Federal Arts Grants

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 Phnom Penh Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining funding priorities, strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.Purpose of Small Grants:PDS Phnom Penh invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Cambodia through cultural, educational, artistic, and creative programming that highlights U.S.-Cambodian shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy, culture, values, and perspectives. Past examples of PDS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to: Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs; Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; Professional and academic exchanges and programs; Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs; Priority Program Areas: Empowering and/or educating youth to spur economic growth. Development of womens entrepreneurship and womens empowerment. Protecting the environment and strengthening resolve regional issues including but not limited to Lower Mekong issues, food security, water, and energy challenges. Programs to advance and promote human rights, including freedom of press and expression. Strengthening the understanding of civic engagement: making use of the interconnections of modern society to strengthen democracy. Projects or programs focusing on preservation, education, or economic growth for/with minority groups in Cambodia.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Kuwait City, Kuwait, Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Kuwait invites proposals for programs that strengthen people-to-people ties and advance our shared goals of climate resilience, economic well-being, and a safe and secure world. Proposals should model fair practices. Special consideration will be given to proposals that highlight the diversity of the United States and programs whose participants come from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, projects must address one or more of the priority areas listed below. Examples of PAS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to: - Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs; - Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; - Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs; - Professional and academic exchanges and programs; If you have any questions about the grant application process in its entirety, please email to [email protected]. Program Priority Areas: - Strengthening and expanding U.S.-Kuwait people-to-people partnerships to enhance regional stability and security, encompassing education, arts, freedom of speech, and fortifying U.S.-Kuwait ties. - Enhancing national security through political reform, economic development, and an improved legal framework. This includes advancing women's empowerment in politics and economics, addressing gender-based violence, and promoting cybersecurity and responsible AI use. - Engaging individuals with disabilities and promoting disability research and advocacy in Kuwait. - Promoting U.S.-Kuwait economic cooperation by emphasizing economic development, entrepreneurship, and environmental preservation in Kuwait, addressing both economic prosperity and climate change. Projects Examples: - Conference on emerging technologies, in collaboration with civil society leaders to advance digital transformation research. - Project with civil society to heighten environmental awareness regarding air quality, addressing the impact of climate change on Kuwait's environment. Activities may include awareness conferences, a workshop on investigative reporting on climate issues, or designing a digital media campaign supporting STEM in environmental protection. - Project in collaboration with civil society and/or academia that would provide training to Kuwaiti women in leadership skills, legal principles, and political etiquette. Training would aim to empower women with stronger social and legal knowledge, fostering increased participation in political careers. - Project to support the administration and management of volunteer work in Kuwait, collaborating with civil society to enhance youth engagement and foster creative community service and corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects led by both the private sector and the government. - Project to advance disability rights research in collaboration with academia and civil society. - Training program for sports arbitrators to equip them with required skills in sports arbitration principles. - Webinar series in collaboration with civil society to train young and aspiring business leaders on digitizing businesses using AI and IT solutions to enhance overall business activities. - Project to empower Kuwaiti women through art and environmental awareness in collaboration with local civil society via workshops that cover nature art, recycling, and climate change. Inviting women environmentalists, organizing field trips, and concluding with an exhibition The Following Program Categories Are Not Eligible for Funding: - Programs relating to partisan political activity; - Charitable or development activities; - Construction programs; - Programs that support specific religious activities; - Fund-raising campaigns; - Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; - Scientific research; - Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or - Programs that duplicate existing programs. Authorizing Legislation, Type and Year of Funding: Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt Act. The source of funding is FY2024 Public Diplomacy Funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 1 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: $125,000 Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funding Anticipated program start date: October 1, 2024 (for a maximum of one year) This Notice Is Subject to Funding Availability. Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award (FAAs), or Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements and some FAAs are different from grants in that PAS staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. (Note: If a cooperative agreement or an FAA that includes substantial involvement is used, PAS will include a description of the substantial involvement. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. Optional: PAS will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants (in the Following Eligibility Order): PAS encourages applications from Kuwait based: - Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations. - Non-profit educational institutions - Individuals For-Profit or Commercial Entities Are Not Eligible to Apply. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost share is not required but is encouraged and will be evaluated positively during the merit review; it will be used to break ties among applications with equivalent scores after evaluation against all other factors. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individual applicants are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. Applicants are encouraged to only apply for one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, only the most competitive proposal from that organization will be considered for funding. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package Application forms required below are available at c https://kw.usembassy.gov/grant-application-forms/ 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 deemed ineligible. Content of Application Please ensure: - The proposal shall be clearly reflect the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity. - All documents shall be in English. - All budgets shall be in U.S. dollars. - All pages shall be numbered. - All documents shall be formatted to 8 x 11 paper, and - All Microsoft Word documents shall be single-spaced, 12 point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. The following documents are required: 1. Mandatory application forms - SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance -- individuals) - SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) - SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) - Completed Grant Proposal Form 2. Summary Coversheet: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. 3. Proposal (5 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. Please see the attached document for complete details of the Annual Program Statement. 3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Required Registrations: Please see the attached document for complete details of the Annual Program Statement. 4. Submission Dates and Times Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time before the closing date of May 31, 2024. No applications will be accepted after that date. 5. Funding Restrictions Award funds cannot be used for construction, vehicle purchases, etc. 6. Other Submission Requirements All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected]. E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 1. Criteria Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below. The criteria listed are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. Organizational capacity and record on previous grants 20 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and PAS is confident of its ability to undertake the program. This includes a financial management system and a bank account. Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea 20 points The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. Goals and objectives 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. Embassy priorities 10 points: Applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support U.S. Embassy Kuwaits priority areas or target audiences. Budget 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. Monitoring and evaluation plan 15 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provide milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured. Sustainability 10 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program. 2. Review and Selection Process A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications. 3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly, FAPIIS) Please see the attached document for complete details of the Annual Program Statement. 4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates: July 31, 2024 F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION Please see the attached document for complete details of the Annual Program Statement. G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact PAS at: [email protected] Note: We do not provide any pre-consultation for application related questions that are addressed in the NOFO. Once an application has been submitted, State Department officials and staff both in the Department and at embassies overseas may not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process is completed. H. OTHER INFORMATION Please see the attached document for complete details of the Annual Program Statement.

