International Development Grants

The Civil Society Resilience (CSR) Activity aims to improve Cambodias civil society and grassroots organizers to be more effective while maintaining civil societys ability to function within the countrys closing civic space. The Activity will address the needs, opportunities, and challenges identified by the civic actors, across relevant sectors, to foster engagement and respond to civic space challenges. The CSR activity will strengthen the agency, resiliency, and efficacy of civil society to advance agendas that are in the public interest and advance inclusive development. This CSR Activity contains the following three objectives: Objective 1: Provide flexible financial and technical support available to bolster the agency and resilience of civil society and grassroots organizers, across sectors. Objective 2: Promote practices that strengthen strategic decision-making, resource mobilization, coordination, communication, and long-term planning to advance reforms. Objective 3: Strengthen access to learning, networking, and exchange opportunities that civil society identifies as central to the success of their work.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a project that supports the meaningful political and civic participation of youth in the Solomon Islands.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Consulate General in Erbil of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to build capacity among various civil society groups in support of diverse goals. Priority Region: Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR). Program Objectives: This is an omnibus grant with six distinct objectives and target audiences. 1) Law school students from rural universities (University of Raparin, University of Garmian, Soran University, Halabja University, and Koya University) in the IKR have few opportunities to engage with civil society and learn about the actual implementation of human rights-related laws and norms. Directly connecting them via paid internships with local civil society organizations (CSOs) to help them understand CSOs work helps ensure that rural residents in need of legal services will have better prepared legal counsel, who can help connect those clients in need to local CSOs able to support their needs beyond legal services, in support of overall human rights objectives. It also helps provide rural CSOs in need of legal services with legal teams better prepared to represent them in court. 2) Human rights related NGOs are typically operated by individuals with few opportunities for professional development or training, and as a result are largely ineffective at fundraising and lobbying. Providing training to smaller, more rural, and/or newer CSOs on advocacy and lobbying techniques, fundraising best practices, strategic planning, and leadership and management best practices will yield more effective CSOs better able to advocate for democratic advancement within the IKR. 3) Few IKR-based journalists attend journalism school, and journalism school students often graduate without effective understanding of tradecraft and ethics, yielding a media environment in which biased and substandard reporting are common, with a lack of fact checking, multiple sourcing, or other tradecraft skills. Providing training to journalists with fewer than 5 years of experience or journalism students will help rectify this issue. 4) Understanding of modern water management techniques in the IKR is limited, even among specialist academics and practitioners, leading to significant agricultural production issues in the face of climate change-related drought. Helping environmental or agricultural CSOs better understand these techniques, as well as best practices in community advocacy, can help them spread these techniques to major water users including the agricultural sector, reducing overall demand for water. 5) Similarly, environmental-focused academics have a key role to play in advising the government as to the best policies for improving overall water management within the IKR. Organizing a symposium or conference for water management and environmental science professors, academics, and industry leaders can help them come up with specific suggestions for implementation by both industry and the Kurdistan Regional Government. 6) Finally, students with disabilities including but not limited to ADHD and autism spectrum disorder often face both social exclusion and a lack of preparedness on the part of teachers and schools to effectively teach such students. Training employees of the KRG Ministry of Educations Training and Curriculum Development department on best practices in this field will help spread this knowledge throughout the IKRs teachers and ensure better outcomes for students with disabilities. Above-mentioned programs should be designed in a way that they strengthen cultural ties between the United States and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region through 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 institutions in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Such inclusion may consist of U.S.-developed materials or resources, virtual speakers, or using key examples from the United States to advance outcomes. Participants and Audiences: Minimum envisioned outcomes: (1) 25 total rural law school students from at least three of the aforementioned universities; (2) 25 human rights advocates from smaller/newer NGOs; (3) 25 newer journalists or journalism school students representing the IKRs diversity; (4) 25 civil society activists from environmental organizations; (5) 25 academics working on water management or environmental issues; (6) 10 employees from the KRG Ministry of Educations Training and Curriculum Development department.

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 solve 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 nurture a community of leaders who work across borders to solve shared issues. 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. Responding to priorities from youth in the ASEAN region, YSEALI programs focus on four themes (Civic Engagement, Economic Empowerment and Social Entrepreneurship, Education and Environmental Issues). One component of YSEALI is the annual Regional Workshops held across Southeast Asia on strategic topics. Focusing on youth and community action, the YSEALI Blue Economy Regional Workshop aims to advance the YSEALI theme of Sustainable Development and U.S. Embassy Jakartas strategic goals by examining how technology and regional collaboration can create sustainable economic growth in sectors related to ocean ecosystems. These include the emerging sectors of renewable blue energy, desalination, and blue carbon, as well as traditional sectors of fisheries, marine conservation, and marine transportation. It also supports U.S. Embassy Singapores strategic goals by bringing Singapore, limited in space and natural resources, into regional partnership roles on blue economic issues, from green shipping and renewable energy to desalination and ocean-based food security. The workshop should be a minimum of five and maximum of six days - inclusive of travel days (with international travel into and out of Singapores Changi airport). Lodging and conference venue should be in Batam with the majority of workshop sessions taking place in Batam, but day trips to Singapore and other areas around Batam to explore sustainable fishing, blue energy, or green port initiatives like the U.S-Singapore green shipping corridor can be included. The program may also include meetings and activities in Singapore on arrival or prior to departure. Travel to and from Batam should be via high-speed ferry services. This workshop will bring together 60 YSEALI members from ASEAN countries and Timor Leste who have an interest in emerging energy technologies, coastal economic development, environmental development, environmental science, green technology, marine conservation, social equity, economic vitality, and the ability to lead. Proposals may also include participation of the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) network to create synergy between communities working on blue issues economy across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. YSEALI leaders will have the opportunity to share new ideas and perspectives on how to harness the potential of the blue economy to increase economic growth in a sustainable and science-based way. The workshop should include sessions on defining blue economy, introducing ASEAN and ASEAN member state initiatives related to blue economy, regional collaboration, and multi-nation funding opportunities. The workshop should look at blue economy issues in a globalized society and examine approaches taken by the United States and countries in the region. The concepts of leadership, giving back, and strengthening a Southeast Asian/ASEAN identity based on shared values and shared challenges should be integrated into the program. Workshop speakers/facilitators/mentors should be citizens of the United States, an ASEAN member country, or Timor-Leste. The workshop should include site visits to companies, government-affiliated programs, or non-governmental organizations where innovative approaches are being taken to harness blue economy potential. 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 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. The proposal should include workshop follow-on activities such as virtual collaborative work, projects funded through small seed grants, 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. No new website specific to the event should be created or launched. Domain, hosting and build costs will not be covered.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs public diplomacy section (OPA-PD) announces an open competition for a grant through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This program will build media literacy among Palestinian youth and is designed to partner with an organization to implement activities which advance the applicants goals and the OPA-PD mission: to advance a comprehensive and lasting peace through a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the development of a vibrant, representative, and responsive Palestinian civil society, private sector, and governing institutions through substantive engagement with American people, institutions, ideas and ideals in order to improve U.S.-Palestinian relations and create greater opportunities for mutually beneficial partnership and cooperation. With this funding, OPA-PD will support innovative approaches to cultivate critical information consumers who are equipped with the background and strategies necessary to navigate todays highly differentiated media environment. Eligible projects should address the following: (1) media production and issues of credibility (2) media messages and their intended effects (3) issues of representation in media production Through their participation in the training, project participants will be empowered to consciously assess media claims and media producer credibility, evaluate how media influences attitudes and feelings, and engage in fact-based media creation and dissemination. The successful applicant (forthwith implementer) will target audiences, conduct outreach, recruit participants, adapt and implement session curricula (see below), and monitor and evaluate the success of the training. Training workshops will take place at American Spaces in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron and at partner locations in the West Bank approved by OPA. The implementer should work with OPA media literacy program alumni where possible, as well as with established and up-and-coming journalists and include designated measurement and evaluation procedures in their project design so that OPA-PD can assess project effectiveness. There are no specific requirements for format or session structure, though implementers are very strongly encouraged to adapt existing U.S. media literacy curricula such as those published by, for example, the Media Education Lab (mediaeducationlab.com), PBS (pbslearningmedia.org); the Newseum (newseumed.org); Facing History (facinghistory.org); and/or the Office of American Spaces, U.S. Department of State. Methodologically, implementers should utilize technology and state-of-the-art educational methods in conducting interactive and effective sessions. The implementer should engage in these activities strategically and with a clear and concise theory of change in mind. OPA will give special consideration to implementers demonstrating a clear track record of engaging target audiences. Likewise, sustainable project designs seeking to maximize project effects beyond the period of performance are highly appreciated. Priority Region: East Jerusalem and the West Bank Program Objectives: Media Literacy Training The program seeks to equip project participants with the background and strategies necessary to navigate an increasingly complex information environment. After participating in the project, participants will be able to critically reflect and assess: (1) credibility and intentions of a mediums originator (2) themes, codes, and rhetorical strategies in messages and media as well as their effects (3) contentious issues of representation inherent in mass and social media (4) the responsibility of their behavior in the media environment as producers or disseminators of messages Generate Insights and Measure Success OPA expects the project to produce actionable insights on the demographics and attitudinal profiles of participants as well as data about the projects effectiveness. Participants and Audiences: Target audiences include Palestinian youth (ages 16-24) in East Jerusalem and the West Bank including but not limited to: high school students, journalism and communications students, journalists, social media practitioners, online content producers, influencers, and media specialists. Implementer Responsibilities: The implementer will: (1) adapt existing U.S. media literacy curricula for the target audience (see above) (2) identify and recruit guest speakers/trainers (3) develop a final project for program participants (4) recruit participants and coordinate training with OPA American Spaces venues (5) implement and monitor training for multiple cohorts (6) measure and evaluate project effectiveness

