Funding Wizard

Funding will be made available for the purpose of leveraging USDA, state, local and private sector resources, to address local agricultural and natural resource issues, encourage collaboration and to develop state and local leadership and partnerships to assist limited resource and socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers and communities through agriculture industries. The eligible entities will provide technical assistance to identified persistent poverty communities, with emphasis on socially disadvantaged and/or veteran farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers to assist them in establishing a local working leaders group, identifying issues, challenges and assets, preparing a plan of action and identifying resources and means to address and accomplish results through available programmatic services and opportunities.

The overall goal of the 2501 Program is to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, veteran farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and ranchers with owning and operating farms and ranches and in participating equitably in the full range of agricultural, forestry, and related programs offered by USDA. In partnership with the OPPE, eligible entities may compete for funding on projects that provide education and training in agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, agriculturally related services, and USDA programs and to conduct outreach initiatives designed to accomplish those goals. See attached package for additional information.

The IHBG program is authorized under Title I of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996, as amended, (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.) (NAHASDA). Under the program, eligible Indian tribes and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) receive grants to carry out a range of affordable housing activities. Grant funds may be used to develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing in safe and healthy environments on Indian reservations and in other Indian areas and carry out other affordable housing activities. Grant funds must be used to primarily benefit low-income Indian families. In the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (Appropriations Act) (Public Law 116-94), Congress provided a total of $100,000,000 for competitive grants to eligible IHBG recipients authorized under NAHASDA in addition to formula-based funding. This NOFA describes the criteria that HUD will use to award IHBG Competitive grants, and outlines program requirements. Consistent with the Appropriations Acts, HUD intends to transfer up to $1 million to the Program Office–Public and Indian Housing account for the administration and oversight of grants awarded under this NOFA. In January 2017, HUD released a study entitled, “Housing Needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives in Tribal Areas: A Report from the Assessment of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Housing Needs.” Among the findings, the study found that tribal households are substantially worse than other U.S. households, with overcrowding in tribal areas being especially severe. The study noted that in the 2013-2015 period alone, 68,000 new units would have been necessary to help eliminate overcrowding and replace physically deteriorating units. Additional information is available at: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr-edge-research-022117.html The Department recognizes that this additional IHBG funding provides an opportunity to fund strong and viable affordable housing projects in Indian Country. These projects could begin to address the concerns identified in the study. In accordance with the Appropriations Act, HUD will give priority to projects that spur construction and rehabilitation, while considering need and administrative capacity. HUD strongly encourages new affordable housing construction projects that will increase the number of housing units available for low-income Indian families and help address the housing shortage in Indian Country. Additionally, HUD encourages housing rehabilitation projects that will increase the useful life of existing affordable housing units and alleviate substandard housing conditions. HUD also encourages acquisition of existing housing units that increases housing stock and necessary affordable housing-related infrastructure projects that will enable future construction or rehabilitation. While HUD will give funding priority for new construction projects, rehabilitation projects, acquisition of units and necessary affordable housing-related infrastructure projects, applicants may also apply for funding to carry out other eligible activities under NAHASDA. Finally, Indian tribes and TDHEs that are applying for funding under this NOFA are encouraged to propose projects that are part of a comprehensive plan to address housing conditions in their communities, including overcrowding and physically deteriorating units, as appropriate. Applicants should also engage in long-term planning and ensure that the project being proposed is part of a holistic plan that considers planned future infrastructure development, economic development opportunities, and more. All applications received through this NOFA that pass application screening and threshold review will be rated. Funds will be awarded in rank order based on the score received on the application submitted under this NOFA. HUD reserves the right to issue a supplemental or independent NOFA if necessary (e.g., to ensure that all appropriated funds are awarded). Grantees must comply with the requirements of NAHASDA and 24 CFR part 1000. The Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) within HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing will administer this program.

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 2021 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

Funds may be used to:Evaluating current landfill conditions to determine threats to water resources; provide technical assistance and/or training to enhance operator skills in the operation and maintenance of active landfills; provide technical assistance and/or training to help communities reduce the solid waste stream; provide technical assistance and/or training for operators of landfills which are closed or will be closed in the near future with the development and implementation of closure plans, future land use plans, safety and maintenance planning, and closure scheduling within permit requirements. Grant funds may not be used to: recruit applications for the Agency’s water and waste loan and/or any loan and/or grant program; duplicate current services, or replace or substitute support normally provided by other means, such as those performed by an association’s consultant in developing a project, including feasibility,design, and cost estimates; fund political or lobbying activities; pay for capital assets; purchase real estate or vehicles, improve or renovate office space, or repair and maintain privately owned property; pay the costs for construction, improvement, rehabilitation, modification or operation and maintenance of water, wastewater, and solid waste disposal facilities and pay costs incurred prior to effective date of grants made under 7 CFR 1775.

The objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement is to research and develop next-generation building technologies that have the potential for significant energy savings and improved demand flexibility, affordability, and occupant comfort. An additional goal is to advance building construction, remodeling, and retrofit practices, and associated workforces.

A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION U.S. Embassy Maseru Special Projects Office announces an open competition for local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to submit applications to implement a community-led monitoring (CLM) program, specifically the Lesotho PLHIV Facility Feedback Tool (attached). The community-led monitoring (CLM) program is funded through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in support of the Ministry of Health’s effort to achieve HIV epidemic control through the implementation of evidence-based and client-centered interventions to accelerate progress in HIV prevention, care, and treatment. The goal of the CLM program is to help PEPFAR programs and health institutions identify persistent problems, challenges, and barriers to effective service and client outcomes at the site level in order to formulate workable solutions that overcome these barriers and ensure beneficiaries have access to quality services. The objective of the CLM program is to facilitate participation of local CSO players in the evaluation of HIV services, identify areas for improvement, advocate for change, guide the health care providers to incorporate monitoring as part of their routine activities, and popularize the facility feedback tool among PLHIV groups. Each grant will only implement the Lesotho PLHIV Facility Feedback Tool at public health facilities (Government of Lesotho and Christian Health Association of Lesotho) and will specify the district to be targeted (in order of preference) and the number of health facilities it can provide community monitoring. Each grant will only implement the Lesotho PLHIV Facility Feedback Tool at public health facilities (Government of Lesotho and Christian Health Association of Lesotho) and will specify the district to be targeted (in order of preference) and the number of health facilities it can provide community monitoring. Local organizations that receive the grants will conduct facility exit interviews and facility/community interfaces and dialogues as per the guidance from the Tool. Data from the feedback forms will be provided to the CLM coordinating organization, who will then deliver the results to PEPFAR (through the Special Projects Office), respective District Health Management Teams and MOH as appropriate, CSOs, and other relevant stakeholders semi-annually. Training and technical assistance will be provided to organizations selected for this award. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION U.S. Embassy Maseru issues ten or more awards resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to applicants whose applications are the most responsive to the objectives in this NOFO. The Special Projects Office may a) reject any or all applications; b) accept other than the lowest cost application; c) accept more than one application; d) accept alternate applications; and/or e) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received. The Special Projects Office may give awards after discussions and negotiations with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest modifications in the project description, budget, or other aspects of the application. Applicants should not request more than $20,000 USD and each applicant/organization will only receive one award. Please note that the PEPFAR Small Grants Program is subject to the availability of funds. Applicants should include an anticipated start date of March 01, 2021. The project period should be 12 months. C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION C.1 Eligible applicants The Special Projects Office welcomes applications from community-based organizations and other civil society groups; networks of key populations, people living with HIV and other affected groups; or other entities that gather data and observations about components of HIV services, with a focus on getting input from recipients of treatment services. ● All applicants must be legally registered and have been in operation for at least one year to be eligible for funding. ● Organizations must be able to demonstrate that they have adequate internal controls and financial monitoring procedures in place. ● Organizations should demonstrate strong ties and support in the local community and with local governmental authorities. Each project accepted for funding will submit financial and narrative progress reports on a routine basis. Grantees will be instructed on the inputs required for financial and programmatic progress reports by the PEPFAR Coordination Office. Please note that organizations currently funded by PEPFAR to deliver health services either in the community or at the health facility are prohibited from applying for this grant. C.2 Cost sharing or matching There is no requirement for cost sharing, matching or cost participation. C.3 Other Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM) (www.sam.gov) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 the implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p.189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p.235), “Debarment and Suspension”. Additionally, no entity listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM can participate in any activities under an award. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION Complete application MUST include the following: · Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A and SF-424B forms · Cover Page (not exceeding ONE page, word document) including a table with organization name, project title, target districts/location, name and contact information of the organization’s primary point of contact · Table of Contents (not exceeding ONE page) listing all documents and attachments with numbers · Proposal Narrative (not exceeding FIVE pages). Please note the ten pages DOES NOT include the Cover Page, Executive Summary, Table of Contents, Attachments, Detailed budget and Budget Narrative · A detailed history of your Organization and project stating when it started, what has been accomplished, what you have done for the community, and how the community supports you. · Budget amount of funding request; costs must be in U.S dollar and estimated in Maloti using exchange rate of $1=M15 and not exceeding $20,000 · Expected measurable results (not exceeding ONE page) · Budget Narrative (word document) that includes substantive explanations and justifications for each line item in the detailed budget (not exceeding ONE page) · 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program with their role description · Monitoring and evaluation narrative plan (not exceeding TWO pages, word document) · A copy of your organization’s constitution · A list of committee members with their names and addresses. The minimum number of project members required to apply for funding is eight. · A copy of project bank account details including the name of the bank, account name, account number and type of account (savings or checking). E. REQUIRED REGISTRATIONS All applicants must obtain the below registrations (all are free of charge). Below are links to each registration which must be completed. Duns Number -Please refer to http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform NCAGE Code -Please refer to: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx SAM registration – Please refer tohttps://www.sam.gov NOTE: The process of obtaining a SAM.gov registration may take 4 weeks. Applications that do not include the elements listed above will not be considered. The PEPFAR Small Grants Community-Led Monitoring Program will accept applications from December 03, 2020 to January 29, 2021. Applications can be emailed to grantsmaseru@state.gov or mailed to/handed in to U.S. Embassy Maseru Special Projects Office 254 Kingsway P.O. Box 333 Maseru 100, Lesotho Any application that is received after the deadline, is incomplete, or is missing required documentation will be rejected. Please Note: The Special Projects Office retains the right to ask for additional documents not included in this NOFO. Additional information that successful applicants must submit after notification of intent to make a Federal Award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award, may include: Pre-award Meetings; Written responses and any revised application documents addressing any conditions or recommendations from the review panel; Bank account information; and Other requested information or documents discussed during negotiations prior to issuance of a Federal award. E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Special Projects Office will determine eligibility for all applications and then each application will be evaluated and rated individually against the following criteria, listed below. The Special Projects Office strives to ensure each application receives a balanced evaluation by a review panel. The application should be responsive to the NOFO. Applicants should not request more than $20,000 USD and each applicant/organization will only receive one award. Competitive applications should clearly indicate the district or districts they want to work in by order of preference (e.g., first choice, second choice, etc.). Each applicant/organization will only be able to provide community monitoring in one district. The application should clearly indicate the number of health facilities it can monitor and detail how activities will be carried out. The objectives should be clear, measurable, and have a well-articulated timeline. The budget must be complete and reasonable in relation to the number of health facilities being monitored, proposed activities and anticipated results, and the plan for services and related cost estimates must also be realistic. After rating, shortlisted applicants will be contacted and may be asked for an interview to provide additional information or clarification on portions of their application and may be asked to accommodate a site visit. The final list of applicants will be presented to an internal review panel for final selection. Applicants not selected will receive notification that they will not receive a grant. F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINSTRATION INFORMATION The grant award shall be written, signed, awarded and administered by the Grants Officer. The Grants Officer is the U.S. government official delegated the authority by the U.S. Department of State Procurement Executive to write, award, and administer grants. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the recipient. All awards will require both program and financial reports on a frequency specified in the award agreement. The disbursement of funds will be tied to submission of these reports in a timely manner. All other details related to award administration will be specified in the award agreement as well.

