Federal International Development Grants

The U.S. Embassy Tokyo Public Affairs Section is offering a funding opportunity for programs that strengthen U.S.-Japan cultural ties and promote understanding of U.S. policy, with a total amount available of $400,000 and a maximum award of $100,000 per program, with applications due by September 30, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides emergency financial support to individuals and organizations facing persecution for their religious beliefs or for advocating for religious freedom worldwide.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in managing travel logistics and honorariums for participants in U.S. Government exchange programs, particularly the Mandela Washington Fellowship, in Mozambique.

U.S. Embassy Praia welcomes the submission of project applications for funding through the Ambassadors Special Self-Help Program (SSH). If interested, please carefully review the instructions below. The SSH is a grass-roots grant assistance program that allows U.S. Ambassadors to support local requests for small community-based development projects. The purpose of the Special Self-Help Program is to support communities through modest grants that will positively impact local communities. The SSH philosophy is to help communities help themselves. Projects submitted for SSH must align with one or more U.S. Embassy priorities: Economic diversification, including small business creation and income generation Projects must aim to 1) generate sustainable income and employment opportunities in local communities, 2) advance economic diversification and encourage use of local natural resources or income generation, 3) promote a culture of entrepreneurship, and/or 4) improve economic or living conditions of a community. Women start-ups and women entrepreneurs Eligible projects assist women who are launching a business or who are overseeing the early stages of business development (between one to two years). Such projects must promote a culture of women-led entrepreneurship and innovation that can be replicated in the community. Projects must also promote profitable businesses that generate revenue and benefit the community. Social and economic inclusion and creation of opportunities Projects in this category must assist youth, children, women (particularly female heads of household), and other vulnerable groups to gain access to basic services (for example water, sanitation, and primary/pre-K education). They can also assist the creation of opportunities for vulnerable groups, particularly employment for youth. Environmental protection, sustainability, resilience to environmental vulnerabilities, and adaptation to environmental change Eligible projects will increase the capacity of communities to cope with vulnerability to drought and other environmental changes by building resilience, increasing capacity to adapt, and promoting income-generating activities. For example, projects may involve activities to improve water management, diversify agricultural practices, or provide benefits to the environment. Local Community Involvement: Local involvement of the organization or group must be at least 10% in cash or in kind of the total project costs. The community contribution of funding may be crucial to make a choice between two viable requestors. In-kind contributions could be: labor (wages of masons and workers), food, accommodation for qualified labor, carts of sand or gravel, bricks for construction, sand, fence, water supply, transportation costs, donations of materials etc. Additionally, community leaders can sign a statement of interest. Community leaders include local municipal leaders, religious leaders, civil society leaders, or any governing body that has oversight over where the project will be implemented. One community leader can sign the statement of interest; however, multiple signatures are strongly encouraged. Community leaders may also submit letters of support for the project. Elements of a Successful Project The project is initiated by the community. The project plan contains pre-established long-term goals and a coherent plan to keep the project running in the future. A capable project manager who is a long-term resident in the community is responsible for the project. There is strong coordination and communication among the grant recipient, local leaders, and local government representatives. The project makes use of materials and supplies that can be maintained by the community, and the materials that will not harm the environment. The project has a high beneficiary to budget ratio, benefiting a significant number of community members The project budget is clear, complete, and well defined. The project responds to a community need and is based on a well-developed proposal that is responsive to the priorities and criteria explained in this NOFO. Project activities and results show long-term sustainability. Application Documents and Procedures 1. Applications for Special Self-Help Funds should include the following: a. Completed SSH form, which can be downloaded here. b. Detailed building plan with dimensions (if necessary/ if small-scale construction envisioned in the project proposal). c. Project location (include map if available). d. Any additional information/literature you have about your organization and/or project. 2. The following documents are required: Mandatory application forms SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance organizations) SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) The forms can be downloaded from grants.gov. Instructions are available on the Embassy website at the grant support resources toolkit 3. Make sure that the below is addressed in your SSH form, or submit the following: Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicants name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. Proposal (3 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include. Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact. Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies. Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed. Program Goals and Objectives: The goals describe what the program is intended to achieve. The objectives refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate. Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees. Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time-frame of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? Future Funding or Sustainability Applicants plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. 4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. Proposals can be submitted in English or Portuguese languages. Submit the complete application package to the U.S. Self-Help Coordinator/ Praia Grants. Applications will be accepted in electronic format, on a rolling basis. Email all required information to praiagrants@state.gov Application Deadline: Applications received after June will be considered with the next application period or will not be considered. Project selections will be announced by October. Applications will be evaluated on the following factors: Completeness: Did the applicant submit all of the materials requested, including but not limited to requirements in the SSH forms found on U.S. Embassy Praias website. Embassy priorities: Does the application describe how the projects goals are related to the Embassy priorities stated in this document? Sustainability: Is the project sustainable in the long term? Will the project be able to continue without additional investment? Are the suggested measurements of success adequate? Need: Does the project adequately fulfill a stated need within a community? Budget: Is the budget complete, and well defined? Is the budget reasonable? Completion within one year: Can the project be completed in a single year? Community support: Does the project show strong community support? Impact: Does the project benefit the broadest numbers of beneficiaries possible? Is there a substantial impact on the affected community? Contribution and Group Capabilities: Does the group provide adequate resources and show commitment to the project? Is the group capable of administering the project as designed? Review and Selection Process: A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications. Other Required Documentation/ Reporting: Groups selected for funding will subsequently need to submit several required forms, including U.S. Standard Form 424, a grants award document, and any other terms and conditions required by U.S. Embassy Praia. Performance and financial reports will be required throughout the duration of the award. Publicity Campaign: It is expected that publicity will be given to the Ambassadors Special Self-Help program and its projects, including press and radio releases, photographs, and project site plaques that acknowledge the shared efforts of Cabo Verde and the United States. Publicity costs should be considered in the proposed budget. Funding: U.S. Embassy Praia is not required to fund any applications. Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.

