Grants for Small businesses - International Development

The Roddenberry Prize is a $1 million grant awarded to early-stage scientific or technology ventures using AI and machine learning to contribute to a more equitable and prosperous world, with a focus on solutions that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This funding opportunity is designed to empower emerging leaders in the space sector across the Middle East and North Africa by providing training and resources to enhance collaboration with the United States in space policy and commerce.

Questions must be submitted no later than 23:59 on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 on PortLouisSelfHelp@state.gov 2. Applications must be submitted no later than 23:59 on Friday, June 28, 2024 3. Notification of project approval and award signing expected by September 2024. A. Project Description U.S. Embassy Port Louis announces an open competition for organizations in Mauritius and Rodrigues Island to submit applications to carry out a project through the Ambassadors Special Self-Help Program. A grant agreement for up to $15,000-$20,000 (U.S. Dollars) in fiscal year (FY2023) Economic Support Funds (ESF) will be awarded (pending availability of funds) for work that will support organizations throughout the country. The period of performance is 12 months. Funding authority rests in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended. Projects this year should fall under one or more of the following three categories: Small construction projects (less than 1,000 square meters) Communal construction equipment Miscellaneous durable goods The Ambassadors Special Self-Help Program provides small grants to assist community development projects that improve basic economic or social conditions in local communities. The small grants should aim to encourage self-reliance within local communities in Mauritius and Rodrigues Island by providing resources needed to turn a good idea into action. Proposed projects must be initiated by the community and should benefit the community by increasing income or improving living conditions. If the project is designed to generate income, it must benefit the beneficiaries and not the NGO or community-based organization and shall not be a for-profit enterprise or sole proprietorship. The project should be sustainable and not require continued support after the one-time funding from the Self-Help Program. Examples of potential project sectors/activities include: Cultural Heritage: Preservation or conservation of tangible and intangible heritage assets of society such as buildings, monuments, landscapes, archive materials, books, works of art, historical artifacts, folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge, or other types of related items. Environment: Reforestation, soil conservation, waste management, biodiversity conservation; community agriculture or aquaculture projects or other agroindustry projects, green composting projects, cold storage facilities, or fish conservation techniques for artisanal fishermen, or other types of related activities. Marine Conservation: Delimitation of marine protected areas, seagrass mapping to identify carbon sinks, coral reef restoration, protection of endemic plant and animal species, or other types of related activities. Renewable Energy: Installing solar energy, other renewable energies, or other types of related activities. Economic Support: Income generating activities, capacity building workshops in key traditional and non-traditional sectors, providing tools for furniture and handicrafts making, vocational training activities that produce employment and marketable skills, workshops to build e-commerce skills, or other types of related activities. Health: Drug demand reduction, improving health conditions of disadvantaged groups, community gardening and psychosocial support, providing healthcare assistance to at-risk community members, including homeless persons, families living under the poverty line, and/or elderly living alone, providing broadly accessible, reliable, and economically sustainable water and sanitation services to bolster healthy, secure, and prosperous communities, or other types of related activities. Civic Education: Civic engagement, civic education in the lead up to elections to increase public participation, promotion of diverse voices through education centers, or other types of related activities. Funding Restrictions The following activities and costs are not covered under this announcement and are classified as not allowable: Activities with unmitigated and negative environmental consequences, such as dams and roads through relatively pristine forest lands. Activities that contribute to commercial deforestation or conversion of land-use from forest to livestock. Actions that are likely to jeopardize, threaten, or endanger species and/or their habitat. Actions that are likely to degrade protected areas significantly, such as introduction of exotic plants or animals. Development, procurement, or use of toxic or otherwise unsafe products, including pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or hazardous chemicals. Religious, political, military, or law enforcement activities, including those relating to police and prisons. Activities that violate or abuse labor rights, human rights, or otherwise discriminates against or exacerbates inequities among members of marginalized or underserved communities. School or team uniforms. Sports equipment or musical instruments. Playgrounds. Luxury goods. Gambling equipment. Surveillance equipment. Alcoholic beverages. This notice is subject to availability of funding. Please refer to the complete NOFO on U.S. Embassy Port Louis's website.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations working to strengthen Rwanda's health systems and improve comprehensive HIV services through technical assistance and capacity building.

Grant Opportunity: Foreign Policy Summer Research Fellowship Grants Funder: Charles Koch Foundation (CKF) Award Details: Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded for research projects that challenge conventional wisdom on U.S. grand strategy and provide alternative visions for U.S. foreign policy. The funding levels will depend on the requirements of the research and the host institution. Graduate students are not eligible for this program but can apply for standard dissertation grants of $5,000 through a separate RFP. Eligibility: Scholars and research institutions from all fields are encouraged to apply, with a particular interest in proposals from political science, international relations, history, or economics. Applicants should submit a two-to-five page abstract of the project, CV or résumé, brief itemized budget, and a timeline of activities for the planned project. Final projects should be original and meet high standards in their field. Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted online by 9:00 AM EDT on Monday, April 10, 2023. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they arrive. How to Apply: Interested applicants should complete the online application form available at https://charleskochinstitute.tfaforms.net/344037?tfa_13=tfa_1549 and select "RFP: Foreign Policy Summer Fellowship" for their application. Contact Information: For any questions regarding the grant opportunity, applicants can reach out to CKFForeignPolicyGrants@charleskochfoundation.org. Additional Information: More information about CKF's approach to foreign policy and highlights from existing grantees can be found on their main foreign policy page. The Charles Koch Foundation aims to remove barriers preventing people from reaching their potential by supporting research and innovations in postsecondary education based on their guiding values of equal rights, mutual benefit, openness, and self-actualization.

