Federal Community Development Grants

This grant provides funding to community-based organizations that offer culturally specific services to support survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

The U.S. Mission Vietnam 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. Please note that the agreement will be signed under a federal grant assistance form. The funding is not eligible for a service agreement.Applications for programs are accepted on a rolling basis. The intermediate deadline on June 16, 2024, is necessary to provide sufficient time to process and award programs in advance of the end of our fiscal year on September 30, 2024. Please carefully follow all instructions below.Purpose of Grants: PAS invites proposals to implement impactful programs for projects that strengthen ties between the United States and Vietnam by highlighting shared values and promoting bilateral cooperation on cultural exchange and creative economies, digital policy, STEM education and workforce development, environmental issues, clean energy, strengthening rule of law, and health security in Vietnam to forge enduring connections between the United States and emerging leaders in Vietnam. Proposals that advance cultural collaboration particularly to advance cultural economy in Vietnam will also be considered. Grant proposals must convey an American cultural element, support a priority program area (see below) or include 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. An organization can submit a single proposal to cover multiple programs on different thematic priorities at multiple locations.

Amendment 000001 - Remove the references to Letter of Intent. A Letter of Intent is not required for this FOA. Amendment 000002 - Update Section I.D. Applications Specifically Not of Interest. "Applications that are not led by a State, municipal entity, transit authority, or non-profit (See Section III.A.)" are specifically not of interest. Amendment 000003 - Extend the Concept Paper Submission Deadline from June 19, 2024 at 5:00PM ET to June 20, 2024 at 5:00PM ET in observance of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Federal Holiday. Amendment 000004 - Extend the following deadlines: Submission Deadline for Full Applications, Expected Submission Deadline for Replies to Reviewer Comments, Expected Date for EERE Selection Notifications, and Expected Timeframe for Award Negotiations. Section II.A.i. Update Anticipated Period of Performance for Topic Areas 1 and 2 (Phase 1). Section IV.D.xvi. The research and development (R) activities to be funded under this FOA will support the government-wide approach to the climate crisis by driving the innovation that can lead to the deployment of clean energy technologies, which are critical for climate protection. Specifically, this FOA will aid communities with resource and energy recovery strategies associated with their organic waste streams. Organic waste streams represent major sources of fugitive methane emissions, volatile organic compounds, and other pollutants. The White House set a goal of reducing methane emissions by 30% by 2030. By developing strategies that can prevent the landfilling of these wastes, one of the major sources of fugitive methane can be mitigated. Holistic waste management strategies can also benefit communities by reducing other impacts associated with waste collection and processing infrastructure including reducing truck traffic, odors, litter, and other air, water, and health impacts. Topic Area 1 is focused specifically on helping communities beyond a conceptualization phase by supporting more in-depth feasibility or scoping analysis. Oftentimes, staff and organizational capacity in communities (particularly in rural, remote, Tribal, or smaller communities) is limited. While technical assistance programs can accomplish some of these objectives, direct financial assistance can close this capacity gap. Topic Area 2 is targeted towards communities that have previously completed feasibility analysis and are seeking funding to further refine their project concept. Municipal and non-profit staff capacity and availability of funding often makes detailed design work out of reach for many communities and this topic aims to close that gap. Projects selected under Topic Area 2 will have an opportunity to construct and operate their designed pilot facility based on the down-select process described in the FOA. The eXCHANGE system is currently designed to enforce hard deadlines for Concept Paper and Full Application submissions. The APPLY and SUBMIT buttons automatically disable at the defined submission deadlines. The intention of this design is to consistently enforce a standard deadline for all applicants. Applicants that experience issues with submissions PRIOR to the FOA Deadline: In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission, the Applicant should contact the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance (exchangehelp@hq.doe.gov). The eXCHANGE helpdesk and/or the EERE eXCHANGE System Administrators (eXCHANGE@ee.doe.gov) will assist the Applicant in resolving all issues. Applicants that experience issues with submissions that result in a late submission: In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission that results in a late submission, the Applicant should contact the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance (exchangehelp@hq.doe.gov). The eXCHANGE helpdesk and/or the EERE eXCHANGE System Administrators (eXCHANGE@ee.doe.gov) will assist the Applicant in resolving all issues (including finalizing the submission on behalf of, and with the Applicant's concurrence). DOE will only accept late applications when the Applicant has a) encountered technical difficulties beyond their control; b) has contacted the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance; and c) has submitted the application through eXCHANGE within 24 hours of the FOA's posted deadline. Please see the full FOA at EERE-Exchange.energy.gov. The required Concept Paper due date for this FOA is 06/20/2024 at 5PM ET. The Full Application due date for this FOA is 8/14/2024 at 5PM ET. Interested parties are directed to visit the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energys eXCHANGE system at https://eere-Exchange.energy.gov for the full Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0003072. Questions regarding the FOA must be submitted to FY24WASTEFOA@ee.doe.gov.