This program provides funding to organizations in Uzbekistan to strengthen democracy, civil society, and independent media through projects that promote good governance, human rights, and civic engagement.

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in creating international exchange programs that develop youth leadership and foster cultural understanding between American and global participants.

The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement under the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) to develop and implement the YSEALI AI FutureMakers Regional Workshop a six-day workshop in Thailand (inclusive of arrival and departure days) on exploring the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving social innovation. Please note that this award is subject to availability of funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Priority Region: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste. Program Objectives: YSEALI (yseali.state.gov) is the U.S. governments signature initiative to engage emerging leaders in Southeast Asia. The program aims to create a network of young Southeast Asian leaders who work across national borders to address common problems. Through a variety of programs and engagements, YSEALI seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the United States and Southeast Asia, and develop a community of leaders addressing regional concerns. YSEALI is open to young leaders ages 18-35 who are both citizens and residents of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries (Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) or Timor-Leste. YSEALI programs focus on four themes (Economic Growth, Sustainable Development, Education, and Civic Engagement) because youth in the region identified them as priorities. YSEALI also organizes annual Regional Workshops across Southeast Asia on strategic topics. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology with profound implications for society, government, the economy, and the environment worldwide. Within ASEAN, governmental, societal, and economic actors are actively engaged in discussing the applications of this technology and the role of regulation, for example in the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics approved at the 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN) on February 2, 2024. Development of AI within Southeast Asia is complicated by the wide variation in economic development and technological capacity between member states, and 2025 is an opportune time to engage the YSEALI community in efforts to leverage AI to foster shared, sustainable, and inclusive growth throughout the Indo-Pacific Region. The YSEALI AI FutureMakers Regional Workshop will convene young people from throughout Southeast Asia to leverage the power of science, technology, and active civil society participation to address critical challenges and expand opportunities in Southeast Asia. The workshop will emphasize the importance of strengthening people-to-people connections, ensuring that technological advancements benefit not just economies, but societies at large, reinforcing the bridge between innovation and human-centric development. Through this workshop, the participants will not only address immediate challenges but will also lay the groundwork for long-term partnerships and collaborations that will drive positive change and development across the region. This workshop will bring together 60 YSEALI members from ASEAN countries and Timor Leste with a keen interest in leveraging technology to address regional and global challenges. It will offer a unique opportunity for YSEALI leaders to delve deeply into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a focus on at least one of the YSEALIs core themes: economic empowerment, civic engagement, education, and environmental sustainability. Participants will engage in comprehensive discussions and hands-on activities aimed at harnessing AI for sustainable change. Within the realm of economic empowerment, the proposal should explore how AI technologies can catalyze socio-economic growth by creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship, enhancing livelihoods, and fostering inclusive economic development. Through case studies and interactive sessions, participants should gain insights into innovative AI-driven business models and strategies that promote equitable access to resources and opportunities. For civic engagement, the proposal should explore how AI can be used to bridge societal gaps and empower marginalized communities. Participants will consider successful AI projects that increase citizen access to information and political participation, while examining the risks of AI perpetuating inequalities that exist within training data and other source material and strategies to mitigate these risks. In the field of education, the proposal should create space for participants to explore how AI can improve access and quality of education, including language learning among Southeast Asias diverse populations; enhanced virtual resources; and/or teacher training in remote or rural communities, along with the ethical challenges of AI generated content and promoting critical thinking skills to detect and resist misinformation. In the context of environmental conservation, the proposal should highlight the potential of AI for monitoring and managing natural resources, protecting wildlife, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Through interactive discussions and fieldwork at AI-driven organizations specializing in environmental conservation, participants should explore cutting-edge technologies and data-driven approaches that support sustainable environmental stewardship and biodiversity