Grants to Support Civilian Nuclear Power Development (US)

The U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (NDF) is inviting proposals for projects that support civilian nuclear power cooperation with Türkiye. The programme focuses on strengthening nuclear safety, security, nonproliferation, and responsible development of civil nuclear energy infrastructure.

The funding opportunity provides an estimated USD 750,000 in total programme funding, with an award ceiling of USD 1,640,100 for eligible organizations implementing nuclear cooperation and risk reduction initiatives.

Overview of the Civilian Nuclear Power Cooperation with Türkiye Program

The Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (NDF) under the U.S. Department of State has launched a funding opportunity to support projects related to civilian nuclear energy cooperation with Türkiye.

The programme aims to strengthen cooperation in the development, procurement, deployment, and operation of civil nuclear energy infrastructure while addressing potential risks related to:

• Nuclear proliferation
• Nuclear security
• Nuclear safety
• Nonproliferation challenges
• Nuclear-related hazards

The initiative supports projects that contribute to responsible nuclear energy development and international nuclear security objectives.

Objectives of the Programme

The main objective of this funding opportunity is to support cooperation with Türkiye in the safe, secure, and responsible development of civilian nuclear power infrastructure.

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen nuclear safety practices
• Improve nuclear security systems
• Support nuclear nonproliferation goals
• Address nuclear-related risks and hazards
• Promote responsible nuclear energy cooperation
• Strengthen institutional capacity related to civilian nuclear programmes

Key Focus Areas

Nuclear Security

The programme supports initiatives that improve protection against nuclear security threats.

Projects may address:

• Security of nuclear facilities
• Protection of nuclear materials
• Risk reduction strategies
• Strengthening security practices

Nuclear Safety

Funding supports activities that promote safe nuclear energy development.

Projects may focus on:

• Safety standards
• Safety management systems
• Operational safety practices
• Risk assessment approaches

Nuclear Nonproliferation

The programme supports efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons-related risks.

Activities may include:

• Nonproliferation measures
• Compliance support
• Risk mitigation approaches
• Strengthening international nuclear cooperation standards

Civil Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Development

Projects may support cooperation related to:

• Development of nuclear infrastructure
• Procurement processes
• Deployment of nuclear technologies
• Operation of civil nuclear facilities

Nuclear Supply Chain Risk Management

The programme addresses risks associated with:

• Non-U.S. nuclear reactors
• Nuclear technology suppliers
• Associated supply chains
• International nuclear cooperation

Projects may help identify and reduce potential security and nonproliferation risks.

Addressing Nuclear-Related Hazards

Supported initiatives may focus on:

• Nuclear safety challenges
• Security vulnerabilities
• Nonproliferation risks
• Institutional preparedness

Purpose of the Funding Opportunity

The programme seeks proposals that contribute to the mission of the NDF’s nuclear security, safety, and nonproliferation special project.

Selected projects should support cooperation with Türkiye in:

• Civil nuclear energy development
• Nuclear infrastructure planning
• Safe reactor deployment
• Nuclear security improvement
• Nonproliferation risk reduction

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• For-profit organizations other than small businesses
• Small businesses
• Nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• International organizations
• Educational institutions
• U.S. federal government entities
• Other eligible organizations specified in the funding opportunity

Applicant Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Relevant technical expertise
• Capacity to manage nuclear-related projects
• Experience in international cooperation
• Ability to implement security, safety, or nonproliferation initiatives

Organizations should have appropriate systems for:

• Project management
• Financial accountability
• Technical implementation
• Reporting and compliance

Funding Details

Estimated Total Programme Funding

The estimated total funding available is:

USD 750,000

Award Ceiling

Maximum possible award amount:

USD 1,640,100

Funding amounts may vary depending on:

• Project scope
• Proposed activities
• Available resources
• Programme priorities

Eligible Project Activities

Projects may include activities related to:

Nuclear Cooperation Development

• Supporting civil nuclear cooperation frameworks
• Improving coordination between institutions
• Strengthening technical collaboration

Safety and Security Capacity Building

Activities may include:

• Training programmes
• Technical assistance
• Knowledge exchange
• Institutional strengthening

Nuclear Infrastructure Support

Projects may address:

• Planning processes
• Infrastructure development
• Operational readiness
• Supply chain considerations

Nonproliferation Activities

Projects may support:

• Risk assessments
• Security analysis
• Nonproliferation capacity-building
• International cooperation mechanisms

How to Apply

Organizations interested in applying should follow these steps:

Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should confirm that they:

• Belong to an eligible organization category
• Have relevant nuclear expertise
• Can meet programme compliance requirements

Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal

The proposal should describe:

• Project objectives
• Nuclear cooperation challenges addressed
• Planned activities
• Implementation timeline
• Expected outcomes
• Budget requirements

Step 3: Demonstrate Technical Expertise

Applicants should highlight:

• Previous nuclear-related experience
• Technical capabilities
• International cooperation experience

Step 4: Explain Project Impact

Applications should demonstrate how the project will:

• Improve nuclear safety
• Strengthen security systems
• Support nonproliferation goals
• Reduce nuclear-related risks

Step 5: Submit Application

Applications must be submitted according to the official Notice of Funding Opportunity requirements.

Selection Priorities

Applications will be evaluated based on:

Technical Quality

Reviewers will consider:

• Project design
• Technical approach
• Expertise of the applicant team

Alignment With Programme Goals

Projects should clearly support:

• Nuclear safety
• Nuclear security
• Nonproliferation objectives
• Civil nuclear cooperation

Implementation Capacity

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Ability to complete project activities
• Effective management systems
• Appropriate partnerships

Expected Impact

Strong proposals should show:

• Long-term benefits
• Risk reduction outcomes
• Sustainable improvements

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain nuclear security and safety challenges
• Demonstrate relevant expertise
• Provide measurable objectives
• Include realistic implementation plans
• Highlight international cooperation experience
• Explain how activities reduce nuclear-related risks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects unrelated to civilian nuclear cooperation
• Failing to address safety and security concerns
• Providing unclear technical approaches
• Not demonstrating organizational capacity
• Submitting incomplete applications

Expected Impact of Funded Projects

Successful projects are expected to contribute to:

• Safer civilian nuclear energy development
• Stronger nuclear security systems
• Improved nonproliferation practices
• Better management of nuclear infrastructure risks
• Enhanced international nuclear cooperation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Civilian Nuclear Power Cooperation with Türkiye Grant Program?

It is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity supporting projects that strengthen nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation cooperation related to Türkiye’s civilian nuclear energy development.

What areas does the programme support?

The programme supports nuclear safety, nuclear security, nuclear nonproliferation, civil nuclear infrastructure development, and risk reduction activities.

How much funding is available?

The programme provides an estimated USD 750,000 in total funding, with an award ceiling of USD 1,640,100.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, educational institutions, international organizations, government entities, and other eligible organizations.

Does the programme support nuclear weapons activities?

No. The programme focuses on civilian nuclear energy cooperation, nuclear safety, nuclear security, and nonproliferation.

What types of projects are prioritized?

Projects that improve nuclear safety, strengthen security systems, support responsible infrastructure development, and reduce proliferation risks are prioritized.

Can international organizations apply?

Yes. International organizations are included among eligible applicant categories.

Conclusion

The Civilian Nuclear Power Cooperation with Türkiye Grant Program supports responsible nuclear energy development by funding projects that improve safety, security, and nonproliferation practices.

Through technical cooperation, institutional strengthening, and risk reduction initiatives, the programme aims to promote secure and sustainable civilian nuclear infrastructure while addressing emerging nuclear security challenges.