Funding Wizard

The U.S. Consulate General Lagos, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for non-governmental organizations (NGO) that is registered, or individuals based in, the following states: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Cross River to submit applications to carry out a program to applying for funding to propose projects to address issues under one of the six priority theme areas listed below. Please follow all instructions below. 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. Proposals should include whether any training, meetings, workshops, and/or seminars would be conducted at an American corner or Window on America when possible. American Corners or Windows on America are in Lagos (Lekki, Victoria Island, and Ikeja), Ibadan, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Abeokuta, Awka, Enugu, Osogbo, Uyo, and Benin City. Priorities will be given to programs that encourage collaboration with U.S. Government exchange alumni. This notice outlines PDS’ funding priorities and the procedures for submitting applications for funding. Implementation of this program remains subject to the approval and availability of U.S. government fiscal year 2023 (FY 2023) funds. Please carefully read through and follow all instructions attached.

The U.S. Embassy Abuja announces an open competition for organizations to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to carry out projects through the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (ASSH) Small Grants Program. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise (two-page) statement of interest designed to clearly communicate program idea and objectives. This is not a full proposal. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit program ideas for evaluation prior to requiring the development of a full proposal application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decisions are made. Program Objectives: ASSH is a grassroots grant assistance program that provides modest grants for small scale community development activities that improve living conditions. 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. ASSH is structured to encourage communities to be self-reliant and undertake similar activities on their own in the future. The U.S. contribution will be a set amount on a one-time basis only. PROJECT OBJECTIVES: Economic diversification and creation of opportunities Projects that generate sustainable revenue and create employment opportunities in local communities benefiting these beyond individual group members. Projects should advance economic diversification at the grassroots level and promote a culture of entrepreneurship, including women-led entrepreneurship and innovation that can be replicated locally. Projects should encourage the use of locally sourced natural resources for income generation through diversified agricultural practices. Social inclusion and services Projects that aim to improve the lives of vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, the elderly and female heads of household. This includes access to basic services such as water and sanitation. Youth and child development Projects that create opportunities for youth, including employment, or enable access to and enhance early childhood and primary education. Environment and community-based natural resource management Projects that expand effective community ownership and management of natural resources, promote the conservation of natural resources, build resilience and increase the capacity to adapt to environmental changes. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS: To meet the following criteria to be eligible for consideration, projects must: … Help improve basic economic or social conditions on a small community scale and has a long-term value. … Have high impact, benefit a significant number of community members and have a high beneficiary to budget ratio. … Be initiated by the community, demonstrate strong community involvement and participation. … Be feasible and based on the socio-economic context of the community. … Include a community contribution of 10% or more of the total cost of the project. This may be in cash or in kind, such as volunteer time and labor, food, accommodation costs, donated land, transportation costs, equipment, and materials. … Aim to be completed within 6 – 12 months and be self-sustaining upon completion. The project plan contains pre-established long-term goals and a coherent plan to keep the project running in the future. … Identify a real need, demonstrate that benefitting community can maintain and operate the project as evidenced by implementing prior successful projects. … Show that applicant organization is financially responsible as evidenced by a bank account in its name. … Illustrate strong coordination and communication among the applicant, local leaders, and local government representatives. … Be submitted by an organized group that is motivated and a capable project manager who is a long-term resident in the community is responsible for the project. … Request U.S. contribution amount above $10,000. … Have a project budget that is clear, complete, and well defined, and includes only items permanent in nature or technical assistance necessary for the completion of project. Participants and Audiences: · The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program will only accept proposals from non-governmental, not-for-profit organizations registered on the federal or state level in Nigeria that work directly with communities. · Strong preference will be given to established, local, grassroots groups based within the communities where the projects are implemented. · Groups that have been funded through the Ambassador’s Special-Self Help program in the past are not eligible. · For-profit, commercial entities and private businesses are not eligible. · Individuals are not eligible. 