Federal International Development Grants

The objective of the STEP-UP activity is to empower local organizations, businesses, and communities to participate in and guide their own development in conflict affected areas of Mozambique. USAID/Mozambique seeks to provide funding and capacity support to local businesses and CSOs through a partner managed grant-making mechanism. By providing businesses and CSOs with funds to implement economic, peace, and social development initiatives, the Activity will foster increased engagement and empowerment in terms of communities driving their own local development.

The Global Engagement Center (GEC) at the Department of State, announces "Enabling Advanced IUU Fishing Exposure." This project will enable advanced exposure work on IUU fishing by civil society, academics, and journalists, to counter PRC unsustainable fishing practices and the PRC disinformation/information manipulation that makes these practices possible, hard to spot, and hard to counter.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in advancing freedom of association and improving working conditions in the palm oil sector in Indonesia.

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 Department of States Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (ISN/NDF) is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). ISN/NDF invites non-profit/non-governmental organizations, international organizations, educational institutions, US federal agencies and institutions, and for-profit organizations to submit proposals for projects that will advance the mission of NDFs biological threat reduction special project. Proposals may not exceed the total availability of funds under this NOFO. ISN/NDF will only consider proposals that fully address all NDFs lines of effort, which are further described in Section II, in their entirety.

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 projects that increase protections against gender-based violence (GBV) and other types of hate-based crimes in Bulgaria, Czechia, Romania, and Slovakia, including against marginalized communities.

The Media Small Grants Program advances the U.S. Embassy goal of supporting a more inclusive and accountable democracy. It seeks to increase journalistic professionalism, expand the capabilities of independent media, and promoted access to information. The intended result is increased production of balanced, locally relevant, diverse, and high-quality media products. Prior activities through this program have included support for projects that: Produced quality journalism and educated journalists on best practices, including investigative work on key issues. Educated the public on safe social media use for children by partnering with social media influencers and bloggers. Supported the ability of government relations officials to effectively communicate with constituents. Produced journalistic content that highlights womens leadership in the regions. Proposed programs should be innovative and clearly demonstrate how they will complement any ongoing programs and avoid duplicating past efforts. They may include activities that improve upon or expand existing successful projects. Applicants should pay close attention to the PDS project goal and target audiences when developing their proposals.

This grant seeks to foster collaboration among private sector, civil society, and academia in Bosnia and Herzegovina to accelerate digital transformation and development in the country.

This opportunity seeks input from organizations in the Caribbean with proven experience in multi-country development initiatives to enhance regional innovation and locally-led partnerships across various sectors.

The Department of States Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (ISN/NDF) is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). ISN/NDF invites non-profit/non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and educational institutions to submit proposals for projects that will advance the NDFs nonproliferation mission by mapping proliferation and sanctions evasion networks and related illicit actors as well as their business, financial, and logistics networks based in or operating from South or East Africa that are or may be facilitating Russias aggression in Ukraine or the Peoples Republic of Chinas (PRC) Military-Civilian Fusion (MCF) industrial base. This analysis will assist partner countries, bilaterally or regionally, advance their counter-proliferation and counter-sanctions evasion activities by helping partners identify and disrupt these networks. Proposals may not exceed the total availability of funds under this NOFO. ISN/NDF prefers proposals that address multiple objectives of at least one line of effort, which are further described in section II.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES: PDS Poland invites proposals to equip the next generation of Polish leaders (aged 15 30) to implement impactful civic engagement programs focused on the promotion of human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law. Activities should equip participants with skills to successsfully navigate the complexities of their society, engage constructively, and contribute meaningfully to their communitys development and Polands future. Projects should also be designed with the intent of fostering enduring connections and collaboration among participants after the projects conclusion. PRIORITY PROGRAMMING AREAS: A successful proposal will include a comprehensive calendar of activities up to 36 months that include the following three elements: 1. A series of skills-building workshops and/or interactive trainings; 2. Support for implementation of participant-led community projects; 3. A minimum of 12 months of ongoing mentoring and networking opportunities for participants following the completion of elements 1 and 2 above. All projects must address the development of youth leadership, critical thinking, project management skills, and resilience as well as at least one of below programming areas: Human Rights Engagement and Problem-Solving: Initiatives promoting human rights and tolerance, focused on active community engagement, including local analysis of challenges and identification of solutions. Promoting Democratic Participation: Programs that encourage democratic involvement, and increase youth participation in the public policy process, including collaboration with local governments, communities, NGOs, civil society organizations, and/or the private sector. Programs should focus on teaching advocacy skills and the formulation of policy reforms to develop strategies addressing local issues to affect meaningful change. Inclusive Engagement: Strategies for engaging typically civically inactive youth and ensuring that the needs and rights of minority communities are considered in building safe and tolerant environments. Examples of types of activities that can be included in proposals: 1. Projects organized and carried out by youth (aged 15 - 30) that focus on the themes mentioned above. Initiatives aimed at empowering young people by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively plan and execute community projects. 2. Programs that train educators to equip young people (aged 15 - 30) with the necessary skills (including resilience) to carry out civic engagement projects (this type of activity must include a youth-implemented project) in their communities. 3. Mentoring and networking events. PDS Poland welcomes proposals that incorporate the involvement of U.S. experts, trainers, models, and/or best practices, as appropriate. Participants and Audiences: Proposals should describe both the primary and secondary audiences for the program, including anticipated numbers to be reached. Primary audiences are those who will participate directly in the program, while secondary audiences are those who will be reached by the projects primary audiences as a result of their participation (For example, a workshop for educators would have teachers as the primary audience and the students in their classrooms organizing a civic engagement project in their local communities as the secondary audience). Programs ensuring gender parity and socio-economic inclusion across all its activities are encouraged. Applicants should be as specific as possible in their proposals about their projects primary audience and how they will engage them through programming. The principal method of engagement will be through in-person programming. Virtual engagement may be a part of the overall strategy, augmenting in-person programming. Additional proposal elements to note: The grantee is expected to lead recruitment efforts of program participants, ensuring DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and access) principles are promoted in the recruitment process. U.S. Mission Poland will amplify program opportunities on its social media platforms. The language of instruction can be English and/or Polish. The proposal must include detailed information about the project members/coordinators, including CV and other relevant professional experience. The trainers or facilitators of the program should be experienced professionals working in the field. The proposal must include a proposed activity schedule and monitoring and evaluation plan to measure program impact. Marketing and outreach strategies to recruit target program participants are required. Activities that are not typically funded include, but are not limited to: Projects that are inherently political in nature or that contain the appearance of partisanship/support to individual or single party electoral campaigns; Projects that support specific religious activities; Exchange programs; including travel to the U.S. Social welfare projects; Trade activities; fundraising campaigns; commercial projects; scientific research; construction projects; projects whose primary aim is the institutional development of the organization itself; Conferences, lectures, scientific research, studies, etc.; Book publishing or translation for the purposes of publishing a book; Ongoing salary costs of organization staff; Equipment, including but not limited to, cameras and for the office; and Food and drink beyond the cost of coffee breaks and working lunches (alcohol will not be funded).

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU) Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Funding Opportunity Title: VAU PDS Annual Program Statement Funding Opportunity Number: FY2024VE006 Deadline for Applications: June 30, 2024 CFDA Number: 19.040 Public Diplomacy Programs Total Amount Available: $100,000 Maximum for Each Award: $25,000 A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The VAU of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and the people of Venezuela through programs that highlight shared values and promote a peaceful, democratic transition. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Public Diplomacy Grants: VAU Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals that support democratic initiatives, higher education cooperation and an active citizenry in Venezuela, highlighting shared values, bilateral cooperation, and support for diversity, equality, accessibility, and inclusion. Priority Program Areas: VAU PDS will prioritize grant proposals that address the following themes: Strengthening independent media through capacity-building programs and other professional engagement; Promoting democratic values and citizen participation through education and outreach, particularly for marginalized groups, including youth, women, LGBTQI+, persons with disabilities, indigenous, and Afro-Venezuelans; and Building university partnerships and other higher-education exchanges that focus on curricula development, research capacity building, and tech transfer/intellectual property policies. PLEASE NOTE: All programs must include an American component, conveying an element of U.S. culture, history, and/or shared values. This must be a concrete element that establishes or strengthens ties between people in Venezuela and the United States. For example, competitive proposals will include a connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives and/or increased bilateral cooperation that continues after the program has concluded. IMPORTANT NOTE: At this time no U.S. citizen can travel to Venezuela for in-person programs with this funding. Therefore, speakers and other activities with U.S. organizations need to be conducted through online engagement. Participants and Audiences: Venezuelans in Venezuela and their U.S. counterparts in the sectors represented in the priority program areas listed above. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; Charitable or development activities; Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; Scientific research; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; Programs that duplicate existing programs; or Programs without an American component. Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: FY 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: up to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: 4 awards (dependent on available funding) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000 Total potential available funding: $100,000 Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding Anticipated program start date: October 1, 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant or Cooperative agreements. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that VAU PDS staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation (Substantial Involvement). Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. If interested in applying, please visit https://ve.mwp.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/05/VENEZUELA-2024-VAU-PDS-APS-NOFO-FINAL-5-14-24.docx-1.pdf to review all information regarding this NOFO.

PAS Philippines invites individuals and non-profit organizations to submit project proposals to carry out monthly programming at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines American Center for a one-year period. The American Center is part of the sixteen American Spaces network in the Philippines. American Spaces are the U.S. governments primary public cultural and information centers abroad that provide free and open access for communities worldwide interested in learning more about the United States. Through people-to-people connections and modern environments equipped with advanced technologies, over 600 American Spaces in 140 countries serve as the initial experience that millions of global visitors have with the United States, building mutual understanding and partnership. These innovative hubs offer programs and events that foster learning, discussion, and civic engagement around democratic principles. In the fiscal year 2023, American Center Manila hosted programs for thousands of participants, many joining online. These programs focused on entrepreneurship, English language learning, environmental conservation, good governance, media literacy, STEM, and civic engagement. The primary audiences include high school students, undergraduate students, and academics. In 2024, American Center Manila aims to continue implementing impactful monthly programs for our audiences. Examples of projects include, but are not limited to: An incubation program empowering youth to become environmentally conscious entrepreneurs committed to sustainability. A good governance workshop training local government unit youth council members to become accountable and conscientious public servants. A science camp where participants are given hands-on training to stimulating STEM topics and innovative content such as artificial intelligence, coding, robotics, 3D modelling and printing. A media seminar for campus journalists equipping them with skills to combat misinformation and disinformation. Participation in global science competitions such as Technovation Girls and NASA Space Apps Challenge hackathon. The primary target audience are young Filipinos, aged 18 30 and the principal method of engagement will be through in-person programming at the American Center located at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. Virtual engagement may be a part of the overall strategy as a supplementary activity supporting in-person engagements. Preference will be given to proposals that prioritize and maximize the needs of Filipino public-school students and teachers while limiting overhead, equipment, and other expenses that do not directly support program participants. A successful proposal will develop a clear monthly calendar of activities spanning at least twelve months from September 2024 September 2025 at the American Center specifying a defined audience and directly addressing at least one of the six key programming areas below. Six Priority Program Areas Promote English Language Teaching and Learning: Build the skills of English language teachers and promote English language learning in all demographic sectors. Skills Development Programs: Empower young and professional audiences to develop skills in a wide array of areas that will help them meet local and global challenges and support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and opportunity. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: Prepare students with 21st century skills needed to succeed in their careers during the Information Age by engaging them in existing global competitions such as Technovation Girls and NASA Space Apps Challenge hackathon. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility: Provide guidance and resources to empower youth to promote effective change in their communities particularly on topics related to disability, sexual orientation, cultural sensitivity, ethnicity, social justice, racial equity, and managing biases. Media Literacy: Develop the ability of youth to identify and combat misinformation and disinformation especially on online platforms while supporting them to become responsible digital citizens. Environmental Conservation: Increase awareness on pressing environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss, food waste, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local organizations in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to lead initiatives that promote economic growth, education, citizen security, and governance, prioritizing community-driven solutions and inclusivity.

The Department of States Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (ISN/NDF) is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). ISN/NDF invites non-profit/non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and educational institutions to submit proposals for projects that will advance the NDFs nonproliferation mission by mapping proliferation and sanctions evasion networks and related illicit actors as well as their business, financial, and logistics networks based in or operating from South or East Africa that are or may be facilitating Russias aggression in Ukraine or the Peoples Republic of Chinas (PRC) Military-Civilian Fusion (MCF) industrial base. This analysis will assist partner countries, bilaterally or regionally, advance their counter-proliferation and counter-sanctions evasion activities by helping partners identify and disrupt these networks. Proposals may not exceed the total availability of funds under this NOFO. ISN/NDF prefers proposals that address multiple objectives of at least one line of effort, which are further described in section II.

The USG Alumni Small grants program is designed to engage USG Alumni by funding innovative projects that align with the prioritized themes. The organization awarded this grant will demonstrate capacity for creative and effective solicitation of project proposals from USG Alumni, collecting applications biannually in spring and fall cycles. The chosen organization will also play a critical role in strengthening the USG Alumni network across all regions of the Kyrgyz Republic, organizing professional development seminars, and facilitating reunions to foster alumni community. PDS anticipates allocating approximately $88,000 to support between 10 to 15 alumni initiatives. Funding will be awarded based on panel review. Program Goal: Enhance engagement of U.S. government exchange alumni throughout the Kyrgyz Republic on key issues affecting their communities through skills-building, networking, and professional development opportunities. The goal of the program is to support 20-30 USG alumni-led projects that aim to strengthen the alumni community, benefit local communities, advance shared goals between the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic, and contribute to the professional and personal development of at least 500 USG alumni. This will be achieved through a series of reunions and professional and personal development workshops designed to enhance skills, foster networking, and promote continuous learning and collaboration among alumni.

The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar and Comoros, part of the U.S. Department of State, is pleased to announce its Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement (APS). This Annual Program Statement outlines the Embassys funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of the Annual Program Statement: The Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement supports projects proposed by U.S., Malagasy, and/or Comorian educational, cultural, and other non-profit organizations or individuals that promote U.S. values, strengthen understanding between U.S. and Malagasy and/or Comorian people and institutions, and/or support U.S. Embassy goals of promoting human rights, transparency and good governance, economic and social prosperity, environmental stewardship, educational achievement, and sustainable development of natural resources. All programs must include a U.S. cultural element or a connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that will encourage increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Priority Program Areas: Strengthening regional security and stability and combat transnational threats through engagement with diverse, targeted stakeholders on key issues like human trafficking, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, and climate change related challenges. Addressing barriers to the advancement of women in STEM fields and business. Strengthening the business skills of young entrepreneurs. Promoting the development of trade and investment with the United States, including entrepreneurship, small- and medium-sized businesses, and innovation as the basis for strong, sustainable, inclusive economic growth that creates quality employment and incorporates diverse and excluded groups. Participants and Audiences: The list below delineates our target audiences: Community associations; Civil society professionals; Academic institutions; Business leaders and entrepreneurs; Community leaders; Women and youth from underserved communities; and Youth

Economy Energy Security Entrepreneurship programs for underserved audiences that develop an entrepreneurial spirit and business development skills in target groups, including high school students, women, minorities, and people in small cities and rural areas outside of Zagreb. Innovative and educational programs that promote green economy and eco-friendly entrepreneurial initiatives. Programs that promote energy diversification in the near term and renewable energy development. Programs that promote energy security, cyber security, and/or our NATO security alliance. Croatia as a Regional Leader Global Challenges Programs that promote human rights, support marginalized groups, encourage gender equality and empowerment of women and youth, and that foster a culture of integration and diversity. Programs that train audiences to recognize disinformation or misinformation online and in news, their ability to counter foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation that undermines faith in democratic governance. Proposals that support increased awareness of disinformation among the media and journalists are welcome.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) serves as the head of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), overseeing and directing the implementation of the National Intelligence Program and acting as the principal advisor to the President, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council for intelligence matters related to national security. ODNIs Office of the Assistant Director of National Intelligence for Human Capital (ADNI/HC) houses the IC Centers for Academic Excellence (CAE) Program Office (IC CAE PO), responsible for developing and distributing this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), managing the application review process, and providing post-award grants program administration. The design of the IC CAE Program was formulated and executed in accordance with: The Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 (updated/amended 18 July 2019); 50 U.S.C. 3224 (Intelligence Officer Training Program); and 50 U.S.C. 3024(n)(4) (Acquisition and Other Authorities) The IC CAE Program began as a three-year pilot project directed by congressional authorization and appropriation for FY 2004 and was initiated by the Director of Central Intelligence to meet the nations demand for a diverse cadre of professionals to carry out national security priorities and obligations. In 2005, following the establishment of ODNI, the program moved under ODNI management with the intent to increase the pool of applicants by expanding awareness of the IC mission and culture throughout ethnically and geographically diverse communities. From October 2011 through December 2019, the IC CAE Program was managed by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), with oversight from ODNI, and expanded in scope and number of grant recipients. In December 2019, congress returned management of the IC CAE Program to the ODNI. Section 1024 of the National Security Act, as last amended in 2019, provides for this Program as follows: (a) PROGRAMS (1) The Director of National Intelligence may carry out grant programs in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) to enhance the recruitment and retention of an ethnically and culturally diverse intelligence community workforce with capabilities critical to the national security interests of the United States. (2) In carrying out paragraph (1), the Director shall identify the skills necessary to meet current or emergent needs of the intelligence community and the educational disciplines that will provide individuals with such skills. (b) INSTITUTIONAL GRANT PROGRAM (1) The Director may provide grants to institutions of higher education [IHEs] to support the establishment or continued development of programs of study in educational disciplines identified under subsection (a)(2). (2) A grant provided under paragraph (1) may, with respect to the educational disciplines identified under subsection (a)(2), be used for the following purposes: (A) Curriculum or program development. (B) Faculty development. (C) Laboratory equipment or improvements. (D) Faculty research. (c) GRANT PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN MINORITY-SERVING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. (1) The Director may provide grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities [HBCUs] and Predominantly Black Institutions [PBIs], Hispanic Serving Institutions [HSIs], and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions [AANAPISIs] to provide programs of study in educational disciplines identified under subsection (a)(2) or described in paragraph (2). (2) A grant provided under paragraph (1) may be used to provide programs of study in the following educational disciplines: (A) Intermediate and advanced foreign languages deemed in the immediate interest of the intelligence community, including Farsi, Pashto, Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian dialects. (B) Study abroad programs and cultural immersion programs. (d) APPLICATION An institution of higher education seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application describing the proposed use of the grant at such time and in such manner as the Director may require. (e) REPORTS An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this section shall submit to the Director regular reports regarding the use of such grant, including (1) a description of the benefits to students who participate in the course of study funded by such grant; (2) a description of the results and accomplishments related to such course of study; and (3) any other information that the Director may require For the 2024 IC CAE grant cycle, any acceptably accredited four-year Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) in the United States (its Territories and the District of Columbia) shall be eligible to apply as a Lead Institution. Acceptably accredited two-year IHE in the United States (its Territories and the District of Columbia), e.g., Community Colleges shall be eligible to apply as consortium partners, not as lead institutions. If the lead IHE is one of the four Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) categories listed in (c)(1) above, a consortium partner(s) is optional, but not required. However, if the lead IHE does not belong to one of the four MSI categories, then the application must include at least one additional IHE that qualifies as one of the four MSI categories listed above. Schools designated as any of these four MSI categories may be either the lead applicant or a consortium partner, or these MSI categories may make up the entire consortium. IHEs with Minority-serving designations other than the four listed may be either the lead applicant or a partner so long as at least one member school from the four named MSI categories is also a partner. The 2022 IC CAE grant receiving institutions and their consortia partners are not eligible to apply as they may not receive funds for the same initiative from two separate grants at the same time. More detailed information on eligibility can be found in Section III Eligibility. IHEs that receive grants under this program (lead and IHE consortia members) shall submit to the DNI, regular reports regarding the use of the grant funds including: A description of the benefits to students who participate in the course(s) of study funded by the grant. A description of the results and accomplishments related to the program objectives for the selected instructional pathway. The number of IC CAE Scholars and aspiring Scholars Demographic information related to participating students (anonymized). Any additional programmatic information that the IC CAE Program may require. Applicants (lead and consortia member IHEs) for this funding opportunity announcement acknowledge and accept these reporting requirements and must reflect this understanding and their compliance plans in their applications. Recipients of this grant shall be required to report metrics related to student ethnic and cultural diversity, as well as participation in all funded aspects of their program. Schools selected as grant recipients become known as IC CAE Program Schools. Students that participate in IC CAE Program School-funded curricula and programs are encouraged to work towards becoming IC CAE Scholars, a status obtained by achieving certain milestones and defined in the Key References, Appendix B. This association propels the students toward becoming part of an IC talent pool of choice. Becoming a scholar also recognizes students exceptional intellect, academic achievements, and dedication to knowledge pursuit. The IC CAE Program Office at ODNI (IC CAE PO) encourages applications that showcase innovative ideas for establishing enduring curriculum, partnerships, and programs in areas of interest to the IC and national security. The IC CAE PO has found the most successful recipients are those guided by personnel with knowledge of and experience in the IC; however, this is not a requirement. Further findings show that school programs are enhanced by partnerships with and outreach to IC installations (offices, bases, or other concentrations of personnel) and private industry in their regions supporting intelligence/national security work. This allows additional resources to provide Subject Matter Expert speakers, internship opportunities, and other interactions with intelligence professionals. Applicants for this grant are encouraged to obtain and become familiar with the information on the IC CAE Program by accessing the ODNI website at: https://www.odni.gov/iccae.

Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of States Embassy Ashgabat announces an open competition to implement programs focused on visual and performing arts. The project can address any area, including painting, sculpture, song/vocal performance, dance, music composition, theater and others. The objective of these projects is to promote U.S. culture and values, as well as the principles of equality, inclusion and diversity through artistic media, while helping build up the next generation of artists in Turkmenistan. Projects can involve audiences of diverse levels and ages, from school children to adults, including independent artists. Background: Turkmenistan's rich cultural traditions span thousands of years and are integral to its identity as a relatively young country. Its art portfolio is exceptionally rich and spans a variety of artistic media. Song, dance, painting, sculpture, poetry, filmmaking and even carpetmaking all have historically been important cultural and artistic outlets for the Turkmen people. Modern Turkmen artists have continued this tradition of versatility and creativity, which, coupled with a sense of curiosity and openness to new ideas, have made them ideal collaborators for artistic and cultural programs with the U.S. Embassy. Over the past 30 years, the Public Diplomacy Section at Embassy Ashgabat has successfully collaborated with numerous diverse artists and performers, who often note that their work is enthusiastically received by other artists, the public, and that state institutions receive them warmly because of the opportunities these visits provide to raise awareness about Turkmenistans rich cultural heritage. In particular, the Embassy has enjoyed successful collaborations with Turkmenistans musicians, including, most recently, a collaboration centered around Broadway music. This program not only reached audiences around the country, but engaged leading local artists who staged the first full-length musical production in Turkmenistan independently after participating in the Embassy program. Within the visual arts, Embassy Ashgabat has recently carried out successful projects involving painting. Local art school students greatly enjoyed learning from a recent visiting painter, who conducted masterclasses and workshops on the subject of plein-air painting, including a follow-up program that allowed some participants to visit the United States. Through cultural programming, Embassy Ashgabat seeks to highlights how art serves as an important tool for self-actualization, discovery, and education. In fact, both Turkmen and American participants of U.S.-sponsored programs often remark on the importance of the information they learned through these programs as well as the connections theyve made with other participants. Strengthening partnerships through the arts is especially important now, when global events seem to be dividing and distancing people from one another. Embassy Ashgabat considers its cultural programming as important as its educational exchanges, and through this program, the Public Diplomacy Section plans to continue working with the younger audiences, with an emphasis on promoting the values of equality, diversity and inclusion through the mediums of visual and performing arts. Projects that share U.S. values and cultural traditions, and foster artistic collaborations are especially welcome. Project Audience(s): Students from local art and music schools (children and teenagers) based in Ashgabat and other cities in Turkmenistan; Turkmen State Conservatory and Institute of Culture students (teenagers and youth), based in Ashgabat Young performers (musicians, singers, actors) seeking to develop their skills, based in Ashgabat and other cities in Turkmenistan. Project Goal: Facilitate the exchange of artistic practices and cultural preservation methods through joint educational and cultural programs between U.S. and Turkmen artists. Project Objectives: Conduct project or projects, preferably with children and youth, that would strengthen existing skills, teach new skills, promote international collaboration, and raise the general profile of the United States in Turkmenistan. Project Objectives: (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives). Objective 1: Increase awareness and appreciation of U.S. culture and values among Turkmenistans youth and artists through exhibitions, festivals or educational and cultural events. Objective 2: Strengthen visual and artistic skills of Turkmenistans artists and youth through workshops, training programs and mentorship opportunities. Objective 3: Equip Turkmenistans artists with skills and resources to practice and effectively showcase Turkmen traditional art forms. Objective 4: Facilitate joint collaborative initiatives among and between Turkmenistans and U.S. artists that showcase cultural exchange and mutual understanding.