars. Applicants should ensure their bank has a corresponding relationship with U.S. banks. You will only be asked to supply banking information if your proposal is selected for funding. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. To Request Application Package: Email [email protected]; an automatic reply with the Application forms will be sent. Forms are also available at www.grants.gov 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Content of Application the proposal should: Clearly serve the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity; Be specific and concise in describing the who, what, why, when, where, how and cost aspects of the project; Provide all documents in English; and Include a budget narrative and a budget table in U.S. dollars breaking down costs per unit rates, quantities as well as totals. Application Forms required: Completed application (form attached) Detailed projected budget (form attached) SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance Organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance Individuals) SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) Attachments 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program (for projects over $50,000) 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. If you do not have a NICRA indirect and overhead costs cant be over 10 percent of the budget. Official permission letters, if required for program activities. 3. Required Registrations: All organizations (not individuals), 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. Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible. Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. Since April 2022, the UEI are assigned when an organization registers or renews its registration in SAM.gov at www.SAM.gov. Organizations should renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active SAM registration. To access SAM.gov an organization is required to have a Login.gov account. Organizations can create an account at https://login.gov/. If an organization plans to issue a sub-contract or sub-award, those sub-awardees must also have a unique entity identifier (UEI number). Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed. If an organization does not have an active registration in SAM.gov prior to submitting an application, the application will be deemed ineligible. All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations, the latter are free of charge. Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required. 4. Submission Dates and Times Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time before the closing date of August 2, 2024. No applications will be accepted after that date. Applications will be subject to availability of funds and reviewed on a rolling basis. 5. Other Submission Requirements All application materials may be emailed to [email protected] (with Annual PD Program Statement Grant Proposal in the subject line).

Section 1: Program Description The U.S. Embassys PEPFAR Small Grants office is pleased to announce an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a community-led monitoring (CLM) program. Priority Region: All four regions in Eswatini This funding opportunity seeks to improve the quality of HIV treatment services in Eswatini through client feedback collected by trained community members. The CLM program is funded through the U.S. Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The U.S. Embassy in Eswatini administers the PEPFAR Small Grants program and is seeking proposals from registered local community-based organizations and other civil society groups, networks of key populations (KP), people living with HIV (PLHIV), people with disabilities, and other affected groups or community entities that gather quantitative and qualitative data about HIV services and whose mission and activities focus on HIV programming. CLM is key to ensuring availability, access to, and delivery of quality HIV care and treatment services. CLM will empower patients and communities to seek out treatment services, increase health literacy, expand engagement with health service delivery, support demand creation, and demand accountability from the health system to improve and deliver these services. Potential grantees should have the capability to collaborate at the national level with PEPFAR and key community-focused stakeholders, and at the community level with health facility staff and clientele receiving PEPFAR-supported services. Grantees should be able to implement a monitoring program to promote cooperation in addressing HIV-related issues, encourage constituencies to share their experiences, and facilitate joint action that makes a difference in the HIV response. CLM data will be collected using standardized tools and synthesized through a variety of methods that reveal insights from communities about challenges and/or issues identified with HIV service delivery at health facilities. A standard activity of potential grantees will be to conduct CLM of HIV testing services, treatment services (including retention and VL), service provider perceptions, attitudes, and practices, and client satisfaction. Results from CLM will be presented and analyzed in collaboration between community representatives, providers and facility managers to ensure dialogue and help all sides in participating with identification and subsequent implementation and monitoring solutions and action items. More information on PEPFARs approach to CLM is available at the following websites: https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/PEPFAR_Community-Led-Monitoring_Fact-Sheet_2020.pdf https://www.pepfarsolutions.org/tools-2/2020/3/12/community-led-monitoring-implementation-tools

The "USAID/Maldives Public Financial Management Activity" grant is seeking feedback for a planned five-year project aimed at strengthening the Maldives' financial management capabilities, with a focus on improving revenue generation, expenditure controls, decentralization, e-government systems, and inclusivity for marginalized groups.

This funding opportunity supports not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals in Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu, and Nauru to develop programs that strengthen ties with the United States through cultural exchange, economic development, and educational initiatives.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Libreville Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: PDS invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Gabon 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 PDS 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; Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs; Professional and academic exchanges and programs; Priority Program Areas: Enhance Capacity to Preserve the Environment and Biodiversity to Counter the Effects of Climate Change Deepen U.S. Gabon People-to-People Ties o Programs that seek to explain U.S. policies, culture, and values to Gabonese audiences Increase Civic Engagement in Gabonese Society The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; Charitable or development activities; Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs Scientific research; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or Programs that duplicate existing programs. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt. The source of funding is FY2023 Public Diplomacy Funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: Up to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: 2 or 3 awards (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $12,500 Total available funding: $25,000 Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2023 Public Diplomacy Funding Anticipated program start date: From July/August 2023 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award, or Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that PDS staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in two years or less. PDS 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 Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from U.S. and Gabon: Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience. Individuals Non-profit or governmental educational institutions Governmental institutions For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing is not required. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding. In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. Please see link below for additional information.

