Federal International Development Grants

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA), announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for Fund Manager for the Strengthening Civil Society and Governance in South Asia Fund (the Fund), established in 2019 to support civil society in strengthening governance transparency and accountability in South Asia. The Fund has provided sub-grants and capacity building support to a cohort of 93 civil society organizations in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka focused broadly on the following priority areas: 1. Increasing public sector accountability and transparency, especially in infrastructure procurement and public sector spending; 2. Strengthening democratic institutions and practices, including countering disinformation; 3. Supporting emerging areas of concern, such as environmental governance; 4. Promoting civic participation in such efforts.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) is pleased to invite eligible organizations to submit applications for a grant to support the Iraqi governments national mine action authoritys information management and capacity building needs during fiscal year 2024. Specific goals, objectives, and technical requirements for application packages are detailed below. PM/WRA anticipates awarding up to $1,000,000 under this funding opportunity.

CSO announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for programs that support increasing the capacity of a cohort of civil servants within the Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG) to identify priorities for the development of inclusive stabilization plans.

Executive Summary: The U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan announces an open competition for organizations to implement the Alumni Support Program in Turkmenistan (ASP). The purpose of this program is to strengthen the role of U.S. Government (USG) program alumni in supporting their communities and growing in their professional careers, while also deepening ties between alumni and across programs, regions and generations. This cooperative agreement will support one organization to oversee administration of small grants, organize events and facilitate better networking among alumni. Audience: past participants of USG programs, including: - Exchange programs: Artist Exchange, BFTF, Community Solutions, CAMEX, FLEX, Fulbright TEA, Fulbright Students, Fulbright Scholars, Humphrey Fellowship, Muskie Fellowship, Open World, IVLP, SUSI for Educators, Scholars, and Students, UGRAD, TechWomen, TechGirls, Alumni Ties. - Embassy-funded non-exchange programs: Prep4Success (P4S), Undergraduate Cohort Advising (UCA), American English Program (AEP), C5+ONE, OPEN. Project Goal: Expand engagement of U.S. government exchange alumni throughout Turkmenistan on key issues through increased networking and professional development opportunities Project Objectives: 1. Increase communication and collaboration between U.S. government exchange program alumni through networking opportunities. 2. Increase the number of alumni-led initiatives leveraging skills and knowledge acquired during exchange programs to address community needs and challenges. 3. Strengthen career and leadership skills of alumni through targeted professional development initiatives, including mentorship and coaching programs. Expected Themes Project Activities to be managed by the implementing partner: 1. Small Grants - Expanding the impact of USG programs in communities across Turkmenistan. The awardee will administer a small grants program for USG alumni and support alumni in developing and implementing projects that share American values, address community needs and/or educate public audiences. Priority will be given to projects that reach underserved communities, enhance the profile of alumni as community leaders and/or target thematic areas (to be agreed during the implementation period). Projects should have measurable outcomes and leverage other community resources when possible, including in-kind donations, public-private partnerships, alumni expertise, and cooperation with public sector institutions. Activities may include but not limited to: Develop a Grants Manual and award criteria. This document is expected to be a comprehensive guide or handbook (internal document for the grantee not for grant applicants) that outlines the process, procedures and best practices related to applying for, managing, and reporting on small grants. It may include but not limited to introduction (overview of purpose), detailed application process (when, how, where announced), eligibility, prioritization, reporting and compliance, budget instructions, monitoring and evaluation, and Q section. Engage with the alumni community in finalizing annual priority themes for the small grants. Publicize the grants program and conduct outreach in all regions of Turkmenistan. Conduct capacity-building seminars on topics such as project management and development, community engagement and monitoring and evaluation, reaching all regions of Turkmenistan. Award at least 20 grants through a competitive and transparent process. Track grant implementation, ensure visibility of grants, publicize success stories within the alumni community and engage grantees in sharing lessons learned. 2. Networking - Supporting a vibrant alumni community and increasing alumni ownership of activities: The awardee will conduct activities to support a vibrant alumni community and increase alumni ownership of all activities by planning events across the country and strengthening the capacity of the U.S.-Turkmenistan Alumni Association (USTAA). Activities: Conduct an alumni needs assessment and update the alumni contacts database. Recruit one Regional Alumni Representative (RAR) in each region, including Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary. Attend USTAA meetings as needed and assist in administering USTAA activities and identifying resources for strengthening USTAA administration and pursuing legal registration. Promote opportunities for alumni and share alumni success stories through a quarterly Alumni Newsletter and engage alumni in content creation. Plan and conduct the Annual Alumni Gala for at least 130 alumni from across the country, in partnership with the USTAA. In collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, ensure alumni participation in Pre-Departure Orientations (PDOs) and Re-Entry Seminars for USG exchange programs. Organize at least one networking event in each region per calendar quarter. 3. Professional Development - Improving the leadership capacity of USG alumni. The awardee will support the professional development of USG alumni by providing travel and professional development grants, organizing professional networking events and/or providing other professional development opportunities for alumni. Activities: Develop criteria for issuing individual grants for professional development, such as conferences or short-term training, and publicize these opportunities widely within the alumni community. Hold regular professional development events, such as presentations, networking events, mentorship programs, soft skills workshops, peer-to-peer coaching, discussion clubs, etc., based on need.

