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 opportunity is designed to support U.S. foreign policy objectives by strengthening ties between the United States and Bangladesh through cultural programming, educational initiatives, and professional development opportunities. The EMK Center operates as part of the global American Spaces network and serves as a hub for engagement with Bangladeshi youth, professionals, and U.S. exchange alumni. It promotes American values, innovation, and education while also supporting U.S. economic and diplomatic priorities. The purpose of this funding is to identify a qualified organization to manage the EMK Center’s daily operations and strategic programming. The selected recipient will oversee staff, deliver EducationUSA advising services, maintain facilities and equipment, and design programming in areas such as STEM, entrepreneurship, digital media, and English language learning. The Center is expected to provide a platform for dialogue, cultural exchange, and professional development while also supporting U.S. commercial and policy interests through collaboration with other embassy sections. Programming must align with goals such as increasing participation in American Spaces initiatives, expanding alumni engagement, and strengthening educational and economic connections between the two countries. Funding for this opportunity is provided through FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy funds, with approximately $550,000 available for a single award. Individual awards are expected to range from $450,000 to $550,000, with a performance period of up to 12 months. The funding is issued as a cooperative agreement, meaning the U.S. Embassy will maintain substantial involvement in program oversight, including approval of staffing decisions, program materials, and strategic direction. Cost sharing is not required. However, certain restrictions apply, including prohibitions on construction, charitable services, partisan political activities, and projects focused on organizational growth rather than programmatic outcomes. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to non-profit organizations, including civil society organizations, think tanks, and private educational institutions, as well as public international organizations. For-profit entities and individuals are not eligible to apply. Applicants must possess a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain an active registration in SAM.gov. Only one proposal per organization is permitted. Applicants may subcontract with other entities, but a single non-profit organization must serve as the prime recipient and maintain responsibility for program execution. The application process requires submission of several mandatory forms, including SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B where applicable, along with a comprehensive proposal of up to seven pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, goals and objectives, project activities, implementation plan, timeline, and key personnel information. Applicants must also submit a Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Monitoring Plan, a detailed budget and budget justification, and supporting attachments such as resumes, letters of support, proof of non-profit status, and a security package. All materials must be submitted in English and budgets must be presented in U.S. dollars. Applications must be submitted via email to DhakaGrants@state.gov by June 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Bangladesh Standard Time. Questions regarding the opportunity must be submitted by June 15, 2026. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation approach, and sustainability. Applicants can expect notification of results within approximately 120 days after the application deadline. The anticipated project start date is September 30, 2026, with ongoing reporting requirements throughout the project period, including quarterly program and financial reports and a final report at project completion.

Align proposal closely with U.S. foreign policy objectives; demonstrate strong organizational capacity and prior grant management; provide detailed and realistic budget justification; include measurable outcomes and a strong monitoring and evaluation framework