International Development Grants

The U.S. Embassy Port Moresby Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce the availability of funding through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting funding requests. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Port Moresby invites proposals for programs that advance shared goals of the U.S. and Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Programs should promote strategic objectives of our countries and meet Mission goals, incorporating an American cultural element or connection with American experts, organizations, or institutions. These programs should focus on strengthening economic, social, and environmental conditions in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and/or Vanuatu. Total Amount Available: $500,000 subject to funding availability. Maximum for Each Award: Local organizations: $24,000, International: $250,000

As directed by Congress, SSP makes federal funds available to enable non-federal entities to off-set allowable costs incurred for services associated with noncitizen migrants recently encountered and released by DHS. As stated in the FY 2024 appropriation, the primary purpose of SSP is to reliev[e] overcrowding in short-term holding facilities of [CBP]. Recipients of SSP may also seek grant funds for renovations or costs associated with modifications to existing facilities in support of individuals who have recently been released from the custody of CBP. Refer to Appendix A of the NOFO for allowable activities.The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has committed to bolstering the capacity of non-federal entities to receive noncitizens after they have been processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and released from a DHS facility. DHS is committed to ensuring appropriate coordination with and support for state, local, and community leaders to help mitigate increased impacts to their communities as outlined in the DHS Plan for Southwest Border Security and Preparedness, issued on April 26, 2022, and updated on December 13, 2022.Applicants can submit applications for this funding opportunity through FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO). Access the system at https://go.fema.gov/.

This program to build social cohesion between at-risk groups in northern Ghana and northern Cote dIvoire by improving equitable access to livelihoods in communities hosting refugees and asylum seekers in these regions. Impoverished host communities demonstrate resentment and hostility towards growing refugee/asylum seeker populations in this region as they compete for land, resources, and support from the state and from nongovernmental organizations. Through strengthening inclusive, equitable, and sustainable communal management of land and water resources in communities hosting refugees/asylum seekers, increasing equitable economic exchange between host communities and refugees/asylum seekers, and building conflict management skills in these communities, this program will improve equitable access to livelihoods for at-risk communities, thereby contributing to strengthened social cohesion between these groups in keeping with Objective 1 of the 10-Year Plan to implement the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in Coastal West Africa.

The National Park Service Species Inventories Program (https://www.nps.gov/im/species-inventories.htm) funds projects that address specific management actions underway or planned at a park and the timeline for these projects typically is 12-18 months, resulting in a standard set of deliverables including a report. Four parks in the southeastern United States need an inventory of bat species occurrence (presence/absence) particularly of tricolored bats and their roost site locations and foraging habitat. The parks are Canaveral National Seashore, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Cumberland Island National Seashore and Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Each park would like to understand bat presence/absence in natural habitat and selected structures. They anticipate a sample set of at least five sites at each park could be sufficient to provide insights to their management needs. Our project development workflows involve engaging park managers to clarify their needs. Once an agreement is in place, we coordinate project calls and assist with deliverables and product reviews.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations to foster grassroots partnerships with Japan, focusing on collaborative projects that address global challenges and promote mutual understanding.