More than 22 million Americans currently live in manufactured housing.[1] Manufactured housing units account for approximately seven percent of occupied housing stock nationwide and fifteen percent in rural areas.[2] Manufactured housing is also the largest source of unsubsidized affordable housing in the country, making it a crucial piece of the nations affordable housing stock.[3] The median household income of manufactured housing unit owners is about half the median household income of site-built homeowners [4].Manufactured housing can be permanently affixed to the lot underneath or be affixed to a support and anchoring system that allows the home to be relocated more easily. Manufactured housing is subject to HUD certification requirements pursuant to the regulations set forth in 24 CFR part 3282 (Manufactured Home Procedural and Enforcement Regulation) and the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards set forth in 24 CFR 3280 (see the definition of manufactured housing in 24 CFR 3280.2).There are many significant challenges that may impact housing stability for those that live in manufactured homes. Despite perceptions of manufactured housing as mobile, manufactured housing can be very expensive and complicated to move, and more than 90% of manufactured homes do not move after the initial installation.[5] This can present a significant challenge for owners of manufactured homes who do not own the lot underneath their unit (referred to as homesite renters for the purposes of this NOFO). For some manufactured homeowners that rent a lot in a manufactured housing community (MHC), there is the potential for landowners or investors to increase lot rents, forcing homesite renters to make a difficult decision: pay to move their home, pay the increased rent, or leave their valuable asset.Due to state titling laws, many prospective homeowners looking to purchase a manufactured home may have no option but to finance their home with personal property or chattel loans, which often have higher interest rates than typical real property mortgages even in situations where they may own the lot their home sits on. Many older manufactured homes require repairs or enhancements to make them livable and suitable to their environment, or they are sited in hazard prone areas. Meanwhile, nearly a third of households living in manufactured housing are headed by an elderly individual, and manufactured housing households have a higher prevalence of a significant disability.[6] These vulnerable populations need access to infrastructure and amenities that are often unavailable for residents of manufactured housing. The infrastructure serving manufactured housing communities is often self-operated, not built to high standards and has become increasingly stressed by deferred maintenance and extreme climate and weather events.[7]HUD is issuing the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) competition NOFO to preserve long-term housing affordability for residents of manufactured housing or an MHC, to redevelop MHCs, and to primarily benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents. This NOFO is authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328, approved December 29, 2022). Congress appropriated $225 million for competitive grants to preserve and revitalize manufactured housing and eligible manufactured housing communities and directed HUD to undertake a competition under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.). Of the $225 million available, $200 million is reserved for the main PRICE competition, of which at least $10 million is intended for Indian tribes or Tribally Designated Housing Entities and Tribal organizations designated by such Indian tribes (hereinafter referred to as Tribal Applicants), and $25 million is reserved for a pilot program to assist in the redevelopment of manufactured communities as replacement housing that is affordable. The minimum grant request for the main PRICE competition is $5 million for all applicants, except Tribal Applicants. Tribal Applicants may request a minimum of $500,000 for the main competition. The minimum grant request for the PRICE pilot is $5 million.HUD has six goals for this competition:Fairly and effectively award the PRICE grant funding and related technical assistance.Increase housing supply and affordability for LMI persons nationwide, including in urban, suburban, rural, and tribal areas.Preserve and revitalize existing manufactured housing and manufactured housing communities.Increase resilience to extreme weather, natural hazards, and disaster events, support energy efficiency, and protect the health and safety of manufactured housing residents.Promote homeownership opportunities and advance resident-controlled sustainable communities through new and revitalized units of manufactured housing that will remain affordable.Support accessibility modifications, repairs, and replacement of deteriorating manufactured housing units especially to increase accessibility and access for persons with disabilities, facilitate aging in place for older adults and increase access to affordable housing for low-income households.Successful proposals will:Demonstrate a compelling need for the preservation and revitalization of manufactured housing or MHCs;Evaluate how manufactured housing and MHCs contribute to