International Development Grants

The English Access Scholarship Program (formerly the English Access Microscholarship Program), established in 2004, is a multifaceted public diplomacy initiative at the forefront of global English language learning and the enhancement of English teaching capacity. With over 200,000 student alumni and over 10,000 teacher alumni in more than 85 countries, the English Access Scholarship Program (Access) is recognized as a high-profile, strategic program that supports U.S. foreign policy objectives, while providing educational opportunities for future leaders globally. Emphasizing critical thinking and employing student-centered and communicative approaches, the program's teaching methodology targets bright, underserved students, primarily aged 13 to 20. The Access Program focuses on four pillars that are integrated into all components of the program: global citizenship themes, 21st-century skills, U.S. culture and values, and communicative English language instruction. The Office of English Language Programs (ECA/A/L), Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs anticipates approximately 15,000 participants, including teachers, students, and alumni. Programming may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid and occur in-country, in the region, and in the United States. ECA launched the Access Program in 2004. The program has expanded to become a foundational element in the Bureaus continuum of exchanges to reach younger and more diverse audiences worldwide. For nearly over a decade, professional development for teachers has also been an integral part of the program. Many Access programs are serving as model classrooms for English teaching in their countries. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to strengthen independent media entities and their members as well as local organizations that will support independent media in Central America. This project will assist in conducting better investigations and provide fact-based reporting on crime and corruption through an evolving media landscape to inform populations and hold power-holders accountable, improving transparency and accountability in Central America.

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Mission to Pakistan of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce an open competition for awards available through the Mission Pakistan PublicDiplomacy Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement (APS) outlines our broad funding priorities,strategic themes, and the procedure for submitting requests for funding. Applications for funding will be accepted until June 30, 2024. Applicants may apply for funding for small grants (between $10,000 and $40,000) or large grants (between $50,000 and $150,000). Preference will be given to applications that make clear their careful consideration of effective use of resources. Please follow carefully allinstructions below and use the grant application document and budget template found on our website.This APS was developed to support projects proposed by U.S. and Pakistani not-for-profit organizations,think tanks, and educational institutions that fulfill the U.S. Mission to Pakistans foreign policy goals andobjectives.