This notice is subject to availability of funding. A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION U.S. Embassy Belgrade of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications for the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program. Please follow all instructions below. Priority Region: Serbia Program Objectives: Proposals should align with the U.S. Embassys objectives to strengthen democracy and protect human rights and empower local organizations to advance these changes and reforms throughout Serbia. Grant activities may take any number of forms, including trainings, conferences, workshops, courses, academic competitions, summer camps (focused on language study, sports, etc.), cross-border exchanges, curriculum development, exhibits, hackathons, or app development, online projects, mock trials or moot court competitions, simulations, and role-playing activities (e.g., Model Congress, Model United Nations), film or theater festivals, performances, or other activities. The proposal should also demonstrate how the program will further engagement in underserved communities and with individuals from underserved communities. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing racial equity and underserved communities will enhance the programs goals and objectives, as well as the experience of participants. Participants and Audiences: Primary audiences for proposals should be youth, students, teachers and administrators, young professionals, and/or others related to your program theme. Depending on focus, projects may have secondary audiences or beneficiaries including media, civil society organizations or wider professional audiences, which you may note in the proposal. Participants or audiences for the proposal should be citizens or legal residents of Serbia. If your project idea might involve citizens of other countries, please see the full text of the NOFO, to understand restrictions on funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: Any length of time up to a maximum of 18 months (including the 3-month evaluation period). Number of awards anticipated: Approximately 10 awards (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $50,000 Total available funding: $265,000 Type of Funding: FY23/24 Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act. Anticipated program start date: Your project should start no earlier than July 1, 2024, and no later than September 30, 2025. Note: PDS strongly recommends that first-time applicants keep their budget under $25,000. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost sharing is allowed but not required and will not impact funding decisions. While filling out the application, you will be required to tell us whether you are also receiving funding from other donors for your project. Please be aware, however, that you must be able to carry out all the activities described in your application with the funding you receive, even if the contributions from other donors or other funding sources fail to materialize. C. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Requesting the Application Package: Application forms required below are available at https://rs.usembassy.gov/grants-programs 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) SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov) 2. Grant Application Form for FY2024 (Fiscal year 2024). Note: Detailed instructions for filling out the grant application are included with the form. 3. Budget Justification Narrative (Excel Spreadsheet): After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use the Excel spreadsheet template to describe and explain each of the budget expenses in detail. See section Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions in the full text of the NOFO for further information. 4. Attachments: 1-page CV or resume of all key personnel who are proposed for the program Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner, if applicable. 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. If you still have not completed SAM.gov registration, a screenshot from SAM.gov reflecting that you have started the process. APR (Agencija za privredne registre) document to prove that your organization is a non-profit organization. Required Registrations: All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. To be eligible for consideration, every Serbia-based applicant organization must also be registered in the territory of the Republic of Serbia with the Agencija za privredne registre (APR), or the relevant court. Submission Dates and Times; Applications are due no later than May 10, 2024 at 15:00h. Funding Restrictions: You may NOT apply for a grant from PDS if your project: involves partisan political activity. funds attendance at overseas conferences or trips abroad. international travel to/from the U.S. or countries outside the Balkan region. involves giving charitable activity and humanitarian aid. involves fundraising. is commercial in nature, i.e., you are making money. focuses on academic or scientific research. is focused on arts, culture, or any other areas beyond the themes listed above. is focused on skill learning or training programs unless the activity is specifically aimed at promoting the integration of disadvantaged groups into society. duplicates an already existing project. involves the provision of health care or services, childcare, food subsidies, or other social services to populations. This funding opportunity aims to support specific projects with objectives which can be achieved within a set timeframe. We will not accept applications which are aimed more broadly at supporting your organizations usual or typical daily activities and operations. Those will be deemed technically ineligible and will not be considered for funding by the review committee. Other Submission Requirements: All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected]. If PDS does not receive a complete project proposal at the above address by the deadline, it will be considered technically ineligible and will not be considered for funding. MAXIMUM LENGTH IS 10 (TEN) PAGES (NOT INCLUDING ATTACHMENTS). As a backup, we strongly recommend that you also send a paper copy via post (postmarked before the deadline) to the following address: Democracy Commission Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), U.S. Embassy Bulevar Kneza Aleksandra Karadjordjevica 92 11040 Belgrade Review and Selection Process: A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications. You may be asked to submit additional information and/or a revised budget. Please also be aware that, depending on the availability of funding, PDS might be able to fund only part of the budget that you have requested. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates: PDS anticipates that final funding decisions will be made by July 1, 2024. D. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: [email protected] The full text of the NOFO and the required documents are available at https://rs.usembassy.gov/grants-programs/ and in the Related Documents tab.

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. As the NGO guidelines focus mainly on overseas humanitarian assistance, 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. Requirements in this announcement supersede those outlined in the general guidelines. Submissions that do not reflect the requirements outlined in these guidelines will not be considered. The Bureau will make one award each for; RSC Africa (based in Nairobi, Kenya); RSC Asia (based in Bangkok, Thailand); RSC Austria (based in Vienna, Austria); RSC Eurasia (based in Warsaw, Poland); RSC Latin America (based in San Salvador, El Salvador); RSC MENA (based in Amman, Jordan); and RSC TuME (based in Istanbul, Trkiye), for an initial period beginning October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, subject to availability of funds. With this award, the Bureau will provide full financial support to the selected organization, based on the proposal submitted in response to this funding opportunity. Each of the seven awards will have the possibility of being extended for two additional fiscal years through September 30, 2027.

