Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan

 

The U.S. Government (USG) is providing resources to promote diplomatic solutions, through English language instruction and computer training, critical skills development and other public diplomacy programs. These resources support the people, platforms, and programs necessary to meet the international challenges to American security and welfare. Educational and cultural engagement is premised on the knowledge that mutual understanding, the development of future leaders, and the benefits of education programs influence societies and affect official decision-making almost everywhere in the world today.

General information about this opportunity
Last Known Status
Active
Program Number
19.501
Federal Agency/Office
Department of State
Type(s) of Assistance Offered
B - Project Grants
Program Accomplishments
Not applicable.
Authorization
Fulbright Hays Act - The Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-256
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, Public Law 87-195
Smith Mundt Act - The United States Information and Education Exchange Act of 1948, Public Law 80-402
Who is eligible to apply/benefit from this assistance?
Applicant Eligibility
Not-for-profit organizations subject to 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code or registered as a non-profit organization in the entity's home country. Organizations that have and have not previously received international program funding from the U.S. Government. Applicants with demonstrated experience in working with vendors, suppliers, contractors, etc. and appropriately staffed offices in country will be preferred. For more specific information on eligible applicants and use of assistance, please reference the specific Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) posted on grants.gov.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Citizens of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States. For more specific information on eligible beneficiaries, please reference the specific NOFO posted on grants.gov.
Credentials/Documentation
Not applicable.
What is the process for applying and being award this assistance?
Pre-Application Procedure
Preapplication coordination is not applicable.
Application Procedure
2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Eligible applicants must submit proposals for the Bureau's consideration. Applicants may submit proposals before the application deadline, with Bureau consideration granted shortly thereafter. Where there is a specific or immediate priority or need, the Bureau will issue policy and program guidelines and will invite applicants to submit proposals for Bureau review. Applicants that have never received Department of State Funding must be prepared to demonstrate that their organizations meet the financial and accounting requirements of the U.S. Government before they can be eligible to receive Bureau funding. PAS staff at Embassy Kabul and Embassy Islamabad can also initiate the process to arrange for specific individual grants, which relate to a program run by post.
Award Procedure
The Public Affairs sections (PAS) at post establish panels to review grant applications. Once recommendations are made, the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) considers recommendations and decides which applications post recommends for an award, subject to the Grant Officer's approval. In some cases, the PAO may consult the Ambassador. The decision for the final award determination rests with the Grants Officer.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines
Approval/Disapproval Decision Time
From 90 to 120 days. See www.grants.gov. for specific details or Embassy website.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Renewals or extensions are considered on a case by case basis. Renewals are contingent upon future Congressional funding, Department priorities, and other factors.
How are proposals selected?
Submitted proposals should identify the importance and relevance of their application to the broader U.S. Public Diplomacy policy objectives as well as the relevance to the program objectives of the Department of State, as described in the solicitation. A compelling statement on the approach to the project will be given great consideration by the review panel. The proposed activities must directly relate to meeting the goals and objectives and how the effectiveness of project activities will be measured. The review panel will be viewing the implementation plan in terms of how well it addresses the problem statement, relevance of the goals and objectives, feasibility of the proposed activities, and their timeline for completion. Other important factors are the quality of the applicant's plan for and ability to assess progress towards project objectives as well as the impact of the project beyond the conclusion of the funding period. Applicants must demonstrate how their resources, capabilities, and experience will enable them to achieve the stated goals and objectives. In addition, applicants should describe how and with whom they will collaborate to meet project goals.
How may assistance be used?
The cooperative agreement or grant provides funds to meet the objectives outlined in the organization’s proposal, as approved by the Bureau. Funding documents authorize funds based on the organization’s budget submission after Grants Officer approval.
What are the requirements after being awarded this opportunity?
Reporting
Performance Reports: Reporting requirements are outlined in the Grant/Cooperative Agreement documents. The Embassy and Bureau Program office may require additional reporting.
Auditing
The Bureau's funds must be included in an appropriate audit or audits performed by independent public accountants in accordance with U.S. Government Auditing Standards established by the Comptroller General of the United States covering financial audits. In most instances, the audit report is due 30 days after issuance or nine months after the end of the audit period. Applicants should refer to the 2 CFR 200 and the NOFO for further information on specific audit requirements.
Records
The recipient shall maintain files for a three-year period after submission of the final financial report.
Other Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Funds are awarded for a 1-3 year period. See www.grants.gov. for specific details or Embassy website. In some cases, Bureau's funds will cover an organization's budget request. In other cases cost-sharing will be sought. Details will be outlined in the specific NOFO. Renewals or extensions of funding are considered on a case by case basis. See www.grants.gov. for specific details or Embassy website.is. Renewals are contingent on future Congressional funding.
Who do I contact about this opportunity?
Regional or Local Office
None/Not specified.
Headquarters Office
Jacqueline Viselli
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520 US
ViselliJM@state.gov
Phone: 2026479544
Financial Information
Account Identification
19-7801-1-3-000
Obligations
(Project Grants) FY 22 FY 23 Estimate Not Available FY 24 Estimate Not Available FY 21 Estimate Not Available FY 20$33,627,217.00; FY 18$31,402,269.00; FY 19 est $2,099,346.00; FY 17 Estimate Not Available FY 15 Estimate Not Available FY 16 Estimate Not Available -
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
grants are estimated to range between 300,000 - 3,000,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Not applicable.
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.

 



Federal Grants Resources