Grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Federal

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to support milestone-driven projects focused on developing and utilizing novel predictive models, assays, tools, and/or platforms based on penetration and efflux of small molecules to facilitate therapeutic discovery for select Gram-negative bacterial pathogens: carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A number of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens are associated with the alarming increase in rates of drug resistance in healthcare and community settings. This group includes carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter , carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa that have been designated as “urgent” or “serious” threats in a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A significant threat arises from the lack of effective therapeutic options available to treat some of these infections and is exacerbated by the scarcity of novel compounds effective against antimicrobial resistant (AR) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria in the discovery and development pipeline. In recent years, several public forums (including NIAID-sponsored workshops) identified the lack of understanding of the principles that govern compound penetration into, and efflux out of, Gram-negative bacteria as a key bottleneck for the rational discovery of novel lead therapeutic compounds. The paucity of suitable assays/tools/models to inform structure-activity relationships and guide optimization of whole cell penetration (and efflux avoidance) is reflected in the failure of medicinal chemistry efforts to advance novel chemical classes of compounds with Gram-negative activity. As more Gram-negative bacteria become resistant to antimicrobials and therapeutic options become limited or nonexistent, it becomes imperative to understand and rationalize the principles that allow molecules to penetrate Gram-negative bacteria, while avoiding efflux and overt toxicity toward eukaryotic cells. Therefore, developing new assays, tools, and models is paramount for overcoming this key bottleneck and facilitating the development of novel compounds targeting Gram-negative pathogens. Research Objectives and Scope The objective of this NOFO is to support milestone-driven projects focused on developing and utilizing novel predictive models, assays, tools, and/or platforms aimed at gaining a better understanding of the rules and compound properties that govern the penetration and efflux of drug-like small molecules into Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. This NOFO also supports the preclinical development of novel Gram-negative antibacterial therapeutics based on the tools and models hereby developed. Applications must focus on one or more of the following Gram-negative bacterial pathogens: carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), and/or MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Projects should complete assay/tool/model development prior to the end of the third year of the project period and initiate discovery activities to demonstrate its utility in supporting a corresponding medicinal chemistry program to generate a lead chemical series with demonstrated activity against one or more targeted Gram-negative bacteria. This NOFO will also support subsequent preclinical development of a promising lead antibacterial. Given the complex challenges of this research, this initiative encourages applications from multi-disciplinary teams composed of relevant experts in areas such as bacterial physiology, microbiology, bacterial membrane biology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, computation, and specialized technologies (microscopy, spectroscopy, electrophysiology, machine learning, etc.), as appropriate. Collaboration with, and utilization of, the NIAID Chemistry Center for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (CC4CARB), is recommended for completion of project relevant medicinal chemistry tasks. Close collaboration between academic and industry partners is highly encouraged to optimally combine innovative basic science with drug discovery expertise and proper access to compound libraries more typically available from industry. Examples of assay and model development activities include, but are not limited to: Quantitative cellular (or model system) assays to measure drug penetration and efflux, independent from standard minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing; Innovative quantitative assays to measure drug concentrations in the bacterial cytoplasm and/or periplasmic space; Innovative technologies for dissecting and assessment of the kinetics of drug penetration and efflux from bacteria; and Computational algorithms for describing/predicting physical-chemical properties/guidelines needed by small molecules for optimal Gram-negative penetration and efflux avoidance. Applicants should demonstrate the utility of the developed tools and/or assays to predict and measure potency of candidate therapeutics against Gram-negative targets through one or more approaches. For example, using the developed models and/or assays to guide a medicinal chemistry campaign aimed at producing a novel chemical series with Gram-negative activity; screening existing libraries using the computational algorithms developed as a tool to find compounds with Gram-negative activity; or profiling existing libraries of compounds with known Gram-negative activity. Applications including the following will be considered non-responsive and will not be reviewed: Projects that do not focus on at least one select Gram-negative pathogen (carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, or MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa); Projects focused only on Gram-positive bacteria or Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Projects that do not focus on penetration and efflux of small molecules; Applications not containing a Milestone and Timeline attachment; Applications proposing Clinical trials; and Research on HIV/AIDS.

This funding opportunity supports researchers in developing innovative animal models and biological tools to advance the understanding of Down syndrome and its related health conditions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations for projects that promote the use of wood products and energy, enhance forest health, and stimulate economic growth in forested communities across the U.S.

This funding opportunity supports innovative research projects that explore how climate change affects cancer risks, treatment, and survivorship, with a focus on developing solutions to mitigate these impacts and address health inequities.

The U.S. Embassy to Papua New Guinea of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition to submit a statement of interested to implement the Civil Society Partnership Program: Building Organizational Capacity program focusing on empowering non-profits and civil society organizations in Papua New Guinea. This Program will emphasize holistic interventions that address fundamental inequalities and empower vulnerable groups, paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous nation. By investing in the leadership development and public engagement capacity of these organizations, this program aims to drive positive social change and create a more equitable and thriving future for all Papua New Guineans.

