Grants for Private institutions of higher education - International Development

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for an evaluation project that contributes to building a portfolio of evidence regarding inclusive human rights in Ukraine. In support of this goal, DRL seeks to promote the use of sound data and generate findings on what works, for whom, and why in democracy and human rights programming abroad. Projects should support the following objective: the rights of marginalized, underserved, and at-risk individuals in Ukraine are recognized and respected within a democracy, rights, and good governance framework.

This program provides funding for U.S. and Chilean non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals to implement projects that strengthen ties between the United States and Chile in areas like combating disinformation, promoting economic growth, and supporting democratic institutions.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Algiers Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a cooperative agreement to build civil society capacity through microgrants. Please follow all instructions below. Program Objectives: PAS Algiers invites proposals for a program that will strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Algeria through administering a small grants competition that builds civil society capacity and highlights shared bilateral values. All programs should include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Priority Program Areas: Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs; Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; Priority Participants and Audiences: Algerian youth, particularly those from minority groups or underserved areas. Civil society organizations and individuals, influencers, and bloggers. Algerian creators, particularly those from minority groups or underserved areas and/or those who work on building civil society or climate friendly/sustainable projects.The following types of programs are NOT eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; Charitable or development activities; Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; Scientific research; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or Programs that duplicate existing programs.Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: Smith-Mundt FY2024 Public Diplomacy funding B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 12 to 18 months Number of awards anticipated: 1-2 Award amounts: from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $100,000 Total available funding: $100,000 Type of Funding: Fiscal year 2024 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy funding Anticipated start date: After October 1st, 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement the U.S. Embassy will have substantial involvement in the activities undertaken through this program. The Embassy will closely work with the grantee to provide suggestions on the program and validate steps, key actors, places and subgrantees. The embassy can also propose the schedule and review financial management or make any decision about the program and its execution. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 18 months or less. The Department of State will 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 INFORMATION1. Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply: Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience. Non-profit or governmental educational institutions Governmental institutions Social enterprises: public or private. Entities specialized in the project fields. The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from U.S.A. and Algeria and any other country for projects that would have any significant bonds with the priority programs areas. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working to eliminate child and forced labor in critical mineral supply chains in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia, promoting fair labor practices and compliance with international standards.

The Global Leaders Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposal submissions for one cooperative agreement to design, administer, and implement the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI) Program. The JCSVEI will strengthen engagement between young people in the Middle East and North Africa (NEA) region and in the United States as a lasting tribute to the legacy of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. The JCSVEI will use various virtual exchange formats, technology, and online tools to facilitate exchange programs that address the themes of: Civic Engagement; Empowering Women and Girls; Climate Change and Sustainability; Language Learning and Practice; and Digital Literacy Skill Development. By using a wide range of virtual exchange formats, the program should reach approximately 10,000 participants each year. The JCSVEI will also include an Alumni Leadership Academy, and other follow-on alumni engagement activities. Organizations applying for this federal award are required to identify up to 12 subawards to implement virtual exchange programs as part of the JCSVEI. The award recipient must demonstrate capacity to manage up to 12 subawards and will be responsible for all subaward oversight. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support civil society in the Western Balkans to hold governments accountable and transparent by promoting greater public participation with a focus on environmental issues. The United Nations Environmental Programme held a Western Balkans Forum in late 2022 that concluded the region is heavily impacted by climate and pollution issues. Corruption and inconsistent implementation of regulations further exacerbate the situation. These environmental issues may be highly detrimental to communities in these countries, impacting the health of individuals and putting their rights to safe living conditions and access to natural resources at risk. For instance, a 2022 study from the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy cited instances of increased pollution in regions proximate to new development projects, which degraded air quality and local water sources, causing potential health risks to local communities including respiratory infections and autoimmune diseases. Activists have recounted how local politicians use fear of economic crisis to demotivate citizens from speaking out against industrial pollution. The lack of local good governance in tackling environmental challenges has catalyzed public discontent and distrust. There is a need for citizen advocacy to hold local 2 leaders accountable to environmental regulations, and to protect against egregious environmental damage. To address some of these issues and leverage civil society’s activism, DRL/GP is seeking proposals that promote greater public participation and ensure government transparency and accountability. The project will focus on environmental governance processes in Western Balkan countries with high levels of international economic influence. The program aims to: (1) support local communities and/or organizations to mobilize to advance good governance principles and their intersection with local environmental laws and regulations; (2) engage independent media and community members in monitoring and documenting cases of noncompliance with environmental policies; and (3) create a diverse network of reform advocates collaborating to build accountability for implementing current laws and development of rightsrespecting policies.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and educational institutions working to strengthen democratic governance and civil society engagement in Panama, particularly focusing on anti-corruption and transparency initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports projects that strengthen U.S.-Poland relations by promoting mutual understanding and leadership development among emerging Polish leaders and professionals through workshops, seminars, and cultural exchanges.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. and Albanian organizations in developing cultural and educational exchange programs that strengthen U.S.-Albanian relations, focusing on democratic institutions, national security, and economic growth.

