Grants for Individuals - Federal

This funding opportunity supports teams of alumni from U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Burundi to develop innovative projects that address local challenges in health, education, economic development, and peacebuilding.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. and Japanese organizations in creating innovative projects that strengthen U.S.-Japan relations through public engagement in areas like security, democracy, and entrepreneurship.

The U.S. Embassy is unable to provide individual feedback on non-selected Statements of Interest. A public presentation with general feedback will be offered. The date and time will be announced on the Embassy Facebook. A. PROGRAM DECRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Cotonou Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State announces a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) from organizations interested in applying for funding for program proposals that strengthen ties between the peoples of the United States and Benin through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. PDS invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit SOI applications outlining program concepts that reflect this goal. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The submission of a SOI is the first step in a two-part process. Applicants must first submit a SOI, which is a concise, one-to-two-page concept note (in English) designed to clearly communicate a program idea and its objectives before the development of a full proposal application. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants the opportunity to submit program ideas for PDS to evaluate prior to requiring the development of full proposal applications. Upon review of eligible SOIs, PDS will invite selected applicants to expand their ideas into full proposal applications. Purpose: PDS Cotonou invites SOIs for programs that strengthen ties between the people of the United States and the people of Benin through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Examples of PDS-funded programs include, but are not limited to: Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs; Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions; Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs; Professional and academic exchanges and programs; Experiential learning activities (e.g. Model UN, Model Government). Priority Program Objectives and Audiences Project proposals submitted through this Annual Program Statement (APS) should address one of the following Priority Program Objectives: Vulnerable Groups Empowerment: Activities that address poverty and vulnerability in the communities and contribute to build resilience and social cohesion or/and promote the rights of members of marginalized groups including women and girls, religious and ethnic minority groups and other community at risk (e.g. Capacity building on countering Violent Extremist Organizations VEOs disinformation and recruitment). Target audiences include: youth and young adults active in their communities, religious leaders, community members in the North. (One to two awards anticipated, maximum $10,000 each). Investigative Journalism: Activities that link Beninese journalists to American journalists or media institutions, and/or empower community radios with best practices to handle an adversarial debate, and/or develop tools and skills to combat myths and disinformation and to verify information before sharing with the public in order to strengthen free press and journalism as an institution in Benin. Target audience: community radios, mid-career journalists. (One to two awards anticipated, maximum $15,000 each). U.S.-Benin Partnership: Activities featuring popular American and/or Beninese artists, musicians, cultural figures, and other influencers in order to promote a deeper understanding of the United States long support for improving trade and prosperity in Benin, as well as habits that lead to healthier and more prosperous lives (e.g. promoting U.S.-Benin trade with linkage to AGOA). Target audiences include: women entrepreneurs who specialize in handicrafts, youth and young adults who use social media or listen to radio as their primary source of information; and/or educated urban adults unaware of U.S. initiatives to support Benins development. (One to two awards anticipated, maximum $25,000 each). Skills for Success: Activities to promote STEM, learning American English, especially through soft skills (such as resume writing, digital communications, basic financial literacy, public speaking, entrepreneurial skills) and digital literacy, drawing on American and Beninese examples, in order to encourage successful participation in the global economy. Applicants are strongly encouraged to partner with English Clubs, American Spaces, or U.S. exchange program alumni to conduct these activities. Target audiences include: underemployed and unemployed youth who will soon complete or have completed formal education; female microentrepreneurs; and/or graduate/undergraduate students in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math with a strong interest in improving their English or pursuing graduate study in the United States. (One to three awards anticipated, $15,000 each). The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; For-profit programs Charitable or development activities; Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; Scientific research; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or Programs that duplicate existing programs. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: The Statutory Authority for this program is the Smith-Mundt Act or the Fulbright-Hays Act. The source of funding is FY2024 Public Diplomacy or Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs funds, dependent on the type of program. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: varies (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $25,000 Total available funding: $145,000 (Anticipated and Subject to Availability of Funds) Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding and/or Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Funding Anticipated program start date: Varies Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award, Individual Award, or Cooperative Agreement. Cooperative agreements and some FAAs are different from grants in that 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. PDS 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 funds. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION Other Eligibility Requirements 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. To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid and active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION The U.S. Embassy Cotonou Public Diplomacy Section will accept proposals through May 30, 2024. A grants committee including U.S. Embassy employees will review eligible applications in June 2024. All application materials must be submitted by email to CotonouPASGrants@state.gov All Statements of Interest SOI applications should ensure that the following requirements are met: 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. Content of Application Please ensure: . The SOI 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 document is required: Program Statement (not to exceed 2 pages in Microsoft Word) that includes: A table listing: Name of the organization; The target country/countries; The total amount of funding requested from PD Cotonou, total amount of cost-share (if any), and total program amount (PD funds + cost-share); and, Program length; A synopsis of the program, including a brief statement on how the program will have a demonstrated impact and engage relevant stakeholders, as well as the American element; A concise breakdown explicitly identifying the programs objectives and the activities and expected results that contribute to each objective; and, A brief description of the applicant(s) that demonstrates the applicant(s) expertise and capacity to implement the program and manage a U.S. government award. The deadline for submission of SOIs is May 30, 2024. An organization may submit no more than one SOI. E. APPLICATION REVIEW CRITERIA 1. Quality of Program Idea: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact. The SOI should explain why the proposed program is needed. 2. Program Planning: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the objectives. A proposed timeline for the program activities should include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. 3. Ability to Achieve Objectives/Institutional Capacity: A demonstration of the organizations or individuals expertise and previous experience in administering programs. 4. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility: Clearly stated objectives for recruiting and fully including participants from historically underserved communities in program activities, and/or including perspectives from historically underserved communities in the United States. A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications. SOI applicants will be notified of the decision to present a full submission within 30 days of each submission deadline. Instructions on the requirements of a full application submission will be provided at that time.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. and Hungarian not-for-profit organizations, individuals, and educational institutions in projects that promote mutual understanding and showcase the U.S.-Hungarian partnership through cultural, economic, and scientific initiatives.