Grant Opportunity: U.S. & Chinese Foreign Policy and Relations Research Grants Funder: The Charles Koch Foundation Award Details: Funding levels are commensurate with the requirements of the research and the potential for the research to advance an understanding of critical issues. Accepted proposals may also receive support to disseminate the research findings. Eligibility: Organizations of all types across the USA, including nonprofits, startups, researchers, local governments, and small businesses. Other Relevant Information: - Proposals should focus on analyzing China's future prospects, examining challenges in leveraging economic clout in foreign policy, exploring avenues for productive engagement with China, studying potential causes of conflict in East Asia and strategies for mitigation, evaluating different U.S. military postures in East Asia, assessing the balance of power between China and other countries in Asia, considering implications of emergent technologies for U.S. security interests in East Asia, studying power transition literature, exploring behavior of East Asian states towards balancing or bandwagoning with China, examining issues related to U.S.-China trade and foreign direct investment, and evaluating the real threat posed by China compared to claimed threats. - Application requirements include a two-to-five page abstract, a CV or résumé, and a brief itemized budget. - Proposals will be accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. - The Charles Koch Foundation aims to remove barriers that prevent people from reaching their potential by supporting research and innovations in postsecondary education. For more information and to apply for this grant opportunity, visit https://charleskochfoundation.tfaforms.net/344037?tfa_13=tfa_1475

To implement a project aimed at advancing U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities outlined in the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act of 2022 (Div. A, P.L. 117-167). The Act established a new International Technology Security and Innovation Fund (ITSI Fund) to to support the development and adoption of secure semiconductors, [and] semiconductor supply chains with the goal to make the global semiconductor supply chain more resilient, diversified, and secure.

This funding opportunity is designed to support a variety of organizations, particularly local Mexican entities, in implementing projects that align with USAID's development goals in Mexico over a period of up to five years.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a project to address the ethnic marginalization across Coastal West Africa. 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 a project to address the ethnic marginalization across Coastal West Africa. The consolidation of power, poor governance, and rise of violent extremism in some Coastal West African countries have contributed to the exclusion and discrimination of certain ethnic groups in politics and everyday life. While certain ethnic groups are not legally excluded from civic and political participation, their full engagement in decision-making roles remains limited. Certain ethnic groups are particularly marginalized in the government, the civil service, and the armed forces. Some ethnic groups also experience discrimination in employment and access to credit, health care, and education. Hundreds of thousands of individuals, including migrants and rural-based members of society, lack documentation to obtain citizenship or access public resources despite protections under the law. In addition, certain ethnic groups face societal discrimination, including stigmatization, harassment, and attacks. Militant groups have exploited the marginalization of certain ethnic groups by playing on grievances and amplifying 2 feelings of distrust in government to recruit members. For example, the targeting of Fulbe communities—based on the belief that they all support jihadi insurgents—has perpetuated conflict, facilitated jihadi recruitment, and risks spreading the violence into new areas. The property and land rights systems across Coastal West Africa has disenfranchised certain ethnic groups historically, causing violence to erupt at times. For example, pastoralist communities who have lived in certain areas for decades have faced the encroachment of agriculturalists on land that they typically use for grazing. In addition, governments across the region have introduced new laws and policies that limit pastoralists’ way of life. Further problematic is that the agencies in charge of developing new land rights policies and programs do not include members of the ethnic groups that would be heavily impacted by the changes. To respond to these challenges, DRL is seeking proposals with the goal of supporting members of marginalized communities in Coastal West Africa—specifically Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, and /or Togo—to improve respect for their political rights and civil liberties. Proposals may focus on individual countries or multiple countries, but approaches must be led by, or have strong support from and participation by, groups and individuals representing marginalized ethnic groups. Proposals may include but do not need to support members of pastoralist communities. DRL recognizes that there are numerous other ethnic groups in the region that do not fully enjoy the rights enumerated by law. Applicants are encouraged to complement and deconflict with existing programs that address ethnic marginalization in the region. DRL seeks proposals for programming that are ambitious but also targeted and achievable. DRL will consider proposals that address the goal reflected above but include different, though similar and related, objectives. While proposals may include additional objectives, inclusion of additional objectives will not make a proposal more competitive.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations and other eligible entities to promote human rights and accountability in North Korea through innovative and inclusive programs.

The Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has launched the 2024-2025 Downtown Creative Collaborators Grants (DCCG) program. This program is designed to support projects and events that will take place in Downtown Miami during the fiscal year 2024-2025 (October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025). The DDA's mission, as aligned with this grant, is to strengthen Downtown Miami's appeal as a global destination and stimulate demonstrable economic impact within the area through innovative projects and events. The DCCG program targets organizations producing and implementing activations in Downtown Miami. The goal is to benefit the Downtown community by fostering connections, attracting tourism, and providing affordable, family-friendly programming. The program also aims to promote Miami as an international and diverse cultural center, a culinary destination, and an innovation hub, while also highlighting its rich history, art, culture, and natural resources. Funding priorities for the DCCG include activating outdoor venues, creating community-building opportunities, offering family-friendly programming, promoting Miami as a global city, providing cultural and historic education, raising public transportation awareness, and offering free or discounted projects and events. The grant specifically encourages content that features the communities, history, and natural resources in Miami-Dade County. Priority will be given to projects that clearly and visibly state free or discounted admissions for area residents, families, and students in their marketing and promotional materials. Expected outcomes include a measurable economic impact in Downtown Miami, increased appeal of the area as a global destination, enhanced community engagement, and greater awareness and ridership of Downtown Miami's multimodal transportation options. By supporting diverse and innovative projects, the DDA aims to further establish Downtown Miami as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, entertainment, and innovation, contributing to the overall strategic development and economic growth of the city center. Grant awards can range from $5,000.00 up to $50,000.00, and applicants must secure additional funding commitments, as the DCCG cannot be the sole funding source.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for research and public health initiatives aimed at combating infectious diseases in Kenya, while enhancing local research capabilities and collaboration with the Kenya Medical Research Institute.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working in India, the Philippines, and Vietnam to improve tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance efforts in these high-burden countries.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications in response to to strengthen civil society resilience in Kyrgyz Republic. The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications in response to the following solicitation.  DRL anticipates funding one proposal from this solicitation, pending availability of funding.      The Kyrgyz Republic has long had a reputation of having the most vibrant, active civil society and independent media in Central Asia.  In recent years however, concerning trends have put that reputation at risk.  Harassment of activists, independent media and CSOs has intensified, with peaceful rallies limited to specific places, with authorities extending restrictions every few months.       Kyrgyz CSOs now face systematic attacks including arbitrary criminal and administrative prosecutions, deportations, and anonymous offline and online threats. They routinely endure unannounced tax inspections and smear campaigns on social media. Additionally, draft anti-democratic legislation currently for consideration in the Kyrgyz parliament threatens to seriously undermine freedom of association and further restrict CSO operating space.     In this challenging environment, DRL aims to maintain civil space and build civil society resiliency. This project’s primary objective is ensuring Kyrgyz CSOs have the tools, training, resources, and support to remain safely and effectively engaged in their work amid increasing repressions.       Elements of useful programming could include digital and physical security trainings, financial audits, flexible small-grants, legal support, advocacy strategy development, cyber bullying response tactics, or building solidarity networks domestically and internationally. The focus should be holistic, addressing security, legal, financial, operational, and psychosocial needs given the multilayered pressures civil society faces.    Program outcomes could include one or more of the following but are not limited to:    Civil society and community actors operate and coordinate safely to navigate the new/emerging legal operating environment in Kyrgyz Republic.     Kyrgyz civil society organizations have the tools, resources, and support to safely and more effectively remain engaged in their work amid increasing restrictions and repressions that challenge the civic space.  Kyrgyz civil society engages in advocacy on human rights issues.  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 12 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.

The U.S. Embassy to Angola and Sao Tome e Principe in Luanda is pleased to announce the availability of an open competition funding opportunity to carry out a project to empower lawyers, legal professionals, and human rights defenders to advocate for access to justice for vulnerable populations and provide adequate defense in cases of human rights violations, particularly in cases related to freedom of speech and assembly and arbitrary detention of human rights defenders. The project aims to create a unified vision for the legal defense of human rights in Angola. While the law states that all detainees have a right to legal counsel, either chosen by them or appointed by the government on a pro bono basis, legal professionals report that there are an insufficient number of lawyers to handle the volume of criminal cases. This situation is exacerbated for vulnerable populations (women, youth, underrepresented ethnic groups), detainees outside of Luanda, and cases involving sensitive human rights issues. This project should complement and build upon prior and ongoing work in these areas by international organizations, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), but ideally would seek to meet challenges not currently being addressed by other projects.

This grant provides funding for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to implement innovative community projects that promote economic growth, stability, and collaboration between the United States and Libya.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for a new project, Dignity in Documentation Initiative (DIDI). This effort focuses on global, integrated, and holistic CRSV documentation programming seeking truth and justice for victims and survivors as well as accountability for crimes committed in violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. The DIDI must take a survivor-centered and trauma-informed approach, prioritizing the individual needs and efforts of CRSV survivors, while supporting survivor networks, civil society, and community-based organizations. This solicitation will result in the first tranche of these program efforts, with incremental funding envisioned over the life of the 5-year project, depending on the availability of funding.

This program recognizes and supports women entrepreneurs who are making a significant impact on their communities by advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through their businesses.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small businesses for projects that strengthen U.S.-African Union relations through cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and shared values.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Illinois-based organizations that assist small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs with essential services like business planning, financial analysis, and access to capital, particularly in underserved and rural areas.