Abidjans Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) program seeks a cooperative agreement with one partner who will oversee a series of speaking engagements on a diverse range of topics. The program will bring together American and Ivoirian experts to engage the public on pressing issues which are priorities for both countries. The program topics will be chosen in tandem with PDS and can include but are not limited to:Coastal protection and climate change,Ethical Uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI)Entrepreneurship: developing and scaling a business across sectorsCivic Engagement: The Future of African Youth: encouraging youth participation

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in strengthening the labor rights, protections, and conditions of decent work for migrant domestic workers in Malaysia.

The U.S. Department of State provides funding for well-conceived projects that support U.S. Embassy Santiagos strategic priorities in Chile. All proposed projects should strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and Chile and include a clear U.S. element that will promote increased understanding of the United States among the Chilean public. They may include U.S. expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.Proposals should address one or more of the following priority program objectives: Bolster Free and Independent Media: Chilean journalists and students, acquire new skills and tools to recognize and mitigate the spread of disinformation and online violence, as well as reduce vulnerability to unreliable news sources. Advance Social and Economic Inclusion: Chilean civil society and government advance the rights of and opportunities for marginalized and vulnerable communities, including women, indigenous and African descendant Chileans, and immigrants, in order to promote more stable and sustainable social and economic conditions. Promote Partnerships for Climate Action: Strengthened partnerships among different stakeholders including civil society, academia, business, and government increase citizen participation in climate action, in order to build climate resilience and help Chile lead alongside the United States in the region.

The surge in online media usage has surged within recent years, especially within Africa where a growing portion of the population happens to be young adults who have come to find digital technology at the forefront of their everyday lives. Because of its substantial importance in day-to-day life, theres now a major interest in ensuring security, safety, and responsible use within online mediums of communication. A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam / Bureau of African Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to create targeted exchange programs and a conference aimed at relevant Tanzanian policymakers, civil servants, and civil society to explore internet governance structures and strategies that promote a free and open internet governance policy in Tanzania to catalyze the expansion of the local digital economy and lead to economic growth. Please follow all instructions below. Program Objectives: This opportunity seeks to directly engage a Tanzanian civil society organization to identify a cohort of colleagues across a range of sectors, engage the cohort through multiple education and information sessions, and organize a major international conference on the theme of building resilient, open, and democratic digital systems. The conference should include U.S. experts who can advise on regulatory firewalls, policy creation and coordination, and balancing the protection of individual rights, general online safety and security with freedom of expression principles. The selected organization should have demonstrated familiarity with Tanzanias civic space and policy processes. This opportunity also seeks to provide international exchange opportunities where Tanzanian thought leaders can engage with counterparts in international fora such as the UN Internet Governance Forum and/or with American counterparts. Through these engagements, the program will help to build an ecosystem of Tanzanian innovators and champions of democracy who can effectively advocate as citizens and government civil servants to contribute to an economic growth friendly digital infrastructure. Challenges that should be addressed by proposals: Boosting civic participation and engagement Addressing the limited access to accurate and verified information in rural and underserved communities and offered in local languages. Tackling the lack of media literacy to help individuals discern credible sources of information and leveraging digital tools and platforms to build resiliency. Examine the government’s efforts to manage cybersecurity risk and assess threats to critical infrastructure. Reducing and overcoming cultural divides by promoting accessible digital literacy resources and training programs to Tanzanian communities. Providing opportunities for open discussions and exchanges for tech leaders and policy makers in a variety of fields to prepare Tanzania to be an international partner in tech innovation. Discuss efforts to secure an open interoperable secure and reliable cyberspace in accordance with U.S. security standards. Discuss strategies to collaborate and counter cyber threats. Participants and Audiences: Tech industry stakeholders, STEM students, policymakers, social media influencers/reporters, and academic experts. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 6 to 24 months Number of awards anticipated: 2 awards (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $75,000 to a maximum of $425,000 Total available funding: $495,000 Type of Funding: FY23 Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act Anticipated program start date: 10/01/2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding.

