Deadline: 4-Jun-21
The Private Sector Exchange Directorate (ECA/EC) of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for the administration of the FY 2021 BridgeUSA Leadership Development Program.
Purpose
In order to enhance the U.S. Department of State’s engagement with BridgeUSA exchange visitors in support of U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy objectives, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA), Private Sector Exchange Directorate (ECA/EC), will issue a cooperative agreement for $500,000, pending the availability of funds, to conduct the FY 2021 BridgeUSA Leadership Development Program.
Goals
The mission of ECA/EC provides countless opportunities for international candidates looking to travel and gain experience in the United States. The multifaceted programs enable foreign nationals to come to the United States to teach study, conduct research, demonstrate special skills or receive on the job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years. ECA/EC’s mission – to increase mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries – remains vital to U.S. national security and building people-to-people connections around the world. Through the FY 2021 BridgeUSA Leadership Development Program, ECA/EC aims to:
- Promote mutual understanding and lasting partnerships between emerging leaders from foreign countries and the United States;
- Provide opportunities for J1 participants in active SEVIS status to collaborate and share ideas, approaches, and strategies to develop solutions to pressing local and global challenges;
- Increase Americans’ global competitiveness through new and expanded partnerships with alumni professionals from around the world;
- Create resilient communities and address disinformation by supporting civil society, open transparent institutions, global health, climate change, diversity and inclusion, and human rights; and
- Build a global network of like-minded professionals committed to creating positive change in their workplaces and communities.
Themes
Seminars can address any or all of the following four program themes:
- Civic Engagement: Proposals submitted under the Civic Engagement theme should explore how individuals can organize around community issues and support professionals involved in non-governmental management; community development; advocacy; education; journalism; law; youth initiatives; and the empowerment of women, youth, minorities, persons with disabilities, and marginalized populations.
- Media and Communications: Proposals submitted under the Media and Communications theme should support professionals involved in print and broadcast media and journalism; social or transmedia; press relations; public relations; public affairs; and communications
- Governance and Society: Proposals submitted under the Governance and Society theme should explore the relationship between the public sector and broader society. Proposals should support professionals involved in the legislative process; governance; public administration; policy making; political campaigns; law and judicial reform.
- Economic Empowerment: Proposals submitted under the Economic Empowerment theme should explore how systems can support sustainable economic development and should support professionals involved in small and medium business development; business administration; business education; economic development policy, social entrepreneurship, and community training programs.
Funding Information
- Approximate Total Funding: $500,000, pending the availability of funds.
- Approximate Number of Awards: One
- Approximate Average Award: $500,000, pending the availability of funds.
- Floor of Award Range: $500,000, pending the availability of funds.
- Ceiling of Award Range: $500,000, pending the availability of funds.
Eligibility Criteria
U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit applications for this competition. Applicants must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of application.
Eligible Countries and Themes
Under this NOFO, a single award will be issued for the following regions: Continental United States and its Territories including Guam and Puerto Rico. Applicants can submit only one proposal.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=332703