preservation. Through a combination of theoretical insights, practical case studies, hands-on activities, and collaborative discussions, the YSEALI AI FutureMakers Regional Workshop should equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to harness the transformative potential of AI for building sustainable, inclusive, and equitable communities throughout Southeast Asia. The proposal should include workshop follow-on activities such as virtual collaborative work, projects funded through small seed grants, and/or ongoing mentorship. The follow-on activity should be included in the monitoring and evaluation plan. The proposal should include a pre and post workshop survey to measure the overall effectiveness of the workshop as well as any changes to the participants knowledge of the workshop topic. Workshop speakers/facilitators/mentors should be citizens of the United States, an ASEAN member country, or Timor-Leste. The workshop should also include a cultural or community service component that promotes ASEAN unity, and the United States as a partner to ASEAN. The recipient is expected to develop syllabus materials and an event program with participant and speaker biographies, as well as design banners, backdrops, and other printed materials. The recipient is expected to design a digital engagement strategy for workshop participants and social media audiences, including live video or live online engagement during the program. No new website specific to the event should be created or launched. Domain hosting and build costs will not be covered. Participants and Audiences: The recipient will coordinate with U.S. Embassy Bangkok and with the U.S. embassies in ASEAN and Timor-Leste to recruit and select the final 60 participants. Participants will be between the ages of 18-35 and a keen interest in leveraging AI technology to address and solve one of the following issues: economic empowerment, civic engagement, education, and environmental sustainability, as well as collaborating with others from diverse backgrounds and building networks for future initiatives. The recruitment process should ensure that the pool of applicants reflect different regions of the country, not just capital cities. All participants must be proficient in written and spoken English. All programs must include participants from all ten ASEAN member countries and Timor-Leste. The workshop will be conducted in English. The recipient will be responsible for arranging and using cooperative agreement funds to cover all elements related to participant and staff travel including international and domestic flights, visas, travel to and from airports, visas, accommodations, per diem, meals during the program, insurance, COVID-19 testing, etc. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: September 2024 to December 2025 Number of awards anticipated: One Award amounts: Award may range from a minimum of $150,000 to a maximum of $250,000. Total available funding: $250,000 Type of Funding: FY24 Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated program start date: September 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement The U.S. Embassy Bangkok will have substantial involvement in the development, content, and schedule of the workshop. In consultation with U.S. Embassy Bangkok, the award recipient must actively engage all relevant U.S. embassies related to the recruitment and selection process as well as communication with the participants. Working closely with U.S. Embassy Bangkok, the recipient of this cooperative agreement shall develop a robust program for the workshop; schedule the event at a mutually agreed upon location; manage the application and selection process through a secure portal; develop the agenda and content for the workshop; recruit speaker(s); manage all travel logistics for participants and speakers; and generate content for social media and other publicity. The recipient is expected to provide all design files, photos and video recorded, as well as a promotion-ready, U.S. Embassy-approved photo album and a video series of the workshop after completion. Regular, transparent communication via email, phone and video conference calls and face-to-face meetings (as appropriate) with the Grants Officer, Grants Officer Representative, and Program Officer throughout the period of performance is critical to the success of this cooperative agreement. All major elements of the program and its content require advance approval by U.S. Embassy Bangkok, including, but not limited to: Choices of dates, venue, accommodations, and menus; Final selection of participants, mentors, and speakers (from the United States, an ASEAN member country, or Timor-Leste); Titles, format, and content of workshop sessions and other program activities; Design and content of all marketing materials, publicity, and media products. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. The workshop must be a minimum of six full days, including travel days. C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply: U.S. public and private educational institutions U.S. not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks Foreign public and private educational institutions Foreign not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks 2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing is not required. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (Data Universal Numbering System/DUNS number from Dun Bradstreet), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations. Individuals are not required to have a unique entity identifier or be registered in SAM.gov. Please refer to ‘related documents’ tab for full application details. If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: YSEALIThailand@state.gov.

