Funding Opportunity: “Edital de Projetos EUA-Brasil” 

Federal Agency Name:                                                         United States Department of State (DOS)
Funding Opportunity Title:                                                  Edital de Projetos EUA-Brasil
Funding Opportunity Number:                                             FY22-PAS-BRAZIL-001
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) No:   19.040
Issuance Date:                                                                      January 27, 2022

Submission Dates:

Round I

  • March 03, 2022, U.S. Embassy in Brasilia, U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro, and U.S. Consulate General in São Paulo.

Round II

  • April 04, 2022, 11:59 pm, Brasilia Time (GMT-3) U.S. Embassy in Brasilia, U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Belo Horizonte, U.S. Consulate General in Porto Alegre, U.S. Consulate General in Recife, U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro, and U.S. Consulate General in São Paulo.

Submit questions to:

U.S. Embassy in Brasilia                                              BrazilGrants@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General in Porto Alegre                    portoalegreimprensa@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General in Recife                               Recifepa@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro                 grantsrio@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Sao Paulo                             saopaulogrants@state.gov
U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Belo Horizonte        belohorizontepa@state.gov

SECTION I: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

The Public Affairs Sections (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil seeks proposals that address the priorities and themes outlined in this announcement. This document contains specific procedures for submitting proposals.

PAS invites proposals for projects that highlight shared values and strengthen ties between the United States and Brazil through academic, cultural, educational, and exchange programs. All proposals must include a U.S. component (such as the significant involvement of identifiable U.S. experts, organizations, institutions, approaches, or best practices on specific issues) that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

This funding opportunity focuses on programs in Brazil. U.S.-based entities are eligible to apply independently or in partnership with a Brazilian individual or organization for projects to be implemented in the locations outlined in this announcement.

The U.S. Embassy or Consulate will evaluate and select projects being proposed for implementation in their respective regional jurisdiction or consular district.

 

Please refer to the specific thematic priorities established by the Embassy or Consulate where the project will be implemented. Proposals must be responsive to those specific priorities. The regional jurisdictions are as follows:

  • U.S. Embassy in Brasilia: responsible for the Brazilian states of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, and Tocantins, and the Federal District.
  • U.S. Consulate General in Porto Alegre: responsible for the Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina.
  • U.S. Consulate General in Recife: responsible for the Brazilian states of Alagoas, Ceará, Maranhão, Paraíba, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, and Sergipe.
  • U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro: responsible for the Brazilian states of Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, and Bahia.
  • U.S. Consulate General in São Paulo: responsible for the Brazilian states of São Paulo, Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul.
  • U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Belo Horizonte: responsible for the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.

Online Application Link:
Brasilia Edital de Projetos Application Form

General Information

Estimated Total Program Funding* 
Award Ceiling 
Award Floor 
Expected Number of Awards 
No. Application Rounds 
Deadline for Applications
US$ 80,000.00
US$ 25,000.00
US$ 5,000.00
Multiple
2
Round I March 03, 2022
Round II April 04, 2022

* Contingent on the availability of funding

Eligibility

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S Embassy and Consulates in Brazil encourages applications from committed and organized civil-society organizations, local representatives of civil society, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and individuals. Cooperation and support of federal or local government authorities is welcome.

For-profit, commercial firms, employees of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil, and family members of employees are not eligible to apply.

Priority Areas

  • DEMOCRATIC VALUES 
    Programs that strengthen and empower civil society and promote human rights, diversity, social equity and inclusion, rule of law, freedom of the press, and other democratic values. Also, programs that counter misinformation or disinformation.
  • EDUCATION
    Programs related to promoting study in the United States, the internationalization of Brazilian institutions of higher education, and/or the creation of linkages between American and Brazilian institutions of higher learning. Also, programs that promote U.S. studies in Brazil.
  • ENGLISH LANGUAGE 
    Programs that promote English language development, either focusing on language instruction and methodology, or relating it to any of the above themes. Programs can be for learners, educators, or specialists in the fields and should promote critical thinking, inclusion, diversity, and equity.
  • INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP 
    Programs that aim to build capacity in social and economic entrepreneurship and focus on inclusion of under-represented groups in the economy.
  • STEAM LEARNING 
    Programs that help underrepresented communities learn, adopt, and thrive from Science, Technology, Engineering, Applied Arts, and Math (STEAM) education and activities, including programs that help young people learn future job skills, such as coding, Internet of Things (IoT), creative thinking, as well as connecting it to the importance of learning English.
  • THE AMAZON AND THE ENVIRONMENT 
    Programs that promote ​forest management and preservation, as well as biodiversity while improving the inclusion, prosperity and well-being of indigenous peoples and local communities in the Amazon. Also, programs that promote the sustainable use of biodiversity, through the development of the bioeconomy.
  • U.S. FOREIGN POLICY 
    Programs that help Brazilian audiences analyze, debate, and understand U.S. foreign policy.

