International Development Grants

U.S. Embassy Gaborone of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit proposals to produce data-driven analyses of the digital and social media landscape of Botswana and provide insights into the influences behind trending narratives, the prevalence of misinformation, foreign-origin and inauthentic content, while incorporating elements of dynamic social media analysis throughout the grant period.

The "Climate Resilient Cities Activities in India Addendum to the Locally Led Development Annual Program Statement (APS) No. 7200AA24APS00006" grant is a special call by USAID/India for local entities to submit concepts for climate resilient projects in at least two cities among Mumbai, Bengaluru, Bhiwadi, and Guwahati, with a total funding of $4 million for two or more awards, each not exceeding $2 million, for an initial period of three years.

U.S. Embassy Gaborone of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit proposals to carry out a program to train investigative journalists in Botswana, capacitate training cohort participants in developing and writing/producing, and publishing well-researched investigative news stories that serve the public interest, and develop newsroom financial and management capacity that supports a robust, ethical, and sustainable independent news media environment in Botswana

U.S. Embassy Gaborone of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit proposals to produce data-driven analyses of the digital and social media landscape of Botswana and provide insights into the influences behind trending narratives, the prevalence of misinformation, foreign-origin and inauthentic content, while incorporating elements of dynamic social media analysis throughout the grant period.

Executive Summary: The Embassy of the United States of America, Bishkek, announces an open competition to implement a program to support equal access to public services, educational institutions, and economic opportunities for all peoples, including minorities and marginalized groups. This program supports an inclusive society and vibrant, effective civic engagement by competitively awarding cooperative agreements to nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and associations, civil society organizations (CSOs), educational institutions and independent local media organizations in the Kyrgyz Republic. Respect for others is a shared value between the Kyrgyz and American people, but understanding of and sensitivity toward diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) concepts remains limited in the Kyrgyz Republic. By promoting understanding of DEIA concepts, this project will advance U.S. foreign policy priorities to reduce discrimination and advance the human rights of historically marginalized groups. Background: The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic is soliciting applications for cooperative agreements that focus on the requirements below. Applicants should pay close attention to PDS priority goal/s, program areas, target audiences, and geographic location when developing their proposals. The full proposal package comprises of six documents, including the narrative proposal template and the short budget proposal. The narrative proposal template cannot exceed three pages, otherwise the package will be disqualified from consideration. In addition, if the package does not contain the required six documents, it will be disqualified from consideration. Over the past year, PDS has implemented two initiatives focused on accessibility and promoting DEIA terminology in the Kyrgyz language: 1) DEIA Kyrgyz-language flashmob with local Kyrgyz-speaking social media influencers; and 2) Installation of the elevator specifically designed for wheelchair users. This funding opportunity seeks to support projects promoting respect for human rights in the Kyrgyz Republic. Potential projects may include, but not limited to: Expanding and popularizing DEIA terminology in the Kyrgyz language: Translating existing resources and DEIA-related vocabulary, developing educational materials. Engaging youth in DEIA initiatives: Developing innovative ways to promote DEIA values among the local youth. Integrating DEIA terminology into public discourse: Organizing workshops or events that introduce DEIA terminology and promote DEIA values in Kyrgyz in the public lexicon; Facilitating collaboration with Kyrgyz language experts: Organizing workshops and collaborative initiatives with the State Kyrgyz Language Committee and Kyrgyz language experts and language enthusiasts. Project Goal: Increase support for equal access to services, educational institutions, and economic opportunities for all peoples, including minorities and marginalized groups, by promoting understanding of DEIA concepts. Project Audience(s): Primary Kyrgyz-speaking general public Kyrgyz speaking rural audience Underserved and vulnerable populations in rural regions Secondary Traditional and social media representatives Local ministries and state agencies Project Objectives: Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives or propose other objectives that support the goal above. Within 12 months: 1) Raise awareness and understanding of DEIA concepts and terminology in Kyrgyz language among the rural Kyrgyz population 2) Facilitate networking and collaboration between U.S. and Kyrgyz language state agencies and institutions to share best practices and develop joint strategies to promote DEIA concepts and principles through roundtables, networking events, and other initiatives. 3) Equip at least 20 journalists, bloggers, influencers, and content creators with the ability to create media content that amplifies DEIA concepts and principles of inclusion.

U.S. Embassy Riyadh announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program that provides exchange opportunities for emerging Saudi leaders in video game development and fosters linkages between them and experienced U.S. practitioners, professionals, educators and peers. Please read this document carefully and follow all instructions. This notice is subject to availability of funding.

The Greenville Zoo Conservation Grants program is designed to support and promote conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all living things, directly aligning with the foundation's mission of promoting conservation and sustainability, seeking knowledge through science, and collaborating to maximize impact. This program is funded through the “Quarters for Conservation” initiative and supports both local conservation projects in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, as well as national and international endeavors. The target beneficiaries are free-ranging wildlife and their habitats, as well as communities and individuals who can be educated or empowered in conservation. The program aims for several impact goals, including the long-term survival of species in natural ecosystems, increased public awareness and appreciation of wildlife conservation issues, and the transfer of conservation skills and technology. Expected outcomes include a reduction in human-wildlife conflict, successful reintroduction programs, improved water quality, and the creation of new conservation leaders. The program prioritizes projects focusing on Field Conservation, Conservation Research, and Conservation Education. Local projects receive preferred funding, and greater weight is given to applications addressing species and habitats at risk. This strategic focus ensures that resources are directed to areas with the most urgent needs and potential for significant impact, reflecting the zoo's commitment to protecting vulnerable ecosystems and species. The funding structure includes a New Grants Program for first-time applicants, offering $300 to $1,500, and a Continuing Grants Program for established partners, providing up to $3,500. This tiered approach supports both emerging and ongoing conservation initiatives, fostering long-term relationships with successful grantees. The overall theory of change is that by investing in scientific research, education, and direct field action, the program can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future for wildlife and natural habitats.

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mexico, seeks to increase its understanding of the criminal justice system in Mexico, with particular interest in increasing the effectiveness of criminal prosecutions and strengthening the local capacities of justice-sector institutions.A courtesy Spanish translation is attached but in the event of any discrepancy between the two documents, the English version controls.

This initiative provides funding to World Vision to combat child labor and improve working conditions in agricultural communities at risk of exploitation, focusing on education and community resilience.

The U.S. Embassy in Cameroon announces a funding opportunity for an organization to expand American Spaces programming by leading activities in four regions of Cameroon. The programming goals from the previous year encompassed the enhancement of soft skills, entrepreneurship, media literacy/ disinformation, environmental and climate change awareness, and promoting good governance. In the fiscal year 2023, the programming extended to all four American Spaces and comprised virtual and in-person initiatives and events. This year, key programming areas should include entrepreneurship and soft skills development, media literacy and countering disinformation, and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) American Spaces are the U.S. governments primary cultural and information centers abroad, providing free and open access for communities worldwide interested in learning more about the United States. In Cameroon, there are four American Spaces: The American Center in Yaound, the University of Buea American Corner, the American Corner Garoua, and the American Corner in Douala. The American Center Yaound regularly collaborates with the other three Corners for joint programming. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Program Objectives: For FY 2024, American Spaces Cameroon wishes to expand these programs to other regions of Cameroon by hosting camps and pop-up American Spaces focused on entrepreneurship and soft skills development, STEAM training, media literacy, and countering disinformation. The grantee will host at least four regional workshops and camps on the following: Create innovative STEAM programs to engage youth in the selected regions while utilizing United States Government alumni and subject matter experts. Train students, young professionals, and jobseekers on soft skills development, entrepreneurship, and innovation to promote positive community engagement and increase employability. Build a better-informed citizenry by increasing participants critical thinking and media literacy skills. Workshops should train youth on how to identify misinformation and examine the potential interests behind specific media stories. Participants and Audiences: The primary target audience is young Cameroonians, aged 18 30 and the principal method of engagement will be through in-person programming with partner institutions. Virtual engagement may be a part of the overall strategy, augmenting in-person programming, when possible, and acting as the primary method of engagement, when necessary. Preference will be given to proposals that prioritize and maximize the needs of the audience while limiting overhead, equipment, and other expenses that do not directly support program participants. A successful proposal will develop a robust monthly calendar of activities spanning at least 12 months. American Content: Proposals must include an element of American expertise, American resources on the topic at hand, or American cultural or societal experience relevant to the topic. This may be accomplished by incorporating U.S.-origin materials, theories, or other resources, or the involvement of American expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) or Cameroonian alumni of U.S.-sponsored exchange programs that will promote increased understanding of U.S. values, culture, policy, and/or perspectives. The following types of activities are not eligible for funding: Scholarships for study in the United States or to fund conference attendance or study tours to the United States Activities that are inherently political in nature or that contain the appearance of partisanship Construction activities Programs that support specific religious activities Fund-raising campaigns Cash prizes for participants

This funding opportunity is designed to support initiatives that reduce child labor and improve labor rights and working conditions in Honduras, primarily through the efforts of World Vision.

