International Development Grants

Questions must be submitted no later than 23:59 on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 on [email protected] 2. Applications must be submitted no later than 23:59 on Friday, June 28, 2024 3. Notification of project approval and award signing expected by September 2024. A. Project Description U.S. Embassy Port Louis announces an open competition for organizations in Mauritius and Rodrigues Island to submit applications to carry out a project through the Ambassadors Special Self-Help Program. A grant agreement for up to $15,000-$20,000 (U.S. Dollars) in fiscal year (FY2023) Economic Support Funds (ESF) will be awarded (pending availability of funds) for work that will support organizations throughout the country. The period of performance is 12 months. Funding authority rests in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended. Projects this year should fall under one or more of the following three categories: Small construction projects (less than 1,000 square meters) Communal construction equipment Miscellaneous durable goods The Ambassadors Special Self-Help Program provides small grants to assist community development projects that improve basic economic or social conditions in local communities. The small grants should aim to encourage self-reliance within local communities in Mauritius and Rodrigues Island by providing resources needed to turn a good idea into action. Proposed projects must be initiated by the community and should benefit the community by increasing income or improving living conditions. If the project is designed to generate income, it must benefit the beneficiaries and not the NGO or community-based organization and shall not be a for-profit enterprise or sole proprietorship. The project should be sustainable and not require continued support after the one-time funding from the Self-Help Program. Examples of potential project sectors/activities include: Cultural Heritage: Preservation or conservation of tangible and intangible heritage assets of society such as buildings, monuments, landscapes, archive materials, books, works of art, historical artifacts, folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge, or other types of related items. Environment: Reforestation, soil conservation, waste management, biodiversity conservation; community agriculture or aquaculture projects or other agroindustry projects, green composting projects, cold storage facilities, or fish conservation techniques for artisanal fishermen, or other types of related activities. Marine Conservation: Delimitation of marine protected areas, seagrass mapping to identify carbon sinks, coral reef restoration, protection of endemic plant and animal species, or other types of related activities. Renewable Energy: Installing solar energy, other renewable energies, or other types of related activities. Economic Support: Income generating activities, capacity building workshops in key traditional and non-traditional sectors, providing tools for furniture and handicrafts making, vocational training activities that produce employment and marketable skills, workshops to build e-commerce skills, or other types of related activities. Health: Drug demand reduction, improving health conditions of disadvantaged groups, community gardening and psychosocial support, providing healthcare assistance to at-risk community members, including homeless persons, families living under the poverty line, and/or elderly living alone, providing broadly accessible, reliable, and economically sustainable water and sanitation services to bolster healthy, secure, and prosperous communities, or other types of related activities. Civic Education: Civic engagement, civic education in the lead up to elections to increase public participation, promotion of diverse voices through education centers, or other types of related activities. Funding Restrictions The following activities and costs are not covered under this announcement and are classified as not allowable: Activities with unmitigated and negative environmental consequences, such as dams and roads through relatively pristine forest lands. Activities that contribute to commercial deforestation or conversion of land-use from forest to livestock. Actions that are likely to jeopardize, threaten, or endanger species and/or their habitat. Actions that are likely to degrade protected areas significantly, such as introduction of exotic plants or animals. Development, procurement, or use of toxic or otherwise unsafe products, including pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or hazardous chemicals. Religious, political, military, or law enforcement activities, including those relating to police and prisons. Activities that violate or abuse labor rights, human rights, or otherwise discriminates against or exacerbates inequities among members of marginalized or underserved communities. School or team uniforms. Sports equipment or musical instruments. Playgrounds. Luxury goods. Gambling equipment. Surveillance equipment. Alcoholic beverages. This notice is subject to availability of funding. Please refer to the complete NOFO on U.S. Embassy Port Louis's website.

