Grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Capacity Building

This funding opportunity supports researchers working on innovative spinal cord injury treatments and interventions that can improve the lives of military personnel, veterans, and their families.

This funding opportunity is designed to enhance Morocco's ability to combat transnational crime by providing advanced forensic training and mobile forensic facilities to improve evidence collection and prosecution efforts.

This program provides funding to various organizations, including government entities and nonprofits, to combat invasive species in Michigan through prevention, detection, and management projects.

This funding opportunity supports the development of essential research resources in infectious diseases and related fields, aimed at benefiting the broader scientific community in the U.S.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for Oklahoma-based organizations to create public arts events that enhance community engagement and cultural experiences.

This notice is subject to availability of funding. A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Belgrade, announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project that will establish a network of researchers, analysts, business leaders, and/or journalists in the Western Balkans, who promote responsible trade and foreign direct investment. This includes considerations for stewardship of the environment, development of human capital, advancement of long-term prosperity built on a market- and rule of law-based system, and engagement with Euro-Atlantic commercial and analytical partners. This network of diversified stakeholders will investigate the current effects of trade and FDI on economic growth in the six Western Balkan states (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), evaluate free trade agreements, promote Euro-Atlantic trade, and create mechanisms to maintain this network to promote economic reform that interests key stakeholders, including governments, civil society, the private sector, and academia.Please follow all instructions below. A.1 BackgroundThe six Western Balkan countries Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia can be considered small, open economies that have varying degrees of reliance on trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) for growth.The qualities that allow a country to trade and to attract FDI, however, do not always promote long-term prosperity. Economic reforms aimed at (i) improving resource allocation by eliminating market-distorting policies, (ii) minimizing the regulatory burden on business, (iii) reducing FDI volatility by increasing political and economic stability, and (iv) removing natural resource dependence by diversifying the economy can benefit the Western Balkan countries and induce growth in the long run. Moreover, continued integration with Euro-Atlantic commercial and academic institutions, including through trade and investment, often can enhance long-term prosperity in the Western Balkans.A.2 GoalsThe first goal of this project is to establish a network of researchers, analysts, business leaders, and/or journalists in the Western Balkans, who promote Euro-Atlantic trade, responsible foreign direct investment, stewardship of the environment, development of human capital, long-term prosperity built on a market- and rule of law-based system, and engagement with Euro-Atlantic commercial and analytical partners. This network of diversified stakeholders will investigate the current effects of trade and FDI on economic growth in the six West Balkan states and promote Euro-Atlantic integration through a trade and investment forum as well as through public discourse. A second goal is to create mechanisms to maintain this network, which will promote economic reforms that interest key stakeholders, including the government of Serbia, the Serbian civil society and private sector, in addition to the Serbian academic society.A.3 Expected ResultsIllustrative examples of anticipated program outcomes include: Publicly accessible information on the current effect of free trade agreements and FDI on economic growth in the six West Balkan states. In particular, this should emphasize the positive impacts of Euro-Atlantic trade and investment in the Western Balkans, A significant trade and investment forum to promote Euro-Atlantic commercial relations with the Western Balkans, Greater public awareness of and expert attention to the environmental effects of FDI, Greater public awareness of and expert attention to FDIs effects on human capital, for example the creation of jobs overall as well as the creation of high-level, high-wage employment in leadership and management positions of foreign-owned companies in the Western Balkans, Development and/or implementation of local, national, or European Union-led strategies to mitigate risks associated with existing FDI in infrastructure, mining, auto and battery production sectors. These risks might include the potential for exploitation of cheap labor and resources and the risk of cultural clashes and political instability.A.4 Main ActivitiesIllustrative examples of program activities include: Development of a public trade and FDI portal and creation of a mechanism to ensure it continues beyond the two-year program of the grant, Organizing and hosting a trade and investment forum in the Western Balkans and creation of a mechanism to ensure the forum has long-lasting spillover effects, commercial, political, and/or analytical, Articles and op-eds published in local languages and/or English discussing trade and FDI and emphasizing, when possible, the positive impact of Euro-Atlantic investment and trade, Roundtable discussions in covered countries, organized by local partners, to publicize findings and galvanize responses.A.5 Performance IndicatorsThe project should aim to have an impact that leads to measurable increases in public awareness of trade and FDI, increased public attention regarding the positive impacts of EU and transatlantic commercial ties and investment, and evidence of continuing networking on relevant issues in the Western Balkan region. A catalog of the number of media stories with such an emphasis could be an indicator of success. New and widely publicized data regarding positive impact of Euro-Atlantic trade and investment on job creation, especially high-wage managerial positions, would be another indicator as would an increase in such job creation, though the latter would take several years to produce. In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, programs should implement strategies for integration and inclusion of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries that can bring perspectives based on their religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, political affiliation, or veterans status. Programs should be demand-driven and locally led to the extent possible. All programs should be non-discriminatory, and implementers should include strategies for nondiscrimination of individuals/ organizations/beneficiaries based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, or veterans status.Priority Region: Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia)B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: Up to 36 monthsNumber of awards anticipated: 1Award amount: $500,000Total available funding: $500,000Type of Solicitation: Open CompetitionType of Funding: FY23/24 AEECA Funds under the Foreign Assistance ActAnticipated program start date: Your project should start no earlier than October 1, 2024, and no later than September 30, 2025.Funding Instrument Type: GrantProgram Performance Period: Proposed program activities should be completed in 36 months or less. (This includes the time for assessment and evaluation, as well as the drafting of the final report.)The Department of State may entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants: The following entities, from one of the six Western Balkan countries or from the United States, are eligible to apply: Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, business associations, universities, and civil society/non-governmental organizationsIndividuals may not apply for this program.2. Cost Sharing or Matching.Cost sharing is allowed but not required and will not impact funding decisions.While filling out the application, you will be required to tell us whether you are also receiving funding from other donors for your project. Please be aware, however, that you must be able to carry out all the activities described in your application with the funding you receive, even if the contributions from other donors or other funding sources fail to materialize.3. Other Eligibility Requirements.In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.If an applicant has already received a grant from the U.S. Embassy the grant period for the new project will overlap with the existing one, or if an organization has submitted more than one project proposal, please use section y in the application form to explain how you will manage more than one project and describe your capacity to do so.4. Funding Restrictions.You may NOT apply for this grant if your project: involves partisan political activity; involves charitable activities and/or the distribution of humanitarian aid; is a fundraising campaign; is commercial in nature, i.e., you or a project partner are making money from this project, or the activity supports a current or future business or entrepreneurial venture. involves the provision of health care or services, childcare, food subsidies, or other social services to populations.This funding opportunity aims to support specific projects with objectives which can be achieved within a set timeframe. We will not accept applications which are aimed more broadly at supporting your organizations usual or typical daily activities and operations. Those will be deemed technically ineligible and will not be considered for funding by the review committee.For this particular NOFO, grant funding can be used to cover the cost of international travel as an essential part of the project.As a general rule, participants or audiences should not be charged for taking part in any the U.S. Embassy Belgrade-funded activity. If you envisage that your project activity will not be free for some reason, please contact the U.S. Embassy Belgrade while you are in the process of completing the application to see whether that could be allowed. Depending on the funding source, the U.S. Embassy Belgrade might be able to support your project, but only if you can demonstrate how the revenue generated will be used to support the larger objectives and explain that your organization will profit from the modest entrance fee.See also Guidelines for Budget Justification under Section H in the full text of the NOFO for more information on budget items.D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Requesting the Application Package Application forms required below are available at https://rs.usembassy.gov/grants-programs/ and www.grants.gov.2. Content and Form of Application SubmissionPlease follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.Please ensure that: The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity All documents are in English All budgets are in U.S. dollars All pages are numbered All documents are formatted to 8 x 11 or A4 paper, and All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.The following documents are required:a. SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance organizations)b. SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)c. SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) if the applicant is an organization whose registration in SAM.gov is still pending.d. the U.S. Embassy Belgrade Grant Application Form for Fiscal Year 2024. Note: Detailed directions for filling out the grant application are included with the form.e. Budget Justification Narrative (Excel Spreadsheet): After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use the Excel spreadsheet template to describe and explain each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.f. Attachments 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner, if applicable. Official permission letters, if required for program activities. Proof of SAM registration. If you still have not completed SAM.gov registration, a screenshot from SAM.gov reflecting that you have started the process.Please follow all the instructions when filling out the Application Form. 3.Required Registrations:All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee. Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.4. Submission Dates and Times: Applications are due no later than August 28, 2024.5. Other Submission Requirements: All application materials must be submitted by email to BLGECON@state.If the U.S. Embassy Belgrade does not receive a complete project proposal at the above address by the deadline, it will be considered technically ineligible and will not be considered for funding. 6. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates: The U.S. Embassy Belgrade anticipates that final funding decisions will be made by September 13, 2024. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTSIf you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: BLGECON@state.For detailed information please see the full text of the Notice of Funding Opportunity in the Related Documents tab ..

