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Program Office: Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy, Ashgabat Funding Opportunity Title: Democracy Commission Small Grants Program Announcement Type: Grant or Cooperative Agreement Executive Summary: The U.S. Embassy Ashgabat Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through the Embassy’s Democracy Commission Small Grants Program. This program supports the development of the country's democratic institutions and civil society by competitively awarding small grants to nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and associations, to nonprofit civil society organizations (CSOs), and to independent local media organizations in Turkmenistan. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit joint proposals with another NGO, such as a regional NGO collaborating with a Ashgabat-based organization, to build partnerships and strengthen civil society capacity. Background: The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan is soliciting Statements of Interest for grants from Turkmen civil society and independent media organizations that focus on one of the priority areas/themes specified below. Applicants should pay close attention to PAS priority goals, program areas, target audiences, and geographic location when developing their proposals. Statements of Interest, including the short budget proposal, cannot exceed three pages. Note: A specific goal and objectives for each theme are listed below. Please ensure you pay close attention to each of the goals, objectives, and target audiences when developing your proposal. Priority Themes: 1. Non-governmental organizations (NGO) capacity buildingThe Turkmen NGO sector is limited, and many NGOs lack essential capacities, especially in rural areas, that limit their impact. The registration process is opaque, complex, and difficult to navigate. Previous PAS-funded projects have focused on empowering cooperation between local governments and civil society, strengthening advocacy efforts and raising awareness on universal human rights, especially among vulnerable and marginalized populations. This funding opportunity seeks to promote more inclusive and accountable democracy by addressing specific current challenges: ● limited knowledge of the importance of the rule of law, civic engagement, civil society, and advocacy; ● limited CSO capacity in strategic planning, project design and management, monitoring and evaluation, public relations and organizational communications, building partnerships, and organizational and financial sustainability, especially in rural areas; and/or ● limited cooperation between rural civil society and local government. Project Goal: Create strong, representative, and independent civil society organizations to hold government and all institutions accountable, deter corruption, and increased CSO capacity to respond to social needs in Turkmenistan. Project Audience(s): Potential and current urban and rural NGOs, including youth organizations, rural youth and university students aged 14-28, their families and community leaders, local and state government officials. Project Objectives (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives. While these numbers are suggestions, grantees may select different targets as they see fit.) Within 12 months: 1) Increase the number of institutions engaged in the civil society sector that report making positive organizational changes. 2) Increase awareness of the importance of civil society career opportunities among at least 60 secondary school students or university students through activities like debate, advocacy, speaker programs, and rule of law and leadership programs 3) Promote sustainable civic education practices, engagement, and leadership involving a minimum of 60 high school students so that youth more actively and positively participate in civic, social and economic life and contribute to the development of their families and communities through long-term partnerships with governing bodies and local civil society organizations; 4) Increase opportunities for youth decision-making and contribution to governance through supporting at least 7 regional youth leadership initiatives on environmental challenges and/or governmental accountability implemented with local self-governments and local councils; 5) Improve access to public services in rural communities through strengthened partnership between civil society and local government bodies to support the needs of underserved communities; 6) Establish robust communication plans and strategies for at least 8 rural (or relatively low-capacity) CSOs to improve their skills utilizing traditional and social media for outreach campaigns, in support of program goals; and/or 7) Engage a minimum of 8 rural NGOs working with youth, women, and other underserved groups to develop better connectivity with each other and with local government bodies, as well as better-formulated strategies resulting from associated networking and mentoring programs. 2. Advancing Human Capacity and EntrepreneurshipThe economy of Turkmenistan relies heavily on external factors, contributing to the country’s economic instability in recent decades. The limited economic opportunities and high level of poverty, especially in rural locations, led to mass labor migration, which caused additional socio-economic problems within communities. The pandemic has presented further economic challenges. The ability to speak and read English is an important first step to improve economic opportunity for individuals in Turkmenistan because it increases access to key information and opportunities in higher education, business, trade, and a host of other fields. In addition to English language, it is essential to enhance entrepreneurship skills to expand economic opportunity and secure economic independence, particularly for vulnerable populations. Previous PAS-funded projects have focused on strengthening English language, academic preparation and