PDS Sofia invites proposals for programs that bolster the people-to-people ties between the United States and Bulgaria 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 and promote shared values. Competitive proposals should focus on one or more of the following priority themes: Promote leadership skills, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and innovation among secondary and university students. Deepen the social, cultural, and educational connections between the United States and Bulgaria, especially through the development of active, sustainable alumni networks. Boost public understanding of and support for Bulgarias role as a strong NATO Ally as it celebrates its 20th year in the Alliance. Develop youth skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), especially focused on assisting youth from underserved, vulnerable, or rural communities (outside major metropolitan areas). Strengthen the development of robust independent media and civil society organizations to bolster civic participation and improve societal trust in democratic institutions. Increase media and digital literacy and improve Bulgarian societys resilience to disinformation. Advance the inclusion and integration of historically underserved and vulnerable communities, including women, Roma and other minority groups, LGBTQI+ individuals, Ukrainian refugees, other migrants, and disadvantaged youth. Increase interconnectivity between Bulgaria and other countries in the region, including joint projects that foster cooperation between the citizens of Bulgaria and North Macedonia. Promote dialogue and civic participation in programs that confront climate change and that advance environmental sustainability and energy diversification.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for U.S.-based organizations to manage international sports exchange programs that promote cultural understanding and diplomacy through athletic engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for U.S. government exchange program alumni in Benin to develop projects that empower local youth in technology, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.

This grant provides funding to a U.S. organization to support foreign students from key regions in gaining technical and professional skills through community colleges, enhancing global engagement and economic stability in their home countries.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working to empower Nigeria's legal community in defending religious freedom and improving access to justice for individuals facing religious persecution.

Grant Title: Request for Information to Participate in Customized Locally Focused Workshop Series on How to Work with USAID. This grant aims to gather information from local Pakistani organizations to design workshops that will guide them on collaborating with USAID, enhance their capacity to lead in USAID's development process, and prepare them for future co-creation opportunities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and individuals to implement projects in Luxembourg that promote shared values like democracy, human rights, and cultural exchange, while incorporating U.S. perspectives and expertise.

