International Development Grants

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU) Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Funding Opportunity Title: VAU PDS Annual Program Statement Funding Opportunity Number: FY2024VE006 Deadline for Applications: June 30, 2024 CFDA Number: 19.040 Public Diplomacy Programs Total Amount Available: $100,000 Maximum for Each Award: $25,000 A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The VAU of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and the people of Venezuela through programs that highlight shared values and promote a peaceful, democratic transition. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Public Diplomacy Grants: VAU Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals that support democratic initiatives, higher education cooperation and an active citizenry in Venezuela, highlighting shared values, bilateral cooperation, and support for diversity, equality, accessibility, and inclusion. Priority Program Areas: VAU PDS will prioritize grant proposals that address the following themes: Strengthening independent media through capacity-building programs and other professional engagement; Promoting democratic values and citizen participation through education and outreach, particularly for marginalized groups, including youth, women, LGBTQI+, persons with disabilities, indigenous, and Afro-Venezuelans; and Building university partnerships and other higher-education exchanges that focus on curricula development, research capacity building, and tech transfer/intellectual property policies. PLEASE NOTE: All programs must include an American component, conveying an element of U.S. culture, history, and/or shared values. This must be a concrete element that establishes or strengthens ties between people in Venezuela and the United States. For example, competitive proposals will include a connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives and/or increased bilateral cooperation that continues after the program has concluded. IMPORTANT NOTE: At this time no U.S. citizen can travel to Venezuela for in-person programs with this funding. Therefore, speakers and other activities with U.S. organizations need to be conducted through online engagement. Participants and Audiences: Venezuelans in Venezuela and their U.S. counterparts in the sectors represented in the priority program areas listed above. 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; Programs that duplicate existing programs; or Programs without an American component. Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: FY 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: up to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: 4 awards (dependent on available funding) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000 Total potential available funding: $100,000 Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding Anticipated program start date: October 1, 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant or Cooperative agreements. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that VAU PDS staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation (Substantial Involvement). Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. If interested in applying, please visit https://ve.mwp.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/05/VENEZUELA-2024-VAU-PDS-APS-NOFO-FINAL-5-14-24.docx-1.pdf to review all information regarding this NOFO.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local organizations in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to lead initiatives that promote economic growth, education, citizen security, and governance, prioritizing community-driven solutions and inclusivity.

The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar and Comoros, part of the U.S. Department of State, is pleased to announce its Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement (APS). This Annual Program Statement outlines the Embassys funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of the Annual Program Statement: The Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement supports projects proposed by U.S., Malagasy, and/or Comorian educational, cultural, and other non-profit organizations or individuals that promote U.S. values, strengthen understanding between U.S. and Malagasy and/or Comorian people and institutions, and/or support U.S. Embassy goals of promoting human rights, transparency and good governance, economic and social prosperity, environmental stewardship, educational achievement, and sustainable development of natural resources. All programs must include a U.S. cultural element or a connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that will encourage increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Priority Program Areas: Strengthening regional security and stability and combat transnational threats through engagement with diverse, targeted stakeholders on key issues like human trafficking, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, and climate change related challenges. Addressing barriers to the advancement of women in STEM fields and business. Strengthening the business skills of young entrepreneurs. Promoting the development of trade and investment with the United States, including entrepreneurship, small- and medium-sized businesses, and innovation as the basis for strong, sustainable, inclusive economic growth that creates quality employment and incorporates diverse and excluded groups. Participants and Audiences: The list below delineates our target audiences: Community associations; Civil society professionals; Academic institutions; Business leaders and entrepreneurs; Community leaders; Women and youth from underserved communities; and Youth

The USG Alumni Small grants program is designed to engage USG Alumni by funding innovative projects that align with the prioritized themes. The organization awarded this grant will demonstrate capacity for creative and effective solicitation of project proposals from USG Alumni, collecting applications biannually in spring and fall cycles. The chosen organization will also play a critical role in strengthening the USG Alumni network across all regions of the Kyrgyz Republic, organizing professional development seminars, and facilitating reunions to foster alumni community. PDS anticipates allocating approximately $88,000 to support between 10 to 15 alumni initiatives. Funding will be awarded based on panel review. Program Goal: Enhance engagement of U.S. government exchange alumni throughout the Kyrgyz Republic on key issues affecting their communities through skills-building, networking, and professional development opportunities. The goal of the program is to support 20-30 USG alumni-led projects that aim to strengthen the alumni community, benefit local communities, advance shared goals between the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic, and contribute to the professional and personal development of at least 500 USG alumni. This will be achieved through a series of reunions and professional and personal development workshops designed to enhance skills, foster networking, and promote continuous learning and collaboration among alumni.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations in Pennsylvania to develop and promote tourism initiatives that encourage overnight stays through events, facility improvements, and marketing efforts.

Economy Energy Security Entrepreneurship programs for underserved audiences that develop an entrepreneurial spirit and business development skills in target groups, including high school students, women, minorities, and people in small cities and rural areas outside of Zagreb. Innovative and educational programs that promote green economy and eco-friendly entrepreneurial initiatives. Programs that promote energy diversification in the near term and renewable energy development. Programs that promote energy security, cyber security, and/or our NATO security alliance. Croatia as a Regional Leader Global Challenges Programs that promote human rights, support marginalized groups, encourage gender equality and empowerment of women and youth, and that foster a culture of integration and diversity. Programs that train audiences to recognize disinformation or misinformation online and in news, their ability to counter foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation that undermines faith in democratic governance. Proposals that support increased awareness of disinformation among the media and journalists are welcome.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) serves as the head of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), overseeing and directing the implementation of the National Intelligence Program and acting as the principal advisor to the President, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council for intelligence matters related to national security. ODNIs Office of the Assistant Director of National Intelligence for Human Capital (ADNI/HC) houses the IC Centers for Academic Excellence (CAE) Program Office (IC CAE PO), responsible for developing and distributing this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), managing the application review process, and providing post-award grants program administration. The design of the IC CAE Program was formulated and executed in accordance with: The Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 (updated/amended 18 July 2019); 50 U.S.C. 3224 (Intelligence Officer Training Program); and 50 U.S.C. 3024(n)(4) (Acquisition and Other Authorities) The IC CAE Program began as a three-year pilot project directed by congressional authorization and appropriation for FY 2004 and was initiated by the Director of Central Intelligence to meet the nations demand for a diverse cadre of professionals to carry out national security priorities and obligations. In 2005, following the establishment of ODNI, the program moved under ODNI management with the intent to increase the pool of applicants by expanding awareness of the IC mission and culture throughout ethnically and geographically diverse communities. From October 2011 through December 2019, the IC CAE Program was managed by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), with oversight from ODNI, and expanded in scope and number of grant recipients. In December 2019, congress returned management of the IC CAE Program to the ODNI. Section 1024 of the National Security Act, as last amended in 2019, provides for this Program as follows: (a) PROGRAMS (1) The Director of National Intelligence may carry out grant programs in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) to enhance the recruitment and retention of an ethnically and culturally diverse intelligence community workforce with capabilities critical to the national security interests of the United States. (2) In carrying out paragraph (1), the Director shall identify the skills necessary to meet current or emergent needs of the intelligence community and the educational disciplines that will provide individuals with such skills. (b) INSTITUTIONAL GRANT PROGRAM (1) The Director may provide grants to institutions of higher education [IHEs] to support the establishment or continued development of programs of study in educational disciplines identified under subsection (a)(2). (2) A grant provided under paragraph (1) may, with respect to the educational