This grant invites private sector organizations to collaborate with USAID on innovative projects that promote economic and social development through market-based solutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations working to improve English language proficiency among teachers and students in Kyrgyzstan, fostering stronger ties with the United States.

The U.S. Embassy Algiers Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to create a regional network of journalists trained in identifying and combatting mis- and dis-information. Please follow all instructions below. Priority Region: Algeria - Tunisia -Libya - Egypt Program Objectives:1.Establish a Regional Network of Journalists. For example:Create a collaborative network of journalists across the region to share best practices, resources, and strategies for identifying and combatting mis- and dis-information.2.Provide Specialized Training. For example:Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs focused on the skills and techniques necessary to identify, verify, and counteract mis- and dis-information.Ensure training includes modules on digital literacy, fact-checking, investigative journalism, and the use of technology in tracking information sources.Enhance Collaboration and Information Sharing. For example:Facilitate meetings, workshops, and conferences to promote collaboration and information sharing among network members.Establish appropriate mechanisms for continuous communication and resource sharing among journalists in the network.4.Promote Public Awareness and Education. For example:Implement public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the dangers of mis- and dis-information and how to identify credible sources of information.Engage with local communities through town halls, social media, and other outreach activities to foster a more informed and vigilant public.5.Monitor and Evaluate Program Impact. For example:Assess the effectiveness of the training programs and the overall impact of the network.Conduct regular assessments and adjust strategies as needed to ensure the program meets its objectives and addresses emerging challenges in the information landscape.6.Sustain the Network. For example:Encourage the development of local chapters within the network to ensure long-term sustainability and regional relevance. Participants and Audiences:Primary audiences:Journalists and media professionals who are actively engaged in reporting and news dissemination.Media organizations and news agencies that can support and amplify the program’s efforts.Secondary audiences:Journalism students and educators who can integrate the training into their curricula.Fact-checkers and digital literacy advocates who focus on combating mis- and dis-information.Community leaders and influencers who can help raise public awareness and education on the issue.B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATIONLength of performance period: 18 to 24 MonthsNumber of awards anticipated: 1 awardAward amounts: maximum of $500,000Total available funding: $500,000Type of Funding: Smith-Mundt FY2024 Public Diplomacy fundingAnticipated program start date: Fall 2024This notice is subject to availability of funding.Funding Instrument Type: Grant or cooperative agreement.If cooperative agreement, the U.S. Embassies Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya will have substantial involvement in reviewing the participants and/or activities that are part of the program.Program Performance Period: The Department of State will 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 INFORMATION1. Eligible Applicants The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from U.S., Algeria, or other country for projects that have any significant bonds with the priority programs areas. Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience. Non-profit or governmental educational institutions Social enterprises: public or private. Press and media: Including public and private traditional media outlets.2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost Sharing is not required.