alumni development initiatives by providing beneficiaries with necessary tools and knowledge; increasing the level of financial literacy and business skills; and providing English-related training programs and vocational courses to ensure economic independence and self-sustainability. This funding opportunity seeks to continue to support projects that strengthen the enabling environment for economic growth by addressing specific current challenges: ● high level of poverty in rural locations; ● insufficient number of academic slots in Turkmenistan; ● lack of English skills to successfully matriculate into U.S. universities; ● lack of core competencies and skills needed in the modern workplace; and/or, ● lack of economic opportunities and resources. Project Goal: To support socio- economic empowerment of youth in Turkmenistan through educational and professional development opportunities Project Audience(s): Youth and university students aged 14-28, their families and community leaders, local and state government officials, alumni and underserved and vulnerable populations, especially in rural regions. Project Objectives (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives. While these numbers are suggestions, grantees may select different targets as they see fit.) Within 12 months: 1) To strengthen English language skills and academic prep for at least 80 recent high school graduates (ages 17-21) to successfully enter university and create future economic opportunities. 2) Increase knowledge, skills, and available tools for at least 50 secondary high school students or university students through activities like debate, advocacy, speaker programs, entrepreneurship and leadership programs, 3) Increase capacity of at least 20 young women and men (age 18-28) from rural communities to improve entrepreneurship skills through providing training, mentorship support and/or internship with local companies; 4) Improve understanding of sustainable business practices through mentorship/speakers/exchange programs for at least 30 youth (ages 18-28) and small business owners to learn and apply innovative approaches in sustainable business development; 5) Increase awareness of at least 50 potential youth entrepreneurs on ways to use online digital resources or other new resources to promote their businesses through hands-on training. STATEMENT OF INTEREST SUBMISSION INFORMATION: FIRST ROUND Please follow all instructions below carefully. Statements of Interest that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Application Deadline: All Statements of Interest must be received by April 11, 2022, 11:59 p.m. Ashgabat time as determined by the time-stamp when received by PASAshgabatGrants@state.gov or, for any submissions by Grants.gov, the time-stamp provided by Grants.gov. This deadline is firm and is not a rolling deadline. If organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above, their application will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding. Each Statement of Interest must: 1. Clearly indicate the grant priority area to which it is being submitted for consideration; 2. Focus on the key audiences specified in the areas (i.e., women, youth, etc.), and note key geographic areas and other indicators of focus populations; 3. Clearly delineate how elements of the program will have a multiplier effect and be sustainable beyond the life of the grant; 4. Identify specific outcomes to be achieved by the end of the grant period; 5. Provide a plan for program outcomes, including social media outreach and monitoring, where applicable; and 6. Provide an approximate funding amount along with a short budget proposal. Content and Form of Statement of Interest Submission Please ensure: The Statement of Interest clearly addresses the goals, audiences, and objectives of this notice. Applicants may choose to use the attached Statement of Interest template (Attachment 1) to submit their concept paper application. All documents are in English. All budgets are in U.S. dollars. Applicants are encouraged to use the Budget Proposal template in Attachment 1 to submit the short budget proposal. All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various required forms. Statements of Interest, including the short budget proposal, cannot exceed three pages. All Statements of Interest should address the following areas: Explain the problem your project will address and why this project is needed. Give a short summary that outlines your proposed project. List your project goal and objectives. The “goal” describes what the project is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Describe a sample project activity and how it will help achieve the objectives. Describe the expected results of the program. Provide a short, but clear overview of expected costs/expenses associated with the project activities. Application Submission Process: There are two application submission methods available to applicants. Applicants may submit their application using Submission Method A or Submission Method B outlined below. ● Submission Method A: Submitting all application materials directly to the following email address: PASAshgabatGrants@state.gov. Applicants opting to submit applications via email to PASAshgabatGrants@state.gov must include the Funding Opportunity Title and Funding Opportunity Number in the subject line of the email. ● Submission Method B: Submitting all application materials through Grants.gov. For those opting to apply through Grants.gov, thorough instructions on the application process are available at http://www.grants.gov. For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 (U.S. toll-free number) or for international callers: 1-606-545-5035. Technical support may also be available at https://www.grants.gov/support.html or via email at support@grants.gov. Please note that PASAshgabatGrants@state.govn is unable to assist with technical questions or problems applicants experience with Grants.gov. Full infomation is provided in the attached NOFO.