Online Application Link: 
Porto Alegre Edital de Projetos Application Form

General Information

Estimated Total Program Funding* 
Award Ceiling 
Award Floor 
Expected Number of Awards 
No. Application Rounds 
Deadline for Applications
US$ 50,000.00
US$ 20,000.00
US$ 5,000.00
Multiple
1
Round II April 04, 2022

* Contingent on the availability of funding

Eligibility

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S Embassy and Consulates in Brazil encourages applications from committed and organized civil-society organizations, local representatives of civil society, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and individuals.

For-profit, commercial firms, employees of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil, and family members of employees are not eligible to apply.

Priority Areas

  • DEMOCRACY
    • Social Inclusion: Advancing human rights, diversity, and freedom of speech. Protect and empower members of marginalized and under-represented groups.
    • Press Freedom and Combating Disinformation: Promote press freedom, innovation, and factual reporting. Increase media literacy and combat disinformation.
    • Education, English, and Culture: Advance U.S.-Brazil cooperation in STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Applied Arts and Math) among youth, enhance English learning among underserved audiences, increase understanding of Brazil and U.S shared history and culture through culinary traditions, music, art, film, sports, literature, and other cultural forms.
  • ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SECURITY
    • Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Promote bilateral trade and investment, economic integration, entrepreneurship, innovation, science and technology.  Promote and support economic inclusivity, entrepreneurship, and innovation driven by and among under-represented groups.
    • Environment, Sustainability, and Governance: Promote building a green economy, sustainable business practices, investments in energy transition and green business, and incentives for innovation, education and exchange in the climate sphere.
    • Citizen and Regional Security: Support law enforcement and civil society cooperation and exchange to decrease crime and strengthen engagement and opportunities in minority communities

Online Application Link:
Recife Edital de Projetos Application Form

General Information

Estimated Total Program Funding* 
Award Ceiling 
Award Floor 
Expected Number of Awards 
No. Application Rounds 
Deadline for Applications
US$ 50,000.00
US$ 10,000.00
US$ 2,000.00
Multiple
1
Round II April 04, 2022

* Contingent on the availability of funding

Eligibility

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S Embassy and Consulates in Brazil encourages applications from committed and organized civil-society organizations, local representatives of civil society, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, international organizations, and individuals. Cooperation and support of federal or local government authorities is welcome.

For-profit, commercial firms, employees of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil, and family members of employees are not eligible to apply.

Priority Areas

  • DEMOCRATIC VALUES – SOCIAL INCLUSION
    Projects that promote shared U.S.-Brazil democratic values such as universal human rights, citizen participation, accessibility, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, etc., to protect and empower people, with a particular emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • EDUCATION – ENGLISH LANGUAGE – CULTURE – STEAM
    Projects that advance shared U.S. and Brazilian priorities in STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Applied Arts, and Mathematics), promote training for teachers of English or enhance English learning among specific audiences, increase understanding of shared history and culture, or build linkages between U.S. and Brazilian higher education or research institutions
  • ENVIRONMENT – SUSTAINABILITY – CLIMATE CHANGE
    Projects that prevent environmental degradation, stress sustainability, and promote environmental conservation, including educational or community projects that prepare citizens impacted by climate change or reduce the harms of climate change.
  • INNOVATION – ENTREPRENEURSHIP
    Projects that support economic inclusivity, develop job skills, or drive innovation by and for under-represented groups to build entrepreneurial capacity, including, but not limited to safe 5G, protections for intellectual property, women’s and girls’ empowerment, and coding.