U.S. Embassy Gaborone of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit proposals to produce data-driven analyses of the digital and social media landscape of Botswana and provide insights into the influences behind trending narratives, the prevalence of misinformation, foreign-origin and inauthentic content, while incorporating elements of dynamic social media analysis throughout the grant period.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that strengthen U.S.-Norway relations, particularly in areas like security, culture, and youth engagement, targeting a wide range of organizations and individuals.

This grant provides funding for individuals and Malta-based NGOs to develop initiatives that promote human rights, press empowerment, and strengthen the U.S.-Malta relationship.

The U.S. Embassy Brazzaville Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. 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 Small Grants: PDS Brazzaville invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and the Republic of Congo through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

The U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. PAS Kuala Lumpur invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Malaysia through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working to improve access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services for vulnerable populations in South Sudan, with a focus on building local capacity and addressing health disparities.

This funding opportunity supports projects that foster cultural, educational, economic, and environmental collaboration between the United States and New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, targeting a diverse range of applicants including individuals, non-profits, and educational institutions.

This funding opportunity supports projects that strengthen partnerships between U.S. and foreign higher education institutions, aiming to increase the number and diversity of U.S. students participating in study abroad programs, particularly in Namibia.

The U.S. Embassy Kingston Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. The deadline is necessary to provide sufficient time to process and award programs in advance of the end of our fiscal year on September 30, 2024. Project proposals should aim to strengthen ties between the United States and Jamaica by highlighting shared values and promoting bilateral cooperation. Proposals must convey an American element, which supports a priority program area (see below) or includes a connection with American expert(s), organization(s) or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Priority program areas include: • Climate, Environment, and Energy o For example, addressing the climate crisis, responding to natural disasters, conserving nature, water security, sustainable agriculture, reducing harmful pollutants, energy resilience, and renewable energy. • Combating Financial Scamming and Other Criminal Activity o For example, addressing corruption and money laundering, improving police-public relations, appreciation of the law, teaching digital literacy, detecting financial scamming, and promoting behaviors that increase community safety. • Programs for At-Risk Youth o For example, diversion programs to prevent youth violence, educational programs for critical life skills, and parent/family interventions. • Economic Prosperity o For example, business development, closing skills gaps in local communities, human resources, infrastructure, cybersecurity, resource development, and trade. • Global Health o For example, managing contagious and infectious diseases, public health workforce development, and public health policy and management. • Gender Issues o For example, women’s empowerment, improving outcomes for marginalized male youth, addressing gender-based violence, and LGBTQIA+ issues. • Human Rights and Democracy o For example, addressing fundamental human rights, human trafficking, immigration, refugees, governance, the role of civil society, and freedom of the press/media. Additional details on these policy priorities are available at https://www.state.gov/policy-issues/ Target participants/audiences: • Women and/or youth in underserved communities • Business leaders and entrepreneurs • Community leaders and influencers • Academic and/or cultural institutions • Journalists and/or media organizations The following types of projects are not eligible for funding: • Projects relating to partisan political activity • For-profit activities • Charitable or development activities • Construction projects • Projects that support specific religious activities • Fundraising campaigns • Lobbying for specific legislation or projects • Scientific research • Projects that duplicate existing projects Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: Funding authorities applicable are the Smith-Mundt Act and Foreign Assistance Act for FY2024 Public Diplomacy funds.

This funding opportunity is designed for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to implement innovative community projects in France that promote U.S.-France cooperation on global challenges.

This grant provides funding to research institutions for collaborative clinical trials focused on innovative prostate cancer treatments, particularly targeting high-risk populations, including military personnel and veterans.

This funding opportunity is designed for researchers developing innovative modeling techniques to improve the wafer bonding processes of thin-film crystals for advanced sensing and communication technologies, with a focus on national security applications.

This grant provides funding to support projects in Zimbabwe that promote democratic governance, economic inclusion, and cultural exchange between the U.S. and Zimbabwe, targeting civil society organizations, educational institutions, and creative communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for innovative projects led by alumni of U.S. exchange programs to address critical community challenges in areas like education, women's empowerment, and peacebuilding.

This funding opportunity supports projects that empower young Rwandans through education, cultural exchange, and economic development, focusing on areas like STEM, media literacy, and sports diplomacy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for cultural and educational projects that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Djibouti, focusing on improving English language instruction and STEAM education for young adults.