Grants for Small businesses - International Development

To implement a project aimed at advancing U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities by supporting initiatives that is 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 2024 SSH Notification of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from the US Embassy in Uganda announces an open competition for registered organizations interested in submitting applications for the Ambassadors Special Self-Help (SSH) Program, which supports small-scale, community-based initiatives that promote self-reliance, foster development, widen civic space and engagement, protect and promote human rights, and promise an immediate and dramatic effect on local communities. Projects tailored to gathering spaces and targeted for vulnerable populations, promotion of gender and equity, civic participation, and the prevention of the negative effects of climate change are of particular interest this year. Entering its sixtieth year of continuous operation, the SSH program is a direct reflection of the U.S. governments commitment to helping Ugandans help themselves. The project must be submitted by an organized group, motivated, who has a real need, and has already worked with communities. The project should be feasible based on the socio-economic context and include the necessary information and documentation indicated on the form. Interested organizations can obtain an application from the Office of Self Help or download it here: Special Self-Help Fund Application (PDF 213 KB). The organization may also send its own drafted project provide that all needed information in the SSH application were answered in their proposal. The applicant should fill the form carefully with special emphasis on the following critical aspects of the proposed project: Objectives, impacts and key activities Implementation strategy Monitoring mechanisms Itemized budget The application should be sent to: Special Self-Help Coordinator U.S. Embassy Kampala Plot 1577 Ggaba Road, P.O. Box 7007 Kampala, Uganda [email protected] ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION C.1 Eligible Applicants The U.S. Embassy Kampala Small Grants Office welcomes applications from all established Uganda-based, non-profit organizations/Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), Community Based Organizations (CBO), and grassroots organizations. The application must be submitted by an organization that is motivated, demonstrates a real need, and has already successfully implemented projects in the community. The project should be feasible and based on the socioeconomic context of the local community. To be eligible for funding, your project must meet the following criteria: Be community-based. Be initiated locally. Be administered at the local level; and Include substantial community participation and contributions in cash, labor, food, accommodation for qualified labor, transportation costs, or materials such as carts of sand or gravel, bricks for construction, fence materials, or water. Organizations that apply for SSH funds must be established and registered as Community Based Organizations (CBO) or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) at the local government level in the communities in which they work. Please provide registration certificate. Help improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community or village level and have long-lived value. Particular attention will be given to projects that focus of enhancing civic engagement, fiscal independence, and reduce the effects of climate change. The projects should be high impact, benefiting the greatest number of people possible. Funding is limited to one project, which must be completed within twelve (12) months or less. Projects must be self-sustaining upon completion. The U.S. Embassys support for the project must be a one-time-only/one grant contribution. Projects must be within the communitys ability to maintain and operate. Requests for large-scale agriculture or construction projects, or for expensive equipment are not considered priority projects. All applicants must display sound management in the form of financial and administrative procedures that protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching Although providing a specific cost sharing, matching, or cost participation amount is not an eligibility requirement for this NOFO, the project proposal must include community participation and contributions in cash, labor, and/or materials as noted above in C.1. The Special Self-Help Program does NOT fund: Requests to buy equipment like vehicles, motorcycles, office equipment, computers, phones, tablets, copiers, and stereos. Salaries or supervision costs for the supervising organization. Contingency estimates also do not qualify. Labor, salaries, operating costs, printing material, fuel, or land. Payment for pesticides and herbicides Proposals that have a purely police, military, or cultural emphasis. Religious projects unless they genuinely assist the whole community without regard to religious affiliation. Personal businesses. Scholarships, donations, start-up money, loans or honorariums. HIV/AIDS projects. Projects that focus on refugees or displaced persons. There are specific U.S. bilateral or multilateral assistance programs designed to address those needs. Projects that the community cannot continue after the SSH funding cycle has ended. Projects that have received prior SSH funds. To remodel or renovate an existing facility that is in disrepair because of neglect or lack of money. Office supplies such as pencils, paper, forms, and folders. Projects that are partially funded by another donor or from the Government of Uganda. Funds cannot be commingled with funds from other donors, international organizations or other U.S. government programs. SSH