NOFO- U.S.-Oman Youth Council Program

The U.S.-Omani Youth Council Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Embassy Muscat under the U.S. Department of State. This program is designed to strengthen bilateral relations between the United States and Oman by engaging young university students in a structured leadership and exchange initiative. The funding supports the selection and management of a cohort of 10 to 15 university students from across Oman, representing diverse academic disciplines and geographic regions. The overarching goal is to build a new generation of Omani leaders who understand and can actively contribute to the U.S.-Omani relationship across sectors such as diplomacy, trade, innovation, and technology. The program requires the selected implementing partner to conduct comprehensive outreach to universities across Oman, manage an open and competitive application and interview process, and coordinate closely with the U.S. Embassy on participant selection. Once selected, participants will engage in a seven month program consisting of monthly sessions, experiential learning opportunities, and site visits. These sessions will cover topics including diplomacy, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and bilateral cooperation. The program culminates in a capstone event and includes the establishment of an alumni network to sustain engagement beyond the initial program cycle. Funding for this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement by the U.S. Embassy Muscat throughout program implementation. The total available funding is up to 25000 dollars, with one award anticipated. The project performance period is expected to be no more than 12 months, beginning around September 2026. Within the program, a portion of activities includes a participant mini grants component, allowing up to three participant led projects with a maximum of 1500 dollars each to support community level initiatives aligned with program goals. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and public international organizations that are legally able to operate in Oman. Applicants must demonstrate experience in youth engagement, program delivery, logistics management, and financial oversight. They must also maintain a valid registration in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. Cost sharing or matching is not required for this opportunity. However, applicants must comply with all applicable U.S. federal regulations and local Omani legal requirements. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive proposal package, including mandatory federal forms such as SF 424, a detailed proposal narrative, a budget and justification, and supporting documentation such as resumes and letters of support. Applications must be submitted via email to the designated embassy address by August 26, 2026. Proposals must clearly outline program design, implementation strategy, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability approaches, including alumni engagement strategies. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, ability to achieve objectives, budget alignment, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability. The U.S. Embassy may engage in clarifications or negotiations during the review process and retains discretion in final selection decisions. Successful applicants will be notified through formal award documentation and must comply with reporting, branding, and administrative requirements throughout the award period. The program timeline begins with outreach and participant selection in September and October 2026, followed by program implementation from November 2026 through May 2027. Activities include monthly thematic sessions, domestic travel, and stakeholder engagement. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes such as increased participant knowledge, successful implementation of mini projects, and establishment of a functional alumni network. Questions regarding the opportunity can be directed to the program email provided by the U.S. Embassy Muscat.

Ensure strong alignment with program objectives demonstrate capacity in youth engagement and logistics and provide clear measurable outcomes and sustainability plan