The Embassy of the United States of America, New Delhi, announces an open competition to implement a program to promote equal access for LGBTQI+ communities by strengthening leadership capacity. This program is built upon the foundation of promoting inclusivity, equality, and accessibility of government services for the trans and intersex communities, recognizing their unique challenges in accessing education, healthcare, employment, and legal recourse against discrimination. Through a cascading 'train the trainer' model, this initiative aims to empower leaders within these communities to disseminate critical information and skills, creating a ripple effect of increased community engagement and awareness that will benefit India and the United States through improved health, education, economic strength, justice, and equality.Project goal is to promote the democratic value of equal access for all peoples, including minorities and marginalized groups, this project aims to build the capacity of trans and intersex community leaders in India, enabling them to effectively access, utilize, and advocate for government services and rights. Utilizing a peer education model, the project will create a sustainable model that empowers the trans and intersex communities from within, fostering resilience, awareness, and inclusivity.(Please refer to the full announcement available under 'related documents' tab)

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

This grant seeks input from stakeholders to design a project that will enhance agricultural growth and food security in Sylhet Division, Bangladesh, addressing local challenges such as poverty, malnutrition, and climate change.

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

The U.S. Embassy Port Louis Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations or individuals to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) to carry out a program (or programs) to promote bilateral relationships between the U.S. and Mauritius and Seychelles. Please carefully read and follow all instructions below. The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise (1500 word) statement of interest designed to clearly communicate program ideas and objectives. This is not a full proposal. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit program ideas for evaluation prior to requiring the development of a full proposal application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decision are made. Two-round process: In Round 1, applicants submit a concise Statement of Interest (SOI) of no more than 1,500 words that describes the program ideas and their objectives. The Public Diplomacy Section will review SOIs and invite a limited group of applicants to continue in Round 2. In Round 2, applicants expand their ideas into full funding proposals for formal consideration. SOIs may be submitted for consideration through June 1, 2024. Please download the template found here and then submit your Statement of Interest to [email protected]. Successful SOI applicants will be notified via email on or around June 15, 2024. Instructions on the requirements of a full application submission will be provided at that time and full proposals will be due by July 15, 2024. Additional Information at: https://mu.usembassy.gov/education-culture/grants-programs/rsoi-2024/

A project to encourage the development and dissemination of a global credential and related credentialing or certification program based on international standards for substance use professionals. Drug use disorders extensively harm health, including mental health, safety, economic well-being, fuel organized crime, and negatively impact political, social, and economic stability. Many governments as well as individual drug demand reduction professionals provide services but have little experience and few methods to determine if those programs or their efforts are effective, evidence-based, and meeting international standards or their own program goals. To encourage and document the improvement of the prevention, treatment, and recovery services, the workforce requires training to an agreed international standard and then an agreed global credential to ensure that the substance use disorder workforce is performing to that standard. Project Vision: Drug demand reduction is the field of counternarcotics that recognizes that an epidemic only ends when we reduce the number of new cases. Through a well-trained, credentialed, and enthusiastic professional workforce in the combined fields of prevention, treatment, and recovery support, we will reduce the number of those suffering from substance use disorder globally and provide a social framework that supports recovery and ongoing prevention of substance use disorders. Project Goal(s) and Objectives: Professionals that work in the drug demand reduction field including prevention, treatment, and recovery support services come from a variety of academic and non-academic backgrounds. Given the sensitive personal, political, and cultural nature of substance use disorder, it is critical to ensure that those entrusted with positions in these areas can be readily identified as having the skills, experience, and understandings of the international standards and the implementation of those standards as they work. While some nations have their own processes for testing and certification, most do not. Poor services, especially those that violate human rights, in any country negatively impact the substance use disorder field. This negative impact has far-reaching consequences globally based on historical misunderstandings of the nature of substance use disorder. For these reasons, we seek to foster a climate where training and expertise are recognized and required for participation as a professional in the practice of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. Credentialing should also be encouraged as many working in this field work as volunteers or are working in related fields such as education or youth services. The overall goal of this project is to promote and develop the framework for the credentialing or certification of professionals in this field, in order to improve overall care of persons with substance use disorders, similar to other medical professionals. Through the development of an international credential secured through standardized examination, the project will also work to decrease the stigma associated with work 5 | Page related to substance use disorders. All competencies and testing should promote and encompass those international standards developed under the auspices of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which have been accepted globally.