The Educational Information and Resources Branch (EducationUSA Branch or ECA/A/S/A) in the Office of Global Educational Programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces a NOFO for up to three cooperative agreements to administer FY 2025 EducationUSA Advising Services, pending the availability of FY 2025 funds. EducationUSA is the U.S. Department of States global network of over 430 educational advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories. EducationUSA advisers provide accurate, comprehensive, and current information about the full range of U.S. higher education opportunities, guiding prospective students to find the institution that best fits their needs. In addition, the EducationUSA network assists accredited HEIs to help institutional leaders meet their campus internationalization goals, including strategic guidance to U.S. institutions regarding relevant international higher education systems and partners to enhance their international networks and potential partnerships. The EducationUSA network, in collaboration with ECA, also provides information on the U.S. higher education system to foreign governments and institutions and encourages study abroad by Americans to expand their understanding of foreign cultures, communities, and countries.With the goal of increasing student mobility between the United States and other countries through EducationUSA advising, ECA expects this NOFO will result in up to three cooperative agreements. Applicants can submit proposals for one, two, or all three of the components below: Component A for EducationUSA Global Advising Services to support advising operations worldwide including, but not limited to, the development and maintenance of IT infrastructure, training resources and materials, global strategic communications and outreach, and the employment and management of approximately 12 Regional Educational Advising Coordinators (REACs). (Approximately $6,600,000.) Component B for EducationUSA Advising Services in Eurasia and Central Asia, to support advising in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine. (Approximately $1,500,000.) Component C for EducationUSA Advising Services in the Middle East and North Africa, to support advising in Egypt, Gaza, Lebanon, Tunisia, West Bank, and Yemen. (Approximately $650,000.) Please see the full announcement for additional information.

Proposed activities must be undertaken in South Sudan in response to the ongoing emergency in Sudan, to include support for emergency response operations for new arrivals at the border in reception and transit centers, and in official refugee sites in South Sudan. Note: PRM will not fund projects in Yida. Because of PRM;apos;s mandate to provide protection, assistance, and sustainable solutions for refugees and victims of conflict, PRM will consider funding only those programs that include a target program participant base of at least 50 percent refugees or refugee returnees. PRM will not consider activities outside of South Sudan for this funding opportunity.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in eliminating labor abuses and conditions of forced labor connected to cyber scam operations in Southeast Asia.

TOPIC 1: Equal Rights for Marginalized Communities Background: Projects under this funding opportunity should support the efforts of empowering marginalized communities, which include groups that have been traditionally discriminated against because of their identity (race, nationality, gender and gender identity, religious affiliation, disability and socioeconomic status, marital status, and ethnicity) or are particularly vulnerable to marginalization. Competitive projects will clearly identify the challenges facing a marginalized group and sustainable efforts to help advocate for, secure, or exercise their rights. Project Goal: Empower marginalized and vulnerable communities to exercise their human rights by increasing the capacity of civil society and independent media organizations to implement prevention, education, and response efforts in combatting GBV and DV. Project Audience(s): The primary target audience for these projects should be men and women from religiously or socially conservative communities; youth and emerging leaders (14-35 years old); spouses or families of labor migrants; families, government bodies; civil society or advocacy groups; and/or independent media. Projects that support other well-defined marginalized groups and/or with a nexus to family members of radicalized individuals will also be considered. Project Objectives: Each project should achieve one or more of the following objectives: 1. Increase the ability of civil society organizations and advocacy groups to implement and advocate for initiatives combatting GBV and DV through capacity building training. Training topics may include but are not limited to advocacy campaign planning, digital communication tools, messaging best practices, and media engagement strategies. 2. Raise awareness among the Tajik general public of the prevalence, impacts, and consequences of GBV and DV, or discrimination of other marginalized communities, within Tajik society in culturally sensitive and appropriate ways. 3. Facilitate collaboration between civil society organizations, independent media firms and the government bodies to identify and address gaps in existing laws and policies related to GBV/DV prevention or other forms of discrimination through policy dialogues and roundtable discussions. Examples of activities include but are not limited to: Enlisting men as allies in an information campaign to dismantle harmful, violent behavior, and raise awareness among vulnerable women about laws concerning early marriage, domestic abuse, harassment, divorce, alimony, and other civil rights related to women in the family. Conducting educational/outreach/raising awareness activities on the topics related to DV, human trafficking, gender equality, laws related to early marriage, harassment, divorce, and other human rights violation. TOPIC 2: Enabling Environment for Media and the Free Flow of Information Background Independent journalists in Tajikistan face certain career difficulties. These include incomplete or outdated training, lack of prospects outside of state-sponsored media sources, andfor early career journalistslack of experience in telling a story or creating informative, accurate, reliable content. As circulation and revenues from traditional media continue to fall, audiences and journalists increasingly turn to social media for information and profit, but few know how to effectively produce content for this medium that can compete with misinformation, propaganda, and extremist content. Those who do have a better understanding of the techniques and craft of digital production can find themselves chasing audiences with populist topics that may lack journalistic content or integrity. Additionally, many who want to pursue a career in journalism are unable to support themselves and their families financially or are not able to express themselves freely. Project Goal: To contribute to press freedom, the dissemination of accurate information, and the safeguarding journalists including citizen journalist rights by increasing the capacity of journalists and media professionals to produce quality and accurate content that counters misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda. Project Audience(s): Early to mid-career professional journalists, bloggers, social media influencers, and media experts in Tajikistan. Projects to promote and defend media independence and freedom of expression could include media organizations, advocacy groups, managers/editors of media outlets and other influential voices. Project Objectives: Each project should achieve one or more of the following objectives: 1. Strengthen the ability of media associations and organizations to adopt measures that protect their employees and affiliated media professionals from censorship or cyber threats such as hacking, phishing attempts, and website defacement. 2. Equip media associations and organizations with the ability to develop and implement sustainable funding models or revenue strategies that ensure their survival and long-term viability. 3. Improve the reporting of journalists, citizen journalists, bloggers, social media influencers, and other information professionals with regards to ethical reporting practices, investigative journalism, and the use of data analysis tools. 4. Increase media professionals knowledge and awareness about the prevalence and common tactics used in the spread of misinformation, including but not limited to the widespread use of headlines and manipulated content. Examples of activities include but are not limited to: Inviting U.S. or other subject matter experts to train Tajik media professionals and/or advocacy organizations or offer peer to peer mentoring programs. Training Tajik journalists, editors, and media professionals in fact-checking, confirming sources, authenticating images, and identifying bots and AI-produced media. Offering training for bloggers, social media influencers, or amateur citizen journalists with a U.S. expert or other subject matter expert in creating documentary stories for digital media; this could include audio or podcasted stories, short films, or articles that cover issues of local or public interest. Consulting for Tajik media outlets to understand how to monetize their content to become economically sustainable. TOPIC 3: Countering Violent Extremism Background Tajik youth are increasingly radicalized through messages they receive through social media and messenger apps where radical voices are often more active, organized, and better funded than competing voices that advocate tolerance and non-violence. Economically disadvantaged and marginalized youth are most susceptible to radicalization often look to celebrities, athletes, and online imams for guidance over their local community leaders. Project Goal: To provide positive and constructive alternatives to those most at-risk of recruitment into extremist groups by increasing government and/or civil society capacity and engagement in this sphere. Project Audience(s): The primary target audiences are those at-risk of recruitment (Tajik males (ages 15-35) living in rural Tajikistan and Russia, including labor migrants, who have received limited formal education), civil society organizations and government bodies working on countering violent extremism, and respected and popular figures in society who are considered credible voices by those at-risk (religious leaders, teachers, influencers). Project Objectives: Each project should achieve one or more of the following objectives: 1. Raise awareness of target communities and at-risk individuals on the prevalence of violent extremism and recruitment techniques through educational or training initiatives. 2. Equip target communities and individuals at-risk of recruitment into extremist groups with vocational and job search skills for the local job market, focusing on sectors with growth potential. Examples of activities include but are not limited to: Organize summer camps where at-risk youth learn goal setting, soft-skills, and vocational skills/job training, and participate in team building activities, learn about healthy conflict resolution, increase their emotional intelligence, and learn how to tolerate diversity in society. Train at least 10 well-known Tajik athletes (particularly mixed martial artists, boxers, wrestlers, bodybuilders, and football players) or other influential and credible voices to those at-risk (who have a wide following on social media) on the consequences of violent extremism and how to be effective public speakers on the topic. Topic 4: Low Emissions Development Planning for Energy Background: Climate change poses a serious threat to all aspects of Tajikistans society. As the climate warms and natural disasters become more frequent, segments of Tajikistans population that are already vulnerable to economic shocks will become more dependent on the support of civil society and the government to survive. Climate change threatens agriculture and energy sectors through the melting of glaciers and more variable rainfall while also harming the populations health through increased air pollution. Tajikistans reliance on hydropower can serve as a positive example for a world transitioning to renewable sources of energy, but hydropower is also threatened by climate change, as it is highly dependent on glacial melt. Glaciers are receding in Tajikistan at an alarming rate, thus reducing water levels in the reservoirs that power the hydropower plants. Reduced water from glaciers and changing rainfall patterns not only threatens Tajikistans energy security, but also agriculture, and thus has the potential to affect all aspects of society, leading to food insecurity and economic problems. While many parts of Tajikistan have installed micro-hydropower stations, solar power panels are less well-known and utilized. Continued reliance on coal power and polluting industries causes Dushanbe to have the worst levels of air pollution in Central Asia. Project Goal: Support national and sub-national frameworks for low-emissions development by increasing the use of renewable and sustainable energy sources in Tajikistan. Project Audience(s): The primary target audience for these projects should be national and subnational government organizations, civil society, media consumers and outlets, young entrepreneurs, and other well-defined key audiences. Project Objectives: Each project should achieve one or more of the following objectives: 1. Build expertise and capacity in government, private sector, and civil society organizations to analyze emissions sources, set emission reduction targets, and develop mitigation plans through the use of renewable and sustainable energy sources in Tajikistan. 2. Increase collaboration between local, state, and civil society actors/stakeholders to develop practical solutions to combat climate change, advocate for environmental protection legislation, and/or help Tajikistan meet its Global Methane Pledge. Examples of activities include but are not limited to: Conduct workshops, trainings, and/or exchanges to reach the project objectives. This could include hackathons or pitch competitions for young entrepreneurs or those working in related fields (such as data analytics, tech, etc.). Awareness Campaigns promote awareness of emissions and air quality through social and traditional media, produce short video clips for social media and/or TV about environmental issues. Install air quality monitors, test water quality, or improve local capability to conduct data collection, analysis, and reporting on emissions. Organize camps and ongoing actions that teach participants about the environment, promote reforestation initiatives, and/or increase appreciation for nature, including the need for low-emissions development practices.

The U.S. Embassy Tashkent Public Diplomacy Section (PD) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition to create an English teaching association for past participants (alumni) of U.S. government-funded -English Speaking Nation (ESN) professional development programs and for other exceptional English language teachers throughout Uzbekistan. Grants must support the creation and registration of a new teaching association, as well as the initial activities of the new association including but not limited to member recruitment, and the creation of professional development activities to support English language learning and teaching. Initial activities could include but are not limited to programs and events organized by the association to support professional development for English language teaching and learning in the country; training new generations of English language teachers and students; teaching practical English for professionals; motivating students to excel at English learning; and establishing English programs that support economic growth. This funding opportunity seeks to improve the quality of English language teaching and learning in the country by supporting the creation and registration of a new association of English teachers comprised primarily of, but not limited to, English Speaking Nation participants. This organization will engage in creating opportunities for teachers to share best practices; training new generations of English language teachers and students; motivating students to excel at English learning; and establishing English programs that support economic growth and development and improve the quality of English across the country.

The MERC Program is funded as assistance to promote scientific cooperation, technology-led development, and capacity building between partners in Israel and eligible countries/territories in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Subject to change based on U.S. federal law and country-specific restrictions on funding, those countries include: Algeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and the West Bank and Gaza (hereinafter eligible MENA partners). Emphasis is given to research and technology subjects of regional importance and relevance to the development in the MENA. Moreover, benefits should target developing, USAID-presence countries in the MENA and resource-limited populations.Strong, direct cooperation between Israel and the eligible MENA partners is required for proposals receiving funding under the MERC Program. Participation of partners from outside the MENA, including the United States, is not a key feature of the MERC Program, but they may be considered for modest roles in exceptional cases to meet an essential technical need that is not otherwise available among the partners. Applicants must be prepared to provide a well justified case for the involvement of partners from outside the MENA and accept that the MERC Program may not support their participation.The overall goal of the MERC Program is to enhance research and development cooperation between Israel and its regional neighbors in support of achieving a comprehensive and lasting Middle East peace. As part of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the MERC Program is seeking to fund proposals in the following categories:Continuation grants: Funding to extend existing or recently ended MERC awards.Travel and workshop grants: Support for workshops, meetings, and researcher exchange.

The Department of States Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO) aims to support a program to empower Pacific Island Countries (PICs) to identify areas of possible economic coercion or corruption and create strategies to prevent foreign influence from negatively impacting their ability to make sovereign decisions and to build their resilience to such influence. This program will provide regional expertise, background topical research and advice on coordinating a regional or national tabletop exercise or exercises (TTX) for the PICs.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for programs to bolster non-governmental organizations internal accessibility and inclusion policies and practices

Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a Leader with Associate (LWA) cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement the Civic DEFENDERS program. Eligibility for this award is not restricted. USAID intends to make an award to the applicant who best meets the objectives of this funding opportunity based on the merit review criteria described in this NOFO subject to a risk assessment. Eligible parties interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of program sought, application submission requirements, and selection process. To be eligible for award, the applicant must provide all information as required in this NOFO and meet eligibility standards in Section C of this NOFO. This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov, and may be amended. It is the responsibility of the applicant to regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this notice of funding opportunity and to ensure that the NOFO has been received from the internet in its entirety. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion process. If you have difficulty registering on www.grants.gov or accessing the NOFO, please contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or via email at [email protected] for technical assistance. USAID may not award to an applicant unless the applicant has complied with all applicable Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements detailed in Section D.6.g. The registration process may take many weeks to complete. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to begin registration early in the process. Please send any questions to the point(s) of contact identified in Section G. The deadline for questions is shown above. Responses to questions received prior to the deadline will be furnished to all potential applicants through an amendment to this notice posted to www.grants.gov. Issuance of this notice of funding opportunity does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government nor does it commit the Government to pay for any costs incurred in preparation or submission of comments/suggestions or an application. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicants expense. Thank you for your interest in USAID programs. Sincerely, Mir Ershadullah Agreement Officer

Through Democracy Indicators Monitoring Survey 4 (DIMS4), the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Bureau of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Office of Regional Sustainable Development (RSD), Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) aims to support citizen-responsive governance and democratic development with rigorous public opinion research on democratic norms, attitudes, and experiences in the LAC region. This will be achieved through four primary objectives, which in summary: 1) Collect statistically rigorous, cutting edge public opinion data surveys that are inclusive, related to key democratic attitudes and behaviors, contribute to long-term trend analysis, and are relevant for all stakeholders in informing policy and regulation decisions around democratic issues ; 2) Disseminate data, analysis, and research about democratic norms and attitudes in LAC; 3) Innovate by supporting and developing topics and methodologies in public opinion research and analysis; and 4) Localize the local capacity of researchers and institutions on survey design, data collection, data analysis and reporting, and evidence based policy making. These objectives consider longitudinal, country, and comparative cross-national trend analysis on topics relevant to the democracy sector in LAC, such as democratic norms and values, perceptions of institutions, and experiences with corruption, crime victimization, and migration.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for a new project, Dignity in Documentation Initiative (DIDI). This effort focuses on global, integrated, and holistic CRSV documentation programming seeking truth and justice for victims and survivors as well as accountability for crimes committed in violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. The DIDI must take a survivor-centered and trauma-informed approach, prioritizing the individual needs and efforts of CRSV survivors, while supporting survivor networks, civil society, and community-based organizations. This solicitation will result in the first tranche of these program efforts, with incremental funding envisioned over the life of the 5-year project, depending on the availability of funding.

The U.S. Embassy Tashkent Public Diplomacy Section (PD) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to organize a two to three-week day camp in Uzbekistan to improve university students English and IT skills in summer of 2025. The project must be innovative and creative to promote and improve English language learning as well as master basic and intermediate IT/software skills. This grant seeks to support initiatives such as: improving the quality of English language learning; introducing and training university students to new and existing IT programs; teaching communicative English in the IT sphere; and increasing awareness of emerging trends in IT. This funding opportunity seeks to improve the quality of English and IT in the country by supporting a multi-week, day camp focused on: improving the quality of English language usage within the IT sector; introducing and training university students on new and existing IT related technologies; teaching communicative English within a professional setting; and exposing students to emerging trends in IT. Grantees are expected to publicize project activities, including through social media and/or traditional press outlets; and highlight U.S. Embassy, Tashkent support, with our logo included on project-related materials.

The Department of States Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO) aims to support a program to empower Pacific Island Countries (PICs) to identify areas of possible economic coercion or corruption and create strategies to prevent foreign influence from negatively impacting their ability to make sovereign decisions and to build their resilience to such influence. This program will provide regional expertise, background topical research and advice on coordinating a regional or national tabletop exercise or exercises (TTX) for the PICs.