disciplines identified under subsection (a)(2), be used for the following purposes: (A) Curriculum or program development. (B) Faculty development. (C) Laboratory equipment or improvements. (D) Faculty research. (c) GRANT PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN MINORITY-SERVING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. (1) The Director may provide grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities [HBCUs] and Predominantly Black Institutions [PBIs], Hispanic Serving Institutions [HSIs], and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions [AANAPISIs] to provide programs of study in educational disciplines identified under subsection (a)(2) or described in paragraph (2). (2) A grant provided under paragraph (1) may be used to provide programs of study in the following educational disciplines: (A) Intermediate and advanced foreign languages deemed in the immediate interest of the intelligence community, including Farsi, Pashto, Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian dialects. (B) Study abroad programs and cultural immersion programs. (d) APPLICATION An institution of higher education seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application describing the proposed use of the grant at such time and in such manner as the Director may require. (e) REPORTS An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this section shall submit to the Director regular reports regarding the use of such grant, including (1) a description of the benefits to students who participate in the course of study funded by such grant; (2) a description of the results and accomplishments related to such course of study; and (3) any other information that the Director may require For the 2024 IC CAE grant cycle, any acceptably accredited four-year Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) in the United States (its Territories and the District of Columbia) shall be eligible to apply as a Lead Institution. Acceptably accredited two-year IHE in the United States (its Territories and the District of Columbia), e.g., Community Colleges shall be eligible to apply as consortium partners, not as lead institutions. If the lead IHE is one of the four Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) categories listed in (c)(1) above, a consortium partner(s) is optional, but not required. However, if the lead IHE does not belong to one of the four MSI categories, then the application must include at least one additional IHE that qualifies as one of the four MSI categories listed above. Schools designated as any of these four MSI categories may be either the lead applicant or a consortium partner, or these MSI categories may make up the entire consortium. IHEs with Minority-serving designations other than the four listed may be either the lead applicant or a partner so long as at least one member school from the four named MSI categories is also a partner. The 2022 IC CAE grant receiving institutions and their consortia partners are not eligible to apply as they may not receive funds for the same initiative from two separate grants at the same time. More detailed information on eligibility can be found in Section III Eligibility. IHEs that receive grants under this program (lead and IHE consortia members) shall submit to the DNI, regular reports regarding the use of the grant funds including: A description of the benefits to students who participate in the course(s) of study funded by the grant. A description of the results and accomplishments related to the program objectives for the selected instructional pathway. The number of IC CAE Scholars and aspiring Scholars Demographic information related to participating students (anonymized). Any additional programmatic information that the IC CAE Program may require. Applicants (lead and consortia member IHEs) for this funding opportunity announcement acknowledge and accept these reporting requirements and must reflect this understanding and their compliance plans in their applications. Recipients of this grant shall be required to report metrics related to student ethnic and cultural diversity, as well as participation in all funded aspects of their program. Schools selected as grant recipients become known as IC CAE Program Schools. Students that participate in IC CAE Program School-funded curricula and programs are encouraged to work towards becoming IC CAE Scholars, a status obtained by achieving certain milestones and defined in the Key References, Appendix B. This association propels the students toward becoming part of an IC talent pool of choice. Becoming a scholar also recognizes students exceptional intellect, academic achievements, and dedication to knowledge pursuit. The IC CAE Program Office at ODNI (IC CAE PO) encourages applications that showcase innovative ideas for establishing enduring curriculum, partnerships, and programs in areas of interest to the IC and national security. The IC CAE PO has found the most successful recipients are those guided by personnel with knowledge of and experience in the IC; however, this is not a requirement. Further findings show that school programs are enhanced by partnerships with and outreach to IC installations (offices, bases, or other concentrations of personnel) and private industry in their regions supporting intelligence/national security work. This allows additional resources to provide Subject Matter Expert speakers, internship opportunities, and other interactions with intelligence professionals. Applicants for this grant are encouraged to obtain and become familiar with the information on the IC CAE Program by accessing the ODNI website at: https://www.odni.gov/iccae.

Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of States Embassy Ashgabat announces an open competition to implement programs focused on visual and performing arts. The project can address any area, including painting, sculpture, song/vocal performance, dance, music composition, theater and others. The objective of these projects is to promote U.S. culture and values, as well as the principles of equality, inclusion and diversity through artistic media, while helping build up the next generation of artists in Turkmenistan. Projects can involve audiences of diverse levels and ages, from school children to adults, including independent artists. Background: Turkmenistan's rich cultural traditions span thousands of years and are integral to its identity as a relatively young country. Its art portfolio is exceptionally rich and spans a variety of artistic media. Song, dance, painting, sculpture, poetry, filmmaking and even carpetmaking all have historically been important cultural and artistic outlets for the Turkmen people. Modern Turkmen artists have continued this tradition of versatility and creativity, which, coupled with a sense of curiosity and openness to new ideas, have made them ideal collaborators for artistic and cultural programs with the U.S. Embassy. Over the past 30 years, the Public Diplomacy Section at Embassy Ashgabat has successfully collaborated with numerous diverse artists and performers, who often note that their work is enthusiastically received by other artists, the public, and that state institutions receive them warmly because of the opportunities these visits provide to raise awareness about Turkmenistans rich cultural heritage. In particular, the Embassy has enjoyed successful collaborations with Turkmenistans musicians, including, most recently, a collaboration centered around Broadway music. This program not only reached audiences around the country, but engaged leading local artists who staged the first full-length musical production in Turkmenistan independently after participating in the Embassy program. Within the visual arts, Embassy Ashgabat has recently carried out successful projects involving painting. Local art school students greatly enjoyed learning from a recent visiting painter, who conducted masterclasses and workshops on the subject of plein-air painting, including a follow-up program that allowed some participants to visit the United States. Through cultural programming, Embassy Ashgabat seeks to highlights how art serves as an important tool for self-actualization, discovery, and education. In fact, both Turkmen and American participants of U.S.-sponsored programs often remark on the importance of the information they learned through these programs as well as the connections theyve made with other participants. Strengthening partnerships through the arts is especially important now, when global events seem to be dividing and distancing people from one another. Embassy Ashgabat considers its cultural programming as important as its educational exchanges, and through this program, the Public Diplomacy Section plans to continue working with the younger audiences, with an emphasis on promoting the values of equality, diversity and inclusion through the mediums of visual and performing arts. Projects that share U.S. values and cultural traditions, and foster artistic collaborations are especially welcome. Project Audience(s): Students from local art and music schools (children and teenagers) based in Ashgabat and other cities in Turkmenistan; Turkmen State Conservatory and Institute of Culture students (teenagers and youth), based in Ashgabat Young performers (musicians, singers, actors) seeking to develop their skills, based in Ashgabat and other cities in Turkmenistan. Project Goal: Facilitate the exchange of artistic practices and cultural preservation methods through joint educational and cultural programs between U.S. and Turkmen artists. Project Objectives: Conduct project or projects, preferably with children and youth, that would strengthen existing skills, teach new skills, promote international collaboration, and raise the general profile of the United States in Turkmenistan. Project Objectives: (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives). Objective 1: Increase awareness and appreciation of U.S. culture and values among Turkmenistans youth and artists through exhibitions, festivals or educational and cultural events. Objective 2: Strengthen visual and artistic skills of Turkmenistans artists and youth through workshops, training programs and mentorship opportunities. Objective 3: Equip Turkmenistans artists with skills and resources to practice and effectively showcase Turkmen traditional art forms. Objective 4: Facilitate joint collaborative initiatives among and between Turkmenistans and U.S. artists that showcase cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

The Empowering Female Community Leaders project will train female and male community leaders in vulnerable Upper West Region communities to strengthen their skills in conflict resolution and prevent violent extremism. As a result, female leaders will gain leadership skills and will be empowered to resist the threat of violent extremism growing from community conflicts along with their male counterparts. The trainings will focus on female community leader inclusion to empower women to take a larger role in community leadership.