The "Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Molecular and Cellular Analysis Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research" grant aims to fund exploratory research projects that further develop and validate innovative technologies for analyzing molecular and cellular aspects of cancer, with the goal of improving cancer research, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of health disparities.

This grant provides funding for researchers to investigate the biological mechanisms behind adverse effects related to anti-beta-amyloid immunotherapy in Alzheimer's disease, with the goal of developing strategies to protect the blood-brain barrier and improve treatment safety.

This funding opportunity is designed for eligible institutions to expand and modernize facilities that breed Specific Pathogen Free non-human primates, essential for advancing HIV/AIDS research.

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based organizations in developing and testing effective cancer interventions that improve health outcomes for diverse populations across the entire cancer control continuum, particularly in under-resourced communities.

The Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families' Family and Youth Services Bureau announces the anticipated availability of funds under the General Departmental Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (GDSRAE) Program. The purpose of the GDSRAE Program is to fund projects to implement sexual risk avoidance education that teach participants how to voluntarily refrain from non-marital sexual activity. The services are targeted to participants that reside in areas with high rates of teen births and/or are at greatest risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The goals of GDSRAE are to empower participants to make healthy decisions, and provide tools and resources to prevent pregnancy, STIs, and youth engagement in other risky behaviors. Successful applicants are expected to submit program plans that agree to: use medically accurate information referenced to peer-reviewed publications by 1) educational, scientific, governmental, or health organizations; 2) implement sexual risk avoidance curricula and/or strategies with an evidence-based approach integrating research findings with practical implementation that aligns with the needs and desired outcomes for the intended audience; and 3) teach the benefits associated with self-regulation, success sequencing for poverty prevention, healthy relationships, goal setting, and resisting sexual coercion, dating violence, and other youth risk behaviors such as underage drinking or illicit drug use without normalizing teen sexual activity.

The U.S. Embassy Algiers Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to create a regional network of journalists trained in identifying and combatting mis- and dis-information. Please follow all instructions below. Priority Region: Algeria - Tunisia -Libya - Egypt Program Objectives:1.Establish a Regional Network of Journalists. For example:Create a collaborative network of journalists across the region to share best practices, resources, and strategies for identifying and combatting mis- and dis-information.2.Provide Specialized Training. For example:Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs focused on the skills and techniques necessary to identify, verify, and counteract mis- and dis-information.Ensure training includes modules on digital literacy, fact-checking, investigative journalism, and the use of technology in tracking information sources.Enhance Collaboration and Information Sharing. For example:Facilitate meetings, workshops, and conferences to promote collaboration and information sharing among network members.Establish appropriate mechanisms for continuous communication and resource sharing among journalists in the network.4.Promote Public Awareness and Education. For example:Implement public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the dangers of mis- and dis-information and how to identify credible sources of information.Engage with local communities through town halls, social media, and other outreach activities to foster a more informed and vigilant public.5.Monitor and Evaluate Program Impact. For example:Assess the effectiveness of the training programs and the overall impact of the network.Conduct regular assessments and adjust strategies as needed to ensure the program meets its objectives and addresses emerging challenges in the information landscape.6.Sustain the Network. For example:Encourage the development of local chapters within the network to ensure long-term sustainability and regional relevance. Participants and Audiences:Primary audiences:Journalists and media professionals who are actively engaged in reporting and news dissemination.Media organizations and news agencies that can support and amplify the program’s efforts.Secondary audiences:Journalism students and educators who can integrate the training into their curricula.Fact-checkers and digital literacy advocates who focus on combating mis- and dis-information.Community leaders and influencers who can help raise public awareness and education on the issue.B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATIONLength of performance period: 18 to 24 MonthsNumber of awards anticipated: 1 awardAward amounts: maximum of $500,000Total available funding: $500,000Type of Funding: Smith-Mundt FY2024 Public Diplomacy fundingAnticipated program start date: Fall 2024This notice is subject to availability of funding.Funding Instrument Type: Grant or cooperative agreement.If cooperative agreement, the U.S. Embassies Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya will have substantial involvement in reviewing the participants and/or activities that are part of the program.Program Performance Period: The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION1. Eligible Applicants The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from U.S., Algeria, or other country for projects that have any significant bonds with the priority programs areas. Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience. Non-profit or governmental educational institutions Social enterprises: public or private. Press and media: Including public and private traditional media outlets.2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost Sharing is not required.

This program is authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Pub. L. No. 117-328. The Expanding Sexual Assault Victim Services on Campus Pilot Program (hereafter referred to as Campus Victim Services Pilot) supports institutions of higher education to improve victim services on campus by expanding access to holistic sexual assault services on college campuses and creating a promising practice guide for higher education institutions that wish to expand their sexual assault services and advocacy. Campus sexual assault victim services need to be survivor-centered, comprehensive, culturally relevant, flexible, and accessible for all survivors of sexual assault. Therefore, collaborative relationships between campus and community-based victim service providers are critical to ensure accessibility to services.

This funding opportunity supports research and development of artificial intelligence technologies to improve fairness and effectiveness in the criminal justice system, targeting a wide range of eligible applicants including government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofits.

The purpose of this NOFO is to support projects to test prospective multi-sectoral preventive interventions that address social determinants of health in populations that experience health disparities. These research projects will be part of the Multi-Sectoral Preventive Interventions (MSPI) Research Network, which will also include a Coordinating Center (NOFO xxx). Funded under a cooperative agreement, projects participating in the MSPI Research Network will collaborate to share approaches, methods, and data, working closely with NIH Institutes, Offices and Centers. Applicants applying to this NOFO are encouraged to review the Coordinating Center NOFO to fully understand the MSPI Research Network structure and activities. This NOFO solicits bi-phasic research projects proposed in UG3/UH3 Phased Innovation Awards Cooperative Agreement applications. Funding for the UG3 phase (phase I) will be used to demonstrate sufficient preparation, feasibility and capacity to meet foundational milestone targets specific to the work proposed. A UG3 project that meets its milestones will be administratively considered by NIH and prioritized for transition to the UH3 award (phase II). Applicants responding to this NOFO must address specific aims and milestones for both the UG3 and UH3 phases.

Purpose of Public Diplomacy Grants: The PDS invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic 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 the Kyrgyz Republic. Competitive proposals will promote continued/sustainable cooperation between the people of the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic even after the project concludes.Special consideration will be given to proposals which include partnership with Kyrgyz governmental bodies, and to organizations that have a demonstrated track record of implementing these types of partnerships.PDS invites proposals for programs that support one of the following U.S. Embassy priority program areas:Sustainable Economic GrowthAccountable Governance and StabilityEnglish Language ProgrammingClimate Change Resilience and Environmental ProtectionCombating Transnational Threats.

The U.S. Embassy Dushanbe Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is soliciting proposals to manage the English for Journalists Program from accredited non-governmental schools, institutes, teacher training centers, universities, or organizations. Applicants should pay close attention to the Public Diplomacy Sections goals, priority program areas, and target audiences when developing their proposals. Current Situation Problem Statement: English is the most commonly used language on the Internet and in global media. Yet, journalists in Tajikistan generally do not make use of this global resource as their capacity in English language is low. As a result, journalists cannot research stories in English and are not able to access accurate sources of information that will allow them to recognize, respond to, and combat disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda in the news and on the internet. Additionally, many journalists miss out on opportunities to learn skills in high quality field reporting through studying the most prestigious international sources of information, or even adequately cover international stories. Review of Past Projects: The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe previously supported English for Journalists projects that trained hundreds of journalists and bloggers in professional reporting skills; past projects have increased participants ability to read and write stories in English and strengthened their investigative journalism skills. Projects have also trained journalists in new techniques and approaches to make the transition to digital journalism. Proposed Project Introduction: This funding opportunity seeks to equip journalists with English language skills to access English language news sources, write articles in English, and conduct interviews and reports in English. During this program, journalists will also become familiar with international standards of journalism ethics, and how to recognize, respond to, and combat disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda in the news and on the internet. The Embassy welcomes creative proposals to establish English for Journalists courses that can both boost the English language ability of journalists and improve their reporting and develop their critical thinking and decision-making skills. The program should consist of English language courses for intermediate and upper-level English-speaking journalists, of at least 20 hours per month, with a total of 240 hours of English language instruction over one year. The projects can be implemented in Dushanbe, Khorugh, Khujand, and Kulob. The project should include between 75 and 175 professionals in journalism from private and independent media organizations in Dushanbe, Khorugh, Khujand, and Kulob. Projects that involve higher numbers of journalists with lower costs are encouraged. To be eligible for consideration, the organization must use instructors who can demonstrate relevant teaching experience, with at least three years of experience teaching English to adults. Project Goal: Strengthen the capacity of journalists and content creators in Tajikistan to produce diverse, high-quality media content through English language development. Project Audience(s): The primary target audience for this project is between 75 and 175 Tajik professionals in journalism from private and independent media organizations, including journalists, managers, editors, and translators of media outlets, and social media influencers who demonstrate a commitment to engaging on social issues in English, as demonstrated in published or online work. Participants will have demonstrated English language proficiency: Pre-intermediate A2B1, Intermediate B1, Upper-intermediate B2, Advanced C1C2 Project Objectives: Successful proposals will achieve one or more of the following objectives: Objective 1: Over a 12-month period, participating journalists will improve their English language proficiency, namely their speaking, writing, reading, vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills by at least one standardized level on the CEFR scale, with a specific focus on journalistic language style and terminology. Objective 2: Over a 12-month period, participating journalists will improve their critical thinking, investigative journalism, source evaluation, fact-checking, and media literacy skills by participating in activities with English as the language of instruction. Objective 3: Over a 12-month period, participating journalists will improve their understanding on current trends and best practices in global journalism, specifically in the areas of digital journalism, multimedia storytelling, data journalism, and citizen journalism. Objective 4: Over a 12-month period, Journalists will learn how to recognize, respond to, and combat disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda in the news and on the internet by participating in activities with English as the language of instruction. Objective 5: Over a 12-month period, participating journalists will establish connections with international journalists and media professionals through virtual conferences, webinars, and online forums. Examples of activities include but are not limited to: English language classes for journalists focused on developing speaking, reading, and writing, skills Immersive English language camps for journalists. Lessons or seminars in English that focus on advancing skills specific to journalistic contexts, such as news writing styles, interviewing techniques, and media terminology. Practical reporting assignments, including conducting interviews in English; analyzing and summarizing English-language news reports, and producing original media content in English. Analyzing real-world journalism case studies to learn from successes and failures, analyze ethical dilemmas, and discuss best practices. Expert lectures and panel discussions from journalism experts on topics such as digital journalism, data-driven storytelling, media ethics, and cross-cultural communication