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONThe U.S. Consulate General in Erbil of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to build capacity among visual artists and IT students and recent IT graduates in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) and Kirkuk governorate. Please follow all instructions below.Priority Region: Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR). Program Objectives: The IKR is overly dependent on petroleum export for economic purposes; helping various demographics launch online businesses will help diversify the economy, leading to greater economic stability and advancing overall climate goals. This program will train individuals from specific rural demographics on how to successfully monetize existing businesses or business ideas online. Participants and Audiences:This program envisions two separate programs: (1) one focused on IT students or recent (previous 2 years) graduates from any of the following seven universities: University of Zakho, University of Garmian, University of Halabja, University of Raparin, Soran University, Koya University, and Charmo University. This program would (a) help students conceive of a new app, (b) provide mentorship from experienced app designers to lead them through the process of app developments, and (c) mentor them as they launch their apps to be monetized online ideally through existing app marketplaces. Outcomes should include one monetized app for each participant. (2) The second program should focus on visual artists (sculptors, painters, digital artists, weavers, jewelry makers, crafters, ceramicists, etc) with an existing social media following of at least 5,000 individuals. This program would assist them with learning how to create an online sales platform or make use of existing online sales platforms through which they can monetize their work online. Outcomes should include each participant successfully using an online sales platform to monetize their work. All participants must be based in either the Iraqi Kurdistan Region or Kirkuk Governorate. Above-mentioned programs should be designed in a way that they strengthen cultural ties between the United States and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region through 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 institutions in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Such inclusion may consist of U.S.-developed materials or resources, virtual speakers, or using key examples from the United States to advance outcomes.