The U.S. Embassy San Jose Public Diplomacy (PD) Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) to implement cultural or educational programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Costa Rica. A SOI should include cultural, exchange, and outreach activities that promote shared values and people-to-people ties between the United States and Costa Rica. The thematic areas for the projects must be aligned with Public Diplomacy priorities and the strategic goals of U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica detailed below. The submission of the Statement of Interest (SOI) is the first of a two-step process for successful proposals. Applicants must submit a concise one to two-page Statement of Interest that clearly communicates program ideas, objectives, target audiences, and a general budget overview. Applicants should not submit a detailed, full proposal at this stage. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit program ideas for evaluation prior to requiring the submission of a full proposal application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before a final funding decision is made. Priority Program Areas: Programs that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility including but not limited to: skills building programming, awareness-building, cultural programming, sports, countering gender-based violence, or educational opportunities. Programs that promote shared Unites States and Costa Rican values through English language learning, the arts, music, sports, entrepreneurship, STEAM education, and university preparation skills. Activities that foster long-term student and academic collaboration between U.S. and Costa Rican universities, technical schools, and community colleges, particularly in the fields of STEAM, semi-conductor workforce development, and English language teaching. Activities that increase media literacy and/or combat the spread of disinformation.

The U.S. Embassy is unable to provide individual feedback on non-selected Statements of Interest. A public presentation with general feedback will be offered. The date and time will be announced on the Embassy Facebook. A. PROGRAM DECRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Cotonou Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State announces a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) from organizations interested in applying for funding for program proposals that strengthen ties between the peoples of the United States and Benin through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. PDS invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit SOI applications outlining program concepts that reflect this goal. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The submission of a SOI is the first step in a two-part process. Applicants must first submit a SOI, which is a concise, one-to-two-page concept note (in English) designed to clearly communicate a program idea and its objectives before the development of a full proposal application. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants the opportunity to submit program ideas for PDS to evaluate prior to requiring the development of full proposal applications. Upon review of eligible SOIs, PDS will invite selected applicants to expand their ideas into full proposal applications. Purpose: PDS Cotonou invites SOIs for programs that strengthen ties between the people of the United States and the people of Benin through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or a 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-funded 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; Experiential learning activities (e.g. Model UN, Model Government). Priority Program Objectives and Audiences Project proposals submitted through this Annual Program Statement (APS) should address one of the following Priority Program Objectives: Vulnerable Groups Empowerment: Activities that address poverty and vulnerability in the communities and contribute to build resilience and social cohesion or/and promote the rights of members of marginalized groups including women and girls, religious and ethnic minority groups and other community at risk (e.g. Capacity building on countering Violent Extremist Organizations VEOs disinformation and recruitment). Target audiences include: youth and young adults active in their communities, religious leaders, community members in the North. (One to two awards anticipated, maximum $10,000 each). Investigative Journalism: Activities that link Beninese journalists to American journalists or media institutions, and/or empower community radios with best practices to handle an adversarial debate, and/or develop tools and skills to combat myths and disinformation and to verify information before sharing with the public in order to strengthen free press and journalism as an institution in Benin. Target audience: community radios, mid-career journalists. (One to two awards anticipated, maximum $15,000 each). U.S.-Benin Partnership: Activities featuring popular American and/or Beninese artists, musicians, cultural figures, and other influencers in order to promote a deeper understanding of the United States long support for improving trade and prosperity in Benin, as well as habits that lead to healthier and more prosperous lives (e.g. promoting U.S.-Benin trade with linkage to AGOA). Target audiences include: women entrepreneurs who specialize in handicrafts, youth and young adults who use social media or listen to radio as their primary source of information; and/or educated urban adults unaware of U.S. initiatives to support Benins development. (One to two awards anticipated, maximum $25,000 each). Skills for Success: Activities to promote STEM, learning American English, especially through soft skills (such as resume writing, digital communications, basic financial literacy, public speaking, entrepreneurial skills) and digital literacy, drawing on American and Beninese examples, in order to encourage successful participation in the global economy. Applicants are strongly encouraged to partner with English Clubs, American Spaces, or U.S. exchange program alumni to conduct these activities. Target audiences include: underemployed and unemployed youth who will soon complete or have completed formal education; female microentrepreneurs; and/or graduate/undergraduate students in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math with a strong interest in improving their English or pursuing graduate study in the United States. (One to three awards anticipated, $15,000 each). The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; For-profit programs 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: The Statutory Authority for this program is the Smith-Mundt Act or the Fulbright-Hays Act. The source of funding is FY2024 Public Diplomacy or Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs funds, dependent on the type of program. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: varies (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $25,000 Total available funding: $145,000 (Anticipated and Subject to Availability of Funds) Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding and/or Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Funding Anticipated program start date: Varies Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award, Individual Award, or Cooperative Agreement. Cooperative agreements and some FAAs are different from grants in that PDS staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation (Substantial Involvement). Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. PDS may 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. This notice is subject to availability of funds. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION Other Eligibility Requirements Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding. To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid and active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION The U.S. Embassy Cotonou Public Diplomacy Section will accept proposals through May 30, 2024. A grants committee including U.S. Embassy employees will review eligible applications in June 2024. All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected] All Statements of Interest SOI applications should ensure that the following requirements are met: Please follow all instructions below carefully. SOIs 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 SOI 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 document is required: Program Statement (not to exceed 2 pages in Microsoft Word) that includes: A table listing: Name of the organization; The target country/countries; The total amount of funding requested from PD Cotonou, total amount of cost-share (if any), and total program amount (PD funds + cost-share); and, Program length; A synopsis of the program, including a brief statement on how the program will have a demonstrated impact and engage relevant stakeholders, as well as the American element; A concise breakdown explicitly identifying the programs objectives and the activities and expected results that contribute to each objective; and, A brief description of the applicant(s) that demonstrates the applicant(s) expertise and capacity to implement the program and manage a U.S. government award. The deadline for submission of SOIs is May 30, 2024. An organization may submit no more than one SOI. E. APPLICATION REVIEW CRITERIA 1. Quality of Program Idea: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact. The SOI should explain why the proposed program is needed. 2. Program Planning: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the objectives. A proposed timeline for the program activities should include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. 3. Ability to Achieve Objectives/Institutional Capacity: A demonstration of the organizations or individuals expertise and previous experience in administering programs. 4. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility: Clearly stated objectives for recruiting and fully including participants from historically underserved communities in program activities, and/or including perspectives from historically underserved communities in the United States. A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications. SOI applicants will be notified of the decision to present a full submission within 30 days of each submission deadline. Instructions on the requirements of a full application submission will be provided at that time.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) is pleased to invite eligible organizations to submit applications for a cooperative agreement to conduct Physical Security and Stockpile Management in the Northern Triangle during fiscal year 2024. Specific goals, objectives, and technical requirements for application packages are detailed below. PM/WRA anticipates awarding up to $5,000,000 under this funding opportunity. PM/WRA may issue multiple awards, however, the sum of all awards will not exceed $5,000,000.