The "U.S. Embassy Philippines PAS Annual Program Statement" grant aims to strengthen U.S.-Philippines relations by funding projects that highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation, incorporating American cultural elements or connections, and can include public talks, workshops, cultural programs, alumni initiatives, STEM programs, capacity-building workshops for youth and leaders, or studies on the bilateral relationship.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to strengthen independent media entities and their members as well as local organizations that will support independent media in Central America. This project will assist in conducting better investigations and provide fact-based reporting on crime and corruption through an evolving media landscape to inform populations and hold power-holders accountable, improving transparency and accountability in Central America.

The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi is pleased to announce an open competition to apply for the Media Sustainability Program aimed at supporting the sustainability of media organizations that inform Georgian audiences through a grants program. The program seeks to support media outlets looking to develop business and media management skills. It also supports outlets looking to build data or technological skills as a means of enhancing media sustainability. Program Objectives: The objective of the program is to provide support to media organizations in enhancing their sustainability by offering grants to address the following priorities: Develop or update business models to adapt to the rapidly changing media landscape. Implement strategies to better understand key audiences and inform decision-making. Improve digital presence. Integrate new technologies to improve efficiency. Explore opportunities for diverse revenue streams (one example could be offering production services to external clients). Collaborations with a U.S. expert or with a private sector entity are looked upon favorably.

Overview: The Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund aims to provide equity-free cash awards and Google support to assist Ukraine-based startups in sustaining and expanding their businesses, fortifying their community, and establishing a foundation for post-war economic recuperation. Background: Ukraine boasts a robust and dynamic startup ecosystem. However, the nation's economy and its enterprises confront formidable challenges. Startups often operate transnationally, with teams in both Ukraine and neighboring nations, to ensure liquidity, sustain operations, and attract further investment. Google for Startups recognizes the importance of bolstering these endeavors. Funding Details: An initial $5 million fund was allocated in 2022. A subsequent fund of $10 million has been earmarked for 2024 and 2025. Selected startups will be announced on a rolling basis. Each chosen startup will receive up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding. Ongoing Google mentorship and product support will be provided. Up to $350,000 in Cloud credits will be made available. Purpose: The fund is intended to empower Ukrainian entrepreneurs in sustaining and expanding their ventures amidst the current crisis. It seeks to support startups in maintaining growth trajectories, resuming operations, or pivoting products or operations impacted by the war and ongoing crisis. Entry Criteria: Must have at least one entity registered in Ukraine. Should be at the post-MVP stage with demonstrated traction (product launched, pilots, early revenue). Companies leveraging AI and possessing a social impact mission will receive priority. Founders intending to utilize the non-dilutive cash award for growth continuation, business resumption, or product/operation pivot due to war-induced challenges are encouraged to apply. Deadline June 5th, 2024

Purpose of Award: U.S. Mission Poland invites proposals from potential partners in Poland to develop projects to build a network of Polish educators, potentially including secondary school teachers, school administrators, public education officials, and museum and cultural institution staff, and to provide continued activities to empower those individuals as they enhance Holocaust and human rights education programs at their home institutions. This project would be announced in connection with U.S. remembrance of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the end of WWII. Priority Program Area: Accurate education about the history of the Holocaust, teaching the Holocaust and human rights in context, countering antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, and other forms of Holocaust memorialization or remembrance. Participants and Audiences: Proposals should describe both the primary and secondary audiences for the program, including anticipated numbers to be reached. Primary audiences are those who will participate directly in the program, while secondary audiences are those who will be reached by the projects primary audiences as a result of their participation. (For example, a workshop for educators would have teachers as the primary audience and the students in their classrooms as the secondary audience benefiting from the teachers professional development.) All project participants in (the primary audience for) the activities must be citizens or residents of Poland living and working in Poland, potentially including, but not limited to, secondary school teachers, school administrators, ministry of education officials, and public historians who work in museums and cultural institutions supporting secondary school or tertiary history education in their communities. The following types ofprograms are not eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; Legal services and direct physical and mental health services provided to individuals (legal guidance and/or psychological, social or emotional development activities offered in a group setting may be supported by the grant); Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; Academic or scientific research (note that curriculum development is an eligible activity); Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; and Individual travel to attend a conference and/or courses at any educational institution. This funding opportunity aims to support specific projects with objectives that can be achieved within a set timeframe. We will not accept applications that are aimed more broadly at supporting your organizations usual or typical daily activities and operations. Those will be deemedtechnically ineligibleand will not be considered for funding by the review committee.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) is pleased to invite eligible organizations to submit applications for a cooperative agreement to conduct physical security and stockpile management (PSSM) support in Jordan during fiscal year 2024. Specific goals, objectives, and technical requirements for application packages are detailed below. PM/WRA anticipates awarding up to $2,400,000 under this funding opportunity.

