International Development Grants

The U.S. Embassy Praia of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to enhance Cabo Verde’s climate resilience and adaptability by implementing comprehensive dune restoration strategies. In addition, the project should amplify awareness of dunes’ ecological significance and encourage sustainable eco-tourism practices, leading to better public policy and reduced coastal flooding. In Cabo Verde, efforts to restore dunes and coastal areas are in their infancy, yet they are critical due to the archipelago’s unique vulnerabilities to climate change. This project proposes a strategy for dune restoration to counteract the severe implications of environmental degradation, such as sand mining and off-road driving. With projections from the Food and Agricultural Organization indicating that significant tourist zones in Cabo Verde could be submerged by 2070, the urgency for adopting best practices in dune restoration cannot be overstated. Cabo Verde’s low-lying areas are projected to face increased coastal flooding due to climate change. Sand dunes, which serve as natural barriers against such flooding, are under threat from human activities like sand mining, unregulated tourism, and off-road driving, which has compromised their protective capabilities, especially on the islands of Sal, Boa Vista, Maio, Santiago, and Sao Vicente that have seen the rapid growth of beachfront hotels. Rapid tourism development, while economically beneficial, often overlooks environmental sustainability, leading to habitat degradation and loss of biodiversity, including species like sea turtles that depend on healthy dune ecosystems. Additionally, key actors lack awareness and management capacity to protect and restore these vital areas. Addressing these challenges is imperative for enhancing the ecological resilience of Cabo Verde’s coastal regions, safeguarding biodiversity, and ensuring the sustainable development of its tourism industry, the largest sector of its economy. By focusing on dune restoration, the project will contribute to climate adaptation, safeguard coastal communities, and promote the conservation of natural resources. Specific benefits include fortifying coastal resilience through natural barrier reinforcement, fostering biodiversity conservation by preserving habitats for key species, and encouraging community-driven sustainability efforts.The project aims to rehabilitate degraded coastal dunes, facilitate access to restored areas for educational purposes, and foster sustainable ecotourism that benefits local communities, stakeholders, and biodiversity. By integrating global restoration practices, this project will not only shield coastlines but also preserve the ecological and economic well-being of the region for future generations. Dune protection and restoration initiatives should be environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial, while also boosting local and tourist awareness of the importance of dunes in climate change adaptation. Given the pilot approach of the project, applicants should explain in their proposals how they would leverage the initial grant to pursue additional funding. The proposed implementation strategy should involve relevant expertise and know-how in the design and implementation phases of the project and include relevant partnerships relevant government entities at the central and local level, with non-governmental, community-based organizations, municipalities, central government departments, and/or other relevant entities. Proposed projects should build monitoring and evaluation - including time-bound milestones for performance/results into the project. Participants and Audiences: Main project beneficiaries are the local populations of the targeted areas. Given the awareness component of the project, it is expected that there may be positive knock-on effects at the national level as more access to information leads to more people benefiting from project implementation than originally planned. Priority Region: Project activities will be implemented in Cabo Verde. Proposals should prioritize high-value tourism sites and specify targeted areas where restoration works could be completed with the available budget and within the anticipated period of performance. Program Goal: By the end of the performance period, the project will strengthen climate resilience and adaptability by completing dune restoration strategies at the selected area and implementing awareness of dunes’ ecological significance and of sustainable eco-tourism practices. Program Objectives: Objective 1: Implement Sustainable Dune Restoration Techniques: Champion the use of evidence-based, sustainable practices to safeguard biodiversity and stop erosion. Objective 2: Integrate Ecotourism: Help drive localized climate adaptation projects promoting the integration of sustainable eco-tourism as an economic development tool. Objective 3: Strengthen Capacity and Awareness: Build local expertise and leadership and heighten awareness of the ecological importance of dunes through educational initiatives, leading to policy change at the central and municipal levels. Expected Results: Expected results of the project must at least include: Result 1: Launch dune restoration techniques, laying the groundwork for subsequent initiatives across Cabo Verde. Result 2: Enhance capacity at local and national levels for executing dune restoration projects. Result 3: Elevate awareness and engagement among the local population regarding the value of coastal dunes to prevent flooding and conserve biodiversity. Main Activities: Detailed activities should be proposed by applicants and include references to partnerships that the applicant will establish with relevant government entities at both the central and local levels, as well as with other stakeholders, These activities should include at minimum: - Forge technical partnerships to ensure successful dune restoration project execution. - Formulate a green belt plan to regulate visitor and vehicular access in crucial dune regions, adhering to best practices. - Design and implement cost-effective dune restoration strategies, not using invasive plants for dune restoration, but prioritizing native species recovery. - Host a workshop for Protected Area managers and conservation groups, imparting knowledge from dune restoration specialists. - With expert assistance, create adaptable protocols and guidelines for initiating dune restoration projects. - Establish an interpretive trail within a restoration site, complete with educational signage detailing the restoration process and its significance.- Produce and distribute an educational video, complemented by social media content, to broaden understanding and support for dune preservation efforts. Performance Indicators: The project should monitor and report on performance indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time bound. Applicants should establish, where possible, performance targets for each expected activity and result and include details on sources that will be used to document performance, how the indicators will be measured and frequency of measurement. Applicants shall use and add indicators to the list below and insert it in the proposed application document. Subsequent to the award, periodic reporting of indicators will be required. Adaptation Indicators: - Number of people trained in climate change adaptation supported by the project (USG assistance). - Number of institutions with improved capacity to assess or address climate change risks supported by the project (USG assistance). - Number of people supported by the project (USG assistance) to adapt to the effects of climate change.- Number of people using climate information or implementing risk-reducing actions to improve resilience to climate change as supported by the project (USG assistance) Key indicators: - Number of hectares with improved management. - Area of land or habitat under restoration in hectares. - Number of people with improved capacity. - Number of information panels placed informing about the restoration project. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATIONOrganizations can only submit one application in response to the NOFO. The Embassy may: (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept an application other than the lowest cost application, or (c) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received. The Embassy may make the award on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicants best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. The U.S. government reserves the right to enter into discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application. The funding instrument type for this award is a grant. Program Performance Period: The proposed program should be completed in two years or less.This notice is subject to availability of funding.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for a project advances responsive, accountable, and rights-respecting governance for citizens by strengthening environmental governance in Pacific Island countries.