NOFO has been modified to correct application due date. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) invites eligible entities to submit competitive grant applications for funding under the Refugee Family Child Care Microenterprise Development Project (RFCCMED). Through the RFCCMED program, ORR will provide funding for applicants which, through internal capacity and partnerships, will provide eligible participants with training and technical assistance in professional child care, microenterprise development, and financial literacy; participants in navigating the child care licensing process; and provide direct financial assistance as needed to enable participants to prepare their homes for child care business operation. The three main objectives of RCCMED are to 1) help Afghan entrants to achieve economic self- sufficiency by establishing licensed family child care (FCC) businesses; 2) help eligible Afghan families gain access to licensed FCC businesses which will meet the early care and developmental needs of refugee children; and 3) assist Afghan entrants in learning how to navigate mainstream child care services. In accordance with the Afghan Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022, RCP programs funded under this NOFO will serve nationals of Afghanistan for whom refugee and entrant assistance is authorized who entered the United States on or after July 31, 2021. Projects funded under this NOFO will be fully funded for a period of 36 months.

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announces funding for the Refugee Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) Program, which establishes and manages IDAs for low-income refugee participants. In accordance with the Afghan Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022, Refugee IDA programs funded under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will serve nationals of Afghanistan for whom refugee and entrant assistance is authorized who entered the United States on or after July 31, 2021. Eligible participants (clients) who enroll in these projects will open and contribute systematically to IDAs for specified Savings Goals, including homeownership, securing rental housing, business capitalization, vehicles for educational or work purposes, professional certification, and education (limited to postsecondary and/or continuing education, college entrance exam fees, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and General Education Development (GED) Diploma preparation and test fees). Recipient organizations must use ORR funds to provide financial literacy training, asset-specific training, and matching the savings in the IDAs. The “match” mentioned in this NOFO does not refer to the applicant finding additional funds to match funds being provided by the federal government; it is the portion of federal funds to be allocated for matching clients' IDA savings. Successful recipients will be expected to coordinate their policies and procedures for developing and administering refugee IDA projects with ORR and with the existing refugee IDA network.

