International Development Grants

The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Madrid and U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona (known collectively as PD Spain) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit proposals to design, manage, and implement Defensa y Yo 5.0, a program promoting security and defense issues among Spanish and Andorran public university students. In 2021, working with a local partner organization, Mission Spain established "Defensa y Yo" (DyY) a program promoting security and defense issues among Spanish youth. The program includes three elements: 1) Lectures by U.S. experts in select Spanish public universities on a variety of topics related to security and defense. 2) Attendees can then participate in a competition where they submit a project on one of the topics covered in the lecture series. 3) A winner is selected from each university, with winning students traveling to Brussels to visit NATO headquarters and other security and defense institutions. For this fifth edition of the Defensa y Yo program, Mission Spain welcomes creative proposals to continue the program in sixteen selected Spanish public universities, strengthen the relationships with both the university administrators and professors, and engage the network of participants from the four previous editions. Program Objectives: Objective 1: Spanish public university students gain knowledge and tools to discuss and share accurate information on security and defense issues with their peers and become better informed future leaders. Objective 2: Strong relationships are formed with both the university administrators and professors. Objective 3: Mentorship relationships are formed between participating students of all four editions of DyY and the alumni association GEOSEDE. Recipient Responsibilities: This award will be separated into two parts to include a non-competitive continuation clause based on awardee performance and execution of the program objectives detailed below in part one. Funding for part two of the project is not guaranteed, and the renewal of the award to cover the second part of the project is at the discretion of the Department of State, and will be evaluated based on successful completion of the recipient responsibilities and program objectives. Part One: 1. Develop and implement a program consisting of a series of lectures (in-person or virtual, when necessary) on security and defense themes featuring a U.S. expert (i.e. representatives from academia, civil society, international organizations, think tanks, U.S. government, etc.). These lectures will take place at sixteen selected Spanish public universities - one session per university from February 2025 to May 2025. Ideally, the grantee will invite a total of four speakers, one per month. Each speaker would reach four of the participating universities during the course of one week. These U.S. speakers will be selected by the grantee in collaboration with PD Spain. 2. Prepare program guidelines and other relevant materials for professors of the participating Defensa y Yo universities. 3. Conduct a formal registration of all attendees of the Defensa y Yo sessions at the sixteen participating universities. Design and conduct qualitative and quantitative research pre and post program via survey, focus groups, etc. to measure the programs effect on the participants as well as general trends, mindsets, and knowledge of the target audience on security and defense issues. 4. Maintain and support the existing Defensa y Yo website to convey program information and highlights with featured editorial space on the grantee’s website. 5. Develop and implement a media and social media plan, with a specific emphasis on promoting the program and highlighting program impact in the sixteen universities. The press and social media campaign should be coordinated with the communications departments of the participating universities and PD Spain. 6. Develop a competition for lecture attendees (students) that identifies the best project per University around a chosen theme related to security and defense issues. Pieces should be submitted by the student participants of the Defensa y Yo program who have registered and attended the Defensa y Yo sessions; 7. Develop a transparent review process that involves PD Spain to evaluate competition applicants (one selected candidate from each one of the participating universities) for the exchange program in Brussels. 8. Organize a professional development opportunity for all 16 professors from participating universities to strengthen their network and knowledge in defense-related topics. Coordinate travel logistics, provide necessary documentation, and implement engaging activities. Part Two: 9. Conduct a pre-departure orientation (in-person, in Madrid) for Defensa y Yo Fellows before their departures from the city where their university is located to Madrid and Brussels; 10. Create program materials (both electronic and print) to assist finalists in preparing for their fellowship in Brussels, and answer questions on programmatic issues, including, but not limited to, program responsibilities and expectations, travel, accident and sickness benefits, lodging and meals and incidentals, leadership development, etc.; 11. Arrange and cover via award the cost of all appropriate program-related travel for Defensa y Yo Fellows to participate in a 4-day exchange program in Madrid and Brussels in the fall of 2025, including but not limited to transportation, lodging, and meals and incidental expenses, etc.; 12. Develop and implement a social media plan during the exchange program in Brussels, with a specific emphasis on the student winners participating in the program; 13. Manage financial aspects of the program including timely disbursement of participant meal and incidental stipends, lodging and travel allowances, etc. and promptly report any irregularities in the budget or spending to PD Spain both for participating speakers, participating professors, and selected student winners during their exchange program; 14. Participate in regular program reviews and meetings with PD Spain (in person or by telephone) that provide general updates on program implementation and matters of concern including but not limited to a review of the effectiveness of past activities, progress on anticipated programmatic activities, and issues that may impede the implementation of planned programming; 15. Respond fully and promptly to requests for program or statistical information from PD Spain, including but not limited to providing information through spreadsheets and databases; 16. Ensure compliance with the terms of this NOFO, including but not limited to submitting timely financial and program reports and proper budget oversight. Participants and Audiences: Project should involve at least 500 Spanish public university undergraduate students (18-25) enrolled in International Relations, Law, Journalism, and Business Administration programs at sixteen universities, and a network of professors of all sixteen selected universities. Further Information: Further information and application instructions can be found on the U.S. Embassy Consulate in Spain and Andorra website: https://es.usembassy.gov/grants-programs/ as well as an attachment on this posting. Any questions about the opportunity or the application should be directed to [email protected]. NOTE: This notice is subject to availability of funding.

