Grants for Individuals

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) at U.S. Embassy Tunis of the U.S. Department of State (hereafter referred to as PAS Tunis) is pleased to announce this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This an Annual Program Statement (APS) outlines our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Based on availability of funding, PAS Tunis will award grants, fixed amount awards, or cooperative agreements between a minimum of $10,000 and up to $250,000 (U.S. dollars) each for projects that advance the priorities outlined in this APS. Please carefully follow all instructions. Applications may be submitted at any time for consideration before the closing date of this annual program statement on August 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. U.S. EDT. Proposals will be reviewed, and awards made by no later than September 30, 2024, pending the availability of funds. Purpose of PAS Public Diplomacy Grants: PAS Tunis invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural, educational, professional, and scientific ties between the United States and Tunisia through programming that highlights shared values, strengthens people-to-people ties and institutional linkages, and promotes bilateral cooperation. Competitive proposals should focus on at least one grant priority area outlined below. Proposals that do not address one of the grant priority areas outlined below will not be considered for funding. All proposed programs must include an American cultural element or connection with American expert(s), organization(s), or institutions in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies, values, and perspectives and incorporate cross-cutting approaches to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Examples of PAS Tunis PD Small Grant proposals include, but are not limited to: Subject-matter expert, academic, and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs that include U.S. speakers/experts. Programs that strengthen relationships and linkages between U.S. colleges/universities and Tunisian higher education institutions. Educational, artistic, and cultural programs, including programs that strengthen English language teaching and learning, musical and/or dance workshops, master classes, and performances, live theatre performances, art exhibitions, and culinary diplomacy initiatives. Programs that promote economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and/or that address environmental and urban development challenges. Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programming, including through the use new technologies, such as VR technology. (Note: PD funding cannot be used to support construction-related activities. End note.) Grant Priority Areas: Grant proposals should address at least one of the four Public Affairs priority areas outlined below: 1. Strengthening civil society and fostering shared interests in democracy, good governance, rule of law, and civic participation. Projects targeting this priority area could focus on advocacy and inclusion efforts for disabled persons and other disadvantaged groups, promoting media freedom and literacy, countering disinformation, strengthening civil society organizations, promoting local cultural heritage, traditional and modern art forms, and other forms of creative expression, and projects that engage emerging leaders in any of these fields through linkages with U.S. counterparts. 2. Advancing inclusive economic prosperity through programs aimed at helping Tunisian citizens, particularly youth, women, disabled persons, first generation Tunisian university students, and geographically marginalized populations fully benefit from economic development. Programs could focus on topics such as entrepreneurship, soft skills training, hospitality, ecotourism, environmental tourism, and creative economy industries, job creation, intellectual property rights and protection, corporate social responsibility, access to finance, and university linkage programs focused on such topics. 3. Fostering innovation together to address climate change and urban development challenges, conservation, science, and technology. Programs could focus on promoting STEM education and/or encouraging youth to pursue STEM careers, or on topics such as environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, technological innovations to tackle challenges related to climate change and urbanization (e.g., water management, waste management, urban planning, mitigating impact of built environment on cultural heritage preservation and green spaces, etc.) and involving communities in developing solutions to such challenges, and linkage programs with U.S. universities focused on such topics. 4. Strengthening the capacity of U.S. government exchange program alumni through programming in the priority areas listed above and bolstering engagement between alumni and the Embassy. Programs could include tailored training for alumni in areas such as project management, grant writing, business plan development and pitching startup ideas, developing and executing community service projects, advocacy for civic projects and policies, leadership, public speaking, DEIA-related training, and other soft skills training, including English language training and/or community service projects or other projects benefitting PAS Tunis priority audiences implemented by exchange program alumni. In addition to the specific requirements listed above, all proposals must: 1. Clearly indicate the primary grant priority area the program is focused on 2. Clearly indicate the key public diplomacy audience(s) that will be targeted by the program and the key activities to be delivered through the program 3. Identify the cities/districts in which activities will take place 4. Identify specific outcomes to be achieved by the end of the grant period 5. Clearly delineate how elements of the proposed program will have a multiplier effect and be sustainable beyond the life of the grant 6. Provide a traditional and/or social media plan for marketing program activities and outcome, if applicable 7. Identify any tools (surveys, beneficiary interviews, focus groups, etc.) that will be developed and used for Monitoring and Evaluation purposes Participants and Audiences: Proposals must focus on one of the priority areas specified above and target at least one of PAS Tunis key audiences, including: youth (14-35 years old), first-generation university/higher education students, alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange program, women, disabled persons, and other minority or geographically marginalized groups, including audiences outside of the Greater Tunis area, educators, media practitioners, policy makers, civil society organizations, and entrepreneurs and innovators. In addition, U.S. Embassy Tunis seeks creative proposals that build upon existing partnerships between U.S. organizations and Tunisian counterparts, as well as those that create new partnerships and expand operational capabilities of existing organizations. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; Programs that do not contain people-to-people exchanges or interactions; Charitable or development activities; Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; Scientific research; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; and Programs that duplicate existing programs. Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt Act. The source of funding for this NOFO is Public Diplomacy Funding