the local affordable housing stock and what resources are needed to rehabilitate or replace existing units and MHCs;Prioritize equity and affirmatively further fair housing by demonstrating a commitment and ability to identify and remove barriers to: 1) expanding access to affordable housing in a manner that promotes desegregation, and 2) expanding access to affordable housing for protected class groups, for example, by addressing the lack of physically accessible manufactured homes in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) and implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 8, or by addressing policies preventing the rehabilitation of manufactured housing communities, deteriorating infrastructure, and lack of resources to support owners and residents of manufactured housing units.Engage a broad and inclusive stakeholder group, including residents of MHCs;Utilize strategies to reduce the impacts of environmental hazards and extreme weather;Increase community resilience, especially when reconstruction, relocation, or mitigation are involved; and,Ensure long-term housing availability, accessibility, and affordability for LMI households.Proposals may include the preservation and revitalization of manufactured housing units or MHCs at one or multiple sites and may span multiple jurisdictions. HUD seeks to preserve and revitalize manufactured housing units or communities in both urban and rural areas, as well as on Tribal lands and in disaster-prone communities. Eligible revitalization activities are broad and may include infrastructure or housing (and other eligible activities). HUD is instituting a requirement that all manufactured housing units receiving PRICE assistance must be maintained as affordable for a minimum period. Pursuant to title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.), proposals may include, but are not limited to, the following eligible uses:Development or improvement of infrastructure that supports new or existing MHCs and/or manufactured housing units, including roads, sidewalks, water, and wastewater infrastructure including well and septic systems, and utility hookups;Environmental improvements such as remediation of contaminants in land servicing MHCs;Repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of existing manufactured housing units (pre-1976 units, which were referred to as mobile homes, may only be replaced. PRICE funds may not be used for their repair or rehabilitation);Planning activities around MHCs, including functional or implementation plans for land use or zoning changes to be more permissive of manufactured housing units or communities;Resident and community services, including relocation assistance (which may include moving manufactured housing units) and eviction prevention;Resilience activities, which include the reconstruction, repair, or replacement of manufactured housing and MHCs, as well as that for infrastructure serving MHCs, to enhance their safety and stability in the face of natural hazards such as, but not limited to, wildfires, earthquakes, tornados, extreme heat, and flooding, and to mitigate known hazards and the rising threat that extreme weather events present to manufactured housing due to climate change, except that for pre-1976 mobile homes, funds made available under resilience activities may be used only for replacement; or,Assisting manufactured housing renters or homesite renters with land and site acquisition.A portion of funds are reserved for PRICE pilot awards that may be used for the following:Redevelopment of MHCs as affordable replacement housing. Note that for each unit of single-family manufactured housing (including pre-1976 mobile homes) replaced under the project, up to four dwelling units of such affordable housing must be provided; or,Relocation assistance, buy-outs, or down payment assistance for residents.Manufactured Housing BackgroundManufactured homes are safe, quality housing and an affordable alternative often indistinguishable from site-built homes. Built in factories, the per square foot cost of producing a manufactured home is generally less than half the cost of constructing comparable site-built, single-family detached homes.[8] The lower production costs pass through to consumers as the purchase price and monthly costs of manufactured homes are generally less than half that of site-built homes. These lower costs provide an avenue to affordable homeownership options for LMI residents. With a large and growing shortage of affordable and physically accessible housing in the United States, manufactured housing can provide more rental and ownership options for LMI persons.The benefits and affordability of manufactured housing also apply to homes built on Tribal lands. About seventeen percent of households on Tribal land live in manufactured housing.