The purpose of this award is to help EXBS partners in the Western Hemisphere build capacity to implement and enforce strategic trade controls and related mechanisms (e.g., foreign direct investment screening regimes) to mitigate proliferation risks. The U.S. Department of State, International Security and Nonproliferation, Office of Export Control Cooperation (ISN/ECC) announces an open competition for organizations (see eligibility information in C.1) interested in submitting application 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 crisisaffected 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. ISN/ECC invites U.S. non-profit organizations, Domestic & Foreign For-Profit Organizations. For-profit recipients who do not have a formally established overhead or G&A rate should allocate indirect costs into the appropriate direct cost categories (must waive fee/for profit); U.S. and foreign educational institutions, international NGOs, and Public International Organizations to submit cooperative agreement proposals. ISN/ECC has approximately $2.6M available to fund this project.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) is pleased to invite eligible organizations to submit applications for a cooperative agreement to conduct a physical security and stockpile management program (PSSM) in Somalia during fiscal year 2025. Specific goals, objectives, and technical requirements for application packages are detailed below. PM/WRA anticipates awarding up to $4,000,000 under this funding opportunity. To reduce the threats posed to civilian security by at-risk, illicitly proliferated, and indiscriminately used conventional weapons.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) is pleased to invite eligible organizations to submit applications for a cooperative agreement to conduct a physical security and stockpile management program in Nigeria during fiscal year 2025. Specific goals, objectives, and technical requirements for application packages are detailed below. PM/WRA anticipates awarding up to $500,000 under this funding opportunity. To reduce the threats posed to civilian security by at-risk, illicitly proliferated, and indiscriminately used conventional weapons.

USAID seeks to design a new potential activity focused on supporting Mexican actors' efforts in strengthening the voluntary carbon market system in Mexico. Over the past decade, Mexico has demonstrated leadership in addressing climate change through initiatives such as the General Climate Change Law (GCCL) enacted in 2012 and the introduction of a carbon tax in 2014, a pioneering carbon pricing mechanism in Latin America. In 2020, Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) expanded on these efforts with the launch of the first emission trading scheme in Latin America. The purpose of USAID’s potential new activity would be to identify and support policy levers and other measures that could support a just and equitable expansion of the voluntary carbon market in Mexico, aligning with climate objectives under the GCCL and the Paris Agreement.