The City of Bowie's Community Outreach Committee (COC) offers funding to individuals and organizations that implement programs designed to meet the needs of City of Bowie residents. This grant aligns with the City's mission to enhance community well-being by supporting initiatives in critical areas such as physical and mental health, social and human services, youth, senior citizens, diversity, community-centered programs, and cultural education. The City of Bowie acts as the donor, strategically investing in local programs to foster a healthier, more inclusive, and educated community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are underserved residents of the incorporated City of Bowie. The program aims to address various community needs, including improving health outcomes, providing essential social and human services, supporting youth and senior populations, promoting diversity, and advancing community and cultural education. The impact goal is to create a tangible, positive change in the lives of City residents by empowering individuals and organizations to deliver targeted and effective services. The COC grant program prioritizes initiatives that directly benefit City of Bowie residents. While applicants do not need to be City residents themselves, programs should ideally be conducted within the incorporated City to maximize reach and impact among the target population. This focus ensures that the funding directly addresses local challenges and opportunities for improvement. Expected outcomes include enhanced access to vital services, improved quality of life for residents, and a more engaged and educated community. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information beyond the funding structure, the grant's competitive selection process suggests an emphasis on effective program delivery. This reimbursable grant model, requiring receipts for funded items, ensures accountability and demonstrates the City's commitment to responsible resource allocation. The City of Bowie's strategic priority through the COC grant is to foster a strong, supportive, and resilient community. By offering up to $5,000 per grant, with $30,000 available annually, the City employs a theory of change that posits that targeted financial support for community-focused programs will directly lead to improved social conditions and overall well-being for its residents. This approach underscores the City's role as an active partner in community development and resident welfare.

This fund provides financial assistance to families in Rush County with children diagnosed with autism, as well as support for educators working with these children, to enhance their services and resources.

Eielson Air Force Base 354 CES/CEIE, Natural Resources Management, Wetlands/Floodplain RAM FTQWA5324915-A The primary objective of this project is to assist Eielson Air Force Base (EAFB) with the optimal management of training lands, protect and enhance biological diversity and ecological health on all EAFB lands, and to ensure compliance with all environmental laws and regulations. See full Funding Opportunity Description in Section I.

This grant provides financial support to educators, students, and community members in Rush County, Indiana, for innovative educational projects that enhance learning experiences beyond the standard school budget.

This funding opportunity seeks innovative research proposals from academia, industry, and the research community to advance technologies that support national security in various critical areas, with a focus on collaboration and technical merit.