This funding opportunity supports local organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic to develop and implement innovative solutions addressing key challenges in democracy, economic growth, education, and peace.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Niamey of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to increase womens participation in security decision-making in Maradi Region. Please follow all instructions below. Priority Region: Maradi Region Program Description and Objectives: Armed banditry and transnational organized crime have surged along the Niger-Nigeria border in Maradi Region since the coup detat in July 2023. Armed banditry and transnational organized crime thrive on the criminal groups close relational ties to individuals in targeted communities. Women in criminally targeted communities have both extensive information and unique influence over these relational ties, which facilitate the selection of banditry targets as well as the planning and implementation of illicit trafficking and other transnational criminal activity that sustains violent extremist organizations (VEOs) like the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Prior to the coup detat, women civil society leaders in Maradi Region gained a hard-fought representative seat on the Maradi Regional Security Council due to the advocacy and training provided by the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership- funded Women Preventing Violent Extremism Project. Unfortunately, the coup detat cost the women leaders their seat on the Council when the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland (CNSP) replaced key advocates like the former Governor of Maradi Region and various local officials with new appointees who have not received gender mainstreaming training. The surge in armed banditry and transnational organized crime in Maradi Region necessitates renewed efforts to ensure that women civil society leaders secure formal representation in regional and departmental security councils and other deliberative bodies. The U.S. Embassy Niamey thus seeks applications to formalize womens representation in regional and departmental security councils in Maradi Region. Prospective projects should respond to the following objective: Women leaders in Maradi Region will increase and institutionalize their leadership in community policing and security decision-making by 2026. Prospective projects should reflect a strong strategic vision with clearly defined procedures for institutionalizing womens leadership in community policing and peace and security decision-making. Prospective projects should build on previous women-led peacebuilding interventions in Maradi Regionparticularly those led by the Martaba Networkand work with local women leaders who have been already trained on mediation skills and countering violent extremism (CVE). Applicants are strongly encouraged against holding new trainings for local women leaders and are instead advised to work with local women leaders who have previously received mediation and CVE training. Applicants are advised to focus on strategic activities that advance womens integration into local peace process mediation. Possible project activities include: - Rapid gender inclusion assessment of Maradi Region community policing and security decision-making - Gender inclusion strategy development for Maradi Region community policing and security decision-making - Advocacy meetings to implement a security decision-making gender inclusion strategy - Gender-inclusive peace monitoring - Public gender inclusion sensitization activities Close collaboration with Nigerien authorities like the Ministry of Interiors Stabilization Unit and the High Authority for the Consolidation of Peace (HACP) as well as other partners implementing community policing activities in Maradi Region is essential for successful project implementation. The successful applicant will demonstrate a successful track record of gender inclusion in local peacebuilding and will have collaborated previously with national or local Nigerien authorities. Applicants should budget for quarterly meetings of a project advisory group that will ensure coordination with Nigerien authorities and other women, peace, and security implementing partners. Participants and Audiences: The successful applicant will work with the Martaba Network of women community leaders in Maradi Region. The successful applicant will build on pre-existing relationships with local and national Nigerien authorities, community leaders, and womens leaders in Maradi Region to manage a broad coalition of partners critical to successful gender inclusion.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Niamey of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to increase womens participation as mediators in community peace processes in Tillaberi Region. Please follow all instructions below. Priority Region: Tillaberi Region Program Description and Objectives: In January 2023, community leaders in northern Tillaberi Regions Bani Bangou Department signed a landmark peace agreement between the Fulani and Zarma ethnic groups. The peace agreement ended three years of cyclical intercommunal massacres exacerbated by the Islamic State of the Greater Sahara (IS-GS)s vicious attacks and recruitment schemes in these localities. Six months later, Tuareg and Fulani leaders in neighboring Ouallam Department signed their own community peace accord to end similar intercommunal violence strategically spurred by IS-GS. Neither Bani Bangou nor Ouallam Department has experienced cyclical intercommunal massacres since the accords signature. The National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland (CNSP) has continued sponsoring the mediation of additional peace agreements in localities across northern Tillaberi Region since the coup detat in July 2023, targeting areas like Gourol Commune that have been devastated by intercommunal massacres, IS-GS warfare, and mass population displacement. Nigerien women did not serve as mediators in the negotiation of the Tillaberi Region peace accords. Instead, the men mediators held focus group discussions with women community members to incorporate their perspectives into their conflict analysis prior to the start of negotiations. This reflects a common trend in Nigerien peacebuilding and mediation: men lead and facilitate peace