This grant provides funding to state and local courts, national nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions to support innovative projects that improve the administration of justice in state courts across the country.

The U.S. Embassy Dushanbe Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is soliciting proposals to manage the English for Journalists Program from accredited non-governmental schools, institutes, teacher training centers, universities, or organizations. Applicants should pay close attention to the Public Diplomacy Sections goals, priority program areas, and target audiences when developing their proposals. Current Situation Problem Statement: English is the most commonly used language on the Internet and in global media. Yet, journalists in Tajikistan generally do not make use of this global resource as their capacity in English language is low. As a result, journalists cannot research stories in English and are not able to access accurate sources of information that will allow them to recognize, respond to, and combat disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda in the news and on the internet. Additionally, many journalists miss out on opportunities to learn skills in high quality field reporting through studying the most prestigious international sources of information, or even adequately cover international stories. Review of Past Projects: The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe previously supported English for Journalists projects that trained hundreds of journalists and bloggers in professional reporting skills; past projects have increased participants ability to read and write stories in English and strengthened their investigative journalism skills. Projects have also trained journalists in new techniques and approaches to make the transition to digital journalism. Proposed Project Introduction: This funding opportunity seeks to equip journalists with English language skills to access English language news sources, write articles in English, and conduct interviews and reports in English. During this program, journalists will also become familiar with international standards of journalism ethics, and how to recognize, respond to, and combat disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda in the news and on the internet. The Embassy welcomes creative proposals to establish English for Journalists courses that can both boost the English language ability of journalists and improve their reporting and develop their critical thinking and decision-making skills. The program should consist of English language courses for intermediate and upper-level English-speaking journalists, of at least 20 hours per month, with a total of 240 hours of English language instruction over one year. The projects can be implemented in Dushanbe, Khorugh, Khujand, and Kulob. The project should include between 75 and 175 professionals in journalism from private and independent media organizations in Dushanbe, Khorugh, Khujand, and Kulob. Projects that involve higher numbers of journalists with lower costs are encouraged. To be eligible for consideration, the organization must use instructors who can demonstrate relevant teaching experience, with at least three years of experience teaching English to adults. Project Goal: Strengthen the capacity of journalists and content creators in Tajikistan to produce diverse, high-quality media content through English language development. Project Audience(s): The primary target audience for this project is between 75 and 175 Tajik professionals in journalism from private and independent media organizations, including journalists, managers, editors, and translators of media outlets, and social media influencers who demonstrate a commitment to engaging on social issues in English, as demonstrated in published or online work. Participants will have demonstrated English language proficiency: Pre-intermediate A2B1, Intermediate B1, Upper-intermediate B2, Advanced C1C2 Project Objectives: Successful proposals will achieve one or more of the following objectives: Objective 1: Over a 12-month period, participating journalists will improve their English language proficiency, namely their speaking, writing, reading, vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills by at least one standardized level on the CEFR scale, with a specific focus on journalistic language style and terminology. Objective 2: Over a 12-month period, participating journalists will improve their critical thinking, investigative journalism, source evaluation, fact-checking, and media literacy skills by participating in activities with English as the language of instruction. Objective 3: Over a 12-month period, participating journalists will improve their understanding on current trends and best practices in global journalism, specifically in the areas of digital journalism, multimedia storytelling, data journalism, and citizen journalism. Objective 4: Over a 12-month period, Journalists will learn how to recognize, respond to, and combat disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda in the news and on the internet by participating in activities with English as the language of instruction. Objective 5: Over a 12-month period, participating journalists will establish connections with international journalists and media professionals through virtual conferences, webinars, and online forums. Examples of activities include but are not limited to: English language classes for journalists focused on developing speaking, reading, and writing, skills Immersive English language camps for journalists. Lessons or seminars in English that focus on advancing skills specific to journalistic contexts, such as news writing styles, interviewing techniques, and media terminology. Practical reporting assignments, including conducting interviews in English; analyzing and summarizing English-language news reports, and producing original media content in English. Analyzing real-world journalism case studies to learn from successes and failures, analyze ethical dilemmas, and discuss best practices. Expert lectures and panel discussions from journalism experts on topics such as digital journalism, data-driven storytelling, media ethics, and cross-cultural communication