Questions must be submitted no later than 23:59 on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 on [email protected] 2. Applications must be submitted no later than 23:59 on Friday, June 28, 2024 3. Notification of project approval and award signing expected by September 2024. A. Project Description U.S. Embassy Port Louis announces an open competition for organizations in Mauritius and Rodrigues Island to submit applications to carry out a project through the Ambassadors Special Self-Help Program. A grant agreement for up to $15,000-$20,000 (U.S. Dollars) in fiscal year (FY2023) Economic Support Funds (ESF) will be awarded (pending availability of funds) for work that will support organizations throughout the country. The period of performance is 12 months. Funding authority rests in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended. Projects this year should fall under one or more of the following three categories: Small construction projects (less than 1,000 square meters) Communal construction equipment Miscellaneous durable goods The Ambassadors Special Self-Help Program provides small grants to assist community development projects that improve basic economic or social conditions in local communities. The small grants should aim to encourage self-reliance within local communities in Mauritius and Rodrigues Island by providing resources needed to turn a good idea into action. Proposed projects must be initiated by the community and should benefit the community by increasing income or improving living conditions. If the project is designed to generate income, it must benefit the beneficiaries and not the NGO or community-based organization and shall not be a for-profit enterprise or sole proprietorship. The project should be sustainable and not require continued support after the one-time funding from the Self-Help Program. Examples of potential project sectors/activities include: Cultural Heritage: Preservation or conservation of tangible and intangible heritage assets of society such as buildings, monuments, landscapes, archive materials, books, works of art, historical artifacts, folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge, or other types of related items. Environment: Reforestation, soil conservation, waste management, biodiversity conservation; community agriculture or aquaculture projects or other agroindustry projects, green composting projects, cold storage facilities, or fish conservation techniques for artisanal fishermen, or other types of related activities. Marine Conservation: Delimitation of marine protected areas, seagrass mapping to identify carbon sinks, coral reef restoration, protection of endemic plant and animal species, or other types of related activities. Renewable Energy: Installing solar energy, other renewable energies, or other types of related activities. Economic Support: Income generating activities, capacity building workshops in key traditional and non-traditional sectors, providing tools for furniture and handicrafts making, vocational training activities that produce employment and marketable skills, workshops to build e-commerce skills, or other types of related activities. Health: Drug demand reduction, improving health conditions of disadvantaged groups, community gardening and psychosocial support, providing healthcare assistance to at-risk community members, including homeless persons, families living under the poverty line, and/or elderly living alone, providing broadly accessible, reliable, and economically sustainable water and sanitation services to bolster healthy, secure, and prosperous communities, or other types of related activities. Civic Education: Civic engagement, civic education in the lead up to elections to increase public participation, promotion of diverse voices through education centers, or other types of related activities. Funding Restrictions The following activities and costs are not covered under this announcement and are classified as not allowable: Activities with unmitigated and negative environmental consequences, such as dams and roads through relatively pristine forest lands. Activities that contribute to commercial deforestation or conversion of land-use from forest to livestock. Actions that are likely to jeopardize, threaten, or endanger species and/or their habitat. Actions that are likely to degrade protected areas significantly, such as introduction of exotic plants or animals. Development, procurement, or use of toxic or otherwise unsafe products, including pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or hazardous chemicals. Religious, political, military, or law enforcement activities, including those relating to police and prisons. Activities that violate or abuse labor rights, human rights, or otherwise discriminates against or exacerbates inequities among members of marginalized or underserved communities. School or team uniforms. Sports equipment or musical instruments. Playgrounds. Luxury goods. Gambling equipment. Surveillance equipment. Alcoholic beverages. This notice is subject to availability of funding. Please refer to the complete NOFO on U.S. Embassy Port Louis's website.

Drawing on the science of prebunking and the popularity and penetration of video games, the implementer will organize a game jam. Games developed during the United with Ukraine Game Jam will increase player skepticism of foreign propaganda and disinformation.

The U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications under the 2024 Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP)/CVE Program for Women Leading Peace in West Africa. Proposals funded under this announcement should seek to carry out a program to build the capacity of Bajenu Gox members (neighborhood godmothers-English translation) to counter violent extremism (CVE) in local communities along the eastern border regions of Senegal. Note: The U.S. Embassy expects to receive funding for the TSCTP/CVE-WLP 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.