Federal International Development Grants

Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a Leader with Associate (LWA) cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement the Civic DEFENDERS program. Eligibility for this award is not restricted. USAID intends to make an award to the applicant who best meets the objectives of this funding opportunity based on the merit review criteria described in this NOFO subject to a risk assessment. Eligible parties interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of program sought, application submission requirements, and selection process. To be eligible for award, the applicant must provide all information as required in this NOFO and meet eligibility standards in Section C of this NOFO. This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov, and may be amended. It is the responsibility of the applicant to regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this notice of funding opportunity and to ensure that the NOFO has been received from the internet in its entirety. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion process. If you have difficulty registering on www.grants.gov or accessing the NOFO, please contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or via email at [email protected] for technical assistance. USAID may not award to an applicant unless the applicant has complied with all applicable Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements detailed in Section D.6.g. The registration process may take many weeks to complete. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to begin registration early in the process. Please send any questions to the point(s) of contact identified in Section G. The deadline for questions is shown above. Responses to questions received prior to the deadline will be furnished to all potential applicants through an amendment to this notice posted to www.grants.gov. Issuance of this notice of funding opportunity does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government nor does it commit the Government to pay for any costs incurred in preparation or submission of comments/suggestions or an application. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicants expense. Thank you for your interest in USAID programs. Sincerely, Mir Ershadullah Agreement Officer

The Global Leaders Division in the Office of Citizen Exchanges at the U.S. Department of States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposal submissions to design, administer, and implement the FY 2024 Arctic Indigenous Exchange Program (AIEP). This new initiative will bring together approximately 50 Indigenous leaders, including business development professionals, government officials, and entrepreneurs from Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark (Greenland), and the United States (Alaska), for a multi-phase exchange program to explore areas of regional cooperation across the Arctic. The goal of this program is to strengthen people-to-people relationships, advance cooperation, and foster greater commercial and cultural ties between Arctic Indigenous populations in the United States, Canada, and Greenland across a range of priority areas. 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 exchange projects ranging in size and scope, focused on critical topics to Arctic Indigenous communities in Greenland, Canada, and the United States (specifically Alaska), including sustainable economic development, climate and the environment, and health and well-being. It is anticipated that this cooperative agreement will support approximately three to six distinct exchange projects for approximately 50 participants, including approximately 35 foreign and 15 U.S. participants. Exchange activities may include, but are not limited to, regional workshops, summits, and alumni activities, as appropriate in any of the three participating countries. For additional details please see the full announcement.

To implement a project aimed at advancing U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities outlined in the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act of 2022 (Div. A, P.L. 117-167). The Act established a new International Technology Security and Innovation Fund (ITSI Fund) to to support the development and adoption of secure semiconductors, [and] semiconductor supply chains with the goal to make the global semiconductor supply chain more resilient, diversified, and secure.

The "Human Rights Activity" grant is a Request for Information (RFI) by USAID/Pakistan, seeking insights from various organizations and individuals to help design an effective human rights program in Pakistan, focusing on improving human rights protections, advocacy, and public awareness.

The U.S. Embassy Kampala/ Bureau of African Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to implement a media literacy and countering mis- and dis-information targeting senior radio/investigative journalists. The project will have two elements: (1) Training of senior members of broadcast media (presenters, reporters, investigative journalists, and producers) on how to detect and counter misinformation and disinformation. (2) Research and analysis of information manipulation and propaganda across Ugandas media landscape. The U.S. Mission in Uganda is concerned about the proliferation of information manipulation that negatively influences Ugandans perception of public health campaigns, domestic politics, the value of a democratic system, and other significant issues. The project aims to support one of the Public Diplomacy Sections (PDS) central goals of improving the professional development of the Ugandan media corps. Please follow all instructions below.

This funding opportunity supports alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in implementing community service projects that address local challenges in Luxembourg and beyond.

The Political and Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaound, Cameroon, announces an open competition for experienced Cameroon-based Civil Society Organizations that are working in the areas of Environment to submit applications under the FY 2023 Climate Grants Program to advance sustainable landscapes. Note: The U.S. Embassy expects to receive funding for the Climate Grant program before September 30, 2024. Grant awards are contingent on the receipt of funding. If the program is not approved, no grants will be awarded under this call.

This grant provides funding to U.S. colleges and universities to develop training programs that educate Georgian importers and processors about U.S. poultry products, with the goal of increasing exports to Georgia and surrounding regions.

The "U.S. Embassy Oslo Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Annual Program Statement" grant aims to fund projects by eligible organizations and individuals that promote U.S.-Norway relations, with a focus on areas such as global security, Arctic issues, climate change, media influence, diversity, cultural heritage, shared values, U.S. higher education, and cross-border collaborations.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working to strengthen export controls and compliance measures against the Chinese Communist Party's efforts to acquire advanced technologies for military and economic purposes.

This funding opportunity is designed to support a variety of organizations, particularly local Mexican entities, in implementing projects that align with USAID's development goals in Mexico over a period of up to five years.

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

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the US Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to establish regional standards on judicial independence in Central Asia through the enforcement of merit-based systems for selections of judges

This program provides funding to organizations for projects that preserve and protect cultural heritage sites, historic buildings, and traditional cultural expressions in Bangladesh.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local African organizations working to combat sexual and gender-based violence and human trafficking in six West African countries.

This grant provides funding to improve disaster management capabilities in Indonesia by supporting the National Disaster Management Authority and related agencies through technical assistance, training, and enhanced coordination efforts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working to strengthen global efforts against sanctions evasion by China and Russia, focusing on enhancing compliance systems and technical training for public and private sectors.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working to prevent Russia from acquiring and using chemical and biological weapons through enhanced security measures, training, and international collaboration.

This funding opportunity supports innovative public service projects led by alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs, focusing on civic engagement, good governance, and community resilience in Sudan and beyond.