The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Banjul announces an Open Competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support capacity activities for local civil society organizations (CSOs). Subject to the availability of funding, a grant of up to $500,000 U.S. Dollars in FY 2023 Economic Support Funds (ESF) will be awarded for work that will build the capacity of CSOs which will enable them to effectively engage the government and hold them accountable, help fight corruption and educate the public on key social and human rights issues. Applicants can find application forms and other materials needed to apply on GRANTS.gov https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-mandatory-family and/or U.S. Embassy Banjuls website https://gm.usembassy.gov/grant-opportunities/ under the announcement title Strengthening the Capacity of Civil Society Organizations to Promote Accountable Governance in The Gambia funding opportunity number BJL-ARDF-FY23. Please contact the U.S. Embassy Banjuls point of contact listed in Section G if requesting reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Please note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL, or the Department) announces the availability of approximately $3,000.000 total costs (subject to the availability of Federal funds) for one cooperative agreement to fund a technical assistance project in Cambodia to increase the responsiveness of Cambodian Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and their key stakeholders to labor exploitation and barriers that impede access to decent work. We encourage prospective applicants and interested parties to use the Grants.gov subscription option to register for future updates provided for this particular FOA. In order to achieve the project goal, applicants must propose strategies to achieve the following outcomes:Outcome(s) (1) Increased understanding of the linkage between disability and vulnerability to child labor, forced labor and/or human trafficking and of barriers that impede access to decent work for persons with disabilities. (2) Increased coordination and partnerships between/among Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and their key stakeholders to address the prevalence of child labor, forced labor and/or human trafficking among persons with disabilities and barriers that impede their access to decent work. (3) Increased implementation of sustainable interventions by OPDs and their key stakeholders that address the linkage between disability and vulnerability to child labor, forced labor and/or human trafficking and barriers that impede access to decent work. Questions regarding this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) may be emailed to [email protected].