The Newton Community Pride Community Micro Grant program is designed to support local organizations, artists, service projects, and non-profits in Newton, Massachusetts. This initiative directly aligns with the Newton Community Pride's mission: "To build community through free arts and culture programming, public art, beautification and service projects." By offering financial support to diverse community-driven initiatives, the program aims to enhance local engagement and foster a vibrant community spirit. The grant's focus on projects occurring between November 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, ensures timely impact and responsiveness to immediate community needs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are community members in Newton, with a particular emphasis on historically marginalized groups and those who benefit from free community programming. The impact goals include fostering community building, promoting arts and culture, and supporting beautification and service projects within Newton. The program's strategic priorities include encouraging diversity, representing varied voices and experiences, and supporting first-time grant applications or organizations that haven't received an NCP grant in the previous cycle. This approach aligns with a theory of change that posits that by investing in accessible and inclusive community projects, Newton Community Pride can strengthen social cohesion and enrich the lives of its residents. The program prioritizes projects located in Newton that offer free community programming. Preference is given to first-time grant applicants and those that haven't been awarded an NCP grant in the previous cycle, encouraging broader participation and supporting emerging initiatives. Applicants are required to include event or program budget information and their most recent 990, if available, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability. Additionally, project locations must be vetted and approved before application submission, ensuring feasibility and appropriate use of public spaces. Expected outcomes include an increase in free arts and culture programming, more public art installations, enhanced beautification efforts, and a greater number of service projects benefiting the Newton community. Measurable results can be tracked through the number of funded projects, the reach and attendance of free community programs, and the demonstrable impact on historically marginalized groups. The maximum grant request is $1,500, with past grants averaging between $300 and $1,100, indicating a focus on numerous smaller-scale, impactful projects rather than a few large ones. Funding dispersal 15-30 days prior to the event or program ensures that resources are available when most needed. Exclusions from the grant include public school programs, requests for food/beverages, personal scholarships, capital improvement funding, and event/program support that would benefit any political or religious cause, individual, or group. These exclusions ensure that the grants remain focused on broader community benefit and align strictly with the non-political and non-religious mission of Newton Community Pride. The clear guidelines help maintain the integrity of the program and ensure that funds are directed towards initiatives that truly serve the entire Newton community in an inclusive manner.

This fund provides financial support for youth-led service projects and organizations in Rush County, encouraging young people to engage in philanthropy and contribute positively to their community.

The City of Davenport's Dream Project Grants are designed to support both current and new homeowners within a designated Dream area, facilitating property improvements to foster community development and stability. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of enhancing living conditions and economic vitality within the city by empowering residents to invest in their homes. The grant program is administered by the City of Davenport’s Community and Economic Development (CED) staff, underscoring a public sector commitment to local growth and resident support. The primary beneficiaries of this program are homeowners, both existing and prospective, in the specified Dream area who seek to improve their properties. The impact goal is to create more stable and attractive neighborhoods through direct investment in home rehabilitation. Participants purchasing a home in a Davenport DREAM Project neighborhood are eligible for a grant of approximately $20,000, while other grants can range from $10,000 to $100,000. This financial assistance aims to make homeownership more sustainable and accessible, particularly for those looking to revitalize their living spaces. The program prioritizes exterior improvements first, recognizing their immediate impact on neighborhood aesthetics and property value, with remaining funds available for interior improvements. This structured approach ensures that the most visible and community-benefiting enhancements are addressed initially. Eligibility criteria include proof of current homeowners insurance and no outstanding liens on the property within the City of Davenport, promoting responsible homeownership and safeguarding public investment. Contract owners are ineligible, ensuring the grants benefit direct homeowners. Developers may also qualify if the rehabilitated property remains owner-occupied after sale, extending the program's reach to include broader community revitalization efforts. Expected outcomes include an increase in well-maintained and owner-occupied properties, contributing to a stronger housing market and enhanced neighborhood pride. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of grants awarded, the types of improvements made, and the overall increase in property values or decrease in blight within the Dream area. While the direct strategic priorities and theory of change of a "foundation" are not explicitly detailed as this is a city-run program, the underlying theory is that direct financial assistance for home improvements will lead to improved quality of life, increased property values, and a more vibrant community, thus achieving the city's economic and community development objectives.

This grant provides funding to doctoral students in biological anthropology to enhance their dissertation research projects through various methodologies and approaches.