funds may not be used to buy previously owned equipment, luxury goods, or gambling equipment. Activities that are the responsibility of the government, for example, building hospitals. Activities that could potentially create tension within the community, harm community members, or damage the environment. Sports equipment or uniforms for a national sport team. Musical instruments or uniforms for a national orchestra or dance company. Surveillance equipment. Abortion-related facilities and services. Payments to government officials. Ceremonies, parties, celebrations, or representational expenses. C.4 Other To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) Number or evidence of applying for a UEI. Any selected organization will be required to have a UEI for the grant to be issued. Organizations can register for a UEI at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration . Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations. Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM) (www.sam.gov) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR,1986 Comp., p.189) and 12689 (3 CFR,1989 Comp., p. 235), Debarment and Suspension. Additionally, no entity listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM can participate in any activities under an award. Lastly, 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. PROJECT EXAMPLES D.1 Elements of successful projects The project is initiated by the community. The project benefits the greatest number of people within the community. The project plan contains pre-established long-term goals and a coherent plan to keep the project running in the future. A capable project manager who is a long-term resident in the community is responsible for the project. The project is assisted by a non-biased umbrella organization, such as a religious mission or a local NGO that provides guidance and arbitration on issues when necessary. There is strong coordination and communication amongst the grant-recipient group, local leaders, and local government representatives. The project makes use of materials and supplies that can be maintained by the community, and the use of materials that will not harm the environment. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION E.1 Address to Request Application Package Applicants can find the required application forms on the U.S. Embassy Kampala website at https://ug.usembassy.gov/embassy/kampala/grant-programs/?_ga=2.158558194.912728234.1709815691-399122090.1698829609 or on www.grants.gov under the announcement title Small Grants Ambassadors Special Self-Help Program, funding opportunity number DOS-KAM-AMBSSH-FY22. E.2 Content and Form of Application Submission Complete applications must include the following: Complete the SSH 2024 application (Annex A) Completed Budget package (Annex B). Includes: Detailed line-item budget. Budget Narrative; and Activity logical framework with project timeline. A copy of the organizations registration certificate, if available. A letter of approval for proposed project from the local development committee, tribal authority, and/or local town or district council. Original pro-forma invoices/quotations from the intended suppliers. Three quotes for each item are required. Download: Detailed NOFO: Ambassadors Special Self-Help Program 2024 Download: Budget Template: SSH 2024 BUDGET Download: Application Form: SSH2024-APPLICATION-FORM All application materials must be submitted in English. Please make a copy of your entire application for your own records. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Africa Time (EAT), on June 4, 2024, and must be made electronically to [email protected]. Please submit the application package in Word and Excel format; do not submit as a PDF. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION F.1 Criteria Only complete applications will be evaluated. The Proposal Review Committee will evaluate proposals according to several criteria, including: quality of project idea and impact on target group; community participation and contribution in the project design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation; project outreach/impact (i.e. cost per beneficiary); feasibility of successful project implementation/impact (over a 1-year grant period); sustainability; and transparent and participatory beneficiary selection process. Organizational capacity and past performance will also be considered. F.2 Review and Selection Process The Small Grants Office strives to ensure each application receives a balanced evaluation by a Review Panel. The Small Grants Office will determine technical eligibility for all applications. Proposals that meet the evaluation criteria and move on to the next level will be informed of next steps in the application process. Non-eligible applicants will be notified that they are not being considered for funding. CONTACT INFORMATION For technical submission questions related to this solicitation, please contact the Small Grants Office at [email protected] or +256 (0)414 306444. Applications and additional guidelines are available at https://ug.usembassy.gov/embassy/kampala/grant-programs/?_ga=2.158558194.912728234.1709815691-399122090.1698829609 OTHER INFORMATION Applicants should be aware that Small Grants Office understands that some information contained in applications may be considered sensitive or proprietary and will make appropriate efforts to protect such information. Issuance of the NOFO and negotiation of applications does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government. The Small Grants Office reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the project evaluation requirements.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Louisiana to help them expand their international sales and export activities through reimbursements for various related expenses.