processes, involving women as passive informants and participants in the peace accord ceremonies. Peacebuilding interventions have had a transformative impact on the ability of women leaders in Tillaberi Region to mediate disputes and promote peace in their communities. Yet older men continue to dominate the mediation of community peace processes, ultimately leaving local patriarchal power structures untouched. Prospective projects should respond to the following goal: Women leaders will increase their participation in northern Tillaberi Region peace processes as mediators and institutionalize their leadership in partnership with national and local authorities by 2026. Prospective projects should reflect a strong strategic vision with clearly defined procedures for overcoming gender inclusion barriers in northern Tillaberi peace processes. Prospective projects should build on previous women peacebuilding interventions in northern Tillaberi and work with local women leaders who have been already trained on mediation skills and conflict resolution. Applicants are strongly encouraged against holding new trainings for local women leaders and are instead advised to work with local women leaders who have previously received mediation training. Applicants are advised to focus on strategic activities that advance womens integration into local peace process mediation. Possible project activities include: - Rapid gender inclusion assessment of northern Tillaberi Region peace processes - Gender inclusion strategy development for northern Tillaberi Region peace processes - Advocacy meetings to implement a peace process gender inclusion strategy - Gender-inclusive peace monitoring - Public gender inclusion sensitization activities Close collaboration with Nigerien authorities like the Ministry of Interiors Stabilization Unit and the High Authority for the Consolidation of Peace (HACP) as well as other partners implementing peace process support activities in northern Tillaberi Region is essential for successful project implementation. The successful applicant will demonstrate a successful track record of gender inclusion in local peacebuilding and will have collaborated previously with national or local Nigerien authorities. Applicants should budget for quarterly meetings of a project advisory group that will ensure coordination with Nigerien authorities and other women, peace, and security implementing partners. Participants and Audiences: The successful applicant will work with women leaders in northern Tillaberi Region who have been trained by previous peacebuilding and gender inclusion programs to co-design and implement gender inclusion activities. The successful applicant will build on pre-existing relationships with local and national Nigerien authorities, community leaders, and womens leaders in northern Tillaberi Region to manage a broad coalition of partners critical to successful gender inclusion.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Niamey of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to fortify relations between communities, women civil society leaders, and civilian security forces in Diffa Region. Please follow all instructions below. Priority Region: Diffa Region Program Description and Objectives: In 2021, the Trans-Saharan Counterterrorism Partnership-funded Nallewaro Project created both women-only and mixed-gender civilian-law enforcement networks that successfully integrated women into local conflict management processes. Following the Nallewaro Project closure in 2021, these networks continued to apply rapid-response mediation to intercommunal conflicts that threatened to destabilize violent extremist organization (VEO)-impacted localities in Diffa. As VEO attacks escalate in Diffa Region following the coup detat in July 2023, the Nallewaro women and mixed-gender security networks have continued to facilitate strong collaboration between communities and security forces. The post-coup detat change in regional government leadership, however, has stalled womens integration into government security decision-making structures that would further institutionalize the Nallewaro women and mixed-gender security networks. Prospective projects should respond to the following goal: Women leaders in Diffa Region will increase their participation and institutionalize their leadership in regional and departmental peace and security decision-making by 2026. Prospective projects should reflect a strong strategic vision tailored to new security and political challenges in Diffa Region following the coup detat in July 2023. Prospective projects should build on previous Nallewaro Network activities and work to establish the networks sustainability. Applicants are strongly encouraged against holding new trainings or duplicate activities from previous projects unless there is a newly identified need. Applicants are advised to focus on strategic activities that institutionalize the womens and mixed gender Nallewaro Networks. Possible project activities include: - Rapid assessment of community-civilian security force collaboration and gender inclusion in Diffa Region post-July 2023 - Women-led community security monitoring - Community-civilian security stakeholder dialogues - Public gender inclusion sensitization activities Close collaboration with Nigerien authorities like the Ministry of Interiors Stabilization Unit and the High Authority for the Consolidation of Peace (HACP) as well as other community policing partners in Diffa Region is essential for successful project implementation. The successful applicant will demonstrate a successful track record of gender inclusion in local peacebuilding and will have collaborated previously with national or local Nigerien authorities. Applicants should budget for quarterly meetings of a project advisory group that will ensure coordination with Nigerien authorities and other women, peace, and security implementing partners. Participants and Audiences: The successful applicant will work with the Nallewaro Network in Diffa Region, which has been trained by previous peacebuilding and gender inclusion programs to co-design and implement gender inclusion activities. The successful applicant will build on pre-existing relationships with local and national Nigerien authorities, community leaders, and womens leaders in Diffa Region to manage a broad coalition of partners critical to successful gender inclusion.

The 24.PMWRA.PapuaNewGuinea.UXO.NOFO grant is a funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, offering up to $2,250,000 for organizations to establish operations for unexploded ordnance and humanitarian mine action in Papua New Guinea in 2025.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working in Namibia to improve health information systems and enhance public health programs related to HIV, tuberculosis, and other health threats.

The U.S. Embassy Kampala/ Bureau of African Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to implement a media literacy and countering mis- and dis-information targeting senior radio/investigative journalists. The project will have two elements: (1) Training of senior members of broadcast media (presenters, reporters, investigative journalists, and producers) on how to detect and counter misinformation and disinformation. (2) Research and analysis of information manipulation and propaganda across Ugandas media landscape. The U.S. Mission in Uganda is concerned about the proliferation of information manipulation that negatively influences Ugandans perception of public health campaigns, domestic politics, the value of a democratic system, and other significant issues. The project aims to support one of the Public Diplomacy Sections (PDS) central goals of improving the professional development of the Ugandan media corps. Please follow all instructions below.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a cooperative agreement(s) from qualified entities to implement the Rebuilding Cubas Nascent Civil Society program. Eligibility for this award is not restricted. USAID intends to make an award to the applicant(s) who best meets the objectives of this funding opportunity based on the merit review criteria described in this NOFO subject to a risk assessment. Eligible parties interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of program sought, application submission requirements and selection process.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Budapest Public Diplomacy Section (PDS Budapest) 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 Budapest invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Hungary 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 in 2024:a) Promoting rule of law and democratic governance by supporting legal and institutional changes which strengthen the rule of law and expose and combat corruptionb) Strengthen respect for international human rights and those democratic values, support marginalized groupsc) Strengthening independent media and journalism and helping to foster critical thinkingd) Promoting unity among NATO allies and a united response to the Russian war on Ukrainee) Supporting Hungarys Transatlantic commitment by addressing transnational threats, including disinformationf) Increasing awareness of Americas role as an economic partner to Hungary Participants and Audiences:We seek proposals for geographically and demographically diverse audiences within Hungary. As noted above, all projects must include an American component in order to be eligible for funding. An American component can mean any of the following: An American citizen who is an expert, speaker, artist, athlete, or other visitor to Hungary who will lead or present some key component of the project. In rare cases, the project could involve an extraordinarily highly accomplished person who is not an American citizen, but who has strong ties to an American institution of major importance.The use of an American cultural product as a major touchstone for key elements of the program. Cultural products could include books, music, curricula, films, dance, other art forms, or technology created entirely or primarily by American artists and innovators and clearly associated with American culture.Engaging audiences in learning about or practicing a major American topic, such as U.S. policy, U.S. history, American values (such as civil rights, freedom of expression, or shared society), or American social models (such as democracy or the rule of law) as a significant focus of the program. 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 of an individual;Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development ofthe organization; orPrograms that duplicate existing programs.