Africa Regional Services, Bureau of African Affairs Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (AF/PDPA) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition to submit applications to organize a training on Understanding and Countering Disinformation for African Journalists. The program aims to empower journalists with the skills and knowledge to effectively counter misinformation and disinformation, ensuring accurate and responsible reporting. The series of workshops should include but are not limited to the following topics: Understanding and Identifying Misinformation/Disinformation and its Impact Fact-Checking, Online/Offline Content Verification Methods, Recognizing Red Flags and Manipulative Tactics Ethical Reporting and Considerations in the Age of Misinformation/Disinformation Strategies for Countering Disinformation Combatting Online Abuse Against Journalists and Building Resilience Misinformation and Disinformation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence The project will be conducted in French and English, virtually over six months. It will consist of online presentations and dialogues between American experts and African audience, discussing theories and case studies, and sharing best practices, strategies, and resources. Budget permitting the project will design an in-person colloquium with selected participants. The project should also provide a strategy for and facilitate peer-to-peer contact and content sharing between program participants following program completion. All subject matter experts must be American citizens. Targeted countries are sub-Saharan African countries, with a priority given to West African countries. Please follow all instructions below. Background: The extensive spread of false information poses a significant obstacle to the stability and prosperity of African nations. Those orchestrating elaborate disinformation schemes targeting African media are leveraging the rapid expansion and accessibility of digital communication channels to overhaul the continent's information landscape at a pace and scale previously unattainable through traditional means. A clear correlation exists between the extent of disinformation and societal unrest. False narratives have directly incited violent conflicts, supported political turmoil, intimidated members of civil society into silence, and obscured acts of corruption and exploitation. These actions have tangible repercussions, eroding the rights, freedoms, and security of African populations. Furthermore, rapid advancements in technology pave the way for AI-driven content to further sow seeds of distrust and disorder within democratic systems. Africa Regional Services announces a call for institutional partners and individuals with extensive experience and capacity in training and outreach among African media organizations in the field of countering disinformation to submit proposals for online and in-person training of African journalists on disinformation. Subject to availability of funds, Africa Regional Services will award a grant as described below. The successful applicant must have previous experience managing the award amount of $250,000 or greater and must demonstrate capacity to manage a continent-wide grant in countering disinformation. The criteria for the competition should ensure that proposals be tailored toward African audiences. Proposed projects should include monitoring and evaluation plans. Project Audience(s): Male and female African journalists/reporters from print, broadcast, and digital media outlets. Must ensure gender balance among target audience aged 25 to 50. Project Goal: The program will help improve the quality of news in African countries through capacity building of journalists to counter misinformation/disinformation, while utilizing American subject-matter expertise. Project Objectives: Projects should be designed to achieve the following: Objective 1: Increase the professional capacity of African journalists through training workshops on countering misinformation/disinformation. Objective 2: Participants to develop and publish stories showcasing the application of skills acquired in the training sessions. Priority Regions: Sub-Saharan African countries including but not limited to Cote DIvoire, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, Sierra Leone, Guinea Conakry, Chad, Cameroon, Togo, Benin. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. Africa Regional Services 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. This notice is subject to availability of funding. 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. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION Address to Request Application Package Application forms required below are available at www.grants.gov. Content and Form of Application Submission Please 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: 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 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: Mandatory application forms SF-424(Application for Federal Assistance organizations)or SF-424-I(Application for Federal Assistance--individuals)atwww.grants.gov. SF-424A(Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at www.grants.gov. SF-424B(Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at www.grants.gov. Summary Page:Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. Proposal (10 pages maximum):The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below. Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact. Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies. Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed Program Goals and Objectives: The goals describe what the program is intended to achieve. The objectives refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate. Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. Key Personnel:Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees. Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time-frame of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? Future Funding or SustainabilityApplicants plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See sectionH. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissionsbelow for further information. 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 your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file. Official permission letters, if required for program activities Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) 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. Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications. 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. Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if: An applicants identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organizations status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant. For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date. Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than June 15, 2024. Other Submission Requirements All application materials must be submitted by email to ARSSpeaker@state.gov. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION Criteria Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below: Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea 25 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants 15 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account. Program Content 15 points: Objectives are clear and content is clearly linked to the U.S. and is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. Budget 15 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. Monitoring and evaluation plan 15 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured. Sustainability 10 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program. Review and Selection Process A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

The Office of Academic Exchange Programs (ECA/A/E), Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement to assist in the administration of the FY 2025 Fulbright Student Program. The Fulbright Student Program is a major component of the worldwide Fulbright Program, which also includes the Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright Specialist Programs, as well as the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program. For over 75 years, the Fulbright Student Program has offered awards for college and university graduates to engage in degree study, to teach, and to conduct research abroad and in the United States. The hallmark of the Fulbright Student Program is the selection of all participants through open and transparent merit-based competition. Tens of thousands of U.S. and foreign students have participated in these academic exchanges since the Fulbright Program's inception in 1946. The Fulbright Student Program sends approximately 1,908 U.S. students and early career professionals abroad annually to conduct independent research, serve as teaching assistants and cultural resources in English classrooms, and pursue academic studies at overseas institutions. Reciprocally, the program brings approximately 2,150 foreign participants from approximately 160 countries to the United States for similar activities hosted primarily by U.S. colleges and universities. Responsibility for the management of the Fulbright Student Program is shared between the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC, 49 bilateral Fulbright commissions, approximately 100 U.S. embassies overseas, and private sector cooperating agencies in the United States. Overall policies and selection guidelines for the Fulbright Student Program are determined by the presidentially appointed J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB). The organization(s) awarded a cooperative agreement under this competition will be responsible for placement, monitoring, organization of enrichment activities for program participants, disbursement of funds, and records management for the FY 2025 cohort of U.S. students and foreign students as well as the program promotion and recruitment and selection of the FY 2026 cohort of U.S. and foreign students. This work will be supervised by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) is pleased to invite eligible organizations to submit applications for a cooperative agreement to conduct a physical security and stockpile management program (PSSM) in Somalia during fiscal year 2025. Specific goals, objectives, and technical requirements for application packages are detailed below. PM/WRA anticipates awarding up to $4,000,000 under this funding opportunity.

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Mission Afghanistan is pleased to announce an open competition for eligible organizations to submit applications to carry out a program providing educational advising services to public diplomacy program participants and alumni, and to current undergraduate and high school students in Afghanistan, with the goal of assisting qualified applicants in Afghanistan who are ready to pursue higher education at institutions in the region, and in the U.S. This program aims to provide a range of educational advising services, in group and individualized sessions, to promote awareness of educational opportunities for Afghans, and build Afghan capacity to successfully apply for and participate in international higher education opportunities. This program supports increasing access to higher education and should focus on improving access to education for Afghan particularly the women.

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 that strengthens the resilience of independent media and advances the protection and inclusion of marginalized populations in Lebanon.