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 support civil society in the Western Balkans to hold governments accountable and transparent by promoting greater public participation with a focus on environmental issues. The United Nations Environmental Programme held a Western Balkans Forum in late 2022 that concluded the region is heavily impacted by climate and pollution issues. Corruption and inconsistent implementation of regulations further exacerbate the situation. These environmental issues may be highly detrimental to communities in these countries, impacting the health of individuals and putting their rights to safe living conditions and access to natural resources at risk. For instance, a 2022 study from the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy cited instances of increased pollution in regions proximate to new development projects, which degraded air quality and local water sources, causing potential health risks to local communities including respiratory infections and autoimmune diseases. Activists have recounted how local politicians use fear of economic crisis to demotivate citizens from speaking out against industrial pollution. The lack of local good governance in tackling environmental challenges has catalyzed public discontent and distrust. There is a need for citizen advocacy to hold local 2 leaders accountable to environmental regulations, and to protect against egregious environmental damage. To address some of these issues and leverage civil society’s activism, DRL/GP is seeking proposals that promote greater public participation and ensure government transparency and accountability. The project will focus on environmental governance processes in Western Balkan countries with high levels of international economic influence. The program aims to: (1) support local communities and/or organizations to mobilize to advance good governance principles and their intersection with local environmental laws and regulations; (2) engage independent media and community members in monitoring and documenting cases of noncompliance with environmental policies; and (3) create a diverse network of reform advocates collaborating to build accountability for implementing current laws and development of rightsrespecting policies.

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.

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.

To implement a project aimed at advancing U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities outlined in the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act of 2022 (Div. A, P.L. 117-167). The Act established a new International Technology Security and Innovation Fund (ITSI Fund) to to support the development and adoption of secure semiconductors, [and] semiconductor supply chains with the goal to make the global semiconductor supply chain more resilient, diversified, and secure.

This program provides financial assistance to small and medium-sized Florida companies to help them participate in international trade shows and expand their export sales.

This funding opportunity helps Florida-based manufacturers and service providers create tailored Export Marketing Plans to identify and pursue international growth strategies.

This grant provides financial assistance to Florida-based manufacturers and service providers looking to expand their export sales by facilitating meetings with qualified international buyers and agents.

The Florida Online Global-Website Localization Grant aims to help exporters expand their overseas presence through website localization services. The program, in partnership with IBT Online and SelectFlorida, offers various options for website globalization, including predefined and customized websites, website redesign, and e-commerce development, all optimized for target markets. Grants cover partial costs of localization services, with SelectFlorida covering up to $8,000 and the grantee responsible for $4,000 or the balance for customized services. Eligible entities must meet specific qualifications including being Florida-based, meeting minimum sales and employment criteria, and operating in approved sectors.

This program provides financial assistance to small to mid-sized companies in Pennsylvania to help them expand their export sales through various eligible activities and services.