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational institutions and governmental organizations to improve transparency and accountability in Malawi's extractive sector and public debt management.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for educational projects that promote farm safety for youth in agricultural settings, targeting Land-Grant Institutions and their partners.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that combats Gender Based Violence in Uzbekistan. The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that combat gender-based violence (GBV) in Uzbekistan.        ​​​On April 6, 2023, Uzbekistan’s Senate unanimously adopted amendments criminalizing domestic violence and strengthening protections for women and children.  The legislation, signed into law by President Mirziyoyev on April 11, amends the Criminal and Administrative Codes.  While this legislation amended the Criminal and Administrative Codes, there are a few barriers to making the law a reality.  First, there is uneven implementation across localities because of cultural and resource variances across urban, peri-urban, and rural communities.  Second, limited public knowledge about the new law has resulted in few people seeking access to legal assistance.  Lastly, societal norms impede individuals from reporting domestic violence.     Through this award, DRL aims to address these gaps by:      Increasing awareness among all Uzbekistanis about the new GBV law at the local level and how it applies to women and communities across Uzbekistan.  Raising awareness about harmful practices that normalize and excuse GBV toward women and girls.  Supporting local civil society, community leaders, and social workers as they advocate to local law enforcement and local governance structures for the consistent implementation of the new law at the local level.     The proposed program should achieve the following outcomes:    Local civil society organizations (CSOs) and community advocates are better equipped to promote awareness of the new GBV law and advocate for its consistent and accountable implementation with law enforcement and government structures.   CSOs are better able to advocate for and assist GBV survivors to ensure they have access to resources and all provisions provided under the new GBV law.   Communities better understand and can advocate for the even implementation of the new GBV law at the local level.  Improved data collection and monitoring of GBV case response under the new law, All programs should aim to have impact that leads to reforms and have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources.  DRL’s preference is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and creative approaches.  This does not exclude from consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary way.  DRL is committed to advancing equity and support for underserved and underrepresented communities. In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, programs should implement strategies for integration and inclusion of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries that can bring perspectives based on their religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, political affiliation, or veteran’s status.  Programs should be demand-driven and locally led to the extent possible.  DRL requires all programs to be non-discriminatory and expects implementers to include strategies for nondiscrimination of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, or veteran’s status.  Competitive proposals may also include a summary budget and budget narrative for no additional months following the proposed period of performance, indicated above. This information should indicate what objective(s) and/or activities could be accomplished with additional time and/or funds beyond the proposed period of performance. Where appropriate, competitive proposals may include: Opportunities for beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and skills in practical efforts; Solicitation of feedback and suggestions from beneficiaries when developing activities in order to strengthen the sustainability of programs and participant ownership of project outcomes; Input from participants on sustainability plans and systematic review of the plans throughout the life of the project, with adjustments made as necessary; Joint identification and definition of key concepts with relevant stakeholders and stakeholder input into project activities; Systematic follow-up with beneficiaries at specific intervals after the completion of activities to track how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills. Activities that are not typically allowed include, but are not limited to: The provision of humanitarian assistance; English language instruction; Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware; Purely academic exchanges or fellowships; External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months; Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary per security concerns; Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy issues, including projects aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorporate training or capacity-building for local civil society; Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives; Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.

This program provides funding for researchers studying water processes on land, including how water interacts with the environment and responds to changes like climate and land use.