YSEALI (yseali.state.gov) is the U.S. governments signature initiative to engage emerging leaders in Southeast Asia. The program aims to create a network of young Southeast Asian leaders who work across national borders to solve common problems. Through a variety of programs and engagements, YSEALI seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the United States and Southeast Asia, and nurture a community of leaders who work across borders to solve shared issues. YSEALI is open to young leaders ages 18 to 35 who are both citizens and residents of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries (Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) or Timor-Leste. Responding to priorities from youth in the ASEAN region, YSEALI programs focus on four themes (i.e., Civic Engagement, Economic Empowerment and Social Entrepreneurship, Education and Environmental Issues). The 2025 YSEALI WLA: InnovateHER will advance all of the YSEALI themes and the U.S. Mission to ASEANs strategic goals: Sub-objective 3.2.1. ASEAN recognizes the contribution of women in the economic recovery of the region and strives to promote DEIA principles across its economic community pillar. Sub-objective 3.2.2. The United States creates a program to promote the role of women across ASEAN in contributing to peace and security across the region. The 2025 YSEALI WLA: InnovatHER will be designed for 50 to 60 female participants who have professional experience working in the tech industry. Possible fields include artificial intelligence technology, clean energy, cybersecurity, software development, medical technology research, and tech start-up incubators. The participants, age 20 to 35, must represent all 10 of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states and Timor-Leste. The Academy will have pre-workshop virtual activities and an in-person four-day or five-day workshop located in Southeast Asia. The purpose of the pre-workshop and workshop activities will be to: (1) create a network of Southeast Asian women making advances in technology who will design future activities and workshops for women in the YSEALI network; (2) explore how technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, could improve the daily lives of women; (3) discuss political and governmental policies that are affecting womens access to the digital economy and technological advancements; (4) develop general leadership skills, including self-awareness of personal professional strengths. FULL NOFO is on the U.S. Mission to ASEAN website here.

The U.S. Mission to Ecuador announces an open competition to submit project applications to the 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity for Democracy Projects. We cordially invite individuals, organizations, and alumni to submit proposals aimed at fostering democratic values among the youth. The U.S. Mission in Ecuador seeks innovative projects that actively engage youth across Ecuadors diverse regionsthe coast, highlands, and Amazon. Proposals should creatively promote democratic principles, including civic education and strengthening civic awareness through communication strategies.

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 support the sustainability of independent media in Ukraine.

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 implement the English Access Scholarship Program. The goal of the Access Program is to equip talented students who possess a minimal knowledge of English with effective communication and critical thinking skills through meaningful interaction, cooperative learning strategies, and real-life contexts. Additionally, Access seeks to prepare students for conversational English language skills with native and non-native speakers of English through a variety of experiential learning activities. Selected participants must be bright, economically disadvantaged students with a beginning level of English. Participants should commit to enroll in classes during the full two-year program. Students are expected to graduate with certificates of completion from the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan at the end of their two-year program. Applicants may submit proposals to manage one Access location, however, preference will be given to organizations willing to manage and implement several existing Access and Access Satellite Center locations across Uzbekistan. The selected implementer(s) must be willing to work with the existing Access and Access Satellite Center location(s) and venue(s) with the understanding that they would be responsible for recruiting participants and for ensuring those locations and venues meet the standards of the program. Organizations with previous experience and a capacity of working with educational institutions on a national level will be given priority. This experience should be documented in the organizations proposal.

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 support civil society efforts to provide effective civic oversight of the Government of Ukraines (GOU) armed forces, security services,1 and the law enforcement.

