U.S. Embassy Abidjan PDS Annual Program Statement

Overview:

The U.S. Embassy Abidjan 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. 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.

PDS Abidjan invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Côte d’Ivoire through programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American element, connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field or promote shared policy objectives.

Public Diplomacy Priority Program Areas:

• Trade and Investment: Projects that promote the development of the digital economy, creative industries, tourism sector, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and innovation as the basis for strong, sustainable, inclusive economic growth;
• Media & Information: Projects that promote an understanding of freedom of the press, ethical journalism practices, increased access to information, improved media and digital literacy, and combat mis- and disinformation.

• Empowering Youth, Women & Populations experiencing marginalization: Projects that support the engagement or empowerment of marginalized or underserved communities in the digital economy, gender equity, minority rights, and persons with disabilities.

   

Priority Region: Côte d’Ivoire
PDS Abidjan will prioritize proposals with grant activities occurring outside of metropolitan Abidjan, including programs taking place in Northern Côte d’Ivoire.
 

Solicitation limitations:

Applicants are only allowed to submit only 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.

Other information:

Award Information
Length of performance period: 1 to 12 months
Anticipated program start date:  On a rolling basis; awards must be executed prior to 9/30/25
Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. PDS will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost sharing is encouraged, but not required. Applicants who plan to include a cost share component to their proposal should clearly outline it in their budget breakdown and budget narrative. The Cost share will not be considered as a criteria in the proposal’s review.
 

2025 National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) Program

Overview:

The NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) program seeks proposals that explore ways for graduate students in research-based master's and doctoral degree programs to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to pursue a range of STEM careers. The program is dedicated to effective training of STEM graduate students in high priority interdisciplinary or convergent research areas, through a comprehensive traineeship model that is innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with changing workforce and research needs. Proposals are requested that address any interdisciplinary or convergent research theme of national priority, as described in section II.D below.

The NRT program addresses workforce development, emphasizing broad participation, and institutional capacity building needs in graduate education. The program encourages proposals that involve strategic collaborations with the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, national laboratories, field stations, teaching and learning centers, informal science centers, and academic partners. 

A. Focus and Goals
The NRT Program is dedicated to shaping and supporting highly effective training of STEM graduate students in high priority interdisciplinary or convergent research areas through the use of comprehensive traineeship models that are innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with changing workforce and research needs. The goals of the program are to:

• Catalyze and advance cutting-edge interdisciplinary or convergent research in high priority areas;
• Increase the capacity of U.S. graduate programs to produce diverse cohorts of interdisciplinary STEM professionals with technical and transferable professional skills for a range of research and research-related careers within and outside academia; and
• Develop innovative approaches and knowledge that will promote transformative improvements in graduate education.

Creation of sustainable programmatic capacity at institutions is an expected outcome. Consequently, all proposals should describe mechanisms to
institutionalize effective training elements after award expiration and provide appropriate documentation of institutional support for such efforts (see Full Proposal
Content, section 8).

B. NRT Traineeship and Trainees
NRT traineeships are dedicated to the comprehensive development of graduate students as versatile STEM professionals for a range of research and research related careers within and outside academia. Accordingly, proposals should focus on and demonstrate strong commitment to technical and professional training of STEM graduate students that emphasizes research training and extends beyond into other aspects of students’ professional development. Specifically, NRT projects are expected to develop trainees’ technical skills broadly, including facility and/or familiarity with the techniques, languages, and cultures of fields integral to the interdisciplinary or convergent research theme; foster the development of transferable professional skills; and provide trainees with mentoring and vocational counseling from professionals who have the backgrounds, experience, and skills to advise trainees on how to prepare for a variety of STEM career pathways. NRT is intended to benefit a population of STEM graduate students beyond those who receive an NRT stipend. An NRT trainee is thus defined as a STEM graduate student, irrespective of funding source, who is accepted into an institution’s NRT program and completes the required NRT elements (e.g., courses, workshops, projects, and other training activities specific to the NRT experience) set by the program. To further maximize the number of students benefiting from NRT activities, proposers are expected to make available (within the capacity and budget limitations of the award) NRT program elements to other STEM graduate students who are not NRT trainees.