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Partnership Grant Program is seeking applications to provide funding of $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers, aiming to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education activities related to sustainable agriculture.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) is offering the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects across the Northeast. The core mission of this program is to foster competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability. This aligns with a broader strategic objective of strengthening the regional dairy industry by enabling operations of all sizes to successfully launch and sustain their products in the marketplace. By focusing on start-up operations and tangible implementation, the NE-DBIC aims to facilitate direct economic impact and product innovation within the dairy sector. The program targets several key beneficiaries, including dairy farmers ready to begin processing, value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing or business startups, and dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in their start-up phase. The impact goals are centered on developing these businesses, supporting their entry into the market, and ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the Northeast dairy industry. By providing financial assistance for start-up operations, the program seeks to create new opportunities for dairy-related businesses and products. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible implementation rather than earlier stages like research and development, concept development, or initial planning. This indicates a strategic emphasis on getting products to market and establishing sustainable business models. Eligibility criteria further refine this focus, requiring applicants to be headquartered or based in the Northeast, demonstrate proof of concept, have a robust business plan, obtain necessary licenses, and show commitment from buyers or distributors by the end of the grant period. Expected outcomes include the successful launch of new value-added dairy products, the establishment of competitive and viable dairy processing businesses, and increased market access for Northeast dairy products. Measurable results would likely include the number of new businesses launched, the volume of new products brought to market, and the economic growth generated within the participating dairy sectors. The NE-DBIC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, involve direct investment in the operational start-up phase, aiming for a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to the successful commercialization and long-term sustainability of dairy processing ventures in the region.

Seabird Monitoring and Predator Management at Kokee Air Force Station, Kauai - All tasks associated with this requirement have an avian and/or predator control focus and shall be conducted on the island of Kauai. The execution of this project assists the United States Air Force towards compliance with the U.S. Fish Wildlife Services Biological Opinion and the subsequent remediation efforts related to island seabirds. See full Funding Opportunity Description in Section I.

This funding opportunity supports researchers focused on enhancing knowledge and practices in security cooperation and irregular warfare, aiming to improve allied and partner security capabilities while ensuring public access to their findings.

The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S Embassy in Azerbaijan is pleased to announce an open competition for Azerbaijani alumni of U.S. exchange programs to submit applications to implement a series of Alumni capacity building and networking events under the Alumni Outreach and Capacity Building Fund. The activities should take place over calendar years 2024 and 2025. Proposals should include the below components: Alumni Capacity Building: A series of training sessions, bootcamps, or seminars on soft skills development and community engagement. Youth Alumni Training: An in-person training and networking program in Azerbaijan for recently returned youth alumni to build their skills and remain engaged with Embassy and alumni network. Annual Alumni Reception: A large networking event for alumni. Alumni Summit: A two-day event to develop capacity while showcasing the work of our alumni through exhibits, panels, workshops, and speakers. Thematic meetups: A series of at least four engagements bringing together alumni in specific fields to build capacity, strengthen networks, and encourage them to collaborate across exchange program and age cohorts.

This program provides financial assistance to Minnesota farmers for purchasing and installing safety equipment in their grain storage facilities.

IDHS is seeking to fund entities with experience in training, technical assistance, and support to build the RPSA grantee’s program capacities. Successful applicants will work with grantees across multiple RPSA grant programs in Chicago and/or Greater Illinois, based on grantee selection. The Illinois Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) is seeking applications from those public and private nonprofit community-based organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the tax code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4)) For-profit, small businesses and individuals are also eligible to apply. IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize equity and diversity throughout its service provision process.

IDHS is seeking to fund entities with experience in training, technical assistance, and support to build the RPSA grantee’s program capacities. Successful applicants will work with grantees across multiple RPSA grant programs in Chicago and/or Greater Illinois, based on grantee selection. To address the spike in firearm violence, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) (430 ILCS 69) in 2021. The RPSA creates a comprehensive approach to ending Illinois' firearm violence through targeted, integrated behavioral health services and economic opportunities that promote self-sufficiency for victims of firearm violence.

It is well documented that many investments in Africa, including in Liberia, fail to meet internationally accepted standards. This trend continues in part because of host countries lack of awareness, capacity, and governance. This project aims to address these weaknesses by bringing together government, civil society, journalists, academics, and other key stakeholders to build Liberias internal capacity to ensure further investments and projects have improved standards and mechanisms in place to monitor and penalize non-compliance. The project will include components that offer stakeholders: investment best global practices; case studies involving how to advance transparency in negotiating large investment deals in Africa; training/advising government officials on developing legal and regulatory investment frameworks; mentoring on public awareness campaigns around investment standards; and seminars in investigating investment-related challenges and successes in the African context. Projects should target: Countering lending and investment projects that fail to adhere to internationally accepted investment practices and as a result put at risk Liberias sovereignty, socio-economic well-being, and biodiversity.

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote sustainable pest management practices to protect human health and the environment, particularly in underserved communities and agricultural areas near schools.