The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam announces an Open Competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support Strengthening Democratic Governance. Applicants can find application forms and other materials needed to apply on GRANTS.gov https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-mandatory-family and/or U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaams website (https://tz.usembassy.gov/) under the announcement title Emerging Generation of Leaders in Democratic Governance funding opportunity number DAR0001 Democratic Governance. Please contact the U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam point of contact listed in Section G if requesting reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Please note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

Executive Summary: 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. Please follow all instructions below. Background: 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.

The U.S. Mission to Ecuador through the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), announces an open competition for organizations and individuals to submit proposals to implement projects with innovative approaches to counter irregular migration in Ecuador.

Dear Prospective Applicants: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID or the Agency) is seeking applications for a Leader with Associate Award (LWA) from qualified entities to implement the above-mentioned program outlined in the subject NOFO. Eligibility for this award is not restricted. This competition covers both the initial Leader Award and all subsequent Associate Awards. USAID intends to make a single award to the applicant which best meets the objectives of this funding opportunity based on the merit review criteria described in this NOFO subject to a risk assessment. Eligible entities interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of activity sought, application submission requirements, and selection process. Subject to funding availability, USAID intends to provide up to $200,000,000.00 in total USAID funding (LWA including any future Associate Awards) to support the Sahel Regional Resilience Activity. The initial Leader Award is anticipated not to exceed $35M. Associate Awards may not exceed $75M. There will be no initial associate award(s) with the LWA, and there is no guarantee regarding the number or total estimated amount of Associate Awards. Please send any questions to the point(s) of contact identified in Section G. of attached NOFO . The deadline for questions is shown below . 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 NOFO 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. Please note that USAID reserves the right to cancel this process at any time without prior notice. Issue Date: June 7, 2024 Deadline for Questions: June 21, 2024 Closing Date: August 2, 2024 Closing Time: 17:30 GMT (Dakar local time) Subject: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) No.: 72068524RFA00013 Program Title: USAID Sahel Regional Resilience Activity Thank you for your interest in USAID programs.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is soliciting proposals to reduce whale mortality from fishing gear entanglement in Southern California. This grant directly aligns with NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats for current and future generations by addressing a critical threat to cetacean populations. The program aims to provide compensatory restoration for injuries to cetaceans caused by the Refugio Beach Oil Spill (RBOS), thereby mitigating past environmental damage and fostering healthier marine ecosystems. The primary beneficiaries of this program are cetaceans in Southern California, particularly those susceptible to entanglement in fishing gear. The impact goals are to increase the capacity of the entanglement response network, improve documentation and disentanglement efforts, and broadly support activities that reduce serious injuries or mortalities from entanglements. This initiative contributes to the foundation's strategic priority of healthy oceans and coasts by safeguarding marine mammals. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its goals. These include directly enhancing entanglement response in Southern California, and potentially beyond if it benefits local cetaceans, coordinating with federal, state, and local resource agencies to improve the overall West Coast Marine Mammal Entanglement Response Program, and training and developing volunteer response capacity. Furthermore, proposals should outline how activities will contribute to the development of the overall capacity and infrastructure of the program. Expected outcomes include a more robust and efficient entanglement response network, a reduction in the number of entangled cetaceans, improved survival rates of entangled animals through effective disentanglement, and enhanced coordination among relevant agencies. Measurable results would likely involve metrics such as the number of successful disentanglements, the increase in trained responders, and the documented reduction in entanglement-related mortalities. An estimated $250,000 will be available for a Phase 1 project award, anticipated to last 1-2 years, with a priority geographic focus on the coastlines off Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties.

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

YSEALI (yseali.state.gov) is the U.S. governments signature initiative to engage emerging leaders in Southeast Asia. The program aims to create a network of young Southeast Asian leaders who work across national borders to solve common problems. Through a variety of programs and engagements, YSEALI seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the United States and Southeast Asia, and nurture a community of leaders who work across borders to solve shared issues. YSEALI is open to young leaders ages 18-35 who are both citizens and residents of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries (Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) or Timor-Leste. Responding to priorities from youth in the ASEAN region, YSEALI programs focus on four themes (Civic Engagement, Economic Empowerment and Social Entrepreneurship, Education and Environmental Issues). One component of YSEALI is the annual Regional Workshops held across Southeast Asia on strategic topics. Focusing on youth and community action, the YSEALI Blue Economy Regional Workshop aims to advance the YSEALI theme of Sustainable Development and U.S. Embassy Jakartas strategic goals by examining how technology and regional collaboration can create sustainable economic growth in sectors related to ocean ecosystems. These include the emerging sectors of renewable blue energy, desalination, and blue carbon, as well as traditional sectors of fisheries, marine conservation, and marine transportation. It also supports U.S. Embassy Singapores strategic goals by bringing Singapore, limited in space and natural resources, into regional partnership roles on blue economic issues, from green shipping and renewable energy to desalination and ocean-based food security. The workshop should be a minimum of five and maximum of six days - inclusive of travel days (with international travel into and out of Singapores Changi airport). Lodging and conference venue should be in Batam with the majority of workshop sessions taking place in Batam, but day trips to Singapore and other areas around Batam to explore sustainable fishing, blue energy, or green port initiatives like the U.S-Singapore green shipping corridor can be included. The program may also include meetings and activities in Singapore on arrival or prior to departure. Travel to and from Batam should be via high-speed ferry services. This workshop will bring together 60 YSEALI members from ASEAN countries and Timor Leste who have an interest in emerging energy technologies, coastal economic development, environmental development, environmental science, green technology, marine conservation, social equity, economic vitality, and the ability to lead. Proposals may also include participation of the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) network to create synergy between communities working on blue issues economy across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. YSEALI leaders will have the opportunity to share new ideas and perspectives on how to harness the potential of the blue economy to increase economic growth in a sustainable and science-based way. The workshop should include sessions on defining blue economy, introducing ASEAN and ASEAN member state initiatives related to blue economy, regional collaboration, and multi-nation funding opportunities. The workshop should look at blue economy issues in a globalized society and examine approaches taken by the United States and countries in the region. The concepts of leadership, giving back, and strengthening a Southeast Asian/ASEAN identity based on shared values and shared challenges should be integrated into the program. Workshop speakers/facilitators/mentors should be citizens of the United States, an ASEAN member country, or Timor-Leste. The workshop should include site visits to companies, government-affiliated programs, or non-governmental organizations where innovative approaches are being taken to harness blue economy potential. The proposal should include workshop follow-on activities such as virtual collaborative work, projects funded through small seed grants, and/or ongoing mentorship. The follow-on activity should be included in the monitoring and evaluation plan. The workshop should also include a cultural or community service component that promotes ASEAN unity, and the United States as a partner to ASEAN. The recipient is expected to develop syllabus materials and an event program with participant and speaker biographies, as well as design banners, backdrops, and other printed materials. The recipient is expected to design a digital engagement strategy for workshop participants and social media audiences, including live video or live online engagement during the program. The proposal should include workshop follow-on activities such as virtual collaborative work, projects funded through small seed grants, or ongoing mentorship. The follow-on activity should be included in the monitoring and evaluation plan. The proposal should include a pre and post workshop survey to measure the overall effectiveness of the workshop as well as any changes to the participants knowledge of the workshop topic. No new website specific to the event should be created or launched. Domain, hosting and build costs will not be covered.

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

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

The Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Consulate Munich is offering funding to implement initiatives aimed at reinforcing democratic norms, improving media literacy, and countering extremist narratives across Bavaria. This initiative responds to recent trends indicating a need for stronger community engagement and educational efforts to counter misinformation, promote intercultural understanding, and support democratic principles. The program seeks to empower civil society, youth, and media organizations through targeted projects that foster resilience against extremist narratives, enhance digital literacy, and encourage active civic participation. By supporting innovative and impactful programs, we aim to strengthen the democratic fabric of Bavarian communities and ensure a more informed and engaged citizenry. Please refer to the full funding opportunity for program overview and federal award information.

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