Voices for the Future

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia Public Diplomacy Section, has announced a funding opportunity titled Voices for the Future: Indonesia National High School Debate Championship. This initiative is funded through FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and reflects broader U.S. foreign policy priorities related to youth engagement, democratic values, and strengthening bilateral ties with Indonesia. The program is designed to enhance perceptions of the United States among Indonesian youth by fostering critical thinking, civic participation, and English-language communication skills. It aligns with the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and addresses growing geopolitical competition in the region. The primary purpose of the grant is to support the design, implementation, and management of a nationwide high school debate program culminating in a national championship. The program will span an academic year and include the establishment of debate teams in at least 20 schools across multiple Indonesian cities. It aims to build leadership capacity among students aged 15 to 17 while also strengthening the capabilities of teachers and debate coaches through structured training programs. The initiative emphasizes themes such as free expression, digital literacy, and democratic discourse, positioning participants to engage critically with modern information environments. Funding for this opportunity ranges from 50000 to 150000 dollars, with a total program funding pool of 150000 dollars and one anticipated award. The performance period is expected to last between 9 and 12 months, with projects required to be completed within 12 months or less. Allowable activities include program design, training workshops, curriculum development, regional competitions, and a final national championship event. Restrictions apply to activities such as construction, direct social services, partisan political efforts, fundraising campaigns, and religious programming. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, allowing applicants flexibility in structuring their budgets. Eligibility is limited to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. For-profit entities are explicitly excluded from applying as prime recipients, though they may participate as subcontractors. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain an active registration in SAM.gov. Only one proposal per organization is permitted, and failure to comply with submission requirements or eligibility criteria will result in disqualification. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms including SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B where applicable, along with an 8-page proposal narrative. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design and activities, timeline, key personnel, partnerships, sustainability plan, and monitoring and evaluation framework. A detailed budget and budget justification narrative are also required, along with supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of non-profit status. Applications must be submitted through approved platforms such as Grants.gov or the Embassy website. Applications are due by August 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM Western Indonesia Time. The anticipated project start date is October 2026, with award notifications expected within approximately 120 days after the deadline. The U.S. Embassy will play an active role in oversight, strategic guidance, and evaluation throughout the project lifecycle. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria including program quality, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. For inquiries, applicants may contact the program via JakartaPASGrants@state.gov.

Align program clearly with U.S. foreign policy goals; provide detailed and feasible implementation plan; ensure strong monitoring and evaluation framework; demonstrate organizational capacity and past performance