[9] With approximately 68,000 new units needed to eliminate housing overcrowding in Tribal areas alone, more manufactured housing could help alleviate an acute housing shortage for the American Indian/Alaska Native population and assist to replace severely physically inadequate units.On June 22, 2023, HUD issued a Dear Tribal Leader letter soliciting Tribal feedback on manufacturing housing needs in Indian Country. Additionally, manufactured housing was also discussed at HUDs inaugural Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (TIAC) meeting in April 2023, and Tribal representatives provided HUD feedback and recommendations. HUD received over seventy-four comments from more than ten respondents during Tribal consultation. HUD thanks all the respondents that provided Tribal feedback. This NOFO was developed in accordance with HUDs Tribal consultation policy and incorporates feedback from Tribal leaders.A manufactured home is built to HUDs Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Code, 24 CFR part 3280), which are federal standards for the design and construction of manufactured homes to assure quality, durability, safety, and affordability. HUD was authorized to establish this code by the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974. Since then, Congress and HUD have advanced the manufactured housing regulatory framework (including rounds of improvements to the HUD Code for manufactured housing beginning in 1976, and minimum installation standards promulgated in 2007 (24 CFR part 3285) and continual updates including the more recently published updates to The Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, 3rd set Final Rule (effective July 12, 2021)).Manufactured Housing StatisticsSite built homes average $167.87 per square foot while manufactured homes average $85.00 per square foot.[10]About 40 percent of manufactured homeowners rent the lot where their home is located. They typically rent individual plots of land, known as lots or pads, in MHCs owned and managed by a for-profit operator. Less commonly, borrowers may place the unit on someone elses land (such as that belonging to a family member) without making payment, rent the land from a non-profit or government entity, or own the land indirectly, such as participating in a resident-controlled cooperative.[11]Freddie Mac estimates that there are 1,065 resident owned communities, constituting 2.4% of the 45,600 MHCs estimated to be operating in the U.S.[12]The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 112,882 manufactured housing units were shipped across the country in 2022 a number that has grown consistently since the market collapse in 2009.[13]New manufactured homes can be built to replace both aging manufactured homes as well as site-built housing stock. More than half of the overall U.S. housing stock is more than 42 years old and a quarter is more than 62 years old.[14]Manufactured housing has the potential to be an even more significant source of unsubsidized affordable housing than it is today. The Biden-Harris Administrations Housing Supply Action Plan promotes the development of more attractive or low-cost financing for manufactured homes to increase the U.S. affordable housing supply.[15][1] Urban Institute. Retrieved from 22 Million Renters and Owners of Manufactured Homes Are Mostly Left Out of Pandemic Assistance Urban Institute on September 15, 2023.[2] Urban Institute. Retrieved from 22 Million Renters and Owners of Manufactured Homes Are Mostly Left Out of Pandemic Assistance Urban Institute on September 15, 2023.[3] Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Retrieved from https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_manufactured-housing-finance-new-insights-hmda_report_2021-05.pdf on September 15, 2023.[4] Fannie Mae. Retrieved from Manufactured Housing and Manufactured Homes Landscape Fannie Mae on October 5, 2023.[5] Mobile Home Living. Retrieved from 4 Things To Consider Before Moving A Manufactured Home Mobile Home Living on July 17, 2023.[6] Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Retrieved from Data Spotlight: Profiles of older adults living in mobile homes Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov) on September 8, 2023.[7] American Planning Association. Retrieved from Potential of Manufactured Housing and Resident-Owned Communities (planning.org) on September 15, 2023.[8] Urban Institute. Retrieved from How Manufactured Housing Can Fill Affordable Housing Gaps Housing Matters (urban.org) on September 15, 2023.[9] The Center for Indian Country Development (CICD) at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Retrieved from The Tribal Leaders Handbook on Homeownership on July 17, 2023.[10] Manufactured Housing Institute. Retrieved from About Manufactured Homes - MHI (manufacturedhousing.org) on October 19, 2023.[11] Enterprise Community Partners. Retrieved from Supporting Manufactured Home Communities Enterprise Community Partners on July 17, 2023.[12] Freddie Mac. Retrieved from Freddie Mac: Manufactured Housing Residents Face Challenges in Establishing Resident-Owned Communities Freddie Mac (gcs-web.com) on July 17, 2023.[13] The Census Bureau. Retrieved from https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/mhs/tables/time-series/annual_shipmentstostates.xlsx on October 19, 2023.[14] Urban Institute. Retrieved from The Role of Manufactured Housing (urban.org) on July 17, 2023.[15] The White House. Retrieved from President Biden Announces New Actions to Ease the Burden of Housing Costs The White House on July 17, 2023.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to colleges and universities that serve significant populations of Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian students, helping them improve educational outcomes and institutional capacity through innovative projects.

The Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect) Program provides loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. In facilitating the expansion of broadband services and infrastructure, the program will fuel long-term economic development and opportunities in rural America. The ReConnect Program is authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141), which directs the program to be conducted under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq ). The policies and procedures for the ReConnect Program are codified in a final rule, 7 CFR part 1740, that was published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2021 (86 FR 11603). The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to announce that it is accepting applications for the ReConnect Program. In addition, the NOFO defines requirements that are determined at the time a funding announcement is published, as outlined in the regulation. Beginning on March 22, 2024, applications can be submitted through the RUS on-line application portal until 11:59 a.m. Eastern on May 21, 2024. Applications will not be accepted after May 21, 2024 until a new application opportunity has been opened with the publication of an additional NOFO in the Federal Register . The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will advance the following key priorities: Assisting rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure. Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefits from Rural Development funded projects. Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities. All applicants should carefully review and prepare their applications according to instructions in the ReConnect Program Application Guide and program resources. This Program Guide and program resources can be found at https://www.usda.gov/reconnect/forms-and-resources. Applications must be submitted through the RUS on-line application system available on the program web site at https://www.usda.gov/reconnect/. Please submit any ReConnect questions or comments using our Contact Us Form.

This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, and / or improve essential community facilities, purchase equipment and pay related project expenses. Examples of essential community facilities include: -Health care facilities such as hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, nursing homes or assisted living facilities -Public facilities such as town halls, courthouses, airport hangars or street improvements -Community support services such as child care centers, community centers, fairgrounds or transitional housing -Public safety services such as fire departments, police stations, prisons, police vehicles, fire trucks, public works vehicles or equipment -Educational services such as museums, libraries or private schools -Utility services such as telemedicine or distance learning equipment -Local food systems such as community gardens, food pantries, community kitchens, food banks, food hubs or greenhouses What are the funding priorities? ---Priority point system based on population, median household income -Small communities with a population of 5,500 or less -Low-income communities having a median household income below 80% of the state nonmetropolitan median household income.