Executive Summary The U.S. Embassy Ashgabat, Turkmenistan announces an open competition to implement a program to operate three (3) American Corners in Turkmenistan in Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat. Other American Corners may be developed at the direction of the Public Diplomacy Section. American Spaces in Turkmenistan is a network of PD-funded cultural centers, which are a global network of over 600 State Department-sponsored cultural centers. The American Spaces in Turkmenistan conduct youth-oriented cultural and experiential learning programs to improve skills in English, STEM, entrepreneurship, and climate change awareness. The primary audience for these programs will be Turkmen youth, including girls and women, school and university students, teachers, young professionals, especially from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and USG alumni. The award recipient will be responsible for overseeing administrative aspects of the American Spaces program, to include staffing of selected corners, training logistics, and equipment and facility maintenance. The recipient will also assist in implementing American Spaces programming with significant Public Diplomacy Section input and assistance to ensure the programming meets Mission goals and objectives. Potential implementor will also be responsible for planning, executing, closing, and monitoring and evaluation of all the activities and programs conducted at the American Corners. The expected date range for implementation of this project is May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026. Please follow the instructions below for the application. Background American Spaces are the premier public diplomacy platform of the U.S. Embassy Ashgabat in Turkmenistan that has been strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the people of Turkmenistan and the United States of America for almost 20 years. American Spaces are located in Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat and offer English resources and development opportunities to meet interests of diverse audiences, while also serving as gateways for the Turkmen citizens to learn about American society, culture and education. The American Spaces are well known in the community for their regular English-language activities, such as conversation groups with native speakers, workshops with visiting specialists, and regular presentations by Americans on U.S. life and culture. American Spaces also partner with international and local organizations (e.g., the Smithsonian Institution) to conduct highly impactful programs, such as the Academy for Women Entrepreneurship in partnership with Arizona State Universitys School of Global Management, a variety of STEM programs to introduce local youth to web design and app development, as well as book festivals and eco festivals. Project Audiences The primary audiences for American Spaces in Turkmenistan are: a. School and university students b. School and university teachers c. Young professionals, such as current/aspiring entrepreneurs d. Girls and women e. Civil society representatives f. USG programs alumni Project Goal To deepen mutual understanding, foster collaboration and cultivate partnerships between the people of the United States and Turkmenistan through free-of-charge cultural and experiential learning programs conducted at American Corners in all the regions of Turkmenistan: Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat. Project Objectives Objective 1. Oversee and administer American Corners operations within the allocated budget over a 12-month period, demonstrated by implementation of innovative solutions to technical and logistical challenges, maintenance of staffs high professional standards, and cost-efficient maintenance of spaces, while maintaining the modern aesthetic and accessibility standards of American Spaces. The implementer will maintain the American Corners physical space in safe, accessible, and welcoming and inspiring environment that is designed in accordance with modern American Spaces branding recommendations; provide logistical support with procurement, shipping and technical and Internet service to meet the Corners programming needs; and constantly seek opportunities to reduce the cost of rent; hire and retain top talent to work at American Corners, provide professional development to staff; and ensure publicity of Corner offerings and programs via social/print media. The American Spaces standards mandate that all American Corners maintain collections of books, magazines, computer workstations, and an area for programs. All materials at the American Cornersto include internet accessmust be free and open to the public. American Corners may vary in size, but have the following minimum characteristics: Secure location with public access; Minimum size of approximately 100 square meters; Library containing a minimum of 500 English books selected and provided by the U.S. Mission; Program venue to accommodate 20 people; Open and accessible to women and girls; Accessible to people with disabilities; Furniture, such as: o 1520 chairs o 23 reading tables o 58 computer desks o 2 office desks with chair Equipment, such as: o 1 printer o 1 copier o 1 scanner o 1 digital camera o 12 gas heaters as required o 1 air conditioner as required o 510 computer workstations o 58 uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units o 1 laptop o 5-10 iPads o 1 projector screen o 1 sound system (speakers + mic for public programs) o 3D Printer o MakerSpace robotic and technology materials The three existing American Corners in Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat already have the equipment and furniture mentioned above, which will be made available for the new implementing partner. Objective 2. Design and execute a range of diverse programming activities across six core areas of American Spaces (explained below) in alignment with Mission goals, demonstrated by sustained participation and increases in participant turnout. American Spaces operate based on the global standards of the American Spaces program. These standards mandate that every American Corner offer programming in six core areas free of charge for all the participants: 1. English language teaching and learning: Increase English language proficiency and instructional skills of English language learners and English language teachers, particularly for underserved audiences by facilitating a wide range of programs that build the skills of English language teachers and promote English language learning. American Corners provide access to English language speakers and professional development/teacher training resources provided by the State Department. 2. Information about the United States: Increase awareness and understanding of our primary audiences about American history, culture, and society through people-people diplomacy. American Corners also offer collections of English books, videos, newspapers, magazines, photo galleries, and Internet access and ensure these collections remain accurate, up to date, and audience appropriate. 3. Educational advising: Increase the knowledge and skills of high-school students on higher education opportunities in the United States by providing accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date guidance on applying to U.S. colleges and universities. 4. Alumni engagement: Support continuing engagement with alumni of U.S. exchange programs and cultural enrichment programs, connecting them to local audiences by sharing their U.S. experience and expertise to benefit the local communities. 5. Skills Building: Develop skills and increase capacity of the Turkmen population to meet global challenges, mitigate crises, increase trade, support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and opportunity and strengthen resilience to economic, technological, environmental and other global challenges. American Corners continue offering programs to meet interests of diverse audiences in the regions especially by organizing projects that promote English language, innovation, entrepreneurship, environmental protection, and gender equality in STEM, as well as teach skills such as critical thinking and media literacy, resume writing and job promotion, how to launch entrepreneurial or social development projects, how to use makerspace equipment to conduct projects. 6. Strategic Cultural Programs: Foster people-to-people connections, increase understanding and build respect towards the United States with Turkmenistan audiences through cultural programs, that can include visual and performing arts, film, literature, health, food culture/cuisine, sports, science and technology, volunteerism, makerspace activities, environment, civil society, and entrepreneurship introducing Turkmen audiences to virtually any aspect of culture, from an American perspective. American Corners are encouraged to take advantage of the full scope of cultural programming resources offered by the State Department, including arts, sports, and science envoys; speaker programs; films; the GLOBE program (Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment); Model UN programs; and print and digital offerings developed by the State Department and the Smithsonian Institution. Objective 3. Establish sustained partnerships with local organizations to curate and implement cultural and experiential learning initiatives for local communities, demonstrated by increased number of joint outreach efforts. Examples of those public engagement initiatives can include joint Book Festivals, Cultural Concerts, Eco Festivals, film screenings, and regional and national competitions. Objective 4. Increase participation of primary audiences from the regions in U.S. Embassy programs by facilitating access to exchange programs, training opportunities, and study tours, demonstrated by the increase in qualified applicants from the regions.