Public Diplomacy Section in Windhoek invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Namibia through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.Directly support U.S. treaty or bilateral agreement obligations.Directly support U.S. policies, strategies, and objectives in a country as stated in the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) (ICS is the four-year strategy that articulates the U.S. priorities in a given country and is led by the Chief of Mission.) These priorities are Empowering an Inclusive, Rules-Based Democracy, Catalyzing a Resilient, Sustainable Economy and Cultivating Equitable Access to Service to help Unleash Namibias Human Resources.Support disaster risk reduction for cultural heritage in disaster-prone areas, or post-disaster cultural heritage recovery.Complement the Cultural Heritage Center in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) or Public Diplomacy programs.

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

The Public Diplomacy Section (PD) of the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out programs strengthening bilateral ties between the United States and Luxembourg on Engaging Students in English. The U.S. Embassy Luxembourg invites proposals from non-governmental organizations, think tanks, government institutions, academic institutions, and individuals for programs strengthening the bilateral ties between the United States and Luxembourg and Engaging Students in English, including, but not limited to: Programs focused on strengthening specific English language skills or professional English capacity of students, such as public-speaking, debate, theater/drama Programs that enhance and promote the English-teaching profession and community, such as trainings, workshops, conferences, or presentations for English educators in Luxembourg. English-language programs for underprivileged groups including but not limited to patrons of organizations, such as shelters for refugees, women, abuse victims or childrens organizations. Educational programs such as English language camps, academic competitions, international exchanges, conferences, workshops, courses, exhibits, hackathons, online projects, or performances. Projects that share American best practices in English-language education by bringing U.S. experts to engage with students and teachers in Luxembourg. All programs must engage Luxembourg audiences. All programs must include a U.S. element or connection with U.S. experts that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Any speaker paid with grant funding must hold U.S. citizenship. Please review the complete NOFO on the Funding Opportunities page on our website: https://lu.usembassy.gov/grants-program/ or in the related documents tab on the announcement on grants.gov to find more information on how to submit a Statement of Interest.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working to empower Tajik communities in detecting and responding to terrorist recruitment and activities, enhancing regional security in Central Asia.

The Public Diplomacy (PD) Section of the U.S. Mission to Burundi is pleased to announce an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program or project with funding through the Public Diplomacy 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 Grants: PD Bujumbura invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Burundi through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include a U.S. element, priority, or goal, or a connection with U.S. expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s), in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Applicants are strongly encouraged to partner with English Clubs, American Spaces, or U.S. exchange program alumni to conduct activities.Priority Program Areas:The Mission is particularly interested in projects that address one of our following Priority Program Objectives: Skills for Success: o Programs promoting education, a lecture series, or an academic exchangeo Programs promoting learning Englisho Programs promoting job training skills, such as resume writing, financial literacy, income generating skill building, and digital literacy Entrepreneurship: o Programs providing entrepreneurship opportunities for Burundian youtho Programs supporting increased economic opportunities for women and marginalized communities o Programs promoting sustainable economic prosperity Civil Society/Journalism: o Programs that help Burundian journalists produce high-quality reporting on topics of shared U.S.-Burundi interest o Programs that strengthen institutions to promote the rule of law, transparency, and accountability o Programs that promote universal freedoms and democratic principles and practices Environmental sustainability: o Programs that support initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change o Programs that promote minimizing waste and regenerating our resourceso Programs that support protecting the natural environment and sustainable agriculture Participants and Audiences:All proposals should clearly indicate their intended participants and audiences.The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: Activities that do not contain a distinctly U.S. component; Programs relating to partisan political activity; Development projects/programs; Infrastructure/construction programs; Individual scholarships; Personal development; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; Scientific research; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization Programs that duplicate existing programs; Social travel/visits; Venture capital; Gifts and Prizes; Alcohol; Food and drink not directly related to the program outcome; and For-profit endeavors

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

This funding opportunity supports non-profit and educational initiatives in Argentina that promote U.S. values and foster mutual understanding through partnerships, with a focus on empowering women, enhancing leadership, and improving employability.

The U.S. Mission Sweden has announced its FY25 Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Annual Program Statement (APS) for funding projects that promote regional security, sustainability, prosperity, and mutual understanding between the United States and Sweden. This funding opportunity, identified as PDS-SWEDEN-2025-01, aims to support initiatives that align with U.S. public diplomacy goals, including fostering regional security, economic ties, innovation, and cultural exchange. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, individuals, and public entities. For-profit entities are not eligible. Projects should be completed within 24 months and must include a strong U.S. component. Applicants can request funding ranging from $500 to $100,000, with a total of approximately $200,000 available, subject to fund availability. Grants will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis, with application deadlines in November 2024, March 2025, May 2025, and July 2025. Priority program areas include promoting security (such as cybersecurity and combatting disinformation), sustainability (such as climate change and biodiversity), prosperity (such as tech innovation and research partnerships), and mutual understanding (such as cultural and educational exchanges). Applicants are encouraged to submit innovative proposals that address these areas, incorporating cross-cultural ties and engaging Swedish or regional audiences. Proposals must clearly outline goals and objectives, provide detailed budgets, and adhere to submission guidelines, which include using SF-424 forms. Organizations must also be registered with SAM.gov. Applications are evaluated based on organizational capacity, feasibility, alignment with U.S. embassy priorities, budget justification, and sustainability plans.

This grant provides funding to early career researchers exploring the links between economic inequality and growth, with a focus on producing insights that can inform public policy.

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.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations in Mauritius to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with essential business skills, resources, and networking opportunities through a structured educational program.