Internet Society Foundation Research Program Program Objectives: Promote novel methodologies to address Internet-related challenges. Support a diverse and collaborative group of researchers and institutions. Facilitate access to intersectional research for decision-making in government and industry. Eligibility: Independent researchers: Postgraduate degree (PhD, Masters) with relevant publications or work. Public research institutions: 501c3 or equivalent with aligned mission. Areas of Focus: Greening the Internet Understanding environmental impact and sustainability measures. Assessment of energy consumption, waste, and toxins. Research on climate change threats to Internet infrastructure. The Internet Economy Analysis of Internet's impact on economic landscapes. Examination of competition, production, and consumption. Insight into future Internet ecosystems and markets. A Trustworthy Internet Ensuring resilience, reliability, accountability, and security. Addressing user expectations and gaps in infrastructure. Exploring methods to enhance trustworthiness. Decolonizing the Internet Examining Internet's role in inequality and injustice. Preservation of traditional knowledge and languages. Practices for a more inclusive and just Internet. Application Process: Timeline: April 2nd - May 14th, 2024 (21:00 UTC). Submission: Through Fluxx platform. Review Process: Initial staff review, external reviewer evaluation, final determination by Program Officer. Duration: Approximately two months. Apply Now! Deadline: May 14th, 2024 (21:00 UTC)

In collaboration with CalVet, grantee will host the 2024 and 2025 CalVet Leadership Summit bringing together veteran and leaders across multiple relevant organizations to focus on improving the health and well-being of California's service members, veterans, and their families. The Leadership Summit plays a vital role in supporting the department’s strategic plan by providing a platform for leaders to come together and work towards common goals. ; CalVet seeks to organize stakeholder input workshop activities with the assistance of an organization that is highly experienced in serving transitioning veterans, developing and facilitating veteran stakeholder summits or workshops, and has the capacity and proven track record of advocating for veteran services and benefits. The selected Grantee will assume all responsibility for the Required Activities established in Section E for the 2024 and 2025, CalVet Leadership Summit(s) and will operate with prior understanding that unanticipated changes in CalVet priority may impact the size and scope of the relevant annual summit. Grantees will receive the full amount of funding for their awarded grant in the first year. It is expected that Grantee makes up the difference from its own resources in full actual costs, beyond which this Grant provides, with each passing year to sustain the Leadership Summit through the expiration of the Grant terms.The Grantee staff and leadership will be expected to maintain significant engagement with CalVet. Applicants are encouraged to ensure they are budgeting for staff, reporting, and appropriate facility requirements (venue, seating, lodging, hardware and software equipment, supplies, overhead).

Drawing on the science of prebunking and the popularity and penetration of video games, the implementer will organize a game jam. Games developed during the United with Ukraine Game Jam will increase player skepticism of foreign propaganda and disinformation.

The U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications under the 2024 Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP)/CVE Program for Women Leading Peace in West Africa. Proposals funded under this announcement should seek to carry out a program to build the capacity of Bajenu Gox members (neighborhood godmothers-English translation) to counter violent extremism (CVE) in local communities along the eastern border regions of Senegal. Note: The U.S. Embassy expects to receive funding for the TSCTP/CVE-WLP program 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 Political and Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaound, Cameroon announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications under the 2024 Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP)/CVE Program for Women Leading Peace in West Africa. Proposals funded under this announcement should seek to increase the representation of women in peace and security decision-making positions and reduce the radicalization and recruitment of youths in non-state armed groups in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon by March 2026. Note: The U.S. Embassy expects to receive funding for the TSCTP/CVE-WLP program 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 Political and Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaound, Cameroon announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications under the FY2023 Africa Regional Democracy Fund program. Proposals should address projects that will either: (i) advance human rights and fundamental freedoms by supporting local organizations efforts to promote human rights systems, policies, and protection, or (ii) provide assistance that enables citizens to select and replace their leaders through periodic, inclusive, accountable, and free and fair elections. Note: The U.S. Embassy expects to receive funding for the ARDF program 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.

U.S. Embassy Bratislava of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program bolstering civil society endeavors to enhance tolerance and integration of the most vulnerable minority groups in Slovakia. Please follow all instructions below. Program Objectives: Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), we are soliciting proposals focused on advancing tolerance and integration of vulnerable minority groups in Slovakia that address one or more of the following priority areas: 1) protection of the human rights and wellbeing of LGBTQI+ people and/or raising awareness on LGBTQI+ issues; 2) support for Roma inclusion in social, economic, and political life; 3) advancing the rights and integration of ethnic and religious minorities; and 4) countering extremism, hate, and intolerance against minority groups in Slovakia. Proposals in the above areas may include, but are not limited to: capacity-building for civil society organizations; advocacy for vulnerable minority groups; providing and expanding support, services, trainings, and overall empowerment to members of the vulnerable minority groups; creating welcoming and supportive communities; advancing public awareness and tolerance toward members of the vulnerable minority groups; and building greater public and political support for minority rights in Slovakia. Applicants are encouraged to give particular consideration to activities with a regional dimension and a multiplier effect. Successful proposals may include strong participation and involvement of minority group members. Applicants should outline realistic, measurable project goals, justify their approach, and specify project performance indicators. Applicants are encouraged to develop sustainable, impactful projects linked to their organizations long-term goals and agenda, with a strong public communication component. Project proposals must include potential implementation risks and outline strategies for their mitigation. Eligible projects and applicants should be apolitical, not affiliated with or endorsing any political party or actor.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in strengthening the labor rights, protections, and conditions of decent work for migrant domestic workers in Malaysia.

Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement the Promoting Human Rights in Armenia Activity. Eligibility for this award is not restricted; both qualified U.S. and non-US organizations are eligible to apply. USAID intends to make one award to the applicant 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. Subject to the availability of funds, the total estimated amount for this five-year activity is $10,000,000. To be eligible for the award, the applicant must provide all information as required in this NOFO and meet eligibility standards in Section C of this NOFO. This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov, and may be amended. It is the responsibility of the applicant to regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this notice of funding opportunity and to ensure that the NOFO has been received from the internet in its entirety. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion process. If you have difficulty registering on www.grants.gov or accessing the NOFO, please contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or via email at [email protected] for technical assistance. USAID will not make an award to an applicant unless the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements detailed in Section D. 6. (g) The registration process may take many weeks to complete. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to begin registration early in the process. Please send any questions to the points of contact identified in Section D. The deadline for questions is shown above. Responses to questions received prior to the deadline will be furnished to all potential applicants through an amendment to this notice posted to www.grants.gov. USAID currently anticipates doing only one round of Q However, interested applicants should feel free to submit additional questions to USAIDs POCs listed in Section D. If additional questions are received after amendment 1 is issued that merit answering, USAID may decide to do a second round of Q and issue a second amendment to this NOFO. Issuance of this notice of funding opportunity does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government nor does it commit the Government to pay for any costs incurred in preparation or submission of comments/suggestions or an application. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicants expense.

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Mission Afghanistan is pleased to announce an open competition for eligible organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to empower Afghan women to conduct home-based, remote, and other creative employment arrangements tailored to fit the unique circumstances in Afghanistan. This initiative seeks to address the challenges faced by Afghan women, particularly in accessing employment opportunities, by equipping them with the skills and resources needed for home-based, remote, and other creative employment arrangements.The program aims to accomplish the following:Empower Afghan women with skills and access to resources for home-based, remote work, and other creative employment arrangements.Reshape societal perceptions about women's participation in the workforce to foster an environment conducive to women making meaningful contributions to the local economy.Create sustainable pathways towards economic independence and progress for Afghan women.Activities will primarily take place in Afghanistan, focusing on areas heavily impacted by restrictions on women's rights, which has significantly impeded their access to employment opportunities. PDS seeks proposals for projects that should address at least one or more of the following areas:Career Readiness Workshops: Enhancing women's skills for home-based and remote employment through targeted training sessions to explain these models and coachwomen on setting up these types of work arrangements.Mentorship Programs: Providing ongoing support and guidance to women participating in the initiative by establishing mentorship relationships. Guiding participants through the job search, application, and interview process, and in their first months of employment.Placement and Matchmaking Services: Establishing relationships with remote or home-based work-friendly employers, raising awareness among such employers about the skills available to them through remote employment arrangements with Afghan women, facilitating engagement between program participants and employers through virtual career fairs or other opportunities, etc.On-the-Job Training Programs: Facilitating practical experience and skills building in the remote work sector through virtual internship or job training experiences.Advocacy and Awareness: Raising awareness among Afghan women about the opportunities of remote work arrangements and best practices in seeking and maintaining such employment.Strengthening Partnerships for Remote/Home-based Work Empowerment: Establishing collaborations with organizations specializing in remote and home-based work initiatives to enhance women's access to job opportunities in these environments, providing tailored resources and mentorship.This funding opportunity provides an overview of the project's objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and resource needs. It underscores our commitment to promoting gender equality and women's economic empowerment in Afghanistan. We encourage proposals that contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society by addressing the unique challenges faced by Afghan women in accessing employment opportunities.