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

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

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

The U.S. government's support for Kazakhstan's efforts in promoting Kazakh-language and media reflects a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, promoting cultural exchange, and supporting democratic values and freedoms. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of supporting online Kazakh-language content creators through small grants. This initiative is crucial for several reasons, particularly considering Kazakhstan's efforts to promote its national language and culture while fostering a competitive and professional media landscape. With the number of Kazakh speakers on the rise, there is a growing demand for online content in Kazakh. By facilitating the proliferation of Kazakh-language content online, this assistance award contributes directly to the economic prosperity of Kazakhstan through the promotion of a competitive, professional, and free media landscape. Applicants are encouraged to align their project proposals with one or more of the objectives below, demonstrating how their initiatives will contribute to the advancement of Kazakh-language media. Applicants are welcome to propose projects that innovate in content creation in various forms, including animation, documentaries, apps, reporting, podcasts, and video content, leverage emerging technology, and uphold integrity and accuracy in media production. Project Goal: The primary goal of this assistance is to increase access to high-quality, reliable content for Kazakh-speaking audiences through support for Kazakh online content creators. Project Audience(s): Kazakh-language content creators, social media content creators, as well as technology professionals promoting innovation in the media space. In addition to individual creators, academic or cultural institutions and organizations promoting Kazakh language, history, and culture could form part of the audience. Project Objectives: Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives, or other objectives within the above policy priorities. Objective 1: Supportive ecosystem for content creators: Equip Kazakh-language content creators with necessary knowledge and skills to produce accurate, reliable, and fact-based content. Topics may include fact-checking techniques, critical thinking and analysis, audience engagement strategies, visual storytelling, etc. Objective 2: Technological advancement through Kazakh-language content creation: Develop content creators abilities to integrate new and emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the content creation process. Objective 3: Integrity and accuracy in Kazakh-language media: Increase production of high-quality content that combats disinformation/misinformation and historical manipulation among Kazakh-language content creators.

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

This Notice of Funding Opportunity will result in the distribution of up to $44,550,000 for two different categories of grants: (1) Planning and Design Grants and (2) Construction Grants.The Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) projects will help improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of active transportation networks and communities; improve connectivity between active transportation modes and public transportation; enhance the resiliency of on- and off-road active transportation infrastructure and help protect the environment; and improve quality of life in disadvantaged communities through the delivery of connected active transportation networks and expanded mobility opportunities.The ATIIP grants will allow communities to identify, prioritize, and implement improvements to the largest barriers to safe, accessible, and equitable pedestrian and bicycle network connectivity through the development of infrastructure that will provide substantial additional opportunities for walking and bicycling. Eligible organizations will be able to create plans or implement active transportation networks that connect destinations within or between communities or create plans or implement an active transportation spine connecting two or more communities, metropolitan regions, or States. The ATIIP also provides an opportunity for eligible organizations to enhance their overall transportation network by integrating active transportation facilities with transit services, where available, to improve access to public transportation.AMENDMENT 1 TO NOFO issued on 4/15/2024: The purpose of this amendment is to change "Eastern Standard Time" to "Eastern Daylight Time" in the NOFO.

The U.S. Embassy Kingston Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. The deadline is necessary to provide sufficient time to process and award programs in advance of the end of our fiscal year on September 30, 2024. Project proposals should aim to strengthen ties between the United States and Jamaica by highlighting shared values and promoting bilateral cooperation. Proposals must convey an American element, which supports a priority program area (see below) or includes 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. Priority program areas include: • Climate, Environment, and Energy o For example, addressing the climate crisis, responding to natural disasters, conserving nature, water security, sustainable agriculture, reducing harmful pollutants, energy resilience, and renewable energy. • Combating Financial Scamming and Other Criminal Activity o For example, addressing corruption and money laundering, improving police-public relations, appreciation of the law, teaching digital literacy, detecting financial scamming, and promoting behaviors that increase community safety. • Programs for At-Risk Youth o For example, diversion programs to prevent youth violence, educational programs for critical life skills, and parent/family interventions. • Economic Prosperity o For example, business development, closing skills gaps in local communities, human resources, infrastructure, cybersecurity, resource development, and trade. • Global Health o For example, managing contagious and infectious diseases, public health workforce development, and public health policy and management. • Gender Issues o For example, women’s empowerment, improving outcomes for marginalized male youth, addressing gender-based violence, and LGBTQIA+ issues. • Human Rights and Democracy o For example, addressing fundamental human rights, human trafficking, immigration, refugees, governance, the role of civil society, and freedom of the press/media. Additional details on these policy priorities are available at https://www.state.gov/policy-issues/ Target participants/audiences: • Women and/or youth in underserved communities • Business leaders and entrepreneurs • Community leaders and influencers • Academic and/or cultural institutions • Journalists and/or media organizations The following types of projects are not eligible for funding: • Projects relating to partisan political activity • For-profit activities • Charitable or development activities • Construction projects • Projects that support specific religious activities • Fundraising campaigns • Lobbying for specific legislation or projects • Scientific research • Projects that duplicate existing projects Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: Funding authorities applicable are the Smith-Mundt Act and Foreign Assistance Act for FY2024 Public Diplomacy funds.

The U.S. Department of States Embassy Astana announces an open competition opportunity to implement a project that strengthens Kazakhstans media environment through the provision of legal support to journalists who may need assistance; legal-related training for journalists and media content creators, law students or practitioners; ethics and management training for journalists and media outlets; and educational initiatives targeting law enforcement to raise awareness about the rights of journalists. The project aims to promote professional journalism standards and ensure proper legal protections where needed, while supporting Kazakhstans efforts towards democracy and rule of law. Providing legal assistance is crucial in addressing the prevalent issue of journalists facing harassment and intimidation. This support helps safeguard press freedom, ensuring their ability to report freely and holding accountable those who seek to suppress their work. Priority will be given to projects that focus on and provide evidence of tangible, measurable results. Projects consisting solely of conferences or roundtable discussions, theoretical research or surveys, or the writing or publishing of books, are unlikely to be funded. The United States of America and the Republic of Kazakhstan collaborate extensively on bilateral and regional matters, including support for Kazakhstan's commitment to safeguarding media freedoms and elevating journalistic professionalism. Legal protection is foundational to a safe environment for journalism practice, ensuring the safety of journalists and their ability to fulfill their duties. Equally crucial is the need for journalists and content creators to be well-versed in their rights and responsibilities as outlined by the law. This knowledge extends to law students, practitioners, and law enforcement, fostering a holistic understanding of media law. In addition to safeguarding media freedoms, enhancing ethics and management practices helps ensure a robust and well-functioning media landscape. The objective is to not only level the media playing field for independent outlets, but also to empower them with the skills needed to navigate economic challenges, such as financial generation management and resilience during economic downturns. In line with these goals, the U.S. Embassy seeks to facilitate collaboration between various stakeholders by partnering with a qualified non-profit organization in implementing a program. This initiative aims to provide legal support as well as ethics and management training to journalists, content creators, law students, practitioners, and law enforcement in Kazakhstan, bridging the gap between legal expertise and the media landscape. Project Audience(s): The project should target journalists, media professionals, media content makers, law students and practitioners, and law enforcement agents throughout the country. The project should be able to provide services in Kazakh and Russian. Project Goal: Strengthen press freedom and independence in Kazakhstan by providing access to legal support services and training programs to media and legal professionals. Project Objectives: The program should support objective journalism and ethical journalism standards through the provision of timely, exhaustive, and comprehensive legal consultations to journalists, content creators, law students and practitioners, and media consultants. The program should be able to provide pro-bono legal support in cases when a journalist or a media outlet, requesting such support, were fulfilling their professional duties in accordance with international journalism standards and ethics, as well as the laws and regulations of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The program must include media rights and responsibilities trainings for journalists and content creators, law students and practitioners, and for law enforcement agencies. Proposals should outline strategies and activities aimed at empowering media entities to build strong and sustainable management practices. This may include initiatives focused on financial generation management, strategic planning, and resilience-building measures to navigate economic challenges and enhance the overall managerial competence of independent media organizations. The DREAM Initiative encompasses three key lines of effort to fortify independent media in Kazakhstan: Legal Support, Ethics and Management Training, and Media Transparency. These objectives align with the overarching goal of fostering objective journalism and ethical standards. Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives, or other objectives within the above policy priorities. Objective 1: Improve knowledge and awareness of legal rights and media laws among a minimum of 100 participants through a series of six training sessions. (Ensure at least half of the training sessions are conducted in Kazakh). Topics may include media laws, ethical journalism standards and management practices, journalist legal protections and emerging legal challenges. Objective 2: Advocate for enforcement of legislation that uphold international journalism standards and legal protections by providing media professionals access to timely legal support and consultation services. Objective 3: Improve the ability of independent media organizations, including media executives, editors, and journalists to implement effective management practices through capacity building training focused on organizational management, strategic planning, developing diversified revenue streams, and ethical journalism practices.