NRT trainees must be master’s and/or doctoral STEM students in a research-based degree program that requires a thesis or dissertation. If an NRT proposal from an institution includes both master’s and doctoral students, the proposal should identify any differences in NRT program requirements, as well as mechanisms to foster the development of a collective NRT graduate student community. NRT stipends and support for customary costs of education (tuition and required fees) are limited to U.S. citizens, nationals and permanent residents. However, international students can participate as non-stipend-supported NRT trainees or as non-trainees.

C. Key Features of NRT Projects
NRT projects demonstrate comprehensive approaches to graduate training and should include the following key features that are central to the NRT Program:

• Development of innovative and potentially transformative interdisciplinary approaches to STEM graduate education;
• Extension of NRT program elements to non-stipend-supported NRT trainees and to non-trainees to benefit a larger population of STEM graduate students across an institution;
• Dissemination of insights gained and results from NRT training approaches;
• Facilitation and advancement of novel, potentially transformative interdisciplinary or convergent research in areas of high priority to the nation;
• Comprehensive training of STEM graduate students, including the development of technical and professional skills for both research and research-related careers within and outside academia;
• Incorporation of evidence-based strategies to broaden participation of students from diverse backgrounds; and
• Implementation of robust program assessment and evaluation that is central to the traineeship and routinely informs and improves practice.

D. Priority Research Areas
The NRT Program accepts proposals in any interdisciplinary or convergent research theme of national importance, and encourages specific priority research areas that change periodically. All interdisciplinary or convergent research themes should align with NSF or other national STEM research priority areas and have high potential to develop novel, innovative practices in graduate education. Proposers should describe the importance of the NRT project’s thematic focus to the nation and the particular need to train students for a variety of careers in that thematic area.

For FY2021 and FY2022, proposals are encouraged in the research areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) and the six research areas in NSF's 10 Big Ideas. The NSF research Big Ideas are Harnessing the Data Revolution (HDR), The Future of Work at the Human- Technology Frontier (FW-HTF), Navigating the New Arctic (NNA), Windows on the Universe: The Era of Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (WoU), The Quantum
Leap: Leading the Next Quantum Revolution (QL), and Understanding the Rules of Life: Predicting Phenotype (URoL). The FY2021 Budget Request to
Congress includes an additional $15 million to include a special focus on artificial intelligence and artificial intelligence engineering.

All proposals, regardless of research area, must clearly describe an overarching interdisciplinary or convergent research focus and outline how the research
theme will foster high-return, interdisciplinary synergies. Proposals should also describe how the training and research elements will be integrated and justify the need for bold and innovative approaches to train graduate students in the thematic area. In keeping with the broader goals of the NRT program, proposals should demonstrate significant impact on the design and testing of new curricula and career-focused training approaches specific to the research focus area.

Proposals should also discuss the project's potential to have impact beyond the institution, including the possible broad adoption of approaches, curricula, and
instructional material within the relevant disciplines.

E. Program Tracks
Proposals may be submitted under two tracks (i.e., Track 1 and Track 2).
Track 1 proposals may request a total budget (up to five years in duration) up to $3 million for projects with a focus on STEM graduate students in research-based PhD and/or master’s degree programs. All Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members and that award a research-based master’s degree and/or a doctoral degree in STEM disciplines supported by the National Science Foundation are eligible to apply to Track 1.

Track 2 proposals may request a total budget (up to five years in duration) of up to $2 million. Eligibility to apply to Track 2 is limited to non-R1 Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members, that award a research-based master’s degree and/or a research-based doctoral degree in STEM disciplines supported by the National Science Foundation. Such institutions include Master’s Colleges and Universities that award fewer than 20 research/scholarship doctoral degrees per year, Doctoral/Professional Universities (D/PU ) that award fewer than 20 research/scholarship doctoral degrees per year, and Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity (R2, as defined in the Carnegie classification of higher education institutions). Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity (R1) are not eligible for Track 2 consideration.

Other requirements for Track 1 and Track 2 are identical.

Solicitation limitations:

ASU may submit only two (2) applications to the sponsoring organization. 

An eligible IHE may participate in only two (2) proposals per NRT competition as lead or collaborative non-lead. All Track 1 and/or Track 2 NRT proposals will be counted toward this total limit of two proposals per institution.

An individual may serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI on only one (1) proposal submitted to the NRT program per annual competition. Proposals that exceed the PI/co-PI eligibility limit (beyond the first submission based on timestamp), will be returned without review regardless of the individual's role (PI or co-PI) in the returned proposal.

Other information:

Estimated Number of Awards: 8 to 20

NRT Track 1 Awards (14-16 awards each year) are expected to be up to five (5) years in duration with a total budget up to$3,000,000.

NRT Track 2 Awards (4-6 awards each year) are expected to be up to five (5) years in duration with a total budget up to$2,000,000.

NRT Track 2 Planning Grants (3-4 awards per year), are expected to be up to $100,000 per year (including indirect costs)and for up to two years in duration.

Anticipated Funding Amount: $53,000,000

U.S. Embassy to the United Kingdom Annual Program Statement

Overview:

The US Embassy to the United Kingdom’s Public Diplomacy Section, PDS, is pleased to announce the launch of its annual Public Diplomacy grants program. The Annual Program Statement outlines the Embassy’s funding priorities, strategic themes of focus, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding for Fiscal Year 2025, which runs from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. 

We will only accept applications with budgets within the range of USD 10000 minimum to USD 100000 maximum. 

All programs must promote at least one US Embassy priority program area and include a US element or connection. Democracy and Shared Values Global Challenges Climate Change, Science, and Technology Programs can include US experts, organizations, or institutions in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of US policies and perspectives. 

Examples of grants program projects include, but are not limited to:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs.
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions. 
• Professional and academic exchanges and projects. 
• Professional development workshops and training.

All proposed programs must include a public-facing element, targeting audiences across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, with special consideration for youth audiences aged 18 to 35 and regions outside of London.

Priority Program Areas
Democracy and Shared Values:  Activities that promote the U.S.-UK bilateral relationship and build people-to-people ties.

Special attention will be given to projects that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence; promote our shared values between the U.S. and the UK, including our commitment to democracy and human rights, women’s empowerment, and equity and inclusion to support underserved communities.

Global Challenges:  Activities that build public support for the U.S.-UK alliance and U.S. foreign policy priorities related to shared national security challenges; and/or address transnational challenges such as mis- and disinformation from hostile actors; and/or projects that promote peaceful dialogue and counter radicalization, and equity and social justice.

Special attention will be given to projects focused on countering mis/disinformation; bolstering support for Ukraine; raising awareness around PRC interventionist activities; and promoting peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland.

Climate Change, Science, and Technology:  Activities that build awareness, action and cooperation on global priorities including climate/environment, sustainability, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, STEAM, and/or improve the connections between U.S. and UK businesses.  Special attention will be given to projects that:

Advance collaboration on the safe and responsible use of AI; promote climate-smart policies and infrastructure to support green growth and transatlantic security; and support women and girls in developing STEAM skills.

Participants and Audience Reach:

All applicants for awards must specify the program’s target audience (noting any emphasis on diverse audiences) and estimate the expected audience reach through direct contact and, if possible, through indirect contact (via social media or traditional media).  Proposals must include evaluation measures for analysis of impact.

Solicitation limitations:

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. 

Other information:

Length of Performance Period: 1 to 12 months

Number of Awards Anticipated: 3 to 30 awards (dependent on amounts and availability of funding)

Award Amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less.

Cost Sharing or Matching: When cost-sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost-sharing as stipulated in its proposal.  PDS encourages, but does not mandate, that applicants include cost-sharing elements from additional sources in support of their proposals.

NDEP STEM Open NFO

Overview:

The Department of Defense (DoD) Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) seeks innovative applications on mechanisms to implement and research the effectiveness of STEM education, outreach, and/or workforce initiative programs, here onto referred as STEM activities. 
In response to this NFO, the Department intends to release amendments and solicitations, such as Industry Days, Opportunity Days, etc., detailing funding opportunities through award(s) in STEM activities. 

These activities include, but are not limited to: 
(1) STEM Education and Outreach 
(2) Support for STEM Education at Two-Year Institutions/Community Colleges (2YI/CCs)
(3) Manufacturing Engineering Education Program 
(4) Education and Workforce Development aligned to the DoD Critical Technology Areas 
(5) Enhanced Civics Education 
(6) STEM Scholarship Programs 
(7) Strategic Partnerships 
(8) Program Evaluations and Assessments 
(9) Data Analytics and Visualizations 
(10) Activities aligned to the DoD STEM Strategic Plan
(11) Other NDEP Congressional Initiatives and Programs

This NFO competition is implemented in two stages: 
(1) Applicants must submit a white paper by the designated deadline specified in the NFO amendment or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcement. 
(2) Based on assessment of the white paper, selected applicants will be invited to submit an application by the designated deadline.
White papers that fail to address the areas listed in the Program Description of the NFO amendment or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcement will not be evaluated and will not receive an invitation to submit a full technical application.

Solicitation limitations:

Per 2 CFR § 200.216, funds may not be used to procure telecommunications equipment or video surveillance services or equipment produced by 

• Huawei Technologies Company 
• ZTE Corporation Hytera Communications Corporation
• Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company
• Dahua Technology Company
• Any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities 

Resultant grants will not allow reimbursement of pre-Federal award costs. The DoD will only fund salary, fringe benefits and indirect costs on awards under the announcement. Funds from an award may not be used to attain fee or profit.  

Other information:

Mandatory White Paper Due: March 5, 2025  

In response to this NFO, applicants may be asked for a mandatory white paper submission, emailed to [email protected]. Use of the white paper is intended to determine which efforts are of merit preparatory to submission of a full application as described in Section IV. Applicants will be selected from the white paper submissions to be invited by the Government via email to submit a full application on Grants.gov for evaluation and possible award consideration. White papers that fail to address the areas listed in the Program Description of the NFO amendment or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcement will not be evaluated and will not receive an invitation to submit a full technical application.

The submission of a white paper is dependent on the NFO amendment or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcement. In addition to the submission requirements outlined in Section IV, all responses should address items in the specific NFO amendment or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcement.

The white paper should be emailed to [email protected] with the subject line, “NFO White Paper Submission.”

For all personnel proposed as key personnel applicants must submit an SF424 Research and Related (R&R) 4040-001 Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) form.

All awards are expected to be in place by 8 February 2028.

U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Annual Program Statement

Overview:

PDS Nairobi invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Kenya and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must advance a U.S. linkage including, for example, a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies, economic models, and perspectives on the U.S.-Kenya partnership. The following are the four priority program areas: 
• Economic Prosperity 
• Democracy and Governance 
• U.S. - Kenya Creative Economy Partnership 
• U.S. - Kenya Higher Education Partnership 

Goals and Objectives
The U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its 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.

Priority Program Areas: Proposals must address one of the following key program areas:

1. Economic Prosperity – Advances the prosperity of the United States and Kenya through a fair and reciprocal economic partnership, the strengthening of Kenya’s business climate, support for its startup ecosystem, clean energy solutions and climate change resiliency, and education that skills the next generation of workers. 

2. Democracy and Governance – Deepens the bilateral relationship on a broad range of common interests including respect for human rights, safeguarding civic space, rule of law, public accountability, anti-corruption efforts, shared democratic values, and protection of fundamental freedoms.

3. U.S.-Kenya Creative Economy Partnership – Engage creative economy leaders, the Kenyan public, the investor community, and government officials in support of creative economy development and U.S.-Kenya partnership. Program goals could include Government of Kenya policies adopted in support of creative economy growth, advancement of intellectual property protections, U.S.-Kenya creative industry investment opportunities, public understanding and support for U.S. creative economy engagement in Kenya, strengthening of professional networks across different industries, and development of Kenyan university initiatives that facilitate creative economy education and job growth.  

4. U.S.-Kenya Higher Education Partnership – Launching and strengthening of long-term joint initiatives between Kenyan and U.S. universities, especially focused on technology, joint research, and private-sector job growth. Program goals could include mutually beneficial tech, education, and business developments for students, researchers, startups, faculty, and larger commercial enterprises. Proposed fields for U.S.-Kenya university cooperation could include trade and investment, economic growth, renewable energy and green industrialization, global health advancements, and security cooperation.