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 U.S. Embassy Algiers Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Algiers invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Algeria 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 PAS 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; English language programs. Priority Program Areas: English language and research exchange: proposals that enhance the Algerian publics understanding of U.S. culture, values, history, society, and policies through building English language capacity and/or expanding education and research exchange opportunities in both public and private institutions. Countering mis- and dis-information: proposals that increase understanding of mis- and dis-information and strengthen media, citizenry, and civil society capacity to promote democratic processes and active civil engagement of the Algerian people and serve as a link to government resources and services for the people. Entrepreneurship: proposals that strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem, particularly those that increase opportunities and support for minority and women participation in the workforce.Priority Participants and Audiences:Youth: Algerian youth ages 12-30, particularly those from minority groups or underserved areas. Press and media: public and private traditional media outlets, influencers, and bloggers. Creators (e.g., artists, entrepreneurs): Algerian creators ages 25-45, particularly those from minority groups or underserved areas and/or those who work on building civil society or climate friendly/sustainable projects. The following types of programs are NOT eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; Charitable or development activities; Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; Scientific research; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or Programs that duplicate existing programs. Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: Smith-Mundt FY2024 Public Diplomacy fundingPlease go to the link description to see full instructions and links to download application forms: https://dz.usembassy.gov/funding-opportunities_2024/.

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 protections against gender-based violence for marginalized communities in Kosovo. Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global issue that affects one in three women in their lifetime. According to the 2022 U.S. Department of State’s Human Rights Report for Kosovo, a significant human rights issue in Kosovo included the lack of investigation of and accountability for GBV, including domestic or intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and other forms of such violence. Another issue of concern was crimes involving violence or threats of violence targeting ethnic minorities or other marginalized communities. There are also critical gaps in the systematic documentation and monitoring of the prevalence of GBV in the country. Furthermore, GBV survivors often lack awareness of their rights and access to support services. There are also social stigmas in reporting GBV coupled with cultural norms that try to keep partners together. To respond to these challenges, DRL is seeking proposals that work towards the Bureau’s goal of providing access to justice for individuals experiencing GBV, abuse, and exploitation in 2 Kosovo. The program should take an intersectional approach by considering particular issues facing LGBTQI+ women, women with disabilities, low-income women, women in public-facing positions, women from racial, religious, and ethnic minority communities, and other intersections are differently impacted by GBV. The program objectives are: 1) increasing public awareness of the various forms of GBV (i.e. psychological, physical, emotional, economic, etc.) as well as relevant laws and available protections; 2) strengthening collaboration among diverse stakeholders in all communities on rights-based, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered approaches to prevent and address GBV; and 3) providing survivor-centered support, including the provision of direct service assistance. Program activities may include but are not limited to: • Developing and implementing targeted awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives regarding the different forms of GBV and available protections under current laws; • Strengthening the financial, technical and/or organizational capacity of local organizations in providing effective and survivor-centered support services, including, but not limited to, legal, psycho-social, and/or medical assistance; • Enhancing coordination among relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement, healthcare providers, and social services to improve GBV response mechanisms, including training direct service providers on how to engage with survivors; and • Conducting research and assessments to better understand the prevalence and dynamics of GBV in the country and inform evidence-based interventions.

Impact Grants are meant to increase the long-term impact of an organization or program, increase the organization’s ability to reach under-served populations, or enable two or more nonprofits to work collaboratively to create transformative and sustainable community change. Donor Name: Capital Region Community Foundation State: Michigan County: Clinton County (MI), Eaton County (MI), Ingham County (MI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Capital Region Community Foundation provides charitable funding to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations and other eligible entities, for projects and programs that predominantly benefit residents of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties, Michigan. Who is eligible for a grant? Applicants must predominantly serve residents of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties, Michigan. Must have or partner with a 501(c)(3). Municipalities may also apply. If required, must have a Michigan Charitable License to Solicit. They are unable to fund the following: individuals, international organizations, sectarian or religious programs, endowment funds, existing obligations, debts or expenses incurred before the grant approval date. Criteria  Impact Projects must meet at least one of the following Impact Criteria: Significantly increase the long-term impact of an organization or program, not provide for ongoing operations (routine expenses such as ongoing programming, occupancy, administration, etc.) For example, Impact Grants will not purchase food for a pantry; however, they might purchase equipment that help a pantry stock healthier options to impact the health of their clients. Significantly increase an organization’s ability to reach under-served populations, rather than simply serve more people. For example, Impact Grants are not designed to increase the number of people utilizing an existing program, but rather to help expand a successful program to have greater impact to a new, high-need population. Enable two or more nonprofits to work collaboratively to create transformative and sustainable community change. They welcome applications where two or more organizations are collaborating to implement a solution to a critical community issue. For more information, visit CRCF.