1. Content and Form of Application Submission Please follow all instructions below carefully. SOIs that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Content of SOI must include: · Project name and location address, including geographic coordinates, legal name, status and address of applying organization, contact name, email address and phone number · A brief project description summarizing goals, objectives, outcomes, performance indicators, description of target groups and number of direct and indirect beneficiaries, and proposed timeline. Please ensure that the proposal clearly addresses the objectives and project requirements stated in Section A of this notice. · Introduction to the applying organization including a description of past and present operations as well as information on previous grants from the U.S. government and other donors. · A clear statement of the applicant’s organizational capacity to carry out the proposed activity and manage U.S. Government funds. · Total budget amount in U.S. dollars at the official rate including a brief description of costs and community contribution. Do not include Nigerian Naira amounts. · Signature and contact information of a community leader residing in the beneficiary community. Community leaders include local municipal leaders, religious leaders, civil society leaders, or any governing body that has oversight over where the project will be implemented. One community leader can sign the statement of interest; however, multiple signatures are strongly encouraged. Please ensure: - All documents are in English - All pages are numbered - SOI does not exceed 2 pages 2. Submission Dates and Times SOIs are due no later than April 30, 2023. 3. Funding Restrictions Any costs incurred in preparation of your proposal or in advance of an award will not be reimbursed. 4. Other Submission Requirements The SOIs are to be submitted via email to: AbujaPolEconGrants@state.gov - Subject line of the email should state: 2023 ASSH SOI – Name of applicant organization (as appropriate) - SOIs should be attached as one PDF document, submissions in other formats will deem the application ineligible. - We are unable to access google docs or other links, documents sent through a link will deem the application ineligible. - Documents that are not readable due to low scan resolution will deem the application ineligible. FULL TEXT OF THE NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY CAN BE FOUND AT THE U.S. MISSION NIGERIA WEBSITE.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Abuja 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. Purpose of Small Grants: The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Nigeria through cultural, information 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 · Exchanges and speaker programs · Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions, media events · Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs · Training and empowerment programs · Leadership, youth, and sports programs · Initiatives that support democratic values such as freedom of the press · Programs that advance peace, security, and national unity Priority Program Areas: PDS will prioritize grant program proposals that: · Promote democracy, good governance, and human rights through. o Civic engagement at the state and local levels o Youth activism o Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility of marginalized groups · Strengthen human capital to promote inclusive economic growth and development through programs focused on. o Women Empowerment o Digital skills and green entrepreneurship o Mentorship and skills building to increase employability and professional literacy o Climate change: community service and public awareness campaigns o Leadership and peacebuilding through sports o Improve and expand English language learning through curriculum development and teacher training · Promote the preservation, restoration, and protection of Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage sites, objects, and traditions through: o Training and capacity-building for local professionals o Educational and cultural exchange for curators and art conservators o Campaigns to improve public awareness · Highlight priority themes in relation to key dates on the U.S. Mission programming calendar, including: o July 18: Nelson Mandela Day o July 30: World Day against Trafficking in Person o Aug 12: International Youth Day o Sept 15: International Day of Democracy o Oct 27: International Religious Freedom Day o Nov 21: Global Entrepreneurship week o Nov 27: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women o Dec 3: International Day for Persons Living with Disabilities o Dec 10: International Human Rights Day o Jan 15: Martin Luther King Day o Feb: Black History Month o March: Women’s History Month o April 22: Earth Day o May 3: World Press Freedom Day o June 5: World Environment Day PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENTS IN RELATED DOCUMENTS FOLDER FOR MORE DETAILS.