A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION U.S. Embassy Maseru Special Projects Office announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a capacity building and coordination project for selected grantees of the PEPFAR Small Grants Community-Led Monitoring Program 2020-2021 who will be implementing the Lesotho PLHIV Facility Feedback Tool (attached). The community-led monitoring (CLM) program is funded through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in support of the Ministry of Health’s effort to achieve HIV epidemic control through the implementation of evidence-based and client-centered interventions to accelerate progress in HIV prevention, care, and treatment. The goal of the CLM program is to help PEPFAR programs and health institutions identify persistent problems, challenges, and barriers to effective service and client outcomes at the site level in order to formulate workable solutions that overcome these barriers and ensure beneficiaries have access to quality services. The objective of the CLM program is to facilitate participation of local CSO players in the evaluation of HIV services, identify areas for improvement, advocate for change, guide the health care providers to incorporate monitoring as part of their routine activities, and popularize the facility feedback tool among PLHIV groups. The applicant must be a well-established countrywide non-governmental organization that can train, support, and equip selected grantees on their activities in community-led monitoring, data collection, grant management, and reporting. In addition, the CLM coordinating organization will ensure there is no duplication in the health facilities being monitored among all the grantees. The organization will collect data gathered by the CLM grantees and then deliver the results to PEPFAR (through the Special Projects Office), respective Health Facility Committees, District Health Management Teams and MOH as appropriate, CSOs, and other relevant stakeholders semi-annually. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION U.S. Embassy Maseru issues one award resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to applicants whose applications are the most responsive to the objectives in this NOFO. The Special Projects Office may a) reject any or all applications; b) accept other than the lowest cost application; c) accept more than one application; d) accept alternate applications; and/or e) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received. The Special Projects Office may give awards after discussions and negotiations with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest modifications in the project description, budget, or other aspects of the application. Applicants should not request more than $50,000 USD. Please note that the PEPFAR Small Grants Program is subject to the availability of funds. Applicants should include an anticipated start date of March 01, 2021. The project period should be 12 months. C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION C.1 Eligible applicants The Special Projects Office welcomes applications from non-governmental organisations; networks of key populations, people living with HIV and other affected groups; or other entities that gather data and observations about components of HIV services, with a focus on getting input from recipients of treatment services. ● All applicants must be legally registered and have been in operation for at least five years to be eligible for funding. ● Organizations must be able to demonstrate that they have adequate internal controls and financial monitoring procedures in place. Each project accepted for funding will submit financial and narrative progress reports on a routine basis. Grantees will be instructed on the inputs required for financial and programmatic progress reports by the Special Projects Office. Please note that organizations currently funded by PEPFAR to deliver health services either in the community or at the health facility are prohibited from applying for this grant. C.2 Cost sharing or matching There is no requirement for cost sharing, matching or cost participation. C.3 Other Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM) (www.sam.gov) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 the implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p.189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p.235), “Debarment and Suspension”. Additionally, no entity listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM can participate in any activities under an award. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION Complete application MUST include the following: · Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A and SF-424B forms · Cover Page including a table with organization name, project title, target districts/location, name and contact information of the organization’s primary point of contact · Table of Contents listing all documents and attachments with numbers · The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with community-led monitoring would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. Applicant may use their own proposal format, but it must include all the items below: o Introduction to the Applying Organization o Program Goals and Objectives o Program Strategic Approach and Tools o Program Activities o Expected measurable results o Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline o Key Personnel o Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan o Budget in U.S dollar and estimated in Maloti using exchange rate of $1=M15 and not exceeding $50,000 o Budget Narrative · A copy of your organization’s constitution · A list of committee/board members with their names and addresses. · A copy of project bank account details including the name of the bank, account name, account number and type of account (savings or checking). Applications that do not include the elements listed above will not be considered. The PEPFAR Small Grants Community-Led Monitoring Program will accept applications from December 1, 2020 to January 29, 2021. Applications can be emailed to grantsmaseru@state.gov or mailed to/handed in to U.S. Embassy Maseru Special Projects Office 254 Kingsway P.O. Box 333 Maseru 100, Lesotho Any application that is received after the deadline, is incomplete, or is missing required documentation will be rejected. Please Note: The Special Projects Office retains the right to ask for additional documents not included in this NOFO. Additional information that successful applicants must submit after notification of intent to make a Federal Award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award, may include: Pre-award site visit; Written responses and any revised application documents addressing any conditions or recommendations from the review panel; Bank account information; and Other requested information or documents discussed during negotiations prior to issuance of a Federal award. E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Special Projects Office will determine eligibility for all applications and then each application will be evaluated and rated individually against the following criteria, listed below. The Special Projects Office strives to ensure each application receives a balanced evaluation by a review panel. The application should be responsive to the NOFO. The implementation plan must be achievable and realistic for the means and skills of the community and must be completed within the 12-month timeframe. The application should clearly detail how activities will be carried out. The objectives should be clear, measurable, and have a well-articulated timeline. The budget must be complete and reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results, and the plan for services and related cost estimates must also be realistic. After rating, shortlisted applicants will be contacted and may be asked for an interview to provide additional information or clarification on portions of their application and may be asked to accommodate a site visit. The final list of applicants will be presented to an internal review panel for final selection. Applicants not selected will receive notification that they will not receive a grant. F. REQUIRED REGISTRATIONS All applicants must obtain the below registrations (all are free of charge). Below are links to each registration which must be completed. Duns Number-Please refer to http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform (1.3.1.2. NCAGE/CAGE code) Ncage Code-Please refer to https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx SAM registration- Please refer to https://www.sam.gov NOTE: The process of obtaining a SAM.gov registration may take 4 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible; registration is free. G. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINSTRATION INFORMATION The grant award shall be written, signed, awarded and administered by the Grants Officer. The Grants Officer is the U.S. government official delegated the authority by the U.S. Department of State Procurement Executive to write, award, and administer grants. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the recipient. All awards will require both program and financial reports on a frequency specified in the award agreement. The disbursement of funds will be tied to submission of these reports in a timely manner. All other details related to award administration will be specified in the award agreement as well.