Online Application Link:
Rio de Janeiro Edital de Projetos Application Form

General Information

Estimated Total Program Funding* 
Award Ceiling 
Award Floor 
Expected Number of Awards 
No. Application Rounds 
Deadline for Applications
US$ 60,000.00
US$ 20,000.00
US$ 5,000.00
Multiple
2
Round I March 03, 2022
Round II April 04, 2022

* Contingent on the availability of funding,

Eligibility

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S Embassy and Consulates in Embassy and Consulates in Brazil encourages applications from committed and organized civil-society organizations, local representatives of civil society, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and individuals.

For-profit, commercial firms, employees of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil, and family members of employees are not eligible to apply.

Priority Areas

Round I

  • Education: Promote study in the United States, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Applied Arts, and Mathematics) learning, U.S.-Brazil higher education partnerships, and English-language learning.
  • Human Rights: Promote human rights, especially for marginalized groups, with focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).
  • Democracy:  Strengthen civil society; promote rule of law and other democratic values.
  • Media literacy and misinformation: Promote media literacy and develop strategies to combat misinformation practices that can undermine and influence democratic values; encourage responsible journalism.

Round II

  • Gaming/E-Sports: Projects that provide young people, especially from underprivileged communities, with access to technical training and marketable job skills.
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation:  Build capacity in both areas and focus on inclusion of under-represented groups.
  • Environment / Climate Change:  Promote the sustainable use of natural resources, the development of the bioeconomy, and conservation of the environment

Online Application Link:
São Paulo Edital de Projetos Application Form

General Information

Estimated Total Program Funding* 
Award Ceiling 
Award Floor 
Expected Number of Awards 
No. Application Rounds 
Deadline for Applications
US$ 50,000.00 to US$ 100,000.00
US$ 25,000.00
US$ 5,000.00
Multiple
2
Round I March 03, 2022
Round II April 04, 2022

* Contingent on the availability of funding,

Eligibility

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S Embassy and Consulates in Brazil encourages applications from committed and organized civil-society organizations, local representatives of civil society, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and individuals. Cooperation and support of federal or local government authorities is welcome

For-profit, commercial firms, employees of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil, and family members of employees are not eligible to apply.

Priority Areas

Round I

    • Promoting Democratic Values and Institutions
      Description:  Following the December 2021 Summit for Democracy, the Consulate seeks proposals that advance the Summit’s three pillars:

      • Strengthening democracy and defending against authoritarianism;
      • Addressing and fighting corruption; and
      • Promoting respect for human rights and protecting the rights of the most vulnerable members of society.


      Possible Problem Statement:  Lack of transparency and freedom of information erodes public confidence in democratic institutions, the rule of law, separation of powers, and democratic voting, and increases vulnerability to corruption and violation of human rights.
      Proposals promoting transparency and resilience of democratic values, institutions, and practices are encouraged.

 

    • Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation, and Resilience
      Description:  As extreme climate events such as floods, droughts, fires, rising temperatures and sea levels become more commonplace, communities lacking resources to mitigate and adapt are affected most severely.  Innovative initiatives, particularly at local levels, are encouraged to build capacity and support for mitigation and resilience strategies, especially for vulnerable, underserved communities.Possible Problem Statement: Vulnerable groups—elderly, poor, marginalized, and under-represented residents—are disproportionately affected by uneven development of climate change mitigation strategies, poor infrastructure, and low service capacities at community levels. Innovative initiatives are required to help communities become more resilient through new skills and tools to adapt to, and mitigate the negative impacts of, climate change.

 

  • Capacity-Building for Science Communications
    Description:  The Consulate welcomes proposals aiming to reinforce popular understanding of the importance of data-driven public policies and scientific research through projects that focus on social communication for broad public consumption. Initiatives should increase the capacity of Brazilian subject-matter experts in science and public health fields to help them engage more effectively with audiences vulnerable to distortion and disinformation, and/or enhance the capacity of Brazilian educators to teach media literacy and critical thinking to counter “fake news” and other forms of misinformation, particularly during environmental and public health crises.Possible Problem Statement:  The rise of disinformation, distortion, and “fake news” has affected the understanding of data-driven public policy which, in turn, has impacted responses to twin global crises of climate change and COVID-19.  To counter false narratives more effectively, science communicators and educators require targeted training, tools, and resources to elevate and amplify their voices, as well as to promote greater civic literacy in science, critical thinking, and science inquiry skills.