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that combats Gender Based Violence in Uzbekistan. The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that combat gender-based violence (GBV) in Uzbekistan.        ​​​On April 6, 2023, Uzbekistan’s Senate unanimously adopted amendments criminalizing domestic violence and strengthening protections for women and children.  The legislation, signed into law by President Mirziyoyev on April 11, amends the Criminal and Administrative Codes.  While this legislation amended the Criminal and Administrative Codes, there are a few barriers to making the law a reality.  First, there is uneven implementation across localities because of cultural and resource variances across urban, peri-urban, and rural communities.  Second, limited public knowledge about the new law has resulted in few people seeking access to legal assistance.  Lastly, societal norms impede individuals from reporting domestic violence.     Through this award, DRL aims to address these gaps by:      Increasing awareness among all Uzbekistanis about the new GBV law at the local level and how it applies to women and communities across Uzbekistan.  Raising awareness about harmful practices that normalize and excuse GBV toward women and girls.  Supporting local civil society, community leaders, and social workers as they advocate to local law enforcement and local governance structures for the consistent implementation of the new law at the local level.     The proposed program should achieve the following outcomes:    Local civil society organizations (CSOs) and community advocates are better equipped to promote awareness of the new GBV law and advocate for its consistent and accountable implementation with law enforcement and government structures.   CSOs are better able to advocate for and assist GBV survivors to ensure they have access to resources and all provisions provided under the new GBV law.   Communities better understand and can advocate for the even implementation of the new GBV law at the local level.  Improved data collection and monitoring of GBV case response under the new law, All programs should aim to have impact that leads to reforms and have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources.  DRL’s preference is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and creative approaches.  This does not exclude from consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary way.  DRL is committed to advancing equity and support for underserved and underrepresented communities. 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 veteran’s status.  Programs should be demand-driven and locally led to the extent possible.  DRL requires all programs to be non-discriminatory and expects implementers to 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 veteran’s status.  Competitive proposals may also include a summary budget and budget narrative for no additional months following the proposed period of performance, indicated above. This information should indicate what objective(s) and/or activities could be accomplished with additional time and/or funds beyond the proposed period of performance. Where appropriate, competitive proposals may include: Opportunities for beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and skills in practical efforts; Solicitation of feedback and suggestions from beneficiaries when developing activities in order to strengthen the sustainability of programs and participant ownership of project outcomes; Input from participants on sustainability plans and systematic review of the plans throughout the life of the project, with adjustments made as necessary; Joint identification and definition of key concepts with relevant stakeholders and stakeholder input into project activities; Systematic follow-up with beneficiaries at specific intervals after the completion of activities to track how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills. Activities that are not typically allowed include, but are not limited to: The provision of humanitarian assistance; English language instruction; Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware; Purely academic exchanges or fellowships; External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months; Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary per security concerns; Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy issues, including projects aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorporate training or capacity-building for local civil society; Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives; Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.

GEC seeks to understand through quantified and qualified research the scope and scale of foreign propaganda and disinformation occurring in games and game-adjacent platforms in Eastern Europe. After completing the research, the implementer will organize a convening of governments, industry, and civil society to share the report and to discuss the findings and other related research.Eligible Applicants: Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification) Additional Information on Eligibility: The GEC may make awards through this solicitation to U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and commercial entities. Individuals, state and local governments, foreign public entities, and public international organizations are not eligible to apply. Before submitting, potential applicants should ensure that they are eligible to receive a grant or cooperative agreement and prepared to adhere to the terms of 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 600.