Grants for Individuals - Federal

This grant provides funding for cultural initiatives that engage communities in the Congo Basin to promote environmental preservation and celebrate traditional arts.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE U.S. EMBASSY Vienna, Austria, PUBLIC DIPLOMACY SECTION Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Funding Opportunity Title: Austrian-American Partnership Fund Funding Opportunity Number: SAU90024GR0099 Deadline for Applications: 08/31/2024 CFDA Number: 19.040 Public Diplomacy Programs Total Amount Available: $200,000 Maximum for Each Award: $25,000 A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Vienna, Austria, 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. Purpose of Small Grants: The Austrian-American Partnership Fund (AAPF) is organized to fund projects advancing collaboration and dialogue and expand cooperation between Austria and the United States. AAPF accepts applications for funding for innovative projects that seek to bring American perspectives to Austria or connect Americans and Austrians in the following priority areas: Reinforcing the role of U.S.-Austrian and transatlantic ties in addressing shared challenges Promoting common democratic values and civic engagement Combating disinformation and building media literacy Addressing climate change together Fostering partnerships between U.S. and Austrian educational institutions Engaging youth around shared values Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility Guidelines While requests for support typically range between $1,000 and $10,000, the maximum Embassy support is $25,000 total. Cosponsoring from additional funding sources is strongly encouraged. All proposed programs must include a U.S. component (such as the showcasing of an American expert or involvement of a U.S. organization) and aim to increase understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives among audiences within Austria. Primary audience should be non-Americans in Austria. Special consideration will be given to programs that reach youth and/or engage geographically or otherwise diverse communities in Austria. Proposals will also be evaluated based on their anticipated short and long-term impact, and on the ability to reach audiences using both traditional and innovative outreach tools. Submission deadlines and selection procedures Deadlines for submission of project proposals are February 15, May 15, July 15, and November 15. Since the selection process can take up to two months, applicants should plan accordingly. Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated by the U.S. Embassy Vienna Grants committee, based on feasibility of the project and whether it aligns with the Embassys priorities, the committee will select eligible and qualified applications based on the following criteria: Program areas addressed are aligned with stated priorities. Objectives and expected outcomes are clear. Target audience is identified and aligns with program objectives and outcomes. Detailed budget and timelines included. Budget cannot include budget items for miscellaneous expenses or requests for funding food, alcoholic beverages, or entertainment. Proposal is viable, reasonable, and executable. Compliance with required information and documents. The project clearly states how applicants will amplify outreach with audiences and evaluate and measure outputs and results during the project implementation period by way of quantitative and qualitative assessment tools. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt-Act. The source of funding is FY2024 Public Diplomacy Funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 1 to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: 10-40 awards (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from $1,000 to $25,000 Total available funding: $200,000 Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding Anticipated program start date: 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award (FAAs), or Cooperative Agreement. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION 1.Eligible Applicants We welcome applications from qualified individuals and organizations based in Austria or abroad. Registered non-profit/not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, think tanks, civil society and non-governmental organizations, and associations with programming experience are eligible to apply. Please note that for-profit or commercial entities are not (not) eligible to apply. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: The AAPF does not sponsor individual requests for scholarships or travel for educational purposes. Applications from organizations and individuals that do not meet the above criteria for eligibility. Projects related to humanitarian or charitable activities, or activities related to party politics. Construction programs. Programs that support specific religious activities. Conferences outside of Austria and personal trips abroad. Lobbying for specific legislation or programs. Commercial projects and activities. Fundraising and fundraising events. Conducting or publishing scientific research. Projects primarily serving the institutional development of the organization applying. 2.Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing is not required. 