Executive Summary: The U.S. Embassy Colombo, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce a funding opportunity through the Public Diplomacy grants program to support participation of Sri Lankans in regional and other international exchange and learning opportunities. Please follow all instructions below. Background: U.S. Embassy Colombo supports a variety of exchange and learning opportunities for Sri Lankans to foster skills and capacity in areas of leadership, community engagement, civic discourse, entrepreneurship media, social media, and technology. Some examples include the Everest International Model United Nations, Tech Camp, and Women in Science STEAM Camp. Funded and organized by the U.S. Embassy, these exchanges will occur within the South Asia region, and are estimated to include between 15 and 25 individuals. Final participant numbers and the locations of their exchanges will be finalized in late 2024 through 2025. To best expand our exchange and learning opportunities, PDS Colombo is seeking an implementing partner (through a Cooperative Agreement; with significant Public Diplomacy Section input and assistance) to administratively support participant selection and to take the lead on administrative tasks associated with travel in consultation with PDS Colombo for the several anticipated exchange and learning opportunities in late 2024 through 2025.

This program provides funding to not-for-profit organizations in North Macedonia for projects that strengthen democratic values, civil society, social cohesion, cybersecurity, and environmental health initiatives.

The U.S. Embassy in Cameroon announces an open competition for applications to carry out a program to strengthen the organizational and managerial capacity of Civil Society Organizations in Cameroon. The program will provide a better understanding of the role of civil society organizations as a pillar of democratic systems, provide CSO leaders from across Cameroon the knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively manage their organizations while leveraging all available opportunities for enhanced community impact. The program should provide participants the opportunity to learn from each other to develop standard operating procedures that ensure effective achievement of organizations goals and objectives. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Priority Region: All regions of Cameroon Program Objectives: The program will consist of series of 5 workshops in 5 different regional headquarters of Cameroon. Each regional workshop will bring together participants from two regions. Each workshop will consist of a three-day training focusing on various aspects of CSO management. Topics covered will include, among others: - The role of CSOs in a democracy - Managing community organizations in emerging democracies - The legal framework of CSOs in Cameroon - Servant leadership and community engagement - Proposal writing and project management, including the elaboration of key performance indicators and reporting - Understanding the USG Federal Assistance principles and mechanism - Financial management for sustainable CSOs - Effective use of traditional and modern communication tools for enhanced impact The final training curriculum should be developed following an assessment of Cameroonian CSOs capacities and weaknesses. Participants and Audiences: Each workshop will bring together 30 established CSO leaders with at least two-years of experience working in an association, NGO, trade union, or community-based organization. Each participant will commit to organize a pass-it-on activity for a minimum of 10 CSO members in his/her town. There should be plans for robust media coverage to broaden the impact of the project. The launching of each of the workshops would be open to local authorities. The grantee should design a robust media coverage plan ensuring that the project will have high visibility. American Content: Proposals must include an element of American expertise, American resources on the topic at hand, or American cultural or societal experience relevant to the topic. This may be accomplished by incorporating U.S.-origin materials, theories, or other resources, or the involvement of American expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) or Cameroonian alumni of U.S.-sponsored exchange programs that will promote increased understanding of U.S. values, culture, policy, and/or perspectives. The following types of activities are not eligible for funding: Scholarships for study in the United States or to fund conference attendance or study tours to the United States Activities that are inherently political in nature or that contain the appearance of partisanship Construction activities Programs that support specific religious activities Fund-raising campaigns Cash prizes for participants

This funding initiative provides financial support for projects that preserve cultural heritage abroad, particularly those that connect foreign cultural sites or objects to American history, values, and democratic ideals.

This initiative seeks to engage organizations with expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and learning to support USAID's development efforts in Haiti across various sectors, enhancing data-driven decision-making and local capacity-building.

This initiative seeks input on the links between forced scamming and child labor in Southeast Asia, aiming to inform future strategies to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.