Funding Wizard

The Office of American Spaces of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State, announces an open competition to administer a new award in the field of digital and media literacy and countering disinformation, the FY 2023 American Spaces Digital Literacy and Training Program. The American Spaces Digital Literacy and Training Program is designed to support the work of American Spaces in the field through training of overseas Spaces target audiences and staff/coordinators; the curation, compilation and (as needed) creation of training materials and content; the organization and implementation of training activities and exchanges, locally, regionally and to the United States; and outreach and other activities. The program will provide training for overseas staff of American Spaces and for American Spaces audiences of media professionals, information specialists, librarians, educators, and other relevant professionals and citizens, aimed at increasing digital, information and media literacy, building trust, and strengthening understanding abroad of the role of a free and independent media as a pillar of democracy. The FY 2023 program will consist primarily of regionally focused efforts, to include curriculum development, training, and content delivery to promote U.S. values and digital and media literacy skills to counter Russian and other foreign disinformation efforts in selected regions of Europe and in Central Asia, for and at up to approximately 150 American Spaces in designated priority countries. The curriculum plan must include at least one asynchronous, self-guided and self-paced digital/online learning tool for public audiences in all priority countries. The program also includes support for global activities to bolster American Spaces programming and outreach, to include at least one training, mentoring, and cultural visit to the United States for select American Spaces staff affiliated with partner organizations, as well as social media message map development and implementation and deployment strategies. American Spaces are the U.S. government’s primary public cultural and information centers abroad. They serve as key public diplomacy platforms for U.S. missions to connect with local audiences. They provide free and open access to information and learning resources for communities worldwide, serving as harbors of freedom of expression and innovation, including within societies characterized by political oppression and censorship. American Spaces programming promotes U.S. foreign policy objectives and American values, including democratic institutions, the rule of law, open and free markets, and human rights, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and program participants (virtual and in person) each year. Approximately 150 American Spaces are active in 33 priority countries in Europe and Central Asia (listed under Program Specific Guidelines below, that may be adjusted by ECA to reflect evolving priorities) where the region-specific program elements must be focused. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposals for the FY 2023 Digital Connections Program (Digital Connections) in Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to conduct this unique exchange program designed to counter new and emerging digital threats from authoritarianism, the weaponization of information, and the undermining of democratic values by malign actors. Digital Connections provides a framework for developing, fostering, and connecting human networks of likeminded digital activists, entrepreneurs, educators, media professionals, and influencers. It is anticipated that this cooperative agreement will support four to six distinct “on-demand” or rapid response projects, including at least one U.S.-based exchange, and provide direct support to the Digital Communication Network (DCN) to continue program activities in select regions. Virtual and in-person rapid response programming (including international exchanges, network creation/activation, and global activities, Digital Connections projects and initiatives) will support information integrity to counter emerging threats to economic, environmental, political, and social systems stemming from disinformation, malinformation, and misinformation. Digital Connections advances U.S. foreign policy goals by harnessing the power of networks, in partnership with U.S. embassies and consulates around the world and across the U.S. State Department, to leverage resources, share knowledge and expertise, and crowdsource solutions that foster societal resilience to disinformation, online hate, and harassment and promote healthy, inclusive information ecosystems. Digital Connections will act as the primary program through which ECA will engage and support the DCN, a network of communication professionals, educators, civil society leaders, content creators, designers, developers, journalists, gamers, opinion leaders, and technology specialists working across borders, to translate ideas into digital platforms, address the root causes of malign information, and shape the information landscape. Of the total $2,575,000 in funding, $1,575,000 is intended to directly support ECA’s engagement with the DCN and DCN activities. See A.3.f. DCN in the NOFO for more information. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant organization. See Section C.2. Other Eligibility Requirements in the NOFO for important eligibility details.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational Cultural Affairs announces the Creative Arts Exchange (CAE) open competition for up to three cooperative agreements to support thematic projects in film, music, and musical collaboration as civic engagement. Thematic projects under the Creative Arts Exchange (CAE) are arts-based, international people-to-people exchanges that create partnerships through artistic collaboration and professional development activities, encourage inclusive economic opportunities, demonstrate the power of free expression to strengthen democratic values, and support U.S. Department of State foreign policy objectives. Eligible themes and/or artistic genres under the CAE vary and are determined based on Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) strategic priorities. In FY 2023, CAE will focus on the following themes:Theme One: Film (American Film Showcase) Theme Two: Music (American Music Abroad) Theme Three: Musical Collaboration as Civic Engagement (OneBeat)Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The Office of Academic Exchange Programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for an assistance award to administer the FY 2023 United States South Pacific (USSP) Scholarship Program and the FY 2023 United States Timor-Leste (USTL) Scholarship Program. Eligible applicants may submit a proposal to administer one or both of the scholarship programs. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 CFR 1.501(c)(3) may submit proposals to organize and carry out academic exchange program activities for approximately eight (8) participants for USSP program (eligible nations for USSP are listed below in the Overview section) and three (3) participants for the USTL program.The Office plans to issue a cooperative agreement to support eight participants to undertake degree studies in the United States for the FY 2023 USSP program for approximately $1,000,000. The Office also plans to issue a cooperative agreement to support three participants to undertake degree studies in the United States for the USTL program for approximately $375,000. Working closely with Public Affairs Sections at U.S. embassies in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region, the award recipient(s) will be responsible for the administration of the programs, including publicity and recruitment, review of academic credentials, convening review panels and assisting with merit-based competitive selection and nomination, placing students at appropriate U.S. institutions for academic degree study leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree, facilitating student travel to the United States, providing orientation, enrichment activities, and pre-return activities, providing monitoring and support services, conducting on-going monitoring and evaluation, and follow-up with program alumni. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition to support the Office of U.S. Speaker Program. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501 (c)(3) may submit proposals to provide administrative and programmatic support for the U.S. Speaker Program. Through this cooperative agreement, ECA plans to support approximately 700 programs annually engaging all regions of the world.For over 40 years, the Office of the U.S. Speaker Program has built lasting and sustained relations with U.S. citizen experts and foreign interlocutors that serve the American people. To accomplish this goal, the U.S. Speaker Program recruits dynamic American experts for in-person and/or virtual exchanges. All U.S. speakers are U.S. citizens. Through the Program, diverse American professionals establish and sustain linkages with foreign audiences and institutions, which directly contribute to economic and educational opportunities in the United States and around the world. The U.S. Speaker Program works with U.S. embassies and consulates to produce impactful traveling programs ranging from three days to three weeks in length and virtual programs, which can take place on a single specified date and time and may be part of a continuing series. Programmatic formats include lectures, workshops, seminars, and training series. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs invites proposal submissions for the FY 2023 Community Engagement Exchange Program (CEE) in Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to conduct this international civic leadership exchange program. Initiated in 2020, the CEE Program is a bold new global initiative to support approximately 115-120 passionate emerging leaders, ages 21-27, from over 100 countries around the world working at the nexus of public, private, and non-profit sectors to address public concerns and improve the quality of community. These CEE Fellows undertake a professional practicum with placements in public institutions, government offices, social incubators, businesses, or non-profit organizations. At their practicums, Fellows work with professional American counterparts and seasoned civil society and community leaders, called CEE Host Supervisors, on pre-defined substantive issues of mutual interest. In addition to the professional practicum, Fellows engage in robust leadership training, service-learning, and opportunities to transform ideas into actionable community projects in their home countries. The program also supports overseas travel for approximately 25-30 American participants from U.S. host organizations and approximately 20 global leadership professionals known as CEE Specialists, including alumni of U.S. government programs, to work with CEE Fellows on community engagement projects of mutual interest in the United States and overseas. In particular, the CEE Specialists provide mentorship and guidance to Fellows related to their program theme, geographic region, and acclimation to USG programming. CEE promotes a global civil society eco-system by building a network of emerging and seasoned civil society and community leaders in the United States and around the world through international exchanges, civic leadership education, innovative community initiatives, and civil society projects that maximize the program’s reach and amplify local, regional, and global impact. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The Office of Academic Exchange Programs of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition to administer the FY 2023 Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to organize and carry out academic exchange activities for students from underrepresented sectors in Pakistan. Support for this program is being provided from FY 2022/FY 2023 Economic Support Funds (ESF) that ECA anticipates being transferred from USAID to the Bureau for obligation prior to the funds’ expiration on September 30, 2023. It is anticipated that the total amount of funding for FY 2023 costs will be up to $3,792,500, pending the transfer and availability of funds.Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs invites proposal submissions for the FY 2023 Community Solutions Program (CSP) in Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to conduct this international leadership program. Created in 2010, Community Solutions is a global initiative that supports engaged community leaders, ages 26-39, working to address economic, environmental, political, and social challenges confronting their local communities. Community Solutions Fellows will undertake a four- to six-month U.S.-based fellowship program in public institutions, government offices, state legislatures, social incubators, businesses, or non-profit organizations, working with seasoned community leaders on pre-defined substantive issues of mutual interest. The program will include a robust on-line and blended leadership training component and assist participants in the design and implementation of post-fellowship projects in their home countries. The program will also support overseas travel for approximately eight to 10 American hosts and program alumni to work with Community Solutions participants on community engagement projects. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), Office of Citizen Exchanges (CE), Youth Programs Division announces an open competition for the FY 2023 TechGirls program. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to implement the program, which includes one four-week, U.S.-based exchange focused on the in-depth exploration of applied technology and STEM topics to be conducted in summer 2024 for a total of approximately 111 foreign young women (ages 15-17) from select countries in the six world regions, and approximately 20-25 competitively selected American peers.Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The Office of Private Sector Exchange (BridgeUSA) of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for the administration of the BridgeUSA Ukraine Journalism Scholarship Program. The Office plans to issue one cooperative agreement of approximately $100,000, pending the availability of funds. Accredited U.S. colleges and universities including consortia of accredited U.S. colleges and universities and U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to provide 10 to 15 Ukrainian exchange visitors with scholarships to participate in journalism and media-related exchanges under the Specialist category of the Exchange Visitor Program. The program will be administered over 36 months from the date the award is made. The award recipient should recruit and select Ukrainian-speaking participants working in media environment that communicates or focuses on Ukrainian-speaking audiences from the following European countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, and Ukraine (see Section C.2. of the NOFO for full eligibility requirements). Priority should be given to exchange visitors residing in Ukraine, with at least half of selected exchange visitors coming from Ukraine, and the award recipient should be prepared to offer programs that can accommodate Ukrainian citizens of military age who may not be permitted to remain outside of Ukraine for extended periods of time. Scholarships will be used to cover exchange visitors’ program fees, including placement at a U.S.-based host organization, health benefits coverage, visa fees, SEVIS fees, and airfare. Please see the full announcement for additional information.