The Political and Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaound, Cameroon, announces an open competition for experienced Cameroon-based Civil Society Organizations that are working in the areas of Environment to submit applications under the FY 2023 Climate Grants Program to advance sustainable landscapes. Note: The U.S. Embassy expects to receive funding for the Climate Grant program before September 30, 2024. Grant awards are contingent on the receipt of funding. If the program is not approved, no grants will be awarded under this call.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the US Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to establish regional standards on judicial independence in Central Asia through the enforcement of merit-based systems for selections of judges

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mexico, seeks to increase its understanding of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (MECLA) activities in Mexico, with particular interest in its current market conditions, supply and demand by local entities, as well as its associated costs.USAID is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to solicit input from organizations currently offering this type of services, including but not limited to assessment, consultancy, and organization of working sessions between partners in Mexico. The goal of the RFI is to better understand the local actors engaged in this space, their reach, capabilities projects, and general pricing, as part of USAIDs market research.

U.S. Embassy Guatemalas Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce funding now available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, the strategic themes on which we focus, and procedures for submitting funding requests. Please follow carefully all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: PDS Guatemala invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural, educational, professional, and/or scientific ties between the United States and Guatemala through cultural, educational, and/or exchange programming that highlights our shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural or educational element, or connection with American expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

The Department of States Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) announces an open competition for projects in support of a forthcoming Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership between the United States and the Government of Romania.

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

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), West Africas Regional Peace and Governance Office (RPGO) is interested in seeking organizations working in the local, national, and cross-border level on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Countering Trafficking-in-Persons (C-TIP) in West Africa (inclusive of Coastal West Africa (CWA), the Sahel, and Cameroon) and their particular approaches (community/local, national or cross-border level). We are particularly interested in responses concerning organizations active in the CWA countries of Benin, Cte dIvoire, Ghana, Guinea, Togo, and Cameroon. To that end, USAID/WA/RPGO is reaching out to all local stakeholders to obtain insight into the composition of these sectors.

Background: Since 2017, the U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan has funded the University Partnership Program (UPP) to connect U.S. and Kazakh higher education institutions, traditionally by awarding sub-awards to U.S. partners who applied for funding with Kazakh institutions. As a result, 34 Kazakh universities have partnered with 31 U.S. universities to strengthen educational programs, teaching approaches, and institutional and research capacities, and to pursue joint projects addressing issues such as air pollution, environmental protection, and economic diversification. In addition to the projects achieved under each UPP, many partnerships have successfully resulted in sustainable, continued partnerships separate from USG funding. In most cases, Kazakh universities do not have a clear strategy to engage the private sector in education and research projects that could potentially lead to research commercialization and bring investment from sources other than the Government and student tuition fees. Kazakh universities could benefit from using a diversified-income model used by U.S. universities, which would generate profit to reinvest into university operations. Building partnerships with the private sector could also generate income through commercialization while at the same time offer practical experience for university students. This will allow Kazakh universities to raise their institutional profile, improve their facilities and equipment, be better positioned to support faculty professional development, and be able to offer more student services. Since U.S. universities have a longstanding history of working with private sector and successful financial management models, pairing them with Kazakh universities through research projects in high growth economic fields can help Kazakh universities adjust to the per capita funding system that was introduced in November 2021 and speed up the design of more competitive programs for students and address private sector workforce development needs. Supporting Kazakh universities to learn more about American university best practices in managing business accelerators and research incubators to tailor Kazakh HEIs approach to pursue greater collaboration with the private sector and integrate a system will enable students to get competitive workforce development skills. Collaborating with the private sector and diversifying financial sources can also motivate university management to become more financially transparent and accountable. Medium to long-term successes in Kazakhstan would include the implementation of international management practices, research standards, and student-oriented programs and services. Success will also be gauged on increasing the sharing of best practices among Kazakh institutions with each other. This would help Kazakh universities have well-run, efficient university management models which would be better placed to be an equal and contributing partner with U.S. universities and academic associations. This is also expected to increase the number of Kazakh students and scholars studying in the United States and to contribute to a more competitive workforce equipped with the skills to support economic diversification in Kazakhstan. This NOFO looks to support innovative project mechanisms that advance U.S.-Kazakh institutional partnerships in the form of sub-awards or activities organized directly by the implementer. This can include incubation hubs, basic research capability, or professional development centers. The program should focus on building greater institutional and research capacity in fields that support diversified economic growth through joint U.S.-Kazakh research collaboration including through commercialization opportunities in research, partnerships with private sector, and workforce development programs. Partnerships that focus on curriculum development should be directed toward developing existing curricula rather than creating new curricula. Project Audience(s): Public universities in Kazakhstan (private universities can be additional partners, but not the main partner), and U.S. universities especially research universities, community colleges, and technical institutions. Beneficiaries may include students, teaching professionals, or university managers. Competitive proposals would consider working with several institutions to foster a network. Project Goal: Strengthen institutional and research capacities of Kazakh universities in fields that support workforce development and diversified economic growth through joint U.S.-Kazakh program partnerships and research collaborations. Project Objectives: Objective 1: Equip at least five Kazakh university administrators with the knowledge and skills necessary to attract investment and collaborate with U.S. universities and research centers. Objective 2: Improve the ability of at least two Kazakh HEIs to revise existing curricula and course content that incorporate U.S. best practices, real work application, and hands on learning experiences in high growth fields to address youth unemployment and workforce development. High growth fields include but are not limited to coding, IT, STEM, agriculture, and digital media. Objective 3: Facilitate at least two joint research projects between U.S. and Kazakh universities in high growth fields that demonstrate potential for commercialization. Note: Competitive proposals will include plans for preliminary discussions between American and Kazakh universities on potential roadblocks, challenges, and specifics of the local context in Kazakhstan before starting partnership activities.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for a project to strengthen independent medias ability to increase access to objective and quality information in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region.