Round II

  • Promoting U.S.-Brazil Cooperation on Inclusive STEAM Education
    Description:  Greater accessibility and inclusion for underrepresented demographic groups in STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Applied Arts, and Math) is a priority for the U.S. Embassy/Consulates. We encourage innovative programs that leverage U.S.-Brazil cooperation to enhance STEAM education and promote greater diversity and inclusion in STEAM fields and career pathways.
    Possible Problem Statements:
      • Studies indicate that underprivileged/underrepresented communities are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change yet receive a disproportionately small share of resources and services to cope with environmental impacts of climate change. At the same time, women, Afro-Brazilians, and indigenous peoples are underrepresented in STEAM fields which guide society’s climate change response. Consequently, the needs and interests of the most vulnerable are also underrepresented in current climate change mitigation strategies. 
      • In 2020, Brazilian Customs officials seized over a million IPTV boxes used for digital piracy. Currently, authorities destroy the seized devices and they become landfill waste. However, these IPTV boxes could be sanitized, reformatted, and repurposed for use in public schools, libraries, or other educational settings as internet-enabled devices or, even without connectivity, as tools for teaching basic programming skills.  The Consulate seeks proposals for a “proof of concept” pilot project to upcycle up to 2000 seized IPTV boxes, repurpose them for educational use in under-resourced settings and, following the implementation, provide a thorough pilot project evaluation to assess future potential to scale up this initiative (subject to funding availability).

 

  • Promoting Inclusive Economic Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
    Description:  Programs promoting U.S.-Brazil trade and investment, entrepreneurship, digital economic development, innovation, and economic empowerment and inclusion of underrepresented demographics, including women, Afro-Brazilians, indigenous populations, and other marginalized groups.

Possible Problem Statement: The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic multiplied the educational and economic hardships that under-resourced communities face. Pandemic recovery will require new, more inclusive strategies and opportunities for economic empowerment that help to reduce or overcome barriers for new entrepreneurs to experiment, innovate, and gain access to the digital economy.

Online Application Link:  Belo Horizonte Edital de Projetos Application Form

General Information

Estimated Total Program Funding* 
Award Ceiling 
Award Floor 
Expected Number of Awards 
No. Application Rounds 
Deadline for Applications
US$ 50,000.00
US$ 40,000.00
US$ 10,000.00
2
1
Round II April 04, 2022

* Contingent on the availability of funding,

Eligibility

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S Embassy and Consulates in Brazil encourages applications from committed and organized civil-society organizations, local representatives of civil society,
think tanks, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, Department of State Alumni (as individual applicants) and Governmental institutions.

For-profit commercial firms, employees of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates, and family members of employees  are not eligible to apply.

Priority Areas

  • EDUCATION: Programs that build linkages between U.S. and Minas Gerais institutes of higher learning, support the internationalization of higher education in Minas Gerais, and/or promote study in the United States.
  • ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION: Projects that stress sustainability and/or promote environmental conservation, including educational or community projects that prepare citizens impacted by climate change or reduce the harms of climate change.
  • SOCIAL ISSUES: Programs that promote human rights, diversity, and inclusion.
  • ECONOMIC GROWTH: Programs related to bilateral trade, entrepreneurship, innovation, and women’s economic empowerment.
  • CULTURAL DIPLOMACY: Activities promoting U.S. culture through culinary traditions, music, art, film, sports, literature, and other cultural forms.
  • DEMOCRATIC VALUES: Programs that strengthen civil society and promote human rights, women’s empowerment, diversity, racial equity, rule of law, freedom of the press, and other democratic values. Also, programs that counter misinformation or disinformation.

Examples of activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to:

  • Public-facing programs that include subject matter experts explaining aspects of U.S. foreign policy to Brazilian audiences;
  • Training and education programs that promote democratic processes, civic engagement, media literacy, etc.;
  • Programs that teach entrepreneurship and promote social and economic inclusion for underserved communities;
  • Training programs that help young people learn technology-based job skills.

Examples of activities that are not typically funded include, but are not limited to:

  • Social welfare/humanitarian projects;
  • Paying to complete activities begun with other funds;
  • Projects that are inherently political in nature or that contain the appearance of partisanship or support of individual or single party electoral campaigns;
  • International travel, unless specifically justified within the project;
  • Citizen exchange programs with other foreign countries;
  • Construction;
  • Projects that support specific religious activities.

COVID-19 special announcement to all potential applicants: Considering the restrictions to travel and public gathering environments caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates expects interested applicants to submit proposals that include a COVID contingency plan with a virtual programming option(s). Depending upon the public health restrictions in force at the time the program takes place, grantees must have plans to execute in-person, hybrid, or virtual programming.

Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt Act and Fulbright Hays Act. The source of funding is FY 2022 Public Diplomacy Funding.

SECTION II: AWARD INFORMATION

Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Cooperative Agreement, Fixed Amount Award, or individual grant.

Estimated Total Opportunity Funding: US$ 390,000.00, contingent on the availability of funds. Depending on location, awards may range from a minimum of US$ 2,000.00 to a maximum of US$ 40,000.00.  Refer to the funding limitations that each Embassy, Consulate, or Branch Office has established. PAS reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described in the absence of worthy applications or under such other circumstances as it may deem to be in the best interest of the U.S. government.

Expected Number of Awards: The actual number of awards under this Notice (Edital) is subject to the availability of funds and the viability of applications received. Accordingly, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates reserves the right to award multiple awards or no awards at all through this Notice.

Project and Budget Periods: Proposed projects should cover a period of no more than 12 months. In rare cases, depending on the nature of the program, a project of more than 12 months may be considered. Since federal assistance awards are contingent on the availability of funds from the U.S. Department of State, applicants are encouraged to submit proposals with flexible start dates.

Eligibility Information: The U.S. Embassy and Consulates encourages applications from committed and organized civil society organizations, community representative, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, governmental institutions, international organizations, and individuals. All applying entities must have the ability to receive and manage grant funding.

For-profit, commercial firms, employees of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil, and family members of employees are not eligible to apply.

No entity listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM) is eligible for any assistance, nor can participate in any activities under an 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 CFR1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”

Payment Method: The U.S. Embassy and Consulates will have the discretion of disbursing funding in multiple installments depending on the project. The Grants Officer will determine the payment schedule at the time of the award.

Cost-sharing: Cost-sharing is not required. However, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates encourages applicants to provide cost-sharing from additional sources in support of the project. PAS also encourages projects that use highly skilled volunteers as an element of cost-sharing. Applications should explain clearly other likely sources of funding, whether cash or in-kind, and how the volunteers will be used. When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal.

SECTION III: KEY DATES

Application Process

Round I 

For proposals to U.S. Embassy Brasilia, U.S. Consulate in Rio de Janeiro, and U.S. Consulate in São Paulo only.

Funding Opportunity published January 27, 2022
Deadline for submission of Phase 1 online application form March 3rd, 2022
Phase 2 Successful Candidates notifications On or before April 1st, 2022
Phase 2 online interviews * (via Zoom) On or before April 18, 2022
Phase 3 Successful Candidates E-mail notifications On or before April 25, 2022
Deadline for Full Proposal Package Submission via email On or before May 9, 2022
Selected proposals notification (E-mail notifications) On or before May 31, 2022

*Interview date may vary.

Round II

For proposals to U.S. Embassy in Brasilia, U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Belo Horizonte, U.S. Consulate in Porto Alegre, U.S. Consulate in Recife, U.S. Consulate in Rio de Janeiro, and U.S. Consulate in São Paulo.

Funding Opportunity published January 27, 2022
Deadline for submission of Phase 1 online application form April 4, 2022, 11:59 pm, Brasilia Time (GMT-3)
Phase 2 Successful Candidates notifications On or before May 2nd, 2022
Phase 2 online interviews * (via Zoom) On or before May 16, 2022
Phase 3 Successful Candidates E-mail notifications On or before May 23, 2022
Deadline for Full Proposal Package Submission via email On or before June 7, 2022
Selected proposals notification (E-mail notifications) On or before June 27, 2022

*Interview date may vary.

SECTION IV: APPLICATION SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Applications received under this Notice (Edital) will be reviewed based on full and open competition and under the procedures and selection criteria identified throughout this document.

Proposal submission will consist of a three-phase process where applicants first submit an initial online form for a competitive review. Forms received will be evaluated by U.S. Embassy and Consulates Grant Review Committee (GRC) for responsiveness to the specifications outlined in this document. Successful applicants in Phase 1 will then be invited by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates to participate in an online interview with members of the Grant Review Committee. If successful in Phase 2, applicants will be requested to submit a full application in line with the content and format outlined in this Notice (Edital). The full application will offer the applicant an opportunity to explain their project in more detail.

To facilitate the competitive review of the applications, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil will consider only applications conforming to the format prescribed below.

Not every online application submitted through this Notice (Edital) will automatically be selected to submit for the subsequent phases.

Phase 1: Online Form Submission

In this first stage, all applicants are required to fill and submit an online application. Submission will only be accepted in English and the budget is in U.S. dollars.

Applicant should select the link that corresponds to post with jurisdiction over the state where your project is to be implemented.

The online application consists of four sections as divided below:

  • SECTION I: Instructions on how to properly answer this form (Questions 1 and 2).
    Applicants should read tips before answering questions and follow guidelines. Forms submitted without required information will not be considered.
  • SECTION II: Basic Project Information (Questions 3-13).
    In this section, applicant will be asked to answer questions that will allow the GRC to get to know and have a first contact with your project concept.
  • SECTION III: Project Scope (Questions 14-22).
    In this section, applicant should outline all aspects of project, including all related activities, resources, timelines, and deliverables, as well as the project’s limitations. Specific information on the topics to be covered will be available in each question.
  • SECTION IV: Risk Management (Question 23)
    In this section, applicant should identify possible risks to the project and summarize mitigation strategy. Applicant is also requested to provide a plan on how project monitoring will occur.

Phase 2: Virtual Presentations & Interview

Applicants whose project proposals are invited to advance to Phase 2 will have an opportunity to discuss their proposal and respond to questions in their preferred language (English or Portuguese) from members of the Grants Review Committee, which will be convened by the Embassy, Consulate, or Branch Office evaluating the project.

Applicants should be prepared to present the following in the online interview:

Credibility statement
  • Who are you?
  • What is your project about?
  • Who is your target audience?
  • How are you going to measure the success of your project?
Opportunity / Problem Explain what opportunities your organization has or what problem you are trying to solve
Proposed Solution Explain how the funding would help the project. It should be realistic and implementable and include specifications on what the results will be.

Additional instructions and criteria for Phase 2 Interviews will be provided via email once successful candidates are selected.

Phase 3: Full Proposal Package Submission

Applicants whose project proposals are invited to advance to Phase 3 will receive a notification and invitation to submit a full proposal application within two weeks of the notification. Qualified full applications will go through a final merit review. Full applications must be submitted via email to post with jurisdiction over the state where your project is to be implemented.

Full proposals must include ALL the below required information and supporting documents, in same order and format.

  1. Mandatory application forms: (Application forms required below are available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/forms-repository.html).
    ▪ SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)
    ▪ SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)
    ▪ SF-424B (Assurances)
  2. Revised Program Proposal, if applicable. Suggested grant proposal template will be available on our website.
  3. 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.
  4. Required Registrations (Required for Institutions Only)

All organizations applying for grants must register in the System for Award Management (SAM), an official website of the U.S. government, before an award may be issued.

To register in SAM.gov, an organization first needs to obtain a Unique Entity Identification number (UEI) and a CAGE code for domestic organizations, or a NCAGE for foreign organizations.

There is no fee associated with any of the registrations.

SECTION V: APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA

Each proposal submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated based on the evaluation criteria listed below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success. The criteria are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. Applications will be reviewed on the basis of based on their completeness, coherence, clarity, and attention to detail.

Points are awarded only to applications that are responsive within the context of this program announcement.

Goals and Objectives: Applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support PAS priority areas and/or audiences. Applicant has also established how the project incorporates a U.S. component and plans to ensure that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) is addressed in the project’s implementation. The project is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Quality and Feasibility of the Project Idea: The project idea is well developed, with detail about how project activities will be executed. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline and articulates a well-considered strategy or plan.

Budget and Budget Justification: Budget items are reasonable and in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Organizational capacity: The organization (or individual) has the expertise in its stated field and PAS is confident of the organization’s ability to undertake the project.  Monitoring and evaluation plan is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal.

Sustainability: Project activities will continue to have a positive impact after the end of the project.

SECTION VI : AWARD ADMINISTRATION

Award Notices:

The grant award or cooperative agreement 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 and cooperative agreements. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient.  The recipient may only start incurring program 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 Annual Program Statement 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.

Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified in writing.

Reporting Requirements:

All awards issued under this announcement will require both program and financial reports on a frequency specified in the award agreement. The disbursement of funds may be tied to submission of these reports in a timely manner. All other details related to award administration will be specified in award agreement as well.