Federal International Development Grants

The U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for U.S. or foreign organizations or individuals to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to carry out a program (or programs) to investigate the economic impact of transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) involved in migrant smuggling in the state of Chihuahua. 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 (2-page) statement of interest designed to clearly communicate program idea and objectives. This 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 idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decision(s) are made. Priority Region: State of Chihuahua, Mexico Program Objectives: Objective 1: To conduct a comprehensive research project that would help deepen our understanding of the economic impact of transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) involved in migrant smuggling in the state of Chihuahua, to inform and guide the development of effective policies. By investigating the methods, routes, and economic consequences of TCO activities on both transit communities and migrants, the project aims to provide evidence-based insights that will enhance international security and contribute to more resilient and supportive economic environments in affected regions. The study should identify key TCOs, analyze smuggling methods and routes, assess economic repercussions for transit communities, evaluate socio-economic effects on migrants, and propose evidence-based policy recommendations. Outputs should include: Output 1: a comprehensive data analysis report, a policy brief, and an academic paper. Output 2: Conduct on-the-ground research to identify key TCOs and analyze smuggling methods and routes. Gather and analyze data on economic impacts and socio-economic effects on migrants and transit cities. Output 3: Formulate evidence-based policy recommendations. Budget should account for personnel, travel, indirect costs and a contingency fund. Participants and Audiences: 1- Policy Makers and Government Officials: To inform and guide the development of policies and regulations 2- Law Enforcement Agencies: To enhance understanding of TCO operations and improve strategies. 3- International Organizations: Such as the UNICEF, UNHCR and OIM, to support global efforts in addressing human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and their impact on security and economies. 4- Academics and Researchers: To contribute to the body of knowledge on TCOs and migration, and to encourage further research in related fields. 5- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Focused on migrant rights, human trafficking, and community development, to aid in advocacy and program development.

This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen the Somali National Army's capabilities through operational mentorship and support, focusing on improving their ability to conduct independent military operations and enhance security in Somalia.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Niamey of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to fortify relations between communities, women civil society leaders, and civilian security forces in Diffa Region. Please follow all instructions below. Priority Region: Diffa Region Program Description and Objectives: In 2021, the Trans-Saharan Counterterrorism Partnership-funded Nallewaro Project created both women-only and mixed-gender civilian-law enforcement networks that successfully integrated women into local conflict management processes. Following the Nallewaro Project closure in 2021, these networks continued to apply rapid-response mediation to intercommunal conflicts that threatened to destabilize violent extremist organization (VEO)-impacted localities in Diffa. As VEO attacks escalate in Diffa Region following the coup detat in July 2023, the Nallewaro women and mixed-gender security networks have continued to facilitate strong collaboration between communities and security forces. The post-coup detat change in regional government leadership, however, has stalled womens integration into government security decision-making structures that would further institutionalize the Nallewaro women and mixed-gender security networks. Prospective projects should respond to the following goal: Women leaders in Diffa Region will increase their participation and institutionalize their leadership in regional and departmental peace and security decision-making by 2026. Prospective projects should reflect a strong strategic vision tailored to new security and political challenges in Diffa Region following the coup detat in July 2023. Prospective projects should build on previous Nallewaro Network activities and work to establish the networks sustainability. Applicants are strongly encouraged against holding new trainings or duplicate activities from previous projects unless there is a newly identified need. Applicants are advised to focus on strategic activities that institutionalize the womens and mixed gender Nallewaro Networks. Possible project activities include: - Rapid assessment of community-civilian security force collaboration and gender inclusion in Diffa Region post-July 2023 - Women-led community security monitoring - Community-civilian security stakeholder dialogues - Public gender inclusion sensitization activities Close collaboration with Nigerien authorities like the Ministry of Interiors Stabilization Unit and the High Authority for the Consolidation of Peace (HACP) as well as other community policing partners in Diffa Region is essential for successful project implementation. The successful applicant will demonstrate a successful track record of gender inclusion in local peacebuilding and will have collaborated previously with national or local Nigerien authorities. Applicants should budget for quarterly meetings of a project advisory group that will ensure coordination with Nigerien authorities and other women, peace, and security implementing partners. Participants and Audiences: The successful applicant will work with the Nallewaro Network in Diffa Region, which has been trained by previous peacebuilding and gender inclusion programs to co-design and implement gender inclusion activities. The successful applicant will build on pre-existing relationships with local and national Nigerien authorities, community leaders, and womens leaders in Diffa Region to manage a broad coalition of partners critical to successful gender inclusion.

This grant provides funding for projects that aim to preserve cultural heritage in Kenya, including historic buildings, archaeological sites, and traditional cultural expressions.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations in the U.S. and Ukraine to establish and strengthen partnerships between cities, promoting economic development, innovation, and cultural exchange in support of Ukraine's recovery and democratic growth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations working to combat the proliferation of advanced conventional weapons by China and Russia, focusing on enhancing security and defense capabilities in vulnerable nations.

This funding opportunity supports community-impact projects led by alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Morocco, empowering them to address shared U.S.-Morocco priorities while commemorating America's 250th anniversary.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to improve advising services for Nigerian students seeking higher education in the United States, helping to reduce barriers to access and promote informed study abroad.

The long-term purpose of the BEST activity is to improve learning outcomes and necessary skillsof students, particularly the most marginalized groups so that they remain in primary schoolsand effectively transition to lower secondary education. The overarching objective of BEST is tointroduce the most cost-effective education solution to improve Khmer literacy and Read-to-Learn abilities among grade 4 students.Specific objectives are:1) To revise core textbook for Khmer grade 4 and develop cost-effective and practicalliteracy packages for grade 4;2) To improve teachers competencies in teaching literacy in target primary schools; and3) To produce and disseminate evidence that supports the Ministry of Education, Youthand Sports efforts to scale-up successful practices.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for local non-government organizations in Algeria to implement projects that foster cultural, educational, and scientific exchanges between the United States and Algeria.