Purpose of PAS Public Diplomacy Grants: The Public Affairs Sections of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Brazil through cultural, arts, educational, media, information, and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. The bilateral nature of proposals is especially important during calendar year 2024, the 200th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brazil and the United States. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert(s), organization(s), or institutions in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies, values, and perspectives as well as incorporate a cross-cutting approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Examples of PAS public diplomacy grants include, but are not limited to: Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs that include U.S. speakers; Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions; Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs; Programs that strengthen U.S. college and university relationships with local higher education institutions, businesses, and/or regional organizations; Media trainings PAS encourages applications from eligible civil society organizations, community representatives, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, government institutions, and international organizations. Please keep in mind that while an applicant may submit multiple proposals, each proposal must address only one of the initiative areas listed in the NOFO.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Sports Diplomacy Division (ECA/PE/C/SU), in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for the implementation of the FY 2024 Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP). U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to conduct two separate month-long professional development mentorship programs and a reciprocal overseas exchange involving approximately 70-80 international and American participants in total (30 emerging leader participants from other countries and 40-50 American mentors). By empowering women and people with disabilities, the GSMP directly supports U.S. foreign policy goals, promotes social inclusion, and elevates the status of marginalized populations. Through the mentorship experience, the GSMP encourages mutually beneficial relationships between American sports executives and leaders in the sports sector overseas. Furthermore, the GSMP engages alumni from previous years through sustained U.S. Embassy relationships, follow-on individual grants to alumni, and monitoring and evaluation. Tapping into the power of public-private partnerships and founded on participant-led business plans, the GSMP positively affects communities at home and abroad and creates a more secure and democratic global playing field for all.The FY 2024 GSMP model has two distinct professional development mentorship exchangesthe Sport for Community GSMP and the espnW GSMP. Set for spring of 2025, the Sport for Community GSMP on disability rights taps into the global attention received by mega-sporting eventsin particular, the Paralympic Games, Special Olympics, and Deaflympicsto connect approximately 15 emerging leader participants with 15 to 20 American mentors in the adaptive sports sector. Sport for Community focuses on increasing the inclusion and full participation of marginalized youth and people with disabilities through sports opportunities worldwide. In fall of 2025, the espnW GSMP on womens empowermenta public-private partnership with espnW (ESPNs sports brand dedicated to women in sports)will connect approximately 15 female change agents with approximately 15 to 20 American mentors, all of whom are dedicated to promoting the rights and empowerment of women and girls around the world through sports. From start to finish, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title IX serve as core themes. By demonstrating how landmark U.S. legislation promotes democratic values and equality, the GSMP underscores American competitiveness and leadership on an international scale. To keep pace with the burgeoning sport for social change and business trend, the GSMP will also incorporate programmatic elements on how sports philanthropy, marketing, and entrepreneurship play into action plan development and implementation. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an FY 2024 open competition for three distinct regional Youth Ambassadors programs (previously called Youth Leadership Programs) with select countries in East Asia and Pacific (EAP), Europe and Eurasia (EUR), and the Middle East and North Africa (NEA). U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to provide participants with four-week exchanges in the United States focused on the primary themes of civic education, leadership development, respect for diversity, and community engagement and to support the implementation of service projects in their home communities. The EAP and NEA programs also will engage approximately 3-5 adult mentors in programming alongside youth participants. Competitively selected U.S. secondary students will join participants in U.S.-based activities on the NEA exchanges. Only one proposal per region will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission per region from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review for the region from that applicant. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The Office of English Language Programs (ECA/A/L) of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for the FY 2024 Online Professional English Network (OPEN) Program, which offers foreign English teaching professionals and language learners the opportunity for professional development through high-quality, accessible, and openly licensed virtual resources, including online English language teacher development courses, online English language learning courses, virtual exchanges, webinars, an alumni community of practice (CoP), multiple social media channels, and other types of engaging and innovative online learning. In cooperation with ECA/A/L, the award recipient will manage the selection, development, and delivery of appropriate online TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) learning courses which will be offered to English language educators or learners on an easily accessible online learning management system (LMS). Courses, webinars, and other virtual programming may be offered globally, regionally, or to specific countries at the request of U.S. embassies. Courses and exchanges are developed by U.S. academic institutions, educational NGOs, or TESOL professional associations, while webinars and other social media programming are developed by U.S.-based TESOL professionals. All content produced for this program should be accessible according to Section 508 compliance standards, openly licensed with a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) License, and follow best practices for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges at the U.S. Department of States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposals for the FY 2024 Leaders Lead On-Demand program (LLOD). LLOD takes ideas generated across the U.S. Department of State and develops them into uniquely tailored, multi-segmented projects. LLOD supports U.S. foreign policy goals by enabling ECA to quickly respond to emerging foreign policy priorities. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to provide a series of multi-segmented exchange projects ranging in size and scope, each involving current or potential government, business, and civil society leaders. It is anticipated that this cooperative agreement will support four to six distinct exchange projects for approximately 75 participants including approximately 55 foreign participants and 20 from the United States.A central component of each project will include a group of foreign participants who will ideally travel to the United States for an intensive, tailored program. Activities could offer a range of program components that may include participation in workshops, meetings, events, mentorships, or working placements in U.S. organizations or businesses. Any U.S.-based program should be complemented by at least one additional segment overseas that should include U.S. participants. Both foreign and U.S. participants should have experience or expertise in the field of the exchange project and U.S. participants should engage with the foreign participants during both the U.S. and foreign program components. The award recipient will work closely with ECA, other Department of State representatives, in-country or regionally-based partner organizations, as appropriate, to recruit, screen, and select the participants and develop program activities that best address the specific project goal(s).Please see full announcement for additional information.