The U.S. Embassy in Cameroon announces an open competition for U.S. based NGOs, or non-profit organization to submit applications to implement the participation of 4 to 5 Cameroonians in a 10-day-in person capacity building international leadership program. The U.S. Embassy Yaounde Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is seeking proposals to design and implement a ten-day program for four to five leaders of trade unions of journalists or media associations. The program should combine field trips and meeting with relevant experts from the government, civil society, academia and the media. Interested U.S. based NGOs or non-profit organizations should submit proposals to [email protected] by September 8, 2024, at 5 p.m., Yaounde time. The brutal assassination of journalist Martinez Zogo in January 2023 served as a reminder of the ongoing challenge of press freedom in Cameroon. Many journalists and media outlets are grappling with a broad range of challenges, including a contracting sector, economic challenges, harassment and threats, and inadequate training. Additionally, trade unions and journalist associations lack resources and ideas to sustain their efforts in defending press freedom of the press in Cameroon. Professional associations are neither very active nor very organized and rarely stand together to defend the profession. Through this project, 4-5 executive members of trade unions or journalist associations would travel to the United States for a maximum of 10 days in Washington and New York, facilitating a greater immersive understanding how associations and trade unions operate in the United States and how they promote and defend press freedom, freedom of expression and protection of journalists. The selected participants will meet with established associations of journalists, trade unions to gain exposure to their function, membership, and objectives. Other possible meetings would include Freedom House, ICJ, FPC, and a meeting at the State Department. The expected outcome is that media associations and trade unions return with greater capacity to organize and generate resources, and to defend press freedom in Cameroon. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Program Objectives: Design a program in the United States for current/rising Cameroonian leaders of media associations or trade union of journalists to engage with American media associations and trade union of journalists. Participants acquire knowledge and skills on the operations and functioning of US media associations and trade unions of journalists. Acquire skills, tools on lobbying activities, funding, crowd-funding etc. Promote networking between Cameroon association of journalists and association of journalists or NGOs promoting free press and press freedom in the United States. Initiate possible collaboration, partnership and networking between U.S. media associations/trade unions and Cameroons journalists associations. Participants and Audiences: The participants will consist of four to five Cameroonian leaders of trade unions of journalists and media associations.

The U.S. Embassy in Cameroon announces an open competition for applications to carry out a program to strengthen the organizational and managerial capacity of Civil Society Organizations in Cameroon. The program will provide a better understanding of the role of civil society organizations as a pillar of democratic systems, provide CSO leaders from across Cameroon the knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively manage their organizations while leveraging all available opportunities for enhanced community impact. The program should provide participants the opportunity to learn from each other to develop standard operating procedures that ensure effective achievement of organizations goals and objectives. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Priority Region: All regions of Cameroon Program Objectives: The program will consist of series of 5 workshops in 5 different regional headquarters of Cameroon. Each regional workshop will bring together participants from two regions. Each workshop will consist of a three-day training focusing on various aspects of CSO management. Topics covered will include, among others: - The role of CSOs in a democracy - Managing community organizations in emerging democracies - The legal framework of CSOs in Cameroon - Servant leadership and community engagement - Proposal writing and project management, including the elaboration of key performance indicators and reporting - Understanding the USG Federal Assistance principles and mechanism - Financial management for sustainable CSOs - Effective use of traditional and modern communication tools for enhanced impact The final training curriculum should be developed following an assessment of Cameroonian CSOs capacities and weaknesses. Participants and Audiences: Each workshop will bring together 30 established CSO leaders with at least two-years of experience working in an association, NGO, trade union, or community-based organization. Each participant will commit to organize a pass-it-on activity for a minimum of 10 CSO members in his/her town. There should be plans for robust media coverage to broaden the impact of the project. The launching of each of the workshops would be open to local authorities. The grantee should design a robust media coverage plan ensuring that the project will have high visibility. American Content: Proposals must include an element of American expertise, American resources on the topic at hand, or American cultural or societal experience relevant to the topic. This may be accomplished by incorporating U.S.-origin materials, theories, or other resources, or the involvement of American expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) or Cameroonian alumni of U.S.-sponsored exchange programs that will promote increased understanding of U.S. values, culture, policy, and/or perspectives. The following types of activities are not eligible for funding: Scholarships for study in the United States or to fund conference attendance or study tours to the United States Activities that are inherently political in nature or that contain the appearance of partisanship Construction activities Programs that support specific religious activities Fund-raising campaigns Cash prizes for participants

This grant provides funding to organizations working in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean to develop programs that help youth avoid gang involvement and related violence through community support, education, and rehabilitation initiatives.

A grant program for certified local tourism and convention bureaus to develop, coordinate and promote international tourism marketing efforts. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to provide grants to certified convention and visitors bureaus outside the City of Chicago to assist with international marketing efforts in markets identified by the Office of Tourism for its FY 25 marketing plan. For FY 25, those markets include Mexico, Canada, UK/Ireland, German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, France, India, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.