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Mission Nigeria in collaboration with the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program thorough the Julia Taft Refugee Fund that will support one-time, low-cost interventions that address important gaps in protection and assistance for refugees and stateless persons. Please follow all instructions below. Program Objectives: This initiative began in 2000, under the leadership of former Assistant Secretary Julia V. Taft (named for her posthumously), with the intent of providing Ambassadors with the means to respond to critical gaps that local agencies could address, and which larger multilateral humanitarian programs have not addressed. The program is intended to meet gaps in assistance through quick impact projects to meet critical needs not addressed by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), International Organization for Migration (IOM), or other international organizations (IOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The Taft Fund is intended for projects that include a target beneficiary base of at least 50 percent refugees or returned refugees. Please note that this program can not cover activities aimed at internally displaced or stateless persons in Nigeria. Additionally, the program may fund projects that support equal access to protection, assistance, and other solutions for LGBTQI+ refugees and stateless persons. The proposed projects should be one-time interventions, not sustained programs. Examples of past projects include improved access to education, development of livelihoods, basic business training, health awareness programs, early childhood development activities, mental health establishment of agricultural cooperatives, mental health services, protection from gender-based violence, legal assistance, community building activities, sports programs for refugee youth, security upgrades to camps and WASH programs. Participants and Audiences: Communities of at least 50 percent refugees or returned refugees. Please note that this program can not cover activities aimed at internally displaced or stateless persons in Nigeria. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: 2 awards Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000 Total available funding: $25,000 Type of Funding: FY23 Julia Taft Refugee Fund under the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 Anticipated program start date: July 1, 2023 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply: · Not-for-profit organizations (NPOs,) including civil society/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) registered on the federal or state level in Nigeria. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching · No cost sharing is required. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Content and Form of Application The following documents are required: a. Mandatory application forms Available through this link: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html These forms are ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE. If you are requested to pay, you may be targeted by a scam. Do not save these forms as they are encrypted, and you will lose the information you entered. Fill the forms out, print immediately, sign, scan all three together into one .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) Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. b. Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant 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): 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. Short narrative that outlines the proposed program with a description of population benefited by the project, benefits provided by the project and a justification, including program objectives and anticipated impact, i.e. benefits to the beneficiaries. Clearly describe the nationality of the refugees that will benefit from the program. Please note that this program can not cover activities aimed at internally displaced or stateless persons in Nigeria. Introduction to the Organization or Individual 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. 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. Include a logic model as appropriate. Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: 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. 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? 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. Use budget categories as described in section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information. e. Attachments: · Copy of organization’s certificate of incorporation or non-profit organization registration · 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program · If your organization has a NICRA and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file. · Official permission letters, if required for program activities · Copy of organization’s Code of Conduct signed by the staff and consistent with the updated IASC’s six core principles and recommendations on the prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation (PSEA). f. Required Registrations: Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that 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 EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included. All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge. 2. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than February 3, 2023. 3. Funding Restrictions Any costs incurred in preparation of your proposal or in advance of an award will not be reimbursed. 4. Other Submission Requirements All application materials must be submitted by email to AbujaPOLECONgrants@state.gov FULL TEXT OF THE NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO) CAN BE FOUND AT THE U.S. MISSION NIGERIA WEBSITE LISTED BELOW.