This competition invites architecture and design students to submit innovative ideas for making federal buildings more accessible and inclusive for all individuals, particularly those with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds.

The National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) has announced the FY24 American Lobster Research Program to support projects that advance the scientific understanding of the American Lobster fishery and aid the resilience of fishing communities against environmental changes and economic uncertainties. Approximately $2 million in federal funds is expected to be available in FY2024, with individual awards capped at $600,000 for projects lasting one to two years. Applicants are required to provide a 50% non-federal match. Eligible projects must occur within the U.S. or its territories and waterways. This opportunity encourages projects involving partnerships across industry, state agencies, academia, and community members to address the fishery's complexities, including its ecological and economic aspects. Grant renewed every year.

Through this Addendum to the Global Development Alliance (GDA) Annual Program Statement (APS) APS No: APS-OAA-21-00001 (the GDA APS), the U.S. Agency for International Developments Mission in Mali is making a special call for the submission of Concept Papers focused on catalyzing private sector investment for Malis economic recovery through inclusive and sustainable development. The specific objectives of this Addendum are to: Foster inclusive and sustainable agriculture-led growth Catalyze agricultural investments that strengthen resilience among people and systems Improve productivity of agricultural market systems to promote a well-nourished population, especially among women and children Expand job opportunities and job skills training among priority populations in targeted geographies. (NB: this objective must be paired with at least one of the three above). Subject to funding availability, USAID/Mali may allocate up to USD $3,000,000 to fund two or more GDAs with the private sector. Funding for individual applications is anticipated to be in the range of USD $250,000 to $1,500,000 to be provided over a period of 2-5 years, depending on the approach of each individual application. The resulting GDAs will complement the Mali Country plan under the U.S. Governments Global Food Security Strategy, also known as Feed The Future (FTF). If applicants prefer to read the Mali Country Plan in French, please find it here. Priority will be placed on supporting the most promising and effective GDAs, as described in Section III Evaluation Criteria of this Addendum. Effective GDAs are partnerships that result in the sustainable and ongoing generation of valuable and enduring results over time and well beyond the duration of the GDA. Unless otherwise stated herein, all terms and conditions of the GDA APS No: APS-OAA-21-00001 apply.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to collaborations involving state utility commissions, grid operators, and large electricity users to develop innovative solutions for managing increasing electricity demand while keeping costs low for consumers.

This competition provides over $4.2 million in cash prizes and resources to U.S.-based individuals and teams developing innovative solar energy technologies, with a focus on supporting solutions that benefit underserved communities.