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

The Political and Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaound, Cameroon announces an open competition for organizations to submit proposals under the 2024 Digital Economy International Leadership Exchange Program. Proposals funded under this announcement should seek to implement the participation of up to 10 Cameroonian government and business leaders in a 10-day in-person International Leadership Exchange Program on the Digital Economy. Note: The U.S. Embassy expects to receive funding for the CPIF-DEILEP before September 30, 2024. Grant awards are contingent on the receipt of funding. If the program is not approved, no grants will be awarded under this call.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is offering the International Medical Graduate Career Guidance and Support Program to address barriers faced by international medical graduates (IMGs) in becoming licensed and practicing medicine in Minnesota. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of strengthening the state's healthcare workforce, expanding access to care, fostering healthy communities, and providing culturally responsive care to underserved populations. The program aims to integrate the potential of IMGs into Minnesota's health system, recognizing their significant contributions. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are immigrant international medical graduates who are seeking to enter the Minnesota health workforce. The program's impact goals are centered on supporting these IMGs through career guidance and support services, ultimately facilitating their licensure and practice in the state. By doing so, the program contributes to a more diverse and robust healthcare workforce capable of meeting the diverse needs of Minnesota's communities. The program's priorities and focuses include awarding grants to eligible nonprofit organizations and postsecondary educational institutions. These organizations must be located in Minnesota, be in good financial standing, and demonstrate strong experience in working with immigrants and refugees, working with IMGs, and providing health care career guidance and support. This ensures that the awarded funds are channeled through organizations with proven capabilities in supporting the target population. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of IMGs successfully integrated into the Minnesota health workforce. Measurable results will be tied to the number of awards distributed (estimated one or two awards) and the range of funding provided ($100,000 to $400,000 per award, with an estimated total of $400,000-$500,000 available). While specific quantitative metrics for IMG licensure are not explicitly detailed, the success of the program will be evident in the enhanced support and guidance offered to IMGs, leading to their increased participation in the state's healthcare system. The program's strategic priority is to address a critical workforce gap and promote equitable access to healthcare for all Minnesotans.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) International Medical Graduate (IMG) Primary Care Residency Grant Program aims to address the critical shortage of primary care physicians in Minnesota, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This program aligns with the broader mission of strengthening the state's healthcare workforce and improving access to primary care for its diverse population. By facilitating the integration of internationally trained physicians into the Minnesota health care system, the program leverages existing medical expertise to meet a significant community need. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are accredited primary care residency programs in Minnesota that train International Medical Graduates, as well as the IIMGs themselves. The impact goals are to increase the number of primary care physicians serving rural and underserved areas, thereby improving health outcomes and access to care in these communities. The program focuses on supporting the training of IIMG residents in key primary care specialties such as Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Psychiatry. A core priority of the program is to ensure that IIMGs who receive grant-funded residency positions commit to serving for at least five years in a rural or underserved Minnesota community after graduation. This commitment is a crucial mechanism to directly address the physician shortage in areas of greatest need. Furthermore, IIMGs make payments into a revolving account, which contributes to the sustainability of MDH's IMG assistance programs, including this residency grant program, demonstrating a long-term strategic approach to workforce development. The expected outcomes include an increased supply of primary care physicians in Minnesota's rural and underserved areas, enhanced access to quality healthcare for diverse communities, and a more robust and diverse healthcare workforce. While specific measurable results like the exact number of IIMGs trained or the reduction in physician vacancies are not detailed, the program's structure with its five-year service commitment and revolving fund suggests a theory of change focused on sustained workforce growth and equitable distribution of medical professionals. The estimated grant amount to grant and award maximum of $390,000 indicates a substantial investment in achieving these outcomes.

USAID/RMCA is in the process of designing its new Trade and Economic Growth activity that will aim at diversifying the country's economy, enhancing trade opportunities, and improving the investment climate to foster sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economic growth in Turkmenistan, in partnership with the Government of Turkmenistan. This Request for Information (RFI) is a preliminary call for information offered by interested organizations and individuals to provide information, opinions, strategies and recommendations to achieve the objectives and results stated in the RFI. This program will address key opportunities for economic development in Turkmenistan, including enhancing trade routes, streamlining border crossings, and improving business transparency and regulatory clarity. USAID/RMCA will utilize its expertise and resources to support Turkmenistan in transitioning to a more diversified and dynamic economy, in line with Turkmenistans National Action Plan for Socioeconomic Development and United States Government priorities in the region and in Turkmenistan.