The U.S Mission to Nigeria announces an open competition for eligible organizations seeking project funding through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) for fiscal year 2023 to submit applications. The deadline for the submission of proposals is January 6, 2023 at 11:59pm.AFCP Program Objectives:The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) Grants Program was established in 2001 at the request of the Congress, reflected in the Conference Report on the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2001 (P. L. 106-553). AFCP was launched to preserve cultural heritage and to demonstrate U.S. respect for other cultures. The aim is to preserve of major ancient archaeological sites, historic buildings and monuments, and major museum collections that have an historical or cultural significance to the cultural heritage of Nigeria.Appropriate project activities may include:a) Anastylosis (reassembling a site from its original parts)b) Conservation (addressing damage or deterioration to an object or site)c) Consolidation (connecting or reconnecting elements of an object or site)d) Documentation (recording in analog or digital format the condition and salient features of an object, site, or tradition)e) Inventory (listing of objects, sites, or traditions by location, feature, age, or other unifying characteristic or state)f) Preventive Conservation (addressing conditions that threaten or damage a site, object, collection, or tradition)Page 2 of 9g) Restoration (replacing missing elements to recreate the original appearance of an object or site, usually appropriate only with fine arts, decorative arts, and historic buildings)h) Stabilization (reducing the physical disturbance of an object or site)Competition Format: Both AFCP small and large grants are now combined to a single program and projects will be selected in two rounds. During Round 1, eligible organizations will submit concept notes for both small and large projects that focus on the public diplomacy objectives that may be accomplished through the proposed project. Applicants invited to participate in Round 2 will flesh out the technical aspects of the proposed project and submit a full application. Awards will range from $10,000 to $500,000.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Through the Fiscal Transparency Innovation Fund, U.S. Embassy Abuja seeks to help Nigeria to improve budget transparency and to support civil society organizations promoting fiscal transparency. Objective: Raise public awareness and encourage greater compliance with existent fiscal laws and increase public demand on Anti-Corruption Agencies and Public Accounts Committees to act on irregularities/recommendations to deter future abusers. Description: Since 2012, the State Department and USAID have provided foreign assistance to help governments to improve budget transparency and to support civil society organizations promoting fiscal transparency. This work complements the role of the Fiscal Transparency Report. U.S. embassies largely manage these projects, which range from small assistance efforts aimed at training civil society and the media on budget transparency, to larger projects that assist government officials in strengthening budgeting and auditing processes. Programs that facilitate timely release of audit reports and promote access to simplified audit information for citizens, civil society and community-based organizations, media, and other accountability actors are encouraged. Program Component: Grantee will develop a project that will efficiently and effectively capture mechanisms for improved public audit impact in public expenditure and revenue generation. Expected Outcomes: · Increased compliance in submitting audited financial statements to the Auditor-General by government agencies · Reduced time lag between end of financial year and publication of annual audit reports by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAuGF.) · Increased transparency and public awareness about the administrative hurdles and lag times that inhibit effective fulfillment of Public Accounts Committees. · Enhanced policy actions towards enacting modern audit legal framework for the Federal Government of Nigeria. · Publicizes sanctions by Public Accounts Committees and or Anti-Corruption Agencies for fiscal abuses Anticipated Activities The following are suggested activities. Applicants are welcome to propose other activities and outputs relevant to the primary objectives and expected results of the project. · Conduct Fiscal Responsibility Index to assess the level of fiscal prudence across government agencies · Train heads of finance, procurement, and internal audit within government agencies on compliance guidelines with existing audit laws, procurement statutes, and financial regulations · Stakeholders’ workshop to review proposed federal audit law and map targeted advocacy initiatives to accelerate passage and assent. We will engage with members of Civil Society Coalition on Audit in Nigeria (CSCAN) - a Coalition which PLSI leads, and members include media executives, civil society leaders, community-based organizations. We will equally engage key social media and public policy influencers (this includes former legislators/government officials). · Host roundtable discussion with social and policy influencers on the need for a modern audit legal framework to facilitate advocacy · Review 2019 audit report of the federation to analyze/highlight key irregularities/recommendations as they concern fiscal abuses in government agencies · Develop creative infographics and explainer videos to simplify audit issues/recommendations to facilitate evidence-based citizens engagement with duty bearers · Disseminate and amplify audit issues on social media (Twitter, Facebook & YouTube), and Value for Money web platform · Host radio show to disseminate key 2019 audit findings to stimulate citizens interest in utilizing audit data to demand accountability · Produce copies of summarized and simplified 2019 audit reports to engage accountability actors · Mobilize CSOs and Media partners to monitor Public Accounts Committees’ review of 2019 Audit Report of the Federation · Capacity building to encourage investigative reporting on audit issues contained in 2019 Audit Report of the Federation The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; Charitable or development activities; Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs Scientific research; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or Programs that duplicate existing programs. FULL TEXT OF THIS NOFO INCLUDING APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND AWARD INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON THE U.S. MISSION NIGERIA WEBSITE.