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 increase transparency in citizens’ rights to due process. Uzbekistan’s constitution and law prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention and provide for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court. Additionally, by law a judge must review any decision to arrest accused individuals or suspects. Judges grant arrest warrants in most cases. Detention without formal charges is limited to 48 hours, although a prosecutors may request that a judge extend detention an additional 48 hours, after which the person must be charged or released. Judges typically grant such requests, and the judge who issues such an extension is often the same one who presided over the trial, which creates incentives to cover up violations. The arresting authority is required to notify a relative of a detainee of the detention and to question the detainee within 24 hours of arrest. Visibility into arrest procedures and treatment of detainees is low, even for family members of detainees and Uzbekistani civil society engaged on the issue of due process. 2 Through this award, DRL aims to support the safe, secure, and professional collection of credible information on political detainees by Uzbekistani media, Civil Society Organizations, (CSOs) and human rights defenders, for human rights reporting and advocacy and to improve the capacity of Uzbekistani CSOs to advocate for transparency and improved conditions in detention facilities.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a project to address the ethnic marginalization across Coastal West Africa. The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a project to address the ethnic marginalization across Coastal West Africa. The consolidation of power, poor governance, and rise of violent extremism in some Coastal West African countries have contributed to the exclusion and discrimination of certain ethnic groups in politics and everyday life. While certain ethnic groups are not legally excluded from civic and political participation, their full engagement in decision-making roles remains limited. Certain ethnic groups are particularly marginalized in the government, the civil service, and the armed forces. Some ethnic groups also experience discrimination in employment and access to credit, health care, and education. Hundreds of thousands of individuals, including migrants and rural-based members of society, lack documentation to obtain citizenship or access public resources despite protections under the law. In addition, certain ethnic groups face societal discrimination, including stigmatization, harassment, and attacks. Militant groups have exploited the marginalization of certain ethnic groups by playing on grievances and amplifying 2 feelings of distrust in government to recruit members. For example, the targeting of Fulbe communities—based on the belief that they all support jihadi insurgents—has perpetuated conflict, facilitated jihadi recruitment, and risks spreading the violence into new areas. The property and land rights systems across Coastal West Africa has disenfranchised certain ethnic groups historically, causing violence to erupt at times. For example, pastoralist communities who have lived in certain areas for decades have faced the encroachment of agriculturalists on land that they typically use for grazing. In addition, governments across the region have introduced new laws and policies that limit pastoralists’ way of life. Further problematic is that the agencies in charge of developing new land rights policies and programs do not include members of the ethnic groups that would be heavily impacted by the changes. To respond to these challenges, DRL is seeking proposals with the goal of supporting members of marginalized communities in Coastal West Africa—specifically Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, and /or Togo—to improve respect for their political rights and civil liberties. Proposals may focus on individual countries or multiple countries, but approaches must be led by, or have strong support from and participation by, groups and individuals representing marginalized ethnic groups. Proposals may include but do not need to support members of pastoralist communities. DRL recognizes that there are numerous other ethnic groups in the region that do not fully enjoy the rights enumerated by law. Applicants are encouraged to complement and deconflict with existing programs that address ethnic marginalization in the region. DRL seeks proposals for programming that are ambitious but also targeted and achievable. DRL will consider proposals that address the goal reflected above but include different, though similar and related, objectives. While proposals may include additional objectives, inclusion of additional objectives will not make a proposal more competitive.