The U.S. Department of States Bureau of Educational Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces the American Music Mentorship Program (AMMP) open competition for one cooperative agreement to support a mentorship residency for music industry professionals from around the world. AMMP is a two-to-three-week U.S.-based mentorship residency for approximately 20 mid-career music industry professionals (mentees) from three to five countries. AMMP is ECAs Global Music Diplomacy Initiatives (GMDI) mentorship program, first announced by U.S. Secretary of State Blinken in September 2023 in response to the PEACE through Music Diplomacy Act. The program seeks to bolster music ecosystems, which play a vital role in fostering diverse and inclusive societies, championing innovation, protecting free expression, promoting economic opportunity, and contributing to the vitality of a civil society. AMMP is facilitated by a partnership between ECA and a private sector partner. With ECA input, the private sector partner will lead the recruitment and selection process and secure American professionals from its membership to serve as mentors, who will volunteer their time. Mentors will be available four days during the in-person program and meet virtually monthly with the mentees for up to a year following the residency. Mentors will provide behind-the-scenes access, bolster the mentees technical skills and build the foundations for lasting professional networks. Mentees will represent careers that support creative talent and build the music industry infrastructure in their home countries and demonstrate English language proficiency. Mentees will be recruited and selected in cooperation with participating U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Areas of specialization, or professional tracks, will be determined each year between the ECA and the private sector partner in cooperation with the award recipient and in line with needs of the participating countries. Mentees will be paired with mentors in the U.S. music industry who are in the same professional track and who bolster mentees professional skills and build networks. Mentees will travel to the United States for a two-to-three-week residency, which will take place in a site(s) that have a music industry presence and/or access to individual experts, from small/niche companies, independent labels, mid-sized companies, and larger industry businesses. During the residency, mentees work with expert workshop facilitators and mentors to receive state-of-the-art-training and industry access. Mentees will participate in professional workshops, small and full group forums, cross-industry collaborations, site visits, and develop post-program action plans. Program activities will provide opportunities for professional networking, career planning, and skills-building that create a holistic professional experience through a robust exchange of ideas and training by utilizing in-person and virtual approaches. Mentors and mentees will meet virtually monthly for approximately one year to develop mentee career plans and ensure sustainable effects of the program. Some of these sessions may occur prior to the in-person residency, but the majority should take place after the mentees have returned to their home countries. The recipient will coordinate and track the virtual component throughout the course of the year-long mentorship. The recipient must manage complex logistics, meet strict timelines, manage the needs of private sector partners and mentors, and promote the program through media and social media and develop a plan to share progress, status, updates and outcomes of program components with relevant stakeholders. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant. Please see full announcement for additional information.

The Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to support the Nigerian interagency in designing, revising, and implementing crisis response plans and protocols. Nigeria is Africa’s largest democracy with a population of over 230 million people and the continent’s largest economy. However, Nigeria currently faces a terrorist threat from primarily the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria West Africa Province (ISIS-WA), the largest ISIS affiliate outside Iraq and Syria, that continues to expand throughout the country. Boko Haram, alQa'ida-aligned Ansaru, and a myriad of gangs and bandit organizations also remain persistent threats. Ensuring that Nigeria’s civilian security services are capable of responding to and managing a crisis is critical to ensuring the safety, stability, and prosperity of the country. This program should identify how the Nigerian interagency prepares crisis response plans, who is involved in that process, and how those plans are tested. CT expects the selected implementer to build the Nigerian interagency’s capacity to develop and/or update these crisis response plans through trainings, mentorship, and simulation exercises and assist the Nigerian interagency with developing their own trainings and exercises to maintain those crisis response plans after the program is over. The application should show an emphasis on interagency coordination in the program’s theory of change and an explanation of how interagency coordination will be assessed and measured. CT is also interested in how the implementer will facilitate sustainability through preparing the Nigerian interagency to institutionalize crisis response reviews. CT can also assist the selected implementer in coordinating and deconflicting program activities with previous foreign assistance programs that worked on this topic. Program Goal: Nigeria’s civilian security services are capable of effectively executing crisis response measures using interagency coordination and institutionalizing emergency management procedures, including the allocation of resources for response activities. Program Objective(s): This program seeks to achieve the following objectives: 1. By 2026, Nigeria has assessed its current interagency coordination efforts and crisis response plans. This objective must be met before the period of performance ends as all other objectives will build on it. 2. By 2027, Nigeria has developed or updated crisis response management plans that delineate roles, responsibilities, and authorities among applicable agencies and/or entities depending on where, when, and what type of crisis has occurred. 3. By 2027, Nigeria’s designated civilian security agencies (noted in Participants and Audiences) and interagency coordination capacities are strengthened through training, exercises, and simulations based on the crisis response plans developed with the assistance of the selected implementer. 4. By 2027, Nigeria’s designated civilian security agencies and interagency coordination capacities are assessed through tabletop exercises to determine the sustainability of crisis response planning, development, and validation procedures. Participants and Audiences: The intended target audience includes Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Advisor, the Department of State Security Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria’s Security and Civil Defense Corps, INTERPOL’s Abuja National Central Bureau, Nigeria’s National Counterterrorism Center, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other Nigerian civilian security agencies and relevant ministries.

The U.S. Department of States Embassy Tashkent Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce the availability of funding through the Embassys Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. Based on funding availability, projects awarded under this program will support U.S. foreign policy goals in Uzbekistan in the areas of promoting sustainable economic growth, strengthening accountable governance and stability, and combating transitional threats. Purpose of Public Diplomacy Grants: The PDS invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Uzbekistan and support a priority program area (see below) in order to highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. All proposed programs must include an American element, either through a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s, usage of American educational/informational resources, or any other activities that promote or contribute to increased mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of Uzbekistan. Competitive proposals will promote continued/sustainable cooperation between the people of the United States and Uzbekistan even after the project concludes. PDS invites proposals for programs that support one of the following U.S. Embassy priority program areas: 1) Sustainable Economic Growth 2) Accountable Governance and Stability 3) Combating Transnational Threats