A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Kinshasa announces an Open Competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that promote accountable, transparent, and democratic governance and promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals. In this vein, selected projects will target youth and women interested in becoming political leaders in their communities and country. Projects will focus on education and empowerment, and will develop curricula, that cover civic engagement, peaceful participation in political processes, ethics in politics, community leadership and advocacy. Goals Projects should demonstrate systemic change and be designed to achieve the following objectives: Objective 1: Inspire youth and womens desire to participate in democratic processes by enlisting experienced youth and women in politics to develop a mentorship program. Objective 2: Develop entrepreneurial capacities of youth and women that contribute towards access to educational programs, creating sustainable income-generating activities, and paying for involvement in electoral processes. Objective 3: Inspire youth and womens desire to participate in democratic processes by enlisting experienced youth and women in politics to develop a mentorship program. Objective 4: Develop entrepreneurial capacities of youth and women that contribute towards access to educational programs, creating sustainable income-generating activities, and paying for involvement in electoral processes. Objective 5: Establish centers of learning and capacity-building for open dialogue among youth and women, civil society, governments, and the communities they serve. Objective 6: Empower key reformers and actors to promote access to justice, strengthen checks on executive power, and incorporate citizen-responsive governance to reduce corruption and improve the delivery of public services. Objective 7: Provide technical support and integrate program with or leverage existing programs, local resources, and/or the activities of other donors.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in developing programs that strengthen ties and mutual understanding between the United States and Venezuela, particularly in higher education partnerships.

This program provides funding for organizations and individuals to create projects that strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between the United States and North Macedonia through various initiatives, including exchanges, artistic workshops, and community development.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for the FY2024 Global Media Makers (GMM) program. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to conduct a professional development program for film and television content creators from participating countries to enhance their skills and to support local creative economies. This program, like other ECA film program models, seeks to elevate influential voices that are building resilient civil societies by using film and television content to address critical local issues including, but not limited to, the climate crisis, democratic governance, freedom of expression, pluralism, tolerance, womens and youth empowerment.The FY 2024 GMM program will connect up to 50 mid-career film and television professionals ("Fellows) with professionals (Mentors) from the U.S. entertainment industry who will facilitate behind-the-scenes access, bolster Fellows technical skills and creative content development, and build the foundations for lasting professional networks. Fellows will travel to the United States for a four-to-six-week residency, which will take place primarily in Los Angeles (L.A.), to work on projects with a team of mentors to receive state-of-the-art-training and industry access to support conceptual development of independent, authentic, and compelling content for distribution in the Fellows home countries. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

This program provides funding for organizations to preserve and protect cultural heritage in Zambia and around the world, supporting projects like restoring historical sites and conserving traditional arts.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. and UAE educational and nonprofit organizations in developing innovative lunar payload concepts through collaborative projects involving graduate students.

A project to encourage the development and dissemination of a global credential and related credentialing or certification program based on international standards for substance use professionals. Drug use disorders extensively harm health, including mental health, safety, economic well-being, fuel organized crime, and negatively impact political, social, and economic stability. Many governments as well as individual drug demand reduction professionals provide services but have little experience and few methods to determine if those programs or their efforts are effective, evidence-based, and meeting international standards or their own program goals. To encourage and document the improvement of the prevention, treatment, and recovery services, the workforce requires training to an agreed international standard and then an agreed global credential to ensure that the substance use disorder workforce is performing to that standard. Project Vision: Drug demand reduction is the field of counternarcotics that recognizes that an epidemic only ends when we reduce the number of new cases. Through a well-trained, credentialed, and enthusiastic professional workforce in the combined fields of prevention, treatment, and recovery support, we will reduce the number of those suffering from substance use disorder globally and provide a social framework that supports recovery and ongoing prevention of substance use disorders. Project Goal(s) and Objectives: Professionals that work in the drug demand reduction field including prevention, treatment, and recovery support services come from a variety of academic and non-academic backgrounds. Given the sensitive personal, political, and cultural nature of substance use disorder, it is critical to ensure that those entrusted with positions in these areas can be readily identified as having the skills, experience, and understandings of the international standards and the implementation of those standards as they work. While some nations have their own processes for testing and certification, most do not. Poor services, especially those that violate human rights, in any country negatively impact the substance use disorder field. This negative impact has far-reaching consequences globally based on historical misunderstandings of the nature of substance use disorder. For these reasons, we seek to foster a climate where training and expertise are recognized and required for participation as a professional in the practice of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. Credentialing should also be encouraged as many working in this field work as volunteers or are working in related fields such as education or youth services. The overall goal of this project is to promote and develop the framework for the credentialing or certification of professionals in this field, in order to improve overall care of persons with substance use disorders, similar to other medical professionals. Through the development of an international credential secured through standardized examination, the project will also work to decrease the stigma associated with work 5 | Page related to substance use disorders. All competencies and testing should promote and encompass those international standards developed under the auspices of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which have been accepted globally.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for innovative projects led by alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Botswana, focusing on using sports to drive economic growth and social inclusion.

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to engage international audiences on key policy issues through expert-led programs focused on America First priorities.

This funding opportunity supports projects that foster mutual understanding and cooperation between Kenya and the United States, targeting young Kenyans, civil society leaders, and educational institutions.