Strengthen Criminal Assets Recovery Agencys (CARA) role and mandate in coordinating the national assets recovery system in Moldova

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 ensure partner states strategic trade control systems meet international standards and by engaging on bilateral, regional and multilateral levels with foreign governments to aid in the establishment of independent capabilities to regulate transfers of weapons of mass destruction, WMD-related items, conventional arms, and related dual-use items, and to detect, interdict, investigate, and prosecute illicit transfers of such items.

This announcement is designed to accompany PRMs General NGO Guidelines, which contain additional information on PRMs priorities and NGO funding strategy with which selected organizations must comply. Please use both the General NGO Guidelines and this announcement to ensure that your submission is in full compliance with PRM requirements and that the proposed activities are in line with PRMs priorities. Submissions that do not reflect the requirements outlined in these guidelines will not be considered. Proposed activities must contribute to global learning and/or advancement of best practices on interim and durable solutions for refugees, asylum seekers, and/or stateless persons. Specifically, this NOFO seeks proposals addressing one of three themes: Self-reliance, Statelessness, or Innovation.Durable solutions end an individuals refugee or stateless status, such as through voluntary return and reintegration, local integration, or resettlement in another country. Given that access to durable solutions remains limited for a majority of refugees and stateless persons and the timeframe to access a durable solution is often protracted and uncertain, PRM also supports access to interim solutions. Interim solutions can be understood as efforts that support inclusion in host country national services such as health care, education, or sustainable housing. It may also, for instance, contribute to self-reliance by supporting access to labor markets and livelihoods, or advance measures that contribute to durable solutions such as identity documentation or addressing freedom of movement.Applicants with technical questions related to this announcement should contact the PRM staff listed below prior to submission.Statelessness: Carmen Wilke, [email protected]: Ellen Lee, [email protected]: Katherine Armeier, [email protected]

PLEASE SEE FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT IN THE ATTACHMENT DOCUMENT NAMED 1. Alumni Grants Program 2024 NOFO Executive Summary: The U.S. Mission Kazakhstan announces an open competition to implement an Alumni Grants Program to promote workforce development and strengthen economic diversification in Kazakhstan. Alumni of U.S. government-supported exchange programs are represented in all sectors of the economy, government, and society in Kazakhstan, and have unique knowledge and skills to address pressing national and global challenges. This funding mechanism will support projects led by alumni directed toward workforce development of youth and womens economic empowerment. Background: For the past five years, U.S. Mission Kazakhstans Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) has supported more than 40 grants to alumni under the Alumni Grants Program (AGP) focused on strengthening civil society. The majority of these grants promoted youth empowerment, womens empowerment, civic activism, human rights, and media literacy. A fast-changing economy, a skill gap between young people and the demands of the labor market, and social and cultural conventions that restrict work choices make the situation in Kazakhstan complicated for young people, particularly women, seeking to enter the work force. To address this issue, this year, the Alumni Grants Program will prioritize initiatives focused on economic growth and workforce development by supporting alumni with U.S. experience to leverage their expertise and knowledge. Projects should focus on high growth industries such as information technology, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and tourism. Project Goal: Increase economic participation of youth from underserved communities in high-growth industries through workforce development opportunities by leveraging USG exchange alumni experience. Project Objectives: Project proposals may address one or more of the objectives listed below. Objective 1: Equip young professionals with in-demand knowledge and skills in order to increase their competitiveness and employability through professional development, mentorship, and partnership opportunities with high-growth industries. Objective 2: Increase professional development opportunities for women in high growth industries through mentorship programs and networking events that allow them to connect, share experiences and build professional relationships. Objective 3: Identify gender biases and advocate for policies that fight against discrimination in hiring, promotion, pay equity, and career advancement for women within Kazakhstans business ecosystem. Potential Project Audiences: Youth and young adults aged 18 35 residing in low-income or underserved communities Women entrepreneurs Business leaders Government officials Social media influencers Civil society representatives Academics and higher education professionals