Grants for Individuals - Science and Technology

This initiative provides funding to early-career researchers and community organizations to develop innovative health solutions that address critical health challenges in local communities.

Feet First Philly's Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant, ranging from $500 to $2000, supports projects that enhance walkability and safety in public spaces across Philadelphia, with applications open to organizations, businesses, and individuals, provided the enhancements are not used for financial gain.

The Neal Peirce Foundation is offering up to seven travel grants of up to $1,500 each in 2024 to journalists, particularly those early in their careers or from underrepresented backgrounds, to support the coverage of underreported stories about urban solutions that improve cities and regions for all people, with the expectation that travel and story submission will occur within three months of receiving the award.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that create collaborative testing facilities to improve the interoperability and reliability of electric vehicle charging equipment and technologies.

This grant provides financial support to arts and cultural organizations, individual artists, and local schools in Rowan County to enhance access to arts and cultural opportunities.

This competition provides funding for individuals and organizations to develop innovative energy storage technologies that address unique challenges in underserved communities and extreme climates.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for a wide range of innovative research projects in computing and information science, aimed at advancing technology and promoting equitable access to computing education across various organizations and individuals nationwide.

This grant provides funding for innovative projects led by alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to strengthen connections between the U.S. and its global alumni community while celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.

This program provides financial assistance to recent STEM graduates working in Delaware to help reduce their student loan debt and encourage them to build their careers in the state.

This grant provides financial assistance to small businesses in Dubuque, Iowa, to help cover operating costs and support long-term success for income-qualified owners.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations in developing workforce programs that engage diverse groups in STEM fields to promote careers in clean energy and facilitate the transition to a sustainable energy economy.