This opportunity aims to connect U.S. experts with Brazilian audiences and institutions by conducting lectures, workshops, and media engagements to improve understanding of U.S. priorities and strengthen bilateral relationships. Applicants are required to incorporate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) principles into their proposals. Programs can be held either in-person or virtually, and applicants should address both options in their proposals. In-person programs typically last between four days and one week, while virtual programs are scheduled for specific dates and times, potentially forming part of a series. Speakers will cover topics outlined by the Brasilia Public Affairs Section that align with their strategic objectives and will engage with diverse professional audiences across various Brazilian institutions. Recipients should be prepared to identify and recruit experts in seven key strategic areas: Renewable energy, climate change, and environmental conservation Diversity, inclusion, and social justice Entrepreneurship and economic growth STEM fields Foreign policy and international affairs Journalism, misinformation/disinformation, and digital literacy Public Security If deemed appropriate by the Brasilia Public Affairs Section, experts in additional Mission priority areas such as education, culture, and the arts may be selected to participate in this project. Should an expert be identified by the U.S. Mission Brazil, the recipient will not be responsible for recruitment services but will offer logistical and administrative support necessary for the expert's travel to Brazil or their virtual involvement in an event. Below outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Recipient and the U.S. Government (USG) through the Brasilia Public Affairs Section for the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Effective collaboration between both parties is essential for the successful selection, travel coordination, and program participation of U.S. experts invited to Brazil. 1) Recipient’s Role: Conduct research: The recipient will conduct research based on specific topics provided by Brasilia Public Affairs Section and suggest suitable U.S. experts for potential travel to Brazil. apinclude sourcing experts, evaluating their credentials, and submitting resumes for USG vetting and Mission approval. Coordinate speaker interest and availability: Reach out to identified speakers and coordinate their interest and availability for travel to Brazil, including for virtual programs. Logistics such as providing virtual platforms, interpretation services, surveys, and event recordings will be handled by the recipient. Manage travel logistics: Manage all logistical arrangements for speakers' travel according to instructions from Brasilia Public Affairs Section, including ticketing, visas, accommodations, per diem, and other travel essentials. Flexibility for last-minute itinerary changes may be required. Collect post-program reports: Collect post-program reports from speakers and submit them to Brasilia Public Affairs Section without edits. Organize additional activities: Organize additional activities as directed, such as web chats, speaker engagements, press events, and other related activities. Administrative support: Offer administrative support to speakers per requests from Brasilia Public Affairs Section. Budget for program support: Budget for interpretation, closed captioning, event landing page design, and online streaming platforms for both in-person and virtual programs. 2) U.S. Government Role (through Public Affairs Section, Brasilia): Program goals and speaker profiles: Brasilia Public Affairs Section outlines program goals and desired speaker profiles, approves speaker selections and may identify specific experts for consideration. Vetting speaker selections: The USG reserves the right to vet all potential speakers, including those identified by the Recipient. This vetting process will ensure speakers meet program objectives and USG qualifications. Travel and program details: Determines travel details, program schedule, and provides necessary support for experts traveling to Brazil. Speaker-audience matching: Explains program objectives, confirms event types and locations, and matches speakers with appropriate audiences and institutions. Final decisions: Makes the final decisions to ensure alignment between audiences and speaker qualifications. Section III. Award Information: Length of performance period: 12 to 24 months Number of awards anticipated: 01 awards (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of US$80,000.00 to a maximum of US$100,000.00. Total available funding: US$100,000.00 Type of Funding: FY23 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated program start date: 10/01/2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. The U.S. Embassy Brasilia Public Affairs Section reserves the right to award less or more than the advertised amount based on the best interests of the U.S. government. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement Budget Scenarios: To assist proposers in developing their budgets, we recommend considering two different scenarios for U.S. Speakers and Specialist Programs. Scenario 1:10 In-Person Speakers/ 20 Virtual Speakers Scenario 2: 12 In-Person Speakers/ 20 Virtual Speakers Budget Assumptions: Program Duration: 7 days (2 international travel days and 5 program days) Locations: Two different locations in Brazil Per Diem Rate: $400 per day (lodging, meals, incidentals) Honorarium: USD $200-$300 per working day Cultural Materials: USD $250 per trip for books, materials, and distribution to target audiences (including interpretation).