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.

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.

PD La Paz invites proposals for programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and Bolivia through cultural, educational, professional and scientific exchanges that highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an U.S. cultural element, or connection with U.S. expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.The PD Small Grants Program projects may include, but is not limited to:- Lectures, seminars, and speaker programs;- Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions;- Cultural heritage conservation and preservation projects;- Professional, cultural or academic exchanges and projects (including virtual exchanges with U.S. experts or communities);- Professional development workshops and training.

This program provides funding for researchers, including principal investigators, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students, to collaborate on scientific and engineering challenges related to medical device technology at the FDA.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Kyiv / EUR Bureau of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications for supporting the Mission Ukraine American Spaces Network to help rebuild and restore specific spaces. Please follow all instructions below. Priority Region: Ukraine Program Objectives: The aim of this project is to assist in the restoration of damaged American spaces in Ukraine and to strengthen capacity building and programming at 23 American Spaces. These spaces comprise nine Window on America Centers (American Corners) located in Kropyvnytsky, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Mariupol, Slovyansk, Uzhhorod, Vinnytsia, and Zaporizhzhia, and 14 Window on America Centers (affiliated AS) situated in Cherkasy, Chernivtsi, Chernihiv, Dnipro, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kherson, Khmelnytsky, Kyiv, Lutsk, Rivne, Sumy, Ternopil, Zhytomyr and Starobilsk. American Spaces serve as active platforms for educational, cultural, and outreach programs facilitated by the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. The recipient organization will be responsible for completing a needs assessment of the physical damage done to the entire network of 23 spaces, in cooperation with the Embassy and the network of 23 spaces. restoring any number of those damaged American spaces in Ukraine and enhancing capacity building and programming of the chosen number of spaces. This project seeks to enhance the capacity of American Spaces to deliver quality and innovative programming amidst Russias full-scale invasion and partial occupation of Ukraine, along with intense political and economic pressures. It aims to establish welcoming and technology-equipped American spaces that support Ukraines resilience to disinformation, promote media literacy, advocate for political and economic reforms towards European integration, foster mutual understanding between Ukraine and the United States, and cultivate a more inclusive and cohesive Ukrainian society in response to the Russian-Ukrainian war circumstances. This funding will enable American Spaces to address their basic technology requirements and implement necessary upgrades to facilitate online and offline programs promoting shared Ukrainian and U.S. values, aligning with priority mission goals, and meeting the needs of local communities. Program Objectives: Complete a needs assessment of the entire network to determine the approximate scope of work needed for each space to return to pre-invasion levels of functioning. Restore and renovate any number of damaged American Spaces. After examining the American Spaces network status and needs, the recipient executes renovation of a targeted number of damaged American Spaces;apos; premises paying special attention to their accessibility. Bolster capacity building by establishing welcoming and technology-equipped American Spaces. Replace furniture, make light system/fixture upgrades to make the space flexible enough for online and offline programs, and group after the recipient examines their status and needs. Update signage and appearance of the spaces to clearly demonstrate an American look and feel. Purchase the technical supplies needed to provide effective online and offline programming after the recipient examines their status and needs. Ensure administrative support from the recipient through consultations online and in person, visits, etc. necessary to conduct renovations, replace furniture, make light system/fixture upgrades, update signage and appearance of their spaces, and to use equipment. Ensure each American Space conducts programs on each of the following themes: countering disinformation, skill building including English language skills, Ukraine;apos;s reforms aimed at European integration, civil society initiatives and building a more inclusive and cohesive society, educating audiences on academic and professional exchange opportunities, helping IDP and veteran communities with skill building and psychological support. Strengthen communication and collaboration within the American Spaces network -- America Houses Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa and Window on America Centers -- by organizing and participating in joint online programs, organizing working visits to explore the best solutions for an American look and feel, and determining technology needs for effective and innovative programming. The U.S. Embassy will be substantially involved in program activities, as this award will be a cooperative agreement. This involvement will include but is not limited to: Guidance on American Spaces mission, policy priorities and strategic planning for program development. Guidance and oversight of America Spaces network development. Approval of American Spaces renovations plans. Approval of major supply purchases, including but not limited to computers, as well as major equipment and furniture purchases. Approval American Spaces communication plans, such as branding/logo changes. Guidance on State Department film licensing and screening agreements. Guidance on State Department data collection and reporting requirements regarding events, participants, and total number of visitors (virtual and in-person) at American Spaces. Provision of access to Overdrive, ELibraryUSA databases, newsletters, and other State department-produced products and activities Approval of any plans for the Recipient to earn income as a result of this award. Participants and Audiences: Intended audiences should vary by program and specific activity. However, in general, the American Spaces are geared toward youth engagement, i.e., Ukrainians aged 15-40. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: up to 18 months Number of awards anticipated: one award Total available funding: $250,000.00 Type of Funding: AEECA FY 24 Anticipated program start date: August 1, 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that Embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. Examples of substantial involvement are included in detail above. Program Performance Period: Proposed program should be completed in max 18 months. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply: U.S. or Ukrainian public or private not-for-profit organizations. Applicants must be able to demonstrate experience working in Ukraine and should have a legally registered local office to provide program oversight. The applicant organization must be able to demonstrate the ability to administer all components of the program as outlined in this solicitation, and in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing is highly encouraged; however, it is not a requirement of an application in response to this funding announcement. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION see attached full NOFO for all details.