U.S.-D.R. Technology and Science Fair

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Mission to the Dominican Republic, is offering funding under the program titled U.S.-D.R. Technology and Science Fair. This grant is part of the Public Diplomacy Programs portfolio and is designed to strengthen bilateral engagement between the United States and the Dominican Republic, particularly in sectors related to science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The funding opportunity reflects broader U.S. foreign policy priorities aimed at positioning the United States as a leading partner in emerging industries and fostering long-term collaboration with Dominican stakeholders. The primary purpose of this grant is to support the planning and execution of a large-scale, high-visibility public event that connects Dominican audiences with U.S. companies, innovators, academic institutions, and technology leaders. The proposed Technology and Science Innovation Fair is expected to showcase U.S. leadership in sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity, engineering, and digital innovation. Through interactive programming, including demonstrations, networking sessions, panels, and mentorship opportunities, the initiative aims to increase awareness of U.S.-linked educational and professional pathways and encourage collaboration between Dominican and U.S. ecosystems. Funding under this opportunity will support activities directly related to event implementation, including program design, logistics, outreach, and stakeholder engagement. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong event management capacity, experience working with private-sector partners, and the ability to deliver high-impact public programming. While the award is structured as a fixed amount grant, applicants must provide detailed budgets and justifications outlining how funds will be allocated across categories such as personnel, travel, equipment, and programmatic costs. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this funding opportunity. Eligibility for this grant is broad but targeted toward organizations with relevant experience in STEM, entrepreneurship, workforce development, or youth programming. Eligible applicants include U.S. and Dominican not-for-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, business associations, innovation hubs, startup incubators and accelerators, higher education institutions, alumni associations, and civil society organizations. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to manage federal funds, coordinate with multiple stakeholders, and execute a program that aligns with the stated goals and objectives of the funding opportunity. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes several mandatory components. Applicants must complete standard federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a detailed proposal narrative of up to 15 pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, personnel details, partner information, sustainability plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. Additionally, applicants must submit a detailed budget and budget justification narrative, as well as supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, proof of nonprofit status, and registration documentation. Applications are evaluated based on their ability to meet program objectives, demonstrate measurable outcomes, and effectively engage target audiences. Key performance indicators include participant engagement, attendance, media visibility, increased awareness of U.S. innovation leadership, and the development of sustained partnerships between Dominican and U.S. stakeholders. Proposals that emphasize interactive and experiential programming are strongly favored over traditional lecture-based formats, as prior initiatives have shown greater impact through hands-on engagement. The application window opened on June 11, 2026, and closes on July 10, 2026. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent. The program anticipates awarding approximately ten grants, with funding ranging from 30,000 to 80,000 dollars. While the performance period is not explicitly stated, applicants are expected to propose a clear timeline for implementation. For additional information or technical assistance, applicants may contact the U.S. Mission to the Dominican Republic via phone. This funding opportunity does not explicitly indicate recurrence, suggesting it is a standalone or non-recurring initiative.

Prioritize interactive and experiential programming over lecture-based formats; demonstrate strong private-sector engagement; clearly define measurable outcomes and participant impact