This notice is subject to availability of funding. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED FULL NOFO FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Gaborone Bureau of African Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that are community-initiated and involving schools, clinics, co-operatives, associations, training, or community improvement projects. Please follow all instructions below. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES The U.S. Ambassadors Special Self-Help (SSH) program is a grass-roots assistance program that allows U.S. embassies to respond quickly to local requests for small community-based development projects. This Self-Help fund provides small, short-term grants (one year) to community groups that are working to improve the basic economic and social conditions of their villages or communities. This notice is subject to availability of funding. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED FULL NOFO FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Gaborone Bureau of African Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that are community-initiated and involving schools, clinics, co-operatives, associations, training, or community improvement projects. Please follow all instructions below. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES The U.S. Ambassadors Special Self-Help (SSH) program is a grass-roots assistance program that allows U.S. embassies to respond quickly to local requests for small community-based development projects. This Self-Help fund provides small, short-term grants (one year) to community groups that are working to improve the basic economic and social conditions of their villages or communities. Special consideration will be given to projects which: Support high impact, quick implementation activities that benefit a large number of people within one year without requiring further SSH assistance Are within the ability of the local community to operate and maintain Are not in any way initiating, continuing, or supplementing technical assistance programs Are a direct response to the initiative and aspirations of the local community Ensure broadly accessible, reliable, and economically sustainable water and sanitation services for health, security, and prosperity (not issues directly relating to agriculture or household level) Assist special populations which may be vulnerable or at-risk on a temporary or chronic basis such as the disabled, orphans, children and at-risk youth, ethnic minorities, the elderly, female heads of households, or other socially excluded groups Provide social assistance Conditions SSH funds can be used for: Seeds and supplies for agriculture, except for fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides Water-related projects such as wells, latrines, pumps, boreholes, tanks, and fish ponds School equipment and supplies including desks, chairs, laboratory equipment and library items Communal construction equipment such as brick-making machines Miscellaneous durable goods, e.g. a stove or refrigerator for a school or hospital, or a washing machine for a clinic Small construction projects, e.g. construction of classrooms, community centers, etc. Funding Restrictions Remodeling or renovating an existing facility that is in disrepair as a result of neglect or lack of money Activities with unmitigated and negative environmental consequences (such as dams or roads through forest lands) Purely religious or church projects. However, those that genuinely assist the whole community, without regard to religious affiliation, may be funded Military activities (including those relating to police, prisons or other law enforcement activities) Purchase of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides Sports equipment or uniforms for a national sports team Musical instruments or uniforms for a national orchestra or dance company Student bursaries Salaries for existing positions Ongoing needs for education/training Vehicles or tractors Office supplies such as pencils, paper, forms and folders Office equipment such as computers, fax machines, or photocopiers Private businesses Cost Sharing or Matching Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO. There is a requirement for cost sharing, matching, or cost participation (e.g. funds, material and/or labor) of 10%. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION Application guidelines can be requested via email, sshbotswana@state.gov or at the U.S. Embassy Botswana Main Gate. The U.S. Ambassadors Special Self-Help Fund will accept applications from March 05, 2024 until May 17, 2024. Any application that is received after the deadline, is incomplete, or is missing required documentation will be rejected. Please Note: The Special Projects Office retains the right to ask for additional documents not included in this NOFO. Additional information that successful applicants must submit after notification of intent to make a Federal Award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award, may include: Pre-award site visit; Written responses and any revised application documents addressing any conditions or recommendations from the review panel; Bank account information; and Other requested information or documents discussed during negotiations prior to issuance of a Federal award. Content and Form of Application Submission For all application documents, please ensure: All documents are in English and all costs are in U.S. Dollars. If an original document within the application is in another language, an English translation must be provided (please note the U.S. Department of State, as indicated in 2 CFR 200.111, requires that English is the official language of all award documents). If any document is provided in both English and a foreign language, the English language version is the controlling version; 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 Complete applications must include the following: Cover 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. Table of Contents Proposal Narrative* (not to exceed ten pages). 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. The Proposal Narrative must include the following: Introduction to the Organization: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the project, including information on all relevant or similar type projects from previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. Government agencies. Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Program Goal: The goal(s) describe the larger outcome intended Program Objectives: The intermediate accomplishments and measurable targets to achieve a goal. Objectives of the program should be SMART: Specific: Detailed and specifies what will be achieved Measurable: have associated metrics or measurements of success Attainable: appropriately challenging, objectives can be reasonably attained give the available resources Relevant: align with the policy/program goal and appropriate within the country or beneficiary audience Time-Bound: achievable within the timeframe of the program Program Activities: Describe specific actions taken under each Objective. All activities should be clearly developed and sufficiently explain the resource and time requirements (inputs) and things done or produced (outputs). Activities should detail: target areas, participant groups or selection criteria for participants; how relevant stakeholders will be engaged; and actions taken by local partners as appropriate/relevant. Program Management Plan: Describe the proposed management structure for this project. Include a description of the responsibilities of all principal organizations and staff involved, reporting relationships, authority, and lines of communication within and between each of these organizations. Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees, if applicable. Future Funding or Sustainability Applicants plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Include ways program activities will ensure sustainability. Risk Analysis* - identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed project, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the project, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks. Performance Monitoring Evaluation Narrative and Plan Program Monitoring Evaluation Narrative and Plan: Details how a projects performance monitoring and evaluation system will be carried out and by whom. It explains how the projects performance toward its objectives will be tracked over time. It should provide a clear description of the approach and data collection strategies and tools to be employed (e.g., pre- and post-test surveys, interviews, focus groups). The description should also include how the applicant will track and document whether activities occurred (outputs) and the results or changes caused by these activities (outcomes). If the project includes work with local partners or sub-partners, explain how performance monitoring and evaluation efforts will be coordinated amongst these organizations. Explain if an external evaluation will be included. Evaluations, internal or external, should be systematic studies that use research methods to address specific questions about project performance. They should provide a valuable supplement to ongoing monitoring activities. Evaluation activities generally include baseline assessments, mid-term and final evaluations. Timeline: Not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word Document or Excel Sheet. The timeline of the overall proposal should include activities and monitoring and evaluation efforts outlined in either in a monthly or quarterly format. Detailed Budget: Amount of funding request; costs must be in U.S dollar and estimated in Pula using exchange rate of $1 and not exceeding $10,000. Budget Justification Narrative: Describe each of the budget expenses in detail. Attachments Detailed Budget Budget Narrative CV or Resume of Key Personnel Quotations of services, equipment or supplies that award funds will cover costs for A copy of your organizations constitution. A list of committee/board members with their names and addresses. A map showing how to get to your project from a major road. A copy of project bank account details including the name of the bank, account name, account number, and type of account (savings or checking). Proof that the project has its own land (in the name of the project) or permission to occupy the land, e.g. signed lease agreement or land deed, for the site where the project will be implemented. Applications that do not include the elements listed above will be deemed technically ineligible. To ensure that all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the Merit Review Panel will review from the first page of each section up to the page limit and no further. All prime organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with SAM.gov before submitting an application. U.S. Embassy Maseru may not review applications from or make awards to applicants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.gov requirements. 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. 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 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. Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.

