Voices for the Future

The Voices for the Future Indonesia National High School Debate Championship is a funding opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia Public Diplomacy Section. This program is designed to strengthen youth engagement, civic literacy, and English language proficiency among Indonesian high school students by supporting the design and implementation of a nationwide debate championship. The initiative reflects broader U.S. foreign policy priorities, including fostering democratic values, strengthening people to people ties, and improving perceptions of the United States among Indonesian youth. The program aligns with the U.S. Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and aims to build long term connections between future leaders in both countries. The purpose of the grant is to support an organization in developing and managing a structured debate program that spans an academic year and culminates in a national championship event. The program is expected to establish debate teams in at least twenty schools across multiple regions including Jakarta, Samarinda, Makassar, and Padang. Activities include curriculum development, teacher and coach training, regional competitions, and a final national championship. The initiative emphasizes critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills while also encouraging exploration of topics such as free expression, digital freedom, and artificial intelligence. The program also includes exposure to U.S. educational opportunities through EducationUSA sessions and engagement with U.S. experts. Funding for this opportunity ranges from 50000 to 150000 dollars, with a total available funding pool of 150000 dollars and one anticipated award. The funding is provided through FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds under a cooperative agreement mechanism, meaning the U.S. Embassy will maintain substantial involvement in program implementation. The period of performance is expected to last between nine and twelve months, with projects required to be completed within twelve months. Allowable costs include personnel, travel, training activities, and program delivery, while unallowable activities include construction, direct social services, political activities, fundraising, and religious programming. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, civil society organizations, public and private educational institutions, and public international organizations. For profit entities are not eligible. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier and active registration in SAM.gov unless exempted. Only one application per organization is permitted. The selected recipient will be responsible for program management, curriculum development, training delivery, competition organization, monitoring and evaluation, financial reporting, and sustainability planning. The U.S. Embassy will provide oversight, strategic guidance, and approvals for key deliverables. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms including SF 424, SF 424A, and SF 424B where applicable, along with a narrative proposal of up to eight pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, personnel, partnerships, sustainability plan, and monitoring and evaluation framework. Applicants must also submit a detailed budget and budget justification narrative, along with supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status. Applications must be submitted through official channels such as Grants.gov or the Embassy website. Applications are due by July 31, 2026 at 1159 PM Western Indonesia Time. The anticipated project start date is October 2026, and applicants can expect notification within approximately 120 days after the deadline. Proposals will be evaluated based on program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. This funding opportunity represents a competitive process aimed at selecting a single implementing partner capable of delivering a high impact national program that advances youth leadership and strengthens bilateral ties.

Align proposal clearly with U.S. foreign policy goals; demonstrate strong organizational capacity; provide detailed and feasible implementation plan; ensure budget accuracy and justification