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 combats Gender Based Violence in Uzbekistan. 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 combat gender-based violence (GBV) in Uzbekistan.        ​​​On April 6, 2023, Uzbekistan’s Senate unanimously adopted amendments criminalizing domestic violence and strengthening protections for women and children.  The legislation, signed into law by President Mirziyoyev on April 11, amends the Criminal and Administrative Codes.  While this legislation amended the Criminal and Administrative Codes, there are a few barriers to making the law a reality.  First, there is uneven implementation across localities because of cultural and resource variances across urban, peri-urban, and rural communities.  Second, limited public knowledge about the new law has resulted in few people seeking access to legal assistance.  Lastly, societal norms impede individuals from reporting domestic violence.     Through this award, DRL aims to address these gaps by:      Increasing awareness among all Uzbekistanis about the new GBV law at the local level and how it applies to women and communities across Uzbekistan.  Raising awareness about harmful practices that normalize and excuse GBV toward women and girls.  Supporting local civil society, community leaders, and social workers as they advocate to local law enforcement and local governance structures for the consistent implementation of the new law at the local level.     The proposed program should achieve the following outcomes:    Local civil society organizations (CSOs) and community advocates are better equipped to promote awareness of the new GBV law and advocate for its consistent and accountable implementation with law enforcement and government structures.   CSOs are better able to advocate for and assist GBV survivors to ensure they have access to resources and all provisions provided under the new GBV law.   Communities better understand and can advocate for the even implementation of the new GBV law at the local level.  Improved data collection and monitoring of GBV case response under the new law, All programs should aim to have impact that leads to reforms and have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources.  DRL’s preference is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and creative approaches.  This does not exclude from consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary way.  DRL is committed to advancing equity and support for underserved and underrepresented communities. In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, programs should implement strategies for integration and inclusion of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries that can bring perspectives based on their religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, political affiliation, or veteran’s status.  Programs should be demand-driven and locally led to the extent possible.  DRL requires all programs to be non-discriminatory and expects implementers to include strategies for nondiscrimination of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, or veteran’s status.  Competitive proposals may also include a summary budget and budget narrative for no additional months following the proposed period of performance, indicated above. This information should indicate what objective(s) and/or activities could be accomplished with additional time and/or funds beyond the proposed period of performance. Where appropriate, competitive proposals may include: Opportunities for beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and skills in practical efforts; Solicitation of feedback and suggestions from beneficiaries when developing activities in order to strengthen the sustainability of programs and participant ownership of project outcomes; Input from participants on sustainability plans and systematic review of the plans throughout the life of the project, with adjustments made as necessary; Joint identification and definition of key concepts with relevant stakeholders and stakeholder input into project activities; Systematic follow-up with beneficiaries at specific intervals after the completion of activities to track how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills. Activities that are not typically allowed include, but are not limited to: The provision of humanitarian assistance; English language instruction; Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware; Purely academic exchanges or fellowships; External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months; Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary per security concerns; Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy issues, including projects aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorporate training or capacity-building for local civil society; Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives; Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications in response to to strengthen civil society resilience in Kyrgyz Republic. The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications in response to the following solicitation.  DRL anticipates funding one proposal from this solicitation, pending availability of funding.      The Kyrgyz Republic has long had a reputation of having the most vibrant, active civil society and independent media in Central Asia.  In recent years however, concerning trends have put that reputation at risk.  Harassment of activists, independent media and CSOs has intensified, with peaceful rallies limited to specific places, with authorities extending restrictions every few months.       Kyrgyz CSOs now face systematic attacks including arbitrary criminal and administrative prosecutions, deportations, and anonymous offline and online threats. They routinely endure unannounced tax inspections and smear campaigns on social media. Additionally, draft anti-democratic legislation currently for consideration in the Kyrgyz parliament threatens to seriously undermine freedom of association and further restrict CSO operating space.     In this challenging environment, DRL aims to maintain civil space and build civil society resiliency. This project’s primary objective is ensuring Kyrgyz CSOs have the tools, training, resources, and support to remain safely and effectively engaged in their work amid increasing repressions.       Elements of useful programming could include digital and physical security trainings, financial audits, flexible small-grants, legal support, advocacy strategy development, cyber bullying response tactics, or building solidarity networks domestically and internationally. The focus should be holistic, addressing security, legal, financial, operational, and psychosocial needs given the multilayered pressures civil society faces.    Program outcomes could include one or more of the following but are not limited to:    Civil society and community actors operate and coordinate safely to navigate the new/emerging legal operating environment in Kyrgyz Republic.     Kyrgyz civil society organizations have the tools, resources, and support to safely and more effectively remain engaged in their work amid increasing restrictions and repressions that challenge the civic space.  Kyrgyz civil society engages in advocacy on human rights issues.  All programs should aim to have impact that leads to reforms and have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources.  DRL’s preference is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and creative approaches.  This does not exclude from consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary way.  DRL is committed to advancing equity and support for underserved and underrepresented communities. In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, programs should implement strategies for integration and inclusion of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries that can bring perspectives based on their religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, political affiliation, or veteran’s status.  Programs should be demand-driven and locally led to the extent possible.  DRL requires all programs to be non-discriminatory and expects implementers to include strategies for nondiscrimination of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, or veteran’s status.  Competitive proposals may also include a summary budget and budget narrative for 12 additional months following the proposed period of performance, indicated above. This information should indicate what objective(s) and/or activities could be accomplished with additional time and/or funds beyond the proposed period of performance. Where appropriate, competitive proposals may include: Opportunities for beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and skills in practical efforts; Solicitation of feedback and suggestions from beneficiaries when developing activities in order to strengthen the sustainability of programs and participant ownership of project outcomes; Input from participants on sustainability plans and systematic review of the plans throughout the life of the project, with adjustments made as necessary; Joint identification and definition of key concepts with relevant stakeholders and stakeholder input into project activities; Systematic follow-up with beneficiaries at specific intervals after the completion of activities to track how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills. Activities that are not typically allowed include, but are not limited to: The provision of humanitarian assistance; English language instruction; Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware; Purely academic exchanges or fellowships; External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months; Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary per security concerns; Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy issues, including projects aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorporate training or capacity-building for local civil society; Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives; Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a global project to 1) dissuade and deter governments from engaging in and/or facilitating transnational repression (TNR) activities and 2) mitigate the impact of TNR activities on individuals and communities. Competitive proposals will incorporate activities in at least three regions as defined by the State Department (Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and Western Hemisphere).

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: (1) strengthen civil society efforts to investigate and document human rights violations and abuses committed against ethnic and religious minority communities from Burma, including Rohingya communities; (2) support pro-democracy activists pursuing justice for victims and accountability for those responsible for abuses; and (3) promote non-recurrence of atrocities.

The Idaho Department of Commerce and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture offer the Idaho Online Global Program Awards to support Idaho small businesses in international export marketing initiatives. The program aims to increase the number of small businesses that export, the value of exports, and exploration of new trade opportunities.Overview Individual awards of $9,000 are available for eligible activity occurring between September 30, 2024 – September 29, 2025. Only one application will be accepted per round. Multiple rounds are dependent upon the availability of funds. 20% cash match required. For every authorized $100 you spend you will be reimbursed $80. Reviewing and scoring processes are highly competitive. Watch our overview of the program here. Watch a testimonial from a previous recipient here. Receive a free website and SEO performance report here. Eligible activities for Online Global Program Design and development of website, with an international focus Website translation, search engine optimization (SEO), and localization services Mobile App integration, creation, and updates to support sales Webstore setup and/or maintenance costs Translation of marketing media, including audio and video Set up to receive and/or process online payments and orders Costs associated with selling on platforms such as but not limited to: Amazon Services, Walmart Marketplace, Alibaba Inc., FlipKart, Rakuten Cybersecurity protection to support exports

U.S. Embassy Lilongwes Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce that we are accepting proposals for our Small Grants Program. This announcement is an Annual Program Statement outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes on which we focus, and the procedures for submitting funding requests. Please read this document carefully and follow all instructions. This notice is subject to the availability of funding. Purpose of Small Grants: PDS invites proposals for projects that strengthen ties between the United States and Malawi through 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. policies and perspectives in Malawi. Examples of programs implemented through the PDS Small Grants Program include, but are not limited to: • U.S. experts conducting lectures, seminars, or speaking tours with Malawian audiences • Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions • Professional and academic exchanges and programs • Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs • Programs developed by an alumnus/a of a U.S. sponsored or supported educational or professional exchange program • Initiatives aimed at maintaining contact with alumni of U.S. exchange programs • Projects to promote English language teaching skills or widen access to books and other sources of information about the United States Priority Program Areas: • Promote good governance and rule of law • Facilitate and encourage growth of entrepreneurship • Promote gender equality to increase participation in education and improved health decision-making by adolescent girls and young women • Increase transparency of government activities through a more capable media • Support and improve conditions for vulnerable and marginalized citizens, such as the disabled, people living with albinism, and those subject to stigma or persecution • Prevent gender-based violence and trafficking in persons • Promote stronger, more numerous university partnerships between U.S. and Malawian universities PDS will ONLY consider proposals that contain a significant American component or aspect. This could include, but is not limited to, an American expert as a speaker, using curriculum developed by a U.S. institution, or screening an American film.