This funding opportunity is designed to support the International Labor Organization in addressing child labor, forced labor, and improving working conditions in key supply chains across Brazil and other Latin American and Caribbean countries.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy in Panama of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to administer a Panama Exchange Alumni Seminar with a networking reception for former participants of U.S. government-sponsored and U.S. government facilitated people-to-people exchange program alumni (exchange alumni) in Panama. The cooperative agreement includes a micro grants component to help participants take concrete actions as a result of their seminar experiences. Purpose: The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to enhance the U.S. Embassys engagement with exchange alumni in support of U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy objectives. During the course of this award, the award recipient will conduct one seminar on the thematic topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a particular focus on the use of AI to promote equity and inclusion and organize an alumni networking reception to celebrate the impact of exchange alumni in Panama. The award recipient will also manage a competitive small grants program for teams of seminar participants that builds on the seminar theme and empowers seminar participants to be catalysts and force multipliers on the seminar theme within local communities. The U.S. Embassy leads and coordinates efforts to maintain relationships with Panamanian exchange alumni. With over 4,000 exchange alumni in Panama, U.S. Embassy Panama is committed to providing resources to sustain engagement with and tap into the energy, enthusiasm, and expertise of this influential audience; most are established or emerging leaders in their fields of interest. The U.S. Embassy supports alumni programs that are strategic and designed to reinforce U.S. foreign policy objectives.

A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Kinshasa announces an Open Competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that promote accountable, transparent, and democratic governance and promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals. In this vein, selected projects will target youth and women interested in becoming political leaders in their communities and country. Projects will focus on education and empowerment, and will develop curricula, that cover civic engagement, peaceful participation in political processes, ethics in politics, community leadership and advocacy. Goals Projects should demonstrate systemic change and be designed to achieve the following objectives: Objective 1: Inspire youth and womens desire to participate in democratic processes by enlisting experienced youth and women in politics to develop a mentorship program. Objective 2: Develop entrepreneurial capacities of youth and women that contribute towards access to educational programs, creating sustainable income-generating activities, and paying for involvement in electoral processes. Objective 3: Inspire youth and womens desire to participate in democratic processes by enlisting experienced youth and women in politics to develop a mentorship program. Objective 4: Develop entrepreneurial capacities of youth and women that contribute towards access to educational programs, creating sustainable income-generating activities, and paying for involvement in electoral processes. Objective 5: Establish centers of learning and capacity-building for open dialogue among youth and women, civil society, governments, and the communities they serve. Objective 6: Empower key reformers and actors to promote access to justice, strengthen checks on executive power, and incorporate citizen-responsive governance to reduce corruption and improve the delivery of public services. Objective 7: Provide technical support and integrate program with or leverage existing programs, local resources, and/or the activities of other donors.

This grant initiative aims to drive systemic change and promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) principles through diverse projects, including:1. Enhancing Access to Quality Education:Objective: Improve educational opportunities and outcomes for underserved groups within the community.2. Promoting Social Entrepreneurship:Objective: Foster a culture of social entrepreneurship within the community, encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to develop innovative solutions for local social and environmental challenges.3. Improving Accessibility and Inclusivity in Local Communities:Objective: Enhance physical, digital, and social accessibility within the community to ensure equitable participation for all residents, including those with disabilities.

The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is offering the 2023-2024 Public-Space Activation Fund (PAF), a grant program aimed at supporting activities that revitalize public spaces within the City of Los Angeles, California. This initiative aligns with the DCA's mission to enrich the cultural life of the city by fostering community engagement and providing accessible cultural experiences. The grant seeks to fund projects that transform public areas into vibrant hubs of activity, reflecting a commitment to broad public benefit and cultural accessibility. The primary beneficiaries of the PAF are the residents and visitors of Los Angeles, particularly those who participate in or attend the various public events and activities supported by the fund. The impact goals include enhancing community cohesion, celebrating cultural diversity, and providing opportunities for cross-cultural learning. By supporting a range of accessible events, the fund aims to improve the quality of public life and create inclusive environments for artistic and cultural expression. The PAF prioritizes projects falling under four main categories, with specific emphasis on International Festivals & Intercultural Foods (IFIF). IFIF grants, typically ranging from $7,500 to $10,000, are designed for pop-up or festival-style events such as community picnics, outdoor festivals, block parties, and food/food-truck festivals. Additionally, creative enhancements to farmers' markets that incorporate live performing arts and cultural activities are highly encouraged. These projects are expected to embrace multicultural themes and feature entertainment suitable for family-friendly, street-adjacent spaces like public parks, schoolyards, and parking lots. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in public attendance at cultural events, greater community participation in organized activities, and a visible enhancement of public spaces. The success of IFIF projects, for instance, will be measured by their ability to promote opportunities for cross-cultural learning and engage diverse audiences through multicultural entertainment. The DCA's strategic priority is to activate public spaces, and this grant program serves as a direct implementation of that theory of change, believing that by funding accessible cultural events, they can foster a more connected and culturally rich urban environment.