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic is soliciting Statements of Interest for grants from Kyrgyz civil society and independent media organizations that focus on one of the priority areas/themes specified below. Applicants should pay close attention to PDS priority goals, program areas, target audiences, and geographic location when developing their proposals. Statements of Interest, including the short budget proposal, cannot exceed three pages. Proposals which exceed three pages limit will be disqualified from consideration. Support for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) All programs should consider strategies for expanding the pool of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries to afford opportunities for as diverse and inclusive a population as is feasible to bring perspectives based on religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, and age to implementation of the program. Note: A specific goal and objectives for each theme are listed below. Please ensure you pay close attention to each of the goals, objectives, and target audiences when developing your proposal. Priority Themes: 1. Advancing Business Empowerment and Social Entrepreneurship The economy of the Kyrgyz Republic relies heavily on external factors, contributing to the country’s economic instability in recent decades. The limited economic opportunities and high level of poverty, especially in rural locations, led to mass labor migration, which caused additional socio-economic problems within communities. Previous PDS-funded projects have focused on strengthening entrepreneurship and small business development initiatives by providing beneficiaries with necessary tools and knowledge; increasing the level of financial literacy and business skills; and providing business-related training programs and vocational courses to ensure economic independence and self-sustainability. This funding opportunity seeks to continue to support projects that strengthen the enabling environment for economic growth by addressing specific current challenges: ● high level of poverty in rural locations; ● lack of core competencies and skills needed in the modern workplace; and/or, ● lack of economic opportunities and resources. Project Goal: To strengthen rural entrepreneurship and small business development by increasing knowledge and tools that entrepreneurs and small businesses owners need to make their businesses successful. 2. Promoting Democratic Institutions The Kyrgyz Republic has made democratic gains since its independence; however, democracy in the Kyrgyz Republic continues to face challenges and risks. Independent observers have noted violations of electoral processes; high levels of corruption and low levels of transparency; attempts to impose regulations on NGO/CSOs in a discriminatory manner, persecution of independent media and political repression of freedom of speech; poor public understanding of democratic institutions and legal rights, especially in rural regions; and overall political instability due to social, economic and geographical divisions. Furthermore, while the Kyrgyz NGO sector is vibrant and provides a wide range of educational, social, and legal services, many NGOs lack essential capacities, especially in rural areas, that limit their impact. Previous PDS-funded projects have focused on increasing political participation in decision-making processes, promoting cooperation between local governments and civil society, and strengthening advocacy efforts and raising awareness on universal human rights, especially among vulnerable and marginalized populations. This funding opportunity seeks to promote more inclusive and accountable democracy by addressing specific current challenges: ● limited knowledge of the importance of the rule of law, civic engagement, civil society, and advocacy; ● limited CSO capacity in communication and public relations, digital storytelling and technology skills, especially in rural areas; and/or ● limited cooperation between rural civil society and local government. Project Goal: To strengthen democracy in the Kyrgyz Republic through increased civic engagement of rural youth, increased positive perceptions of the role of civil society and the rule of law at the citizen level, increased collaboration between citizens and government bodies on good governance, and/or increased organizational capacity of rural NGOs. 3. Combatting Gender-Based Violence Combatting Gender-based violence (GBV) is a key sub-theme of promoting the rule of law and gender equality, which are essential to democratic norms. Despite extensive work and assistance to ensure gender equality in the Kyrgyz Republic, GBV remains a widespread issue in the country. Due to many factors, including, but not limited to poverty, economic dependence, traditionalism, patriarchy and gender discrimination, women in particular face different types of violence such as domestic violence, sexual violence, early marriages, sexual harassment, and physical and mental abuse. GBV is disproportionately underreported, ignored, and silenced by the government and society. Previous PDS-funded projects relating to GBV have primarily focused on raising awareness about human and legal rights, providing economic and leadership empowerment programs, strengthening the capacity of relevant bodies to effectively respond to GBV, and assisting with legal counseling to GBV victims. This funding opportunity seeks to build upon previous projects and strengthen the efforts to effectively prevent and respond to gender-based violence by addressing specific current challenges: ● entrenched gender stereotypes and prejudice; ● lack of economic resources and economic vulnerability; and/or, ● normalization and general acceptance of gender-based violence. Project Goal: To strengthen civil society and government capacity to address gender-based violence in the Kyrgyz Republic through preventative measures. 4. Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) A significant number of young adults and teenagers in the Kyrgyz Republic experience challenges with social integration, including lack of educational and economic opportunities, especially in rural areas and new urban settlements around Bishkek. Without a strong sense of purpose, these young people are at risk of drifting into violent extremism, leading to further exclusion by their communities. One significant obstacle to young people’s positive engagement in society is a lack of critical thinking skills and ability to filter the information available to them. Previous PDS-funded projects on prevention of violent extremism have primarily focused on promoting tolerance, interethnic dialogue, and socio-economic empowerment of youth through employment partnerships, traineeship programs, and outreach events; increasing skills of positive interaction among youth in the multi-confessional environment of the Kyrgyz Republic; mitigating radicalization among young people through an educational program on media literacy and critical thinking; and working with an interfaith council to promote understanding between people of different faiths to increase acceptance and tolerance. This funding opportunity seeks to build upon previous projects and expand PVE programming in the Kyrgyz Republic through strengthening individual and community resilience and local capacity by addressing specific current challenges: ● lack of sense of belonging to a community, along with low civic participation and proactivity; ● lack of media literacy and critical skills to recognize and reject violent extremist narratives; and/or ● low capacity of local government and civil society actors in PVE and lack of effective collaboration in prevention of radicalization and extremism. Project Goal: To strengthen individual and community resilience among youth in rural regions and new urban communities and build capacity of rural civil society organizations to prevent radicalization through better coordination with key stakeholders, such as youth and government. 5. Countering Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) In 2019, the Kyrgyz Republic formally adopted a national referral mechanism (NRM) to help counter trafficking in persons (TIP.) The NRM established formal policies on victim identification, assistance referral, provision of social services, and protection of victims’ personal data, but the government provided very limited training on the NRM to key implementers. Previous PDS-funded projects have primarily focused on prevention of human trafficking through strengthened partnerships with government authorities, regional TIP coordination councils, and NGOs; improved understanding among local authorities and NGOs on the national referral mechanism policies; and raising public awareness on trafficking-related issues and risks of illegal migration through legal rights trainings to ensure safe migration and avoid exploitation abroad. This funding opportunity seeks to build upon previous projects and expand trafficking-in-persons programming in the Kyrgyz Republic by addressing specific current challenges: ● lack of effective standard operating procedures (SOPs) for state bodies including local administrations and local self-governments to implement NRM; ● low capacity of local government officials, including regional TIP coordination council members, as well as NGO representatives, to implement NRM and identify victims based on four identification criteria; and/or ● limited public awareness on trafficking-related issues, risks of illegal migration and the legal rights of migrants. Proposed projects should seek to address at least two of the three challenges above by leveraging local, state, and civil society stakeholders to strengthen interagency coordination in countering the problem of human trafficking; increase the capacity of officials in identification and protection of victims; and raise awareness of vulnerable migrants on their legal rights to ensure safe migration. Project Goal: To reduce trafficking-in-persons in the Kyrgyz Republic by educating and empowering labor migrants and at-risk groups, building capacity of government officials, and improving understanding of TIP issues.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS) announces the availability of approximately $2,000,000 to Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and tribes that were funded directly by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) in FY 2023 that own affordable housing units and provide wraparound supportive services to residents of the affordable units, including educational opportunities for youths and adults; afterschool and/or summer programs for children and teens; early childcare, Head Start, Early Head Start, or other early childhood education programs/opportunities for young children ages 0 to 5; older adult care services; mental health, alcohol, and addiction services; services for individuals with disabilities; self-sufficiency resources; resources on future homeownership; financial literacy training; transportation services for residents; referrals and connections to resources to help meet concrete needs; and health care services.Through this funding opportunity, recipients will be able to leverage their expertise and partnerships to provide wraparound supportive services to residents of affordable housing, with the goal of improving housing stability and economic mobility. Applicants will need to demonstrate a long-standing ability to: 1. promote safety, stability, and economic mobility for residents through strengthened wraparound supportive services 2. advance equity through their affordable housing and supportive service efforts; and3. collect data related to residential services and evaluate efforts.Recipients will participate fully in a federal evaluation and follow all evaluation protocols established by ACF and/or its designee contractor(s). Fully participating in a federal evaluation may include supporting and complying with data collection requirements, providing administrative data on program participation, and other activities. In addition, the federal evaluation may include an evaluation of the implementation of this demonstration.