3.Other Eligibility Requirements In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1.Address to Request Application Package Application forms required below are available at www.grants.gov. 2.Content and Form of Application Submission Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. The following documents are required: 1. Mandatory application forms SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance --individuals) at grants.gov SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov 2. Summary Coversheet: Cover sheet stating the applicants name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. 3. Proposal (3 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below. Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact. Please include times and locations of planned events. Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program. Include organization/individual name, address, email address, phone number(s), key personnel involved in project. Problem Statement: Clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed. Program Goals and Objectives: The goals describe what the program is intended to achieve. What aspect of the relationship between the U.S. and Austria will be improved? The objectives refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Please identify the target audience and how it aligns with program objectives. Program Activities, Methods and Design: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives, solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Proposed Program Schedule: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees, as well as co-sponsors. Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time-frame of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? 4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. For an evaluation, applicants must submit a detailed and complete project budget including the cost shares borne by co-sponsors and recipients of the grant. The budget statement is logical and sufficiently detailed so that the individual items and how they came about can be traced exactly when the application is examined. Budgets must be calculated in U.S. Dollars. 3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Required Registrations: All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible. 4. Submission process The project application, including the SF-424 forms, and any other required information listed above must be submitted via email to [email protected]; applications in hard copy/snail mail will not be accepted. Applications for funding cannot be considered until all required information has been received. Applications and project proposals must be in English. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact [email protected]. E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 1.Criteria Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below. The criteria listed are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. Organizational capacity and record on previous grants: The organization has expertise in its stated field and PDS is confident of its ability to undertake the program. This includes a financial management system and a bank account. Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out, and a reasonable implementation timeline. Goals and objectives: Goals and objectives are clearly stated. Embassy priorities: Applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support U.S. Embassy Vienna, Austrias priority areas or target audiences. Budget: The budget justification is detailed, reasonable and realistic, and accounts for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. Monitoring and evaluation plan: The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured. Sustainability: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program. 2.Review and Selection Process A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications. F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 1.Federal Award Notices The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. Payment Method: Payments will be made in at least two installments, as needed to carry out the program activities. 2.Administrative and National Policy Requirements Terms and Conditions: Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include: 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 600, Certifications and Assurances, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, all of which are available at: https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/. Note the U.S Flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions. 3.Reporting Reporting Requirements: The awarding of government grants under the Austrian-American Partnership Fund requires at least a final activity report within 30 days of the completion of the project to be submitted in writing to the Grants Officer. The report(s) should include details about impact on audiences reached, amplification of messages about the project, and any media reporting. G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact PDS at: [email protected] Note: We do not provide any pre-consultation for application related questions that are addressed in the NOFO. Once an application has been submitted, State Department officials and staff may not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process is completed. H. OTHER INFORMATION Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

The National Sea Grant College Program was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1966 (amended in 2020, Public Law 116-221) to support leveraged federal and state partnerships that harness the intellectual capacity of the nations universities and research institutions to solve problems and generate opportunities in coastal communities. The American lobster (Homarus americanus) and its fishery continue to face significant environmental complexity and socio-economic uncertainty with far-reaching impacts for resource management and community resiliency. In 2022, the American lobster fishery landed approximately 119 million pounds of lobster worth $516 million dollars. This stands in stark contrast to the 2021 commercial harvest that landed 134 million pounds of lobster worth a record setting $924 million dollars. Recent surveys have detected a nearly 40% decline in young lobster recruitment from the important fishing areas of Georges Bank and the Gulf of Maine, signaling concern for the fisherys future and challenges for resource managers and lobster fishermen alike. While there are fluctuations each year that reflect environmental factors such as water temperature and economic conditions such as operational costs, the degree of volatility and uncertainty is without precedent. These impacts are particularly acute in the state of Maine, where approximately eighty percent of American Lobsters are landed each year and the lobster fishery is a major driver of the states marine economy and cultural identity. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commissions 2020 stock assessment indicated record high stock abundance for American Lobster in the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank and continued declines in southern New England. Additional analyses of landing data from the state of Maine show a downward trend from a high in 2016 of 132 million pounds to an annual average of 102 million pounds between 2019 and 2021. As ecosystem changes persist and the Gulf of Maine continues to warm, it is imperative that research, data, and observations document change, inform gaps, and help communities prepare for the future state of the American Lobster fishery. The American Lobster fisherys sustainability relies not only on the ecological understanding of the species in the face of environmental change but also the economic resiliency of the industry and the communities supported by the fishery. Expanding uses of the marine environment and anticipated management changes will have significant implications for future harvests, alter business models and shift how and where the lobster industry operates. Understanding the economic and social systems impacted by these changes can enhance the industry and communities capacity for resilience to impending environmental and resource management changes by mitigating negative impacts and supporting emerging opportunities. Research approaches that examine social systems and economic implications of regulatory/management changes are needed to fill a critical knowledge gap and inform integrated approaches to these complex issues impacting the lobster fishery. These include economic impact assessments, policy analyses, dimensions of community well-being, workforce diversification, as well as informal and formal governance structures. In FY24, consistent with its mission to enhance practical use and conservation in order to create a sustainable economy and environment, Sea Grants American Lobster Research Program will fund projects that address priority research needs to enhance our understanding of and address impacts to this significant, complex and dynamic fishery. Projects that involve partnerships among industry, State agencies, and/or academia, including but not limited to cooperative research or co-production, are strongly encouraged. Topics suitable for investigation on American lobster and its fishery under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) should have a geographic focus on the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and/or southern New England and address one or more of the following funding priorities: Life history parameters under changing climate conditions, including but not limited to temperature, growth, and mortality Species distribution and abundance in response to environmental change, including but not limited to deep water settlement Impacts of environmental change and/or economic uncertainty on social systems, including but not limited to dimensions of community well-being, formal and informal governance structures, and workforce diversification Economic implications of policy and potential regulatory changes and/or other future resource management actions Sea Grant anticipates having up to $2 million dollars to fund a diversity of projects with funding requests up to $600,000 dollars in FY24. Projects may be one or two years in duration with a maximum of two years. All projects must take place within the United States or territories or their respective waterways. Applicant organizations must complete and maintain three registrations to be eligible to apply for or receive an award. These registrations include SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. All registrations must be completed prior to the application being submitted. The complete registration process for all three systems can take 4 to 6 weeks, so applicants should begin this activity as soon as possible. If an eligible applicant does not have access to the internet, please contact the Agency Contacts listed in Section VII for submission instructions. Prior to registering with eRA Commons, applicant organizations must first obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov, if needed (refer to Section IV. Applications and Submission Information, Section C). Organizations can register with eRA Commons in tandem with completing their full SAM and Grants.gov registrations; however, all registrations must be in place by time of application submission. eRA Commons requires organizations to identify at least one Signing Official (SO) and at least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account in order to submit an application. This document sets out requirements for submitting to NOAA-OAR-SG-2024-25871.

This funding opportunity supports innovative projects that develop advanced high-voltage direct current technologies to enhance the resilience and sustainability of the U.S. energy grid, targeting domestic entities and collaborations focused on improving power transmission systems.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, public utilities, and agencies for the procurement and use of low-carbon products made from captured carbon emissions, promoting sustainable practices and environmental benefits.

This funding opportunity supports projects that foster educational, cultural, and technological collaborations between the U.S. and Qatar, targeting nonprofits, educational institutions, and individuals focused on youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for Kuwaiti non-profits, educational institutions, and individuals to create projects that strengthen cultural and educational ties between the United States and Kuwait.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations to host conferences and workshops that promote research integrity and ethical practices in research across various disciplines.

This funding opportunity supports not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions in Ethiopia to develop innovative cultural and exchange programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Ethiopia, focusing on themes like economic reform, media literacy, and environmental sustainability.

This competition provides funding and support for teams developing innovative high-temperature seismic sensors to improve geothermal energy monitoring and enhance the understanding of subsurface conditions.

This grant provides financial support for U.S. scholars and researchers to conduct advanced social science research on Japan, encouraging engagement with Japanese-language sources and fostering scholarly exchange between the U.S. and Japan.

The Embassy of the United States of America in Azerbaijan is pleased to announce a call for proposals to support community-building initiatives that will increase the ability of local communities to identify and solve their problems and stimulate greater civic participation. It will also fund innovative individual initiatives to enhance Azerbaijans prosperity and well-being. The competition is open to all well-developed, innovative community-building initiatives that will help build vibrant communities that are able to address local needs and collaborate on solutions. Proposals should connect to the following thematic areas: Raising environmental awareness and/or enhancing communities ability to address environmental issues, with a view also toward Azerbaijans hosting of COP29. Activities in this area could include public advocacy campaigns and community projects. The success of selected projects will be measured by the number of locally involved participants and number of problems tackled, as well as outcomes that demonstrate the programs efficacy at both community, or wider geographical area determined by the program objectives. Helping local citizens to identify their community problems and create ways of solving those problems through volunteerism and/or in cooperation with community groups, such as associations, volunteer groups, NGOs. The success of selected projects will be measured by the number and quality of the newly established community groups, as determined by program objectives, and results-oriented initiatives they catalyze. Advocating for disadvantaged communities by creating opportunities for their development and capacity-building, including provision of legal services. The success of selected projects will be measured by the number of clients and the outcome of their cases as well number of educated citizenry able to solve their legal issues. Proposals should include a mechanism to demonstrate how they will measure client satisfaction with their services, as well as a description of the project;apos;s post-funding-period sustainability plan (e.g., through a capacity-building component). To pursue knowledge and practices in northern regions that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations, support low-income families, and increase entrepreneurship opportunities for vulnerable women. Participants and Audiences: The intended participants for potential projects are groups or individuals representing economically and socially disadvantaged communities, including IDPs, women and girls, persons with disabilities, and young people.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for state and local governments, tribes, and non-profits to monitor salmon populations and manage invasive species at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, contributing to the recovery of the endangered Cook Inlet Beluga Whale.

The U.S. Embassy BURKINA FASO 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. This notice is subject to availability of funding. Purpose of Small Grants: PDS Burkina Faso invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and BURKINA FASO 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; Civic education projects that promote democratic processes and human rights; New media concepts projects aimed at reaching wider audiences; Youth community service projects that promote democratic processes and encourage volunteerism; Development of initiatives aimed at maintaining contacts with alumni of U.S. exchange programs. Priority Program Areas: Programs to bolster understanding and practices of Democracy, Human Rights, and Good Governance. This may include projects that encourage participation in civil society, especially for women, religious minorities, and youth. Programs that seek to promote a better understanding of diversity, inclusion, religious freedom, gender rights, persons with disabilities, underrepresented or otherwise disadvantaged communities, and/or other aspects of human rights. Creative programs that advance one or more of the priority areas listed above, to include but not be limited to, economic empowerment, youth development, peace and security. Programs promoting English language capacity through projects that encourage the usage and learning of English language as a tool for civic and economic development. Programs that increase transparency, media professionalism, access to diverse new sources, media literacy, etc. Projects may develop the capacity of Burkinabe media, a tradition of fact-checking and research for journalists and/or media consumers, capitalize on social media use for greater transparency, and/or expand such programs beyond the capital and secondary cities. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: The source of funding is FY2024 Public Diplomacy Funding.

This grant provides funding for U.S. and Iraqi non-profit organizations and educational institutions to develop cultural and educational programs that strengthen the relationship between the United States and Iraq.

The U.S. Embassy Namibia, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to focus on Media Literacy and Counter Disinformation activities. PDS Windhoek invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Namibia 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. The objective of this specific funding opportunity is to improve media literacy, reduce vulnerability to misinformation and disinformation, and/or raise awareness about the importance of media literacy and fact-checking. Proposed projects will work with an audience aged 18 to 50. Examples of activities in potentially successful proposals include, but are not limited to: Training Namibian journalists, media professionals, and journalism students on fact-checking and verification of credible sources and/or the identification of disinformation and misinformation. Conducting trainings for Namibian professionals in any relevant field that focus on media literacy and community leadership in checking the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Hosting events or trainings that promote the development of innovative technologies or solutions to strengthening media literacy and/or unmasking misinformation/disinformation (e.g., a media literacy hackathon or coding event to develop tools that support easy fact-checking or the identification of disinformation and misinformation).

This funding opportunity supports alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Thailand to create innovative community projects that promote American values and strengthen U.S.-Thai relations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for alumni of U.S. government exchange programs to implement community-driven projects that address local and global challenges, with a focus on promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

This grant provides funding to organizations and individuals for projects that strengthen U.S.-Nicaragua ties by promoting understanding of the U.S., enhancing media literacy, fostering economic prosperity, and encouraging safe migration.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and cultural groups to implement programs in Mozambique that promote education, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange while fostering U.S.-Mozambique shared values.