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working to document and address hateful rhetoric and violence against minority communities in South Africa, with a focus on research, survivor support, and data accessibility.

The South Dakota State Historical Society is inviting applications for the Deadwood Fund Grant. This initiative aims to support significant restoration or rehabilitation projects for historic properties across the state. Managed by the State Historical Society's historic preservation office, the program offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Applicants must match the grant amount with nonfederal and nonstate sources on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with nonprofits allowed to count in-kind services for up to half of their match requirement. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Fall deadline: October 1st

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and agencies that enhance the quality of life for older adults in Franklin County and the Central Pennsylvania region.

This funding opportunity supports regional partnerships in Massachusetts to improve STEM education and workforce development by fostering collaboration among educational institutions, industry, and community organizations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for short-term projects that enhance local governance, infrastructure, education, and public safety in U.S. territories and freely associated states.

The Maine Charity Foundation Fund aims to support charitable and educational purposes across Maine, with an emphasis on transportation services for individuals with limited access. The grant prioritizes projects that use volunteers, engage community partners, address service gaps, and focus on equity and diversity. Criteria for eligibility are set by the Maine Community Foundation and reviewed annually. The foundation offers general support grants for ongoing needs and project grants for new programs. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: July 1st to September 16th

This grant provides funding and support to Massachusetts public four-year colleges to develop and implement new cooperative education programs that create paid work opportunities for students.

Mini-grants are offered on a rolling monthly basis to support programmatic needs in various impact areas. These grants are aimed at local nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations, and government programs in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties. The grants cover expenses such as technical assistance, capacity building, equipment purchases, and direct aid like pharmaceutical and food assistance. First-time applicants are limited to awards under $1,000 and may require additional vetting processes such as site visits. Grant renewed every year.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Michigan's public, Tribal, and independent colleges and universities to develop sustainable solutions that combat student food insecurity and related basic needs challenges.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for Native American communities to develop sustainable economic projects, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance local infrastructure and social systems.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is offering the Solid Waste Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) Higher Education Research Grant Program. This grant program is designed to fund projects that align with and support the objectives of the Recycling Enhancement Act. The core mission is to enhance existing resources, tools, or methodologies, or to create new ones, all in furtherance of the REA's goals. This initiative demonstrates a strategic priority to foster innovation and practical advancements in recycling within New Jersey, reflecting a theory of change that posits that targeted research and development will lead to improved recycling practices and outcomes for the state. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are New Jersey institutions of higher education. These institutions may implement projects in conjunction with, or by subcontracting or partnering with, other entities as permitted by law. The primary impact goal is to support the objectives of the REA through various projects. This includes enhancing the capabilities of the higher education sector to contribute to environmental sustainability, specifically in waste management and recycling. The program aims to leverage academic expertise to generate solutions that have tangible benefits for the state's recycling infrastructure and policies. The grant prioritizes projects in several key areas: recycling demonstration, research, or education, including professional training. This focus allows for a broad range of initiatives, from practical applications and pilot programs to in-depth academic studies and workforce development. The expected outcomes include the development of new or improved resources, tools, and methodologies that directly contribute to the objectives of the Recycling Enhancement Act. Measurable results could include, but are not limited to, new recycling technologies implemented, increased public or professional understanding of recycling best practices, and data-driven insights that inform future policy decisions. Approximately $1 million in grant funding has been allocated for this opportunity, with individual grant amounts ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. Awardees and grant amounts will be determined based on the strength of the proposal, adherence to selection criteria, and the availability of funds. The grant is designed to cover personnel costs (salaries/fringe benefits), other direct costs such as supplies, printing, mailings, mileage, and contractual services, as well as indirect costs. Indirect, fringe benefits, or administrative costs should be estimated using an approved negotiated cost agreement, or a rate of 10% of modified total direct costs if such an agreement is not available. This structure ensures that funded projects are adequately resourced to achieve their stated objectives and contribute effectively to the REA.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont to develop or strengthen collaborative healthcare networks that improve access and quality of care for underserved rural populations.

This funding opportunity supports researchers aiming to enhance existing breast cancer clinical studies by extending follow-up activities, improving data analysis, and maximizing the use of previously collected patient data and biospecimens.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that enhance youth mentoring programs, particularly for at-risk youth, by maintaining a resource center and offering training, tools, and technical assistance.