U.S. Mission to Sri Lanka, Administrative–Exchanges Travel Partner

Overview

The U.S. Embassy Colombo, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce a funding opportunity through the Public Diplomacy grants program to support participation of Sri Lankans in regional and other international exchange and learning opportunities. 

U.S. Embassy Colombo supports a variety of exchange and learning opportunities for Sri Lankans to foster skills and capacity in areas of leadership, community engagement, civic discourse, entrepreneurship media, social media, and technology. Some examples include the Everest International Model United Nations, Tech Camp, and Women in Science STEAM Camp. Funded and organized by the U.S. Embassy, these exchanges will occur within the South Asia region, and are estimated to include between 15 and 25 individuals. Final participant numbers and the locations of their exchanges will be finalized in late 2024 through 2025.

To best expand our exchange and learning opportunities, PDS Colombo is seeking an implementing partner (through a Cooperative Agreement; with significant Public Diplomacy Section input and assistance) to administratively support participant selection and to take the lead on administrative tasks associated with travel in consultation with PDS Colombo for the several anticipated exchange and learning opportunities in late 2024 through 2025.

Project Audience(s):
Primary beneficiaries will vary based on the particular exchange program, but will generally include Sri Lankan citizens, ages 17 to 35, from all districts, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.

Project Goal:
Foster the participation of young Sri Lankans in exchange and learning opportunities to support sustainable economic growth, bolster civil society, an equitable environmental future, and inclusive governance.

Objective: 
Facilitate the smooth selection, travel and other logistics for all exchange participants as indicated by PDS Colombo.

Expected Activities:

•Administrative and logistical support for identifying and selecting participants in Regional and International Exchange Programs and Learning Opportunities with significant involvement by PDS Colombo;

o Exchange opportunities will be identified by PDS
o Diversity with respect to gender, ethnicity, religion and geographic location will be embraced.

•Administrative and logistical support related to travel for participants in Regional and International Exchange Programs and Learning Opportunities as identified by PDS Colombo, including but not limited to

o Organizing passports as necessary;
o Organizing visas as necessary;
o Arranging travel reservations to include flights and travel insurance;
o Arranging hotels as needed to support departure and arrival from the airport;

•Budget should include costs associated with the travel necessities indicated above;

•Budget should include personnel and support costs.

Eligible Applicants: The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• Not-for-profit organizations
• Civil society/non-governmental organizations
• Think tanks
• Public and private educational institutions

For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.

Applicants must be registered in Sri Lanka. International organizations, Sri Lankan government entities and individuals are not eligible to apply.
Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. Pending funds availability, this funding opportunity will provide support for one year of activity. Period and grant amount may be amended depending on exchange program and learning opportunities available and number of participants identified. Anticipated program start date: October 2024

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement.