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The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) recognizes that fair housing enforcement and education and outreach services are essential components of protecting persons from housing discrimination in the United States. The ARP appropriated $20 million in supplemental Fair Housing Initiatives Program funding to HUD to provide emergency relief to Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (QFHOs) and Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (FHOs), public or private not-for-profit organizations or institutions, and other public or private entities that are formulating or carrying out programs to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices; agencies of State or local governments; and agencies that participate in the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP). This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will provide funding to address fair housing education and outreach services, and the costs of delivering or adapting these services, during or relating to the coronavirus pandemic. In keeping with Congress’s intent in enacting the American Rescue Plan, applicants may propose new fair housing education and outreach projects relating to discrimination arising in connection with the pandemic or focus on sustaining core fair housing education activities.The ARP Fair Housing Initiatives Program-Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) NOFO invites applications from eligible EOI organizations seeking support for fair housing activities that are connected to or adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Through this fourth-round funding opportunity, HUD will award grants to eligible organizations to help them continue to advance their mission during the interruption of their operation and recovery efforts resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. (See Section III. Eligibility Information). As of March 2022, approximately $16.1 million in ARP FHIP funding was awarded, ensuring that much-needed relief was received by victims of housing discrimination within months of enactment of the ARP; the current ARP NOFO provides additional funding for eligible organizations to continue fair housing activities connected to or adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.ARP National Media Campaign Component This NOFO will make available $1 million for a National Media Campaign. The focus of this national media campaign is to address coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic/post-pandemic housing discrimination issues, especially in underserved communities: populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, including Black, Latino, Indigenous, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other, persons of color; members of religious groups; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality; as well as persons with limited English proficiency and other groups of federally protected class members experiencing housing discrimination who have been hit hardest during or relating to the coronavirus pandemic. The campaign must ensure that those most impacted by housing related issues resulting from the pandemic are provided with educational and other resources to identify and combat housing discrimination. The campaign should also focus on areas hit hardest by discriminatory foreclosures and evictions, people experiencing or on the verge of housing instability or homelessness, including those that may face possible displacement due to the end of the foreclosure and eviction moratoriums, senior citizens and people with disabilities who are trying to escape the heightened risk of coronavirus associated with institutional or congregate settings.Studies show that evictions disproportionately affect women of color, with landlords filing for eviction against Black and Hispanic women at higher rates than as against men and white women. The grantee’s objective will be to create and disseminate fair housing education and outreach materials in areas most significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in highly segregated areas, rural areas and areas with high incidences of discriminatory foreclosure and eviction. During this national emergency, HUD wants to remind housing providers and the public of important federal fair housing laws that protect persons from discrimination, including harassment and intimidation, in housing and related services on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, familial status and disability. HUD recognizes that persons with disabilities, including those who are older and have underlying medical conditions, are vulnerable and may be at high risk for a severe, life-threatening response to COVID-19; therefore, these persons may face unique fair housing and civil rights issues that need to be addressed. The campaign will provide information for all protected classes on how to file a housing discrimination complaint through HUD or a local fair housing agency. ARP EOI Regional/Local/General Component The purpose of this funding component is to prevent, mitigate, and respond to the effects of COVID-19 and to enhance fair housing education and outreach services and related infrastructure. Consistent with this purpose, funding may support a wide range of in-scope education and outreach activities, which may change as COVID-19 circumstances and related community, public, and organizational needs evolve over the 12 to18 month period of performance. This ARP EOI NOFO makes available $2,385,353.12 million to support eligible organizations and activities. The ARP EOI NOFO provides broad flexibility to each applicant to address specific fair housing education and outreach needs in their communities related to COVID-19. Below are examples of eligible activities and allowable use of funds under this NOFO:Develop and disseminate fair housing education and outreach materials designed to inform members of the public of their rights under the Fair Housing Act and how they can file a housing discrimination complaint. Applicants should focus their efforts on those geographic areas that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and should educate the public about the warning signs of discriminatory foreclosures and evictions related to the pandemic, and the remedies available. Applicants may also utilize funding for adaptive services and technology to provide outreach to the public when in-person services are not available due to the rise in coronavirus cases. Rehire fair housing staff laid off as a result of the pandemic and promote workforce development. Establish, expand, sustain and develop fair housing staff to carry out fair housing education and outreach services.Develop, implement and sustain infrastructure projects to promote efficiency and to avert disruptive and costly delays in provision of fair housing services caused by COVID-19.Engage in and implement activities that invest in equity and fair housing opportunities for underserved communities who need the services the most: populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, including Black, Latino, Indigenous, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other, persons of color; members of religious groups; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality; including young adults.Work to close housing disparities and increase access to affordable housing by educating the public, address sexual harassment prevention, and engage in community-based fair housing crisis intervention.Develop, implement and provide fair housing technical assistance, fair housing staff training and new fair housing curricula.

Through the Bank Enterprise Award Program (BEA Program), the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) supports FDIC-insured financial institutions around the country that are dedicated to financing and supporting community and economic development activities. The BEA Program complements the community development activities of insured depository institutions (i.e., banks and thrifts) by providing monetary awards for increasing investments in CDFIs and for increasing qualified lending, investment, and service activities within economically distressed communities. Providing BEA Program awards for increasing community development activities leverages the CDFI Fund’s dollars and puts more capital to work in distressed communities throughout the nation.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy France Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to implement an exchange program for up to 30 French high school students, in the United States, for fifteen days in July and/or August 2024. Through the Youth Ambassadors for Community Service program, up to 30 young adults from France between the ages of 15 and 18 will develop the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to become more engaged in their communities, learn about the U.S. education system, and will further their understanding of the United States. Please follow all instructions below. Purpose of the Youth Ambassadors for Community Service Program: Established in 2008, the Youth Ambassadors for Community Service Program selects high-school participants from underserved backgrounds across France, including the French Caribbean, to participate in a yearlong leadership training program that encourages volunteerism, self-confidence, intercultural sensitivity, and independence. Participants will attend two pre-departure training sessions between January 2024 and June 2024, as well as a debriefing upon their return, organized by a different French implementing NGO, in coordination with the organization awarded the overall grant. In partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Paris, the recipient organization will design the two-week U.S. exchange program, in July and/or August 2024, which will enhance participants’ understanding of American democratic institutions and volunteer initiatives. Participants will travel to Washington D.C. for initial programming. After spending time in Washington D.C., they will be divided into subgroups in three different cities/host communities, where they will be placed with American host families and meet American students their age. They will then return to Washington D.C. for debriefing and evaluation, as well as visits to the Department of State and the French Embassy to the U.S. Participants will engage in a variety of activities, including but not limited to workshops on leadership and community service, community site visits related to program themes, interactive training and discussion groups, volunteer opportunities, visits to educational facilities, local cultural activities, homestays, and other activities designed to achieve the program’s stated goals. The exchange must include multiple opportunities for participants to have significant, meaningful interactions with their American peers. Follow-on activities with the participants are an essential part of the program, and the exchange activities should prepare participants to apply the knowledge and skills that they will have acquired during their time in the United States in the planning of concrete projects in their home communities. Program Objectives: Promote equal opportunities for all and encourage knowledge-sharing and intercultural dialogue between French and American youth. Raise awareness about civic engagement and volunteerism among young people. Strengthen Franco-American friendship and understanding through soft diplomacy. Offer French youth the chance to represent their peers and participate in civic initiatives abroad. Build leadership skills, encourage volunteerism, self-confidence, intercultural sensitivity, and nurture excellence and civic engagement among young leaders from underserved communities. Allow participants to become pillars of community organization, keeping their peers involved in positive social activities and promoting tolerance and achievement. Provide participants with tools to build alliances with American counterparts and to produce positive change in underserved communities. Program Outline: Applicants must demonstrate their capacity for conducting international exchanges in the U.S.; administering exchanges focused on youth that involve different geographic regions; implementing exchange projects that address specific policy challenges; and providing substantive programming and leadership training for youth. The award recipient will be responsible for the oversight and management of performance of all sub-award recipients under the award. U.S. Embassy France reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal project configurations, budgets, participating countries and regions, and participant numbers in accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds. The budget should include international travel to and from the U.S. for up to 30 participants (including domestic travel for up to 25 metropolitan participants to and from Paris and their French city of residence). One staff member must accompany participants for the international travel (France-U.S.-France). The budget should include the in-country travel and local transportation, lodging, activities, food, insurance, and ESTA costs for up to 30 participants. As participants are under 18, they must be accompanied by facilitators and the host families must be validated by the recipient organization. Participants and Audiences: Up to 30 outstanding French high school students, between the ages of 15 and 18, many from underprivileged backgrounds with leadership potential and commitment to civic engagement. For more information, eligibility, and deadlines please read the Notice of Funding Opportunity PDS-France-FY2023-03 and/or refer to the U.S. Embassy in France website (Grants Programs). Questions can be directed to GrantsFrance@state.gov We do not provide any pre-consultation for application related questions that are addressed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

The Community Connect Grant Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide service at or above the Broadband Grant Speed to all premises in rural, economically-challenged communities where broadband service does not exist. The deployment of broadband services on a “community-oriented connectivity” basis stimulates economic development and provides enhanced educational and health care opportunities in rural areas. RUS will give priority to rural areas that demonstrate the greatest need for broadband services, based on the criteria contained herein. The regulation for the Community Connect Grant Program can be found at 7 CFR part 1739. All applicants should carefully review and prepare their applications according to instructions in the FY 2023 Community Connect Grant Program Application Guide (Application Guide) and program resources. This Application Guide can be found at https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect. Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the applicant’s own risk. Applications will be submitted through the Community Connect Portal application system available on the program web site. The Agency encourages applications that will help improve life in rural America. See information on the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity found at www.usda.gov/ruralprosperity. Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships and innovation. Key strategies include: Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America Developing the Rural Economy Harnessing Technological Innovation Supporting a Rural Workforce Improving Quality of Life

Through this NOFO, HUD is announcing the availability of at least one award for the $5 million in FY 2022 funding and one award of up to $5 million in FY 2023 funding to provide technical assistance (TA) to units of general local government (UGLGs) and their non-profit partners serving communities experiencing economic hardship.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service announces the availability of $3,000,000 in competitive grant funds for the FY 2023 Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG) program. The purpose of this program is to provide technical assistance to Socially-Disadvantaged Groups in rural areas. Eligible applicants include Cooperatives, Groups of Cooperatives, and Cooperative Development Centers. This program supports Rural Development’s (RD) mission of improving the quality of life for rural Americans and commitment to directing resources to those who most need them.

MLK Day of Service: Supports projects that engage volunteers and honor and pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life through economic, environmental, educational, or other forms of equity and meet immediate community needs or helps to address systemic issues. September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance: Supports projects that engage volunteers and honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, their families, and those who rose in service in response, as well as meet immediate community needs or helps to address systemic issues.

The Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) supports organizations to boost the impact of volunteers on critical community needs and rebuild the volunteer infrastructure after the covid pandemic. VGF focuses on investments in volunteer management practices that strengthen nonprofit organizations and other entity's ability to increase recruitment and retention of volunteers to meet critical community needs through service.

South Dakota Only - The Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 provides that STEP grants may be awarded only to “States,” meaning any of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Therefore, only non-Federal entities that meet this definition are eligible to apply for, and administer an award under this Notice of Funding Opportunity. For purposes of this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the term “eligible non-Federal entity” means a State agency or other entity that, prior to the date of application for this Announcement, has been officially designated by the State Governor, or equivalent thereof (e.g., Mayor of the District of Columbia), as the sole applicant and lead entity for conducting the State’s trade and export activities.

The U.S. Embassy Gaborone of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for registered organizations to submit proposals to implement community-initiated development projects through the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund (ASSHF) Small Grants Program. The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund program is a grass-roots assistance program that provides small-scale assistance to communities throughout Botswana as part of an ongoing commitment by the U.S. government to support development activities at the local level. The ASSHF program provides targeted grants to assist short term, community-driven projects that improve economic and social conditions at the community level. The program is intended to be flexible and allow the Ambassador to respond directly to requests from local communities for assistance with projects that have immediate impact, and further Mission priorities. Equally important, the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund program is structured to encourage communities to be self-reliant and undertake similar activities on their own in the future. Proposed projects must be well planned, ready to be implemented, and easily self-sustaining when the project is completed. The organization must obtain approval from the local development committee, local authority, town and/or district council before submission of the proposal to the U.S. Embassy. Successful applicants should demonstrate strong ties and support from their local community and governmental bodies. Recipient organizations must demonstrate their substantial commitment by either contributing to the project financially or providing labor or supplies (in kind contribution) to carry out the project. Organizations must be able to demonstrate that they have adequate internal controls and financial monitoring procedures in place. Acceptable project objectives include, but are not limited to the following: • Economic diversification, including small business creation and income generation Generate sustainable income and employment opportunities in local communities; Advance economic diversification at the grassroots level and promote a culture of entrepreneurship; Encourage use of local natural resources for income generation; Purchase of income generating equipment; Improve basic economic or living conditions of a community. • Social services to assist disadvantaged populations Assist populations which may be disadvantaged or at-risk, including people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, the elderly and female heads of household; Construct and/or furnish community-initiated health facilities or clinics; Construct water and sanitation related projects such as latrines, wells, pumps, and bore holes. • Community-based natural resource management Expand effective community ownership and management of natural resources; Preserve and/or expand wildlife corridors; Develop sustainable community-based tourism; Promote conservation of natural resources. • Youth and child development Assist youth to gain knowledge and tools to live positively, set life goals and enhance their own health, safety and security; Purchase of school equipment, furnishings, and books; Construct school rooms or community centers; Create opportunities for youth, including employment. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: One (1) year Number of awards anticipated: Five (5) to ten (10) awards (dependent on grant amounts) Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $20,000 Anticipated project start date: October 1, 2023 Funding Instrument Type: Grant. Funding authority rests in Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act, U.S. Department of State Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in twelve (12) months or less. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION a. Mandatory application forms required below are available at: https://www.grants.gov or the U.S. Embassy Gaborone website. These forms are ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE. Fill out the forms, print immediately, sign, and scan all three together into .pdf format document and include in your application package. · SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) · SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) · SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) b. Summary Coversheet: Coversheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. c. Proposal (5 pages maximum): Please ensure: The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity All documents are in English All budgets are in U.S. Dollars All pages are numbered All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. 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, description of community contribution and involvement, anticipated impact, and the number of female and male beneficiaries. · Introduction to the Organization applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies. · 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 Botswana will be improved? The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. · Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. · Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to 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. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? · Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees, if any. · Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe 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? · Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. d. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. e. Required attachments: Please see Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for other requirements. Submission Dates and Times Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time, but will not be considered after August 4, 2023, for this funding cycle. Applications received by the U.S. Embassy after the closing date will not be considered. All application materials must be submitted in English. Please make a copy of your entire application for your own records. Complete proposals can be: · Emailed to: SSHBotswana@state.gov · Mailed to: U.S. Embassy, ATTN: Small Grants Coordinator, Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund Program, P.O. Box 90, Gaborone · Hand delivered to: U.S. Embassy, Government Enclave, Gaborone, ATTN: Small Grants Coordinator. Review and Selection Process The Small Grants Office will conduct a preliminary review of all applications to determine completeness and technical eligibility. If the proposal meets the criteria, the Coordinator will schedule a site visit or meeting to discuss the proposal and review the organization’s capacity. All projects eligible for funding are then reviewed by the U.S. Embassy Small Grants Committee, which will evaluate all eligible/complete applications and recommend funding priorities to the Ambassador for his final approval. The Small Grants Office will notify each applicant about the status of his/her proposal. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION The Grant agreements will be written, signed, and awarded by the Grants Officer and administered by the Grants Officer or his/her Representative. The Grant agreement is the authorizing document and will be provided to the recipient for review by email before being invited to sign. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer. If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State. 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. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Terms and Conditions: Before submitting a proposal, 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 25; 2 CFR 200; 2 CFR 175; 2 CFR 182; 2 CFR 183; 2 CFR 600; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS. 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. If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact the Small Grants Office at: SSHBotswana@state.gov or call (+267) 373-2325. OTHER INFORMATION: Please see Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for full details.