REAP Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Program.Refer to Application Package AND Application Instruction links to obtain all necessary forms for a complete application. Contact State Energy Coordinator with questions: http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf

The Embassy continues to offer grants for well-conceived and managed projects that strengthen ties between the United States and Slovenia. Successful proposals will strengthen understanding of the United States, including its society, culture, politics and values, and support a priority themes listed below. New grantees with relevant, impactful proposals may be given preference over previous grantees. For this grant period, additional consideration will be given to project proposals focusing on the following themes: •Regional and Trans-Atlantic Cooperation •Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Economic Reform, Promotion of Trade, Women in STEAM •International Security, Counter Terrorism, and Defense Issues •Energy Security and Diversification •Digitalization, Cyber Security, and Artificial Intelligence •Countering Corruption, Good Governance, Strengthening Rule of Law, and Transparency •Independent Media and Investigative Journalism •Human Rights (to include tolerance, respect for diversity, and support for historically marginalized communities.) •Youth Engagement, Volunteerism, and Active Citizenship •Environmental Preservation and Sustainability The following criteria will be used to evaluate proposals: - Quality of Project Proposal - Program Goals/Objectives - Plan for Measuring Program Effectiveness - Organizational Capability and Record of Performance - Summary Budget and Cost Effectiveness - Key Personnel - Sustainability of the Project The review will be done by The Embassy NGO Small Grants Committee consisting of an odd number of Embassy key staff (usually five) who will conduct a review of the project applications using cost-benefit analysis in consideration of a project’s potential to advance U.S. policy priorities. What are we looking for in a proposal? •Programs that build and enhance relationships between Slovenia and the United States through bilateral cooperation, highlight shared values, and promote mutual understanding. •Sustainable projects with strong merit and clearly defined goals and outcomes. •Projects that include acknowledgement of U.S. Embassy support and a plan to amplify our cooperation via traditional or digital media.