Participants and Audiences:
Kenyans who may be in any of the following categories:
• Kenyans between the ages of 16 and 35, including students, civil society leaders and social influencers;
• Business leaders and rising entrepreneurs;
• Established opinion leaders, including cultural influencers and academic institution leadership.
 

Other information:

Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.  

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 or specific academic research; 
    • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or 
    • Scholarships or tuition assistance 
    • Commercial or for-profit activities, including seed money; or 
    • Programs that duplicate existing programs. 
 

Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) Organizational Research Education Award to Promote Diversity (UE5 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Overview:

The NIH Research Education Program (UE5) supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH. The over-arching goal of the MOSAIC UE5 program is to support educational activities that encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, for example those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, to pursue further studies or careers in research.

To accomplish the stated over-arching goal, this FOA will support creative educational activities with a primary focus on Courses for Skills Development and Mentoring Activities. Applications are encouraged from organizations of biomedical researchers (e.g., scientific societies) with a membership of scientists conducting research within the mission of NIH, experience serving as a centralized entity to enhance scientific communication and networking among scientists conducting research, an established record of providing professional development and networking activities for the next generation of biomedical researchers, and a demonstrated commitment to enhancing the diversity of the biomedical research workforce.

The program provides support for well-designed courses for skills development and mentoring activities to prepare MOSAIC K99/R00 grantees to transition into, succeed, and advance in independent faculty careers at research-intensive institutions.
 

Solicitation limitations:

ASU may submit only one (1) application to the sponsoring organization. The Limited Submissions internal application can be found here: InfoReady.

Other information:

A broad portfolio – in terms of scientific areas, approaches, regions, organizations, and individual investigator experiences – is integral to NIH’s ability to fulfill its mission. Advances in biomedical research depend upon a workforce composed of people trained in multiple disciplines and from a range of backgrounds who can provide the breadth of creativity, and individual interests, perspectives and experiences needed to identify and address important and complex scientific problems, engage with increasingly diverse patient populations, and effectively serve as mentors to trainees from increasingly diverse backgrounds who are pursuing biomedical research careers. Research shows that teams with members from different backgrounds that utilize their members' unique experiences and perspectives better capitalize on innovative ideas and outperform homogeneous teams.

There are many benefits that flow from an NIH-supported scientific workforce that leverages the talents of rigorous researchers from all backgrounds, including individuals from underrepresented groups: fostering scientific innovation, enhancing global competitiveness, contributing to robust learning environments, improving the quality of research, enhancing public trust, and increasing the likelihood that health disparities and the needs of underserved populations are addressed in biomedical research.
Expanding the population of academic investigators from nationally underrepresented backgrounds in the biomedical research workforce has remained an elusive goal.
 

U.S. Mission to North Macedonia: 2025 PDS Grants Program

Overview:

The U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals for programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the U.S. and North Macedonia 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.

Examples of PDS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:

•    Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs
•    Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions
•    Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs
•    Professional and academic exchanges and programs
•    Programs focused on entrepreneurship and innovation
•    Programs focused on empowerment of youth and underserved communities across the societal and cultural spectrum
•    Programs focused on democratic processes and values
•    Programs focused on gender issues
•    Programs focused on human and equal rights
•    Programs focused on critical thinking in media consumption
•    Programs focused on strengthening resiliency against false information and malign influence
•    Programs focused on safeguarding natural resources and ecosystems
•    Programs that support North Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration process

Priority Program Areas:
The objectives of the Public Diplomacy Grant Program are to promote positive relations between North Macedonia and the United States; to reinforce shared values; and to connect North Macedonia’s emerging leaders to the American people.

We fund projects that:
• Help North Macedonia’s youth build and develop skills to improve their potential through innovative science (e.g. health awareness), technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEM) programs, as well as through entrepreneurship programs and vocational training.

• Encourage North Macedonia’s youth to participate in civic life through social entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and community engagement.

• Strengthen understanding of U.S. values and institutions; highlight U.S. culture, including American Studies, English language teaching/learning, and study in the United States; as well as support diversity through the acceptance of minority groups, including individuals with special needs or handicapping conditions, and other areas of mutual interest.

Participants and Audiences: US Mission North Macedonia encourages not only diverse applicants to apply to our grants programs but would also like to see diverse target audiences and trainers. Diversity can be defined by different geographic regions, ethnicities, religious orientations, gender, physical disabilities including visual, hearing, speech, and other physically handicapping conditions.

Solicitation limitations:

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.

Other information:

Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.

Funding Restrictions
None of the funds awarded resulting from Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Proposals will be accepted throughout the year
Proposals will be reviewed according to the following schedule:   
•  Proposals received between January 1 and March 31 will be reviewed by April 30, with responses going out by May 15.  
• Proposals received between April 1 and June 15 will be reviewed by July 30, with responses going out by August 15.
 

US Mission to Norway: U.S. Embassy Oslo (PDS): Annual Program Statement - Small Grants Program

Overview:

The Public Diplomacy section at U.S. Embassy Norway is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Annual Program Statement Small Grants Program. This Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

All programs must include an American element. Examples of American elements include, but are not limited to, connections 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 program should have a public outreach component that specifically engages audiences in Norway. Proposals that seek to advance the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Norway in the following areas will be prioritized:

• Highlight the importance of the strong security and defense relationship between the U.S. and Norway
• Promote awareness of, and interest in, benefits of the economic relationship between the U.S. and Norway
• Share best practices in research security and academic integrity.
• Expand bilateral ties based on shared Norwegian and American values

• Capitalize on interest in the history and legacy of Norwegian emigration to the United States during the bicentennial commemorations in 2025 to underscore connections between contemporary Norway and the U.S.

   

Examples of successful PD Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to, programs that advance the policy areas above through:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs
• Educational and informational public programs 
• Projects that build sustainable ties between civil society organizations and interest groups in the U.S. and Norway

• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions

   

Submission Requirements

The PDS Norway invites Statements of Interest (SOI) for programs that address the priority areas listed above. This is a two-tier competitive process, where the submission of the SOI is the first step.

An SOI is a concise proposal designed to communicate program ideas and objectives. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applications will be invited to submit a full grant application to be considered by the Grants Committee Review Panel.

SOIs are due according to the previously stated deadlines to [email protected]. Please submit at least two months before the start of the program.  

Other information:

Participants and Audiences: The U.S. Embassy seeks to engage geographically and demographically diverse audiences within Norway, with an emphasis on youth (late high school and university students, early career professionals).

Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.

We accept grant proposals on a rolling basis until the submission deadline. 
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with the following schedule (All dates are estimated):
•    January 15, 2025 – results to be advised by end of January.
•    February 15, 2025 – results to be advised by end of March.
•    April 15, 2025 – results to be advised by end of May.
•    June 15, 2025 – results to be advised by end of July.

Funding Restriction
Grants cannot be used to fund religious or partisan political activity or for: fundraising campaigns; commercial projects or for-profit ventures; individual academic research projects; construction projects; or projects whose primary objective is an organization’s institutional development or an individual’s personal enrichment or career development. 
 

U.S. Mission to Sudan: Office of Sudan Affairs, PDS Annual Program Statement

Overview:

The Office of Sudan Affairs (OSA) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its 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 below.

The OSA strives to ensure that its efforts reflect the diversity of U.S. society and societies abroad. The OSA seeks and encourages the involvement of people from traditionally underrepresented audiences in its grants, programs, and other activities and in its workforce and workplace. 

Opportunities are open to people regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. 
OSA will accept proposals for projects inside Sudan; however, these proposals MUST provide a clear risk assessment and monitoring plan that addresses security risks and contingencies given the instability of the current situation in Sudan. For proposals outside of Sudan, the Embassy expects a clear description of the beneficiaries and how the projects aim to engage with them.

Goals and Objectives
PDS invites proposals for programs that support OSA goals in Sudan (see priority program areas below). Successful proposals must include a reference to American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of the United States and/or U.S. policy or perspectives. Successful proposals will clearly describe the U.S. component of the program, the program’s anticipated results, when results will be expected, and how the OSA can measure them. Successful grantees will proactively show progress towards results through regular reporting to the OSA. U.S. government officials will visit the program, if possible, to monitor progress.

Examples of Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program activities include but are not limited to: 
•    Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs; 
•    Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions;
•    Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs; 
•    Professional and academic exchanges and programs; and 
•    Conferences, workshops, or training opportunities.

Priority Program Areas: The proposal must address one of the following priority program areas: 
•    Promoting women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and STEM;
•    Promoting societal inclusion; 
•    Promoting peace through the arts; or 
•    Promoting any of the themes above through the arts. 
•    Promoting humanitarian assistance and civilian protection; 
•    Promoting civic education and engagement; 
•    Promoting media capacity building; 
•    Promoting human rights awareness and advocacy;

Participants and Audiences:
Youth aged 18-35 years; 
Young professionals; and 
Above priority audiences with a focus on women, underprivileged or culturally/ethnically diverse communities, or those from marginalized groups

Solicitation limitations:

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. 

Other information:

Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less. Subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State. This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Number of awards anticipated: Subject to Funding Availability

Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $2,000 to a maximum of $25,000, although exceptional proposals over $25,000 may be considered.

Funding Instrument Type:  Grant, fixed amount award (FAA), or cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements and some FAAs are different from grants in that bureau/embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation (“Substantial Involvement”).

Cost Sharing or Matching: Inclusion of cost sharing is welcome but not required.

Submission Dates and Times: Proposals will be accepted throughout the year. Proposals will be reviewed according to the following schedule:

• Proposals received between December 1 and December 31 will be reviewed by February 15, 2025.  Responses will be sent to applicants by March 15, 2025.
• Proposals received between January 1 and March 15 will be reviewed by April 30, 2025.  Responses will be sent to applicants by May 31, 2025.
• Proposals received between April 1 and May 31 will be reviewed by June 1, 2025.  Responses will be sent to applicants by July 31, 2025.

Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time before the closing date of May 31, 2025.  No applications will be accepted after that date.

U.S. Mission to Kyrgyzstan: U.S. Embassy Bishkek PDS Annual Program Statement (SOI)

Overview:

The U.S. Embassy Bishkek Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations/individuals to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to carry out a project (or projects) to strengthen ties between the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic and support a priority program area (see below) to highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. 

All proposed programs must include an American element, either through a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s, usage of American educational/informational resources, including American English-language teaching resources, or any other activities that promote or contribute to increased mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of the Kyrgyz Republic. Proposals that propose program activities in rural/remote parts of the Kyrgyz Republic are encouraged. Competitive proposals will promote continued/sustainable cooperation between the people of the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic even after the project concludes.

The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process.
Applicants must first submit a concise 3-page statement of interest designed to clearly communicate projects idea and objectives. This is not a full proposal and will not result in a federal assistance award at this step.
The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit project ideas for evaluation prior to requiring the development of a full proposal application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their project idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decision(s) are made.

Project Background, Goals, and Objectives
The PDS invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic and support a priority program area (see below) to highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation.
All proposed programs must include an American element, either through a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s, usage of American educational/informational resources, including American English-language teaching resources, or any other activities that promote or contribute to increased mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of the Kyrgyz Republic. Proposals that propose program activities in rural/remote parts of the Kyrgyz Republic are encouraged. Competitive proposals will promote continued/sustainable cooperation between the people of the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic even after the project concludes.

Special consideration will be given to proposals which include partnership with Kyrgyz governmental bodies, and to organizations that have a demonstrated track record of implementing these types of partnerships.

PDS invites proposals for programs that support one of the following U.S. Embassy Priority Program Areas:

• Increasing Understanding of U.S. Values and Creativity
• Fostering Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth
• Promoting Accountable Governance and Stability
• Improving English Language Education
• Enhancing Climate Change Resilience and Environmental Protection
• Combating Transnational Threats

Solicitation limitations:

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 under this funding opportunity.

Other information:

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.

Award Amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $80,000 (approximately)

Number of awards anticipated: Up to 5 awards (dependent on amounts and funding availability)