This grant provides financial support to local artists in Norman, OK, for community projects, the creation of new artwork, or educational opportunities that enrich the local creative scene.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Bangkok Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations or individuals to submit a statement of interest (SOI) or concept note to carry out program(s) funded by the U.S. Embassy Bangkok. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise statement of interest through the Google application form (https://forms.gle/3DSzBvf1u72UwuzY8). The SOI is designed for applicants to clearly communicate program ideas and objectives and is not a full proposal. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit program ideas for evaluation prior to requiring the development of a full proposal application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program ideas by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decisions are made. Priority Program Areas 1. Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights Activities that strengthen democratic values, accountability, public participation, transparency, and rule of law in governance and political institutions. Innovative projects that educate Thais about the U.S. experience in meaningful participation in democratic processes and civic life. Activities that promote universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms. Activities that promote connection between the United States and the rising leaders in the Indo-Pacific region. Activities that focus on enhancing critical thinking skills and promoting civic engagement to counter disinformation and improve media/digital literacy. 2. Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Renewable Energy Activities that support and build capability for, and promote economic inclusivity among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and underrepresented entrepreneurs. Activities that build digital skills and improve business practices of MSMEs and underrepresented entrepreneurs for different stages of business development. Activities that increase awareness of environmental protection, climate change, climate-smart agriculture, transboundary water challenges, renewable energy, and other key regional issues. Activities that promote the use of science, technology, and innovation in tackling regional or transboundary challenges and strengthening competitiveness of SMEs and underrepresented entrepreneurs 3. Education Activities that build, increase, support, and strengthen partnerships and the exchange of people, ideas, and resources between U.S. and Thai education institutions. Activities that increase access to education and understanding of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEM/STEAM). Innovative and educational activities that strengthen sustainable development in the Mekong subregion. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award (FAA), or Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements and some FAAs are different from grants in that U.S. Embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed within 12 months of issuance. U.S. Embassy Bangkok retains the right to execute non-competitive continuation amendments on a case-by-case basis. Any amendments are based on performance, pending availability of funds, and are not guaranteed. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from the United States and Thailand: Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations Educational institutions Individuals Public international organizations and governmental institutions 2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity, but it is encouraged. Any cost sharing must be clearly laid out in the submission. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section E.4 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Content and Form of Application Submission Please follow all instructions below carefully. SOIs that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible and will not be considered for funding. All application materials must be ONLY submitted electronically through Google application form at https://forms.gle/3DSzBvf1u72UwuzY8. Content of SOI must include: Project summary and description, objectives, expected outcomes, proposed timeline, target audience, and evaluation plan All documents fully completed in English The anticipated total budget amount (in U.S. dollars) and a line-item breakdown of expenses. 2. Submission Timeline 1st Round Deadline to submit SOIs: February 7, 2024 Selected SOIs are notified by email: February 23, 2024 Deadline for selected applicants to submit full proposals: March 31, 2024 2nd Round Deadline to submit SOIs: May 1, 2024 Selected SOIs are notified by email: May 17, 2024 Deadline for selected applicants to submit full proposals: June 14, 2024 3rd Round Deadline to submit SOIs: July 3, 2024 Selected SOIs are notified by email: July 19, 2024 Deadline for selected applicants to submit full proposals: August 16, 2024 3. Funding Restrictions Award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages. Award fund also cannot be used for other food items not directly related to achieving program objectives. E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 1. Criteria Each SOI will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below: Quality of Program Idea (50 points): All programs must include a substantive connection to American culture, policy, and/or practices. Program objectives are closely aligned with U.S. Embassy Bangkok priorities outlined in Section A. Project Description. The idea is communicated well and is feasible. SOIs that promote creative approaches to address program objectives are highly encouraged. The proposed timeline is reasonable. Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives (20 points): The SOI should clearly articulate proposed program activities and expected results towards achieving program objectives and goal(s). Engagement of Target Audiences (20 points): The SOI should identify the target audience outlined in the program description. Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants (10 points): The SOI should demonstrate the organizations expertise, capacity and/or previous experience in administering similar programs. If a local partner is identified, the SOI should briefly describe the partners role and experience. 2. Review and Selection Process A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible SOIs against the criteria listed above. For a fair review, all panelists will only review the information provided through the Google application form, no additional information will be reviewed. The panel may provide conditions and/or recommendations on SOIs to enhance the proposed program. Conditions must be addressed, and recommendations should be addressed, in the full proposal application. 3. Following the review, any successful SOI applicants will be contacted and instructed to submit full applications. A full application will include: Project proposal and budget narratives SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance - organizations) at https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_Mandatory_3_0-V3.0.pdf or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance - individuals) at https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_Individual_2_0-V2.0.pdf SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424A-V1.0.pdf SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs - organizations) at https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/Mandatory_SF424B-V1.1.pdf or SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs - individuals) at https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/Individual_SF424B-V1.1.pdf 4. Required Registrations Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) on SAM.GOV All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee. Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible. 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. F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION Administrative and National Policy Requirements Terms and Conditions: Before submitting the SOI, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply if a full proposal application is requested and awarded, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include: 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 600, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions which are available at: https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/. G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS If you have any questions about the application process, please contact BangkokPD@state.gov. NOTE: A follow-up solicitation (typically sent as or via an email by U.S. Embassy Bangkok) will be issued directly to those organizations or individuals who submitted successful SOIs. It is not reposted on Grant.gov or a public website. The follow-up solicitation must follow the full NOFO template, as well as provide any specific recommendations or conditions articulated by the review panel. No limited or sole source waiver is required specifically for the full proposal stage as any such waiver approved prior to SOI issuance covers the entire competition process. If the SOI step was a full and open competition, the overall process counts as a full and open competition.

This grant provides funding for doctoral students and collaborative research teams in California to conduct precision medicine projects that address health disparities and promote equitable healthcare for historically underrepresented populations.

The Arc Fund, an initiative by CultureSource, is a $1.5 million grant program designed to support culture-workers of color in Southeast Michigan. Its core mission aligns with addressing historical disadvantages, underrepresentation, and oppression faced by these professionals due to their race. The fund aims to spur growth and provide opportunities for career advancement, contributing to a more equitable and vibrant arts and culture ecosystem in the region. The program specifically targets culture-workers of color living and working full-time in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties in Southeast Michigan. Eligible beneficiaries include arts administrators, artists, arts organizers, curators, and arts programmers whose primary professional focus is advancing arts and culture in the region. The impact goal is to empower these individuals to make significant career leaps, fostering professional development and reducing financial or other obligations that limit their flexibility and growth. The Arc Fund prioritizes individuals prepared to invest in new skills, pursue novel artistic endeavors, or address financial burdens that hinder their career trajectory. It focuses on providing unrestricted awards, professional development experiences, and social networking opportunities. This comprehensive approach reflects a strategic priority to not only offer financial support but also to build capacity and community among culture-workers of color. The expected outcomes include the distribution of 74 unrestricted awards of $15,000 each, enabling recipients to fund various aspects of their professional growth. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of awards distributed, the engagement in professional development, and the overall career advancement reported by the awardees. While a formal theory of change is not explicitly detailed, the initiative implicitly operates on the theory that targeted financial support, skill-building, and networking will directly counter historical inequities, leading to significant career progression and a more inclusive cultural landscape.

The Arts Council for Long Beach offers two types of microgrants: Project Microgrants and Professional Development Microgrants. The Project Microgrants are designed for local projects that are free, open to the public, and directly benefit Long Beach residents. These projects are expected to support community representation and cultural respect, encourage cultural diversity, and/or enhance underserved communities. The Professional Development Microgrants assist Long Beach artists with funding for opportunities such as workshops or conferences, aiming to enhance the artist's or organization's ability to serve Long Beach residents, particularly in underserved areas. The overall mission alignment of the Arts Council is to promote and support arts and cultural activities that benefit the Long Beach community. The primary target beneficiaries of these microgrants are Long Beach residents, artists, and organizations within the city. The impact goals are centered around fostering cultural diversity, community representation, and enhancing the lives of residents through accessible arts and cultural experiences. For Professional Development Microgrants, the goal is to strengthen the capabilities of individual artists and arts organizations, which in turn enhances their service to the Long Beach community. Both grant types emphasize supporting underserved communities and populations within Long Beach, ensuring equitable access to arts and cultural benefits. The priorities and focuses of the Arts Council for Long Beach include supporting publicly accessible arts and cultural presentations in any art form, single events or series of events, arts and cultural festivals, arts education programs, traditional folk arts presentations, public art, and initiatives that promote the Long Beach arts and cultural sector. For professional development, funding prioritizes opportunities that enhance the applicant's ability to serve Long Beach residents, with specific provisions for conference fees and equipment/tools for art making. The emphasis is on projects that are free, open to the public, and directly beneficial to the local community. Expected outcomes include an increase in diverse and culturally representative arts projects, enhanced professional skills for Long Beach artists, and a more vibrant and accessible arts and cultural sector for all Long Beach residents. Measurable results could involve the number of projects implemented, audience attendance at free public events, the number of artists participating in professional development, and the demonstrable benefits to underserved communities. The Arts Council's strategic priorities align with a theory of change where targeted financial support for local arts and artists directly contributes to community enrichment, cultural engagement, and the professional growth of the city's creative talent. This investment is seen as a catalyst for a more inclusive and thriving cultural landscape in Long Beach.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based organizations, including universities and companies, to develop innovative technologies that enhance plant engineering for sustainable energy and bioenergy production.

This grant provides funding for interdisciplinary teams of graduate students, researchers, and industry professionals to explore and propose solutions for integrating renewable energy into the U.S. electric grid.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative research and mentorship projects in science, particularly aimed at enhancing participation and career development for underrepresented groups in STEM fields across diverse academic institutions.

This grant provides financial support to women pursuing education and training in high-demand STEM fields to help them advance into leadership roles.