The National Park Services (NPS) Underrepresented Communities Grant Program (URC) is intended to diversify listings in the National Register of Historic Places to include communities that are currently underrepresented. URC grants are funded by the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), and are administered by the NPS. Projects include surveys and nominations of historic sites associated with communities underrepresented in the National Register. Every URC grant project MUST result in at least one new or amended nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) announces the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment (MRRA) Engagement Project. The project aims to facilitate group sessions for the MRRA Engagement Project team to develop comprehensive policies associated with the MRRA. The project will be funded through a cooperative agreement and has an estimated total program funding of $50,000. The expected number of awards is one. The funding opportunity is open until June 10, 2024. This notice is to inform that NIC intends to make an award without full competition.

The U.S. Embassy Nassaus Public Diplomacy (PD) section announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to implement a new Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) cohort in Eleuthera, The Bahamas. The PD section invites proposals from non-profit organizations, civil society organizations, and U.S. government alumni organizations to design and implement an entrepreneurship program that equips approximately 50 Bahamian women entrepreneurs with skills and knowledge to grow their businesses and adapt to adverse economic situations while growing a local network of women-led businesses. AWE program proposals need to include facilitated in-person and virtual participant sessions, with established Bahamian and American women entrepreneurs, alumni of U.S.-funded exchange programs, and other entrepreneurial experts. Applicants must include the online DreamBuilder course as part of the proposal. In addition to DreamBuilder, proposals should include supplemental activities, that could include but not limited to surveys, business accelerators, and pitch competitions. The program for the new AWE cohort must be held in Eleuthera, The Bahamas. All AWE activities should have a strong United States focus and branding. The U.S. Embassy Nassau'sPD section will work with the awardee in this regard. Each proposal should meet the following objectives: Expand participants understanding of the fundamentals of developing and scaling up a business. Expose participants to U.S. models for business development and connect them with Bahamian and American entrepreneurship experts. Facilitate the development of an ongoing network of female entrepreneurs who can offer support and ongoing best practices while sustaining their relationship with the U.S. Embassy. See Attachments for more information.

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for an evaluation project that contributes to building a portfolio of evidence regarding inclusive human rights in Ukraine. In support of this goal, DRL seeks to promote the use of sound data and generate findings on what works, for whom, and why in democracy and human rights programming abroad. Projects should support the following objective: the rights of marginalized, underserved, and at-risk individuals in Ukraine are recognized and respected within a democracy, rights, and good governance framework.

The U.S. Mission to the European Unions Office of Public Affairs (USEU PA) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions.