American Innovation and Workforce Advancement Program

The American Innovation and Workforce Advancement Program is administered by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti under the U.S. Department of State. This funding opportunity is part of the U.S. government’s broader public diplomacy efforts to strengthen international partnerships and promote mutual understanding through education, innovation, and workforce development. The program is funded through FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and related sources, reflecting a strategic investment in human capital development and economic engagement in Djibouti and the broader East African region. The primary purpose of this program is to support initiatives that enhance workforce readiness and professional skills among Djiboutian participants. The opportunity seeks proposals that deliver practical training in both hard and soft skills, including digital literacy, entrepreneurship, STEM, leadership, communication, and financial literacy. The program is designed to improve employability, foster economic self reliance, and strengthen long term ties between Djibouti and the United States through exposure to American innovation and professional practices. Funding is available for projects with a performance period of six to twelve months, with anticipated project start dates in October 2026. Individual awards are expected to fall within a range inferred as approximately three thousand to eight thousand dollars, with total program funding available up to fifty thousand dollars depending on funding availability. The Embassy anticipates making between one and six awards. Allowable activities include training programs, workshops, mentorship initiatives, and other workforce development interventions. However, funding cannot be used for construction, direct social services, partisan political activity, religious programming, fundraising campaigns, or commercial ventures. Eligibility for this program is broad but clearly defined. Applicants must be organizations, including registered nonprofit organizations, civil society groups, educational institutions, governmental entities, or public international organizations. Both U.S. based and Djibouti based organizations are eligible. For profit entities are explicitly excluded. Applicants must also maintain a valid registration in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. While cost sharing is encouraged to demonstrate commitment and sustainability, it is not a mandatory requirement for eligibility. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes several mandatory components. Applicants must complete federal forms such as SF 424, SF 424A, and SF 424B where applicable, along with a detailed proposal narrative of up to five pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, personnel details, and a monitoring and evaluation plan. A detailed line item budget and budget justification narrative are also required, along with supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status. Applications will be evaluated based on a structured review process that considers program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Each of these criteria is weighted, with program design and organizational capacity carrying the highest importance. Applicants are expected to demonstrate clear alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities and provide measurable outcomes tied to workforce development and public diplomacy goals. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is August 9, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Applicants can expect notification of results within approximately 120 days following the deadline. Successful applicants will enter into a grant or cooperative agreement and must comply with reporting requirements, including quarterly progress and financial reports. The program may offer continuation funding for high performing projects, subject to funding availability and alignment with Department of State priorities.

Align proposal clearly with workforce development goals and U.S. public diplomacy priorities; provide measurable outcomes and strong M and E plan; ensure detailed and realistic budget justification; demonstrate organizational capacity and prior experience