This funding initiative provides financial support to Verité, Inc. to enhance fair and equitable employment practices in the coffee industry by combating labor exploitation and ensuring compliance with international labor standards.

The Tompkins County Community Celebrations Grants program is designed to enhance the quality of life within the county by supporting events that promote community understanding, strengthen identity, and offer informative, educational, and enjoyable experiences. This initiative directly aligns with the county's mission to foster a vibrant and cohesive community by empowering local groups and municipalities to celebrate their cultural heritage and diverse interests. The program seeks to create a more engaged and connected populace through shared experiences, contributing to the overall well-being and civic pride of Tompkins County residents. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are nonprofit organizations with 501(c)3 status and municipalities located within Tompkins County. The impact goals include fostering community cohesion, celebrating cultural heritage, and providing accessible, enriching events for all residents. The program prioritizes events that are endorsed by a municipality or community group, commemorate the cultural heritage of Tompkins County, and take the form of festivals, fairs, or events recognizing specific communities, neighborhoods, or cultural interests. Examples of supported events include International Mud Day, the Brooktondale Apple Festival, GIAC Festival of Nations, and the Latino Civic Association Annual Picnic, demonstrating a commitment to a broad range of cultural and community celebrations. The grants range from $500 to $2,500, with a larger "Size of the Grant" indicated as $1,000 to $10,000, suggesting flexibility in funding depending on the scope and impact of the proposed event. The grant activity period typically runs from November 2024 to April 2025, ensuring that funded events occur within a defined timeframe. Eligible funding uses include supporting local artists, performers, or cultural programmers, promotion and marketing efforts, professional services necessary for a successful event, educational materials, and reusable banners or promotional items. This comprehensive approach to funding ensures that events are well-resourced and can achieve their objectives effectively. The expected outcomes of the Community Celebrations Grants program are increased community engagement, a stronger sense of local identity, and enhanced cultural understanding among residents. Measurable results could include attendance figures at funded events, participant feedback on event quality and impact, and the number of diverse cultural groups represented. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that directly contribute to the social and cultural vitality of Tompkins County, operating on the theory of change that by supporting inclusive and celebratory events, the county can cultivate a more harmonious, knowledgeable, and enjoyable environment for all its citizens.

The U.S. Embassy Nassaus Public Diplomacy (PD) section announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to develop and organize a Regional Alumnae Summit for the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) network throughout the Caribbean. The PD section invites proposals from non-profit organizations, civil society organizations, and U.S. government alumni organizations to design and organize a summit to connect small and medium businesses of AWE Alumnae from across the Caribbean during a 2-day Summit in Nassau, The Bahamas in Spring 2025. This Summit will also provide a forum for AWE Alumnae to expand their professional network, share best practices and gain broader market access. In consultation with the U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy team, the awardee is expected to organize all logistics for the Summit to include, but not limited to several deliverables. Therefore, the proposal should clearly describe how each item below will be addressed: Structure and Overall plan for the event. The estimated Cost for the proposed Venue for the Summit. Equipment (Equipment cannot account for more than 10% of the total project cost.) Marketing plan Proposed 6 Conference Speakers and associated costs (this should include Bahamian, Caribbean and American Entrepreneurs as well as a Keynote Speaker.) Travel Costs for participants from Family Islands. A Business Expo opportunity for participants. Opportunities for participants to scale up their businesses (ex. export, product development and scaling.) Cost Share (not required but looked upon favorably) Public Private Partnerships Pre and Post Surveys for participants (ex. To garner input for topics for summit)

The overall goal of the project is to expose the disinformation and propaganda surrounding PRCs current policies, and the risk inherent in the reliance on the PRC to deliver financial and commercial engagement opportunities for U.S. partners and allies. Ultimately, this project will provide constructive evidence to policymakers, business leaders, as well as concerned civil society and academics through fact-based, analytical case studies and through focused international engagement.