Operation and Management of the Edward M. Kennedy Center

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka’s Public Diplomacy Section, has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the operation and management of the Edward M. Kennedy Center for Public Service. This funding opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement and is part of the broader American Spaces network, which is overseen by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Edward M. Kennedy Center serves as a flagship American Space in Bangladesh, designed to strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and Bangladesh by promoting cultural exchange, educational opportunities, and professional development. The primary purpose of this grant is to support the comprehensive management and programming of the EMK Center. The selected recipient will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, supervising staff, maintaining facilities and technology, and implementing a wide range of programs aligned with U.S. foreign policy objectives. These programs are expected to highlight American excellence in areas such as trade, commerce, technology, and education, while also promoting U.S. culture and values. The Center also plays a key role in countering misinformation, supporting alumni of U.S. exchange programs, and providing EducationUSA advising services to prospective students. Funding for this opportunity is provided through FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, with approximately $550,000 available and a single award anticipated. Individual award amounts are expected to range between $450,000 and $550,000. The period of performance is limited to 12 months, and projects must be completed within that timeframe. The anticipated start date for the funded project is September 30, 2026. Cost sharing or matching is not required for applicants, which lowers the financial barrier to participation for eligible organizations. Eligibility is restricted to non-profit organizations, including think tanks, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations, as well as private educational institutions and public international organizations. For-profit entities and individuals are explicitly excluded. Applicants must also meet federal requirements, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining an active registration in SAM.gov. Only one proposal per organization is permitted, and failure to comply with submission requirements will result in disqualification. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a detailed proposal not exceeding seven pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, goals and objectives, project activities, implementation plan, timeline, and key personnel. Additionally, applicants must provide a monitoring and evaluation plan, a detailed budget with justification, resumes of key staff, and supporting documentation such as proof of non-profit status and registration. Security planning is also required due to the operating environment in Bangladesh. Applications must be submitted via email or Grants.gov by July 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Bangladesh Standard Time. Questions regarding the opportunity must be submitted by July 10, 2026. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Applicants can expect notification of results within approximately 120 days after the application deadline. The Department of State will play an active role in the implementation of the project due to the cooperative agreement structure. The Public Diplomacy Section will provide oversight, approve key staffing decisions, and guide program strategy. The selected recipient must collaborate closely with the Embassy, submit regular financial and programmatic reports, and comply with all federal regulations and branding requirements. This partnership model ensures alignment with U.S. strategic objectives while enabling local implementation expertise to drive program success.

Align proposal closely with U.S. foreign policy objectives; ensure detailed M&E plan with measurable outcomes; provide clear organizational capacity and past performance evidence