This opportunity seeks innovative organizations to develop and demonstrate prototype solutions that enhance hypersonic technologies for national defense applications.

This funding opportunity supports creative projects that promote engagement, education, and collaboration between the United States and the communities of Mauritius and Seychelles.

This funding opportunity supports alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Equatorial Guinea to implement community projects that address global challenges, focusing on areas like sustainable tourism, agriculture, and biodiversity.

The United States Department of States Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to address systemic barriers and socio-cultural attitudes that challenge gender equity and equality in the Caribbean economy, to build the economic resilience and skills capacity of women and adolescent girls aged 16 and older to enable them to enter the labor force and obtain economic security. The project should start in October 2024, exact start dates to be determined. It is anticipated that the award will be executed through a cooperative agreement. This project will be administered by WHAs Office of Policy Planning and Coordination (PPC). Subject to availability of funds, WHA intends to issue one award to not exceed $1,973,359 in FY 2023 Gender Equity and Equality Action (GEEA) Economic Support Funds (ESF) for a project period up to three (3) years. WHAs Caribbean United for Womens Economic Empowerment (CUWEE) project seeks proposals that demonstrate how the potential grantee will strengthen local civil society support actors engaged in advancing womens economic security in the region to help provide economic gender equity and equality in the Caribbean region. The project should include plans to first identify problematic country-specific and/or regional systemic barriers and socio-cultural attitudes, and then work with local civil society organizations (CSO)s to address those barriers. The CUWEE project intends to support a competition that will promote local CSOs to develop and implement pioneering solutions to overcome the local systemic barriers to economic security for women in their country/region. Additionally, the project should provide a training curriculum that builds the capacity of and strengthens the regional Caribbean network of local CSOs engaged in womens economic security.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Utah to improve broadband access and infrastructure, ensuring more residents can connect to high-speed internet.

This grant provides funding to civil society organizations and non-governmental groups in Uganda to strengthen media, promote civic education, and engage youth in governance processes.

This program provides funding to state, territorial, and tribal governments to establish and improve cemeteries exclusively for veterans and their eligible family members, ensuring they have access to dignified burial options.