Deadline: 22 September 2016
The U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section in New Delhi is soliciting proposals for a program entitled “U.S.-India Young Leaders Program (U.S.-India YLP)” with an aim to identify, cultivate and support young leaders in both the United States and India who have the potential of becoming future leaders by providing leadership skills and resources to strengthen their engagement with larger civil society.
The cohort of 20 American young leaders will travel to India where they will connect with 20 Indian young leaders and then together meet with policymakers, community leaders, diaspora communities, entrepreneurs, and regional experts. An online forum will facilitate continued idea exchange among participants and with the broader community in India, in the U.S., the region, and the world.
Objectives
- Build a network of young American and Indian leaders to facilitate idea exchange and forge long-term collaborative relationships;
- Develop Fellows’ leadership and practical skills through meetings with policymakers, civil society leaders, entrepreneurs, and others, and learn best practices to adapt to their own contexts in the U.S. and in India;
- Share experiences, knowledge, and recommendations with stakeholders on the future of U.S.-India relationship, economic development, trade, regional security, environment and women’s development;
- Incorporate activities that facilitate bonding of participants that will last beyond the conclusion of the program.
Funding Information
- Any grant requested under this Call for Proposals must fall between $200,000.00 to $260,000.00.
- Grant projects generally should be completed in one year or less.
Program Components and Benefits
- Participants, between the ages of 25-35, will hail from multiple disciplines (academia, business, government, media, non-profits) for a two-week program that will take place in two cities in India.
- During this program, participants will build relationships and share experiences with other young leaders who are likely to be their most important international partners in the future.
- An important goal is to expose these young leaders to the possibilities of closer collaborations between our two countries in the fields of trade and business, build a robust partnership in security and strategic affairs, gender based violence, countering violent extremism, environment and climate change initiatives.
- The program will design and create post-exchange activities to foster continued bonds and interactions amongst the participants. Such activities could be online or virtual with the entire group, or smaller gatherings of exchange participants in either country.
- An additional survey should be sent electronically to all participants approximately three months after the project has ended to assess the project’s impact on the participants, their organizations, and their communities, using the project objectives as a baseline.
- It is envisaged that the bi-national cohorts would be introduced to and work with a larger group of young leaders during their visit to their respective countries.
- Visits will focus on developing leadership skills in general and zero down on one thematic area of mutual concern.
- In India, the program will focus on the country’s democratic traditions and the diversity of its polity, the challenges facing its educational institutions, and its demographic dividend. The vitality of India’s economy and the growing start up sector could also be showcased.
- This program focusing on these young influencers will have a high multiplier effect. It will be crucial to provide a general orientation of the critical need of closer U.S.-India relationship early in the careers of these opinion makers.
- The initiative will include substantial alumni engagement post visit return including future year selection, participation as speakers and outreach.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligibility is open to all non-profit, non-governmental organizations.
- Individuals are not eligible for an award.
- Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.
- Cost sharing or Matching is not required for this funding opportunity.
- This award does not allow for construction activities or costs. U.S. Embassy New Delhi grants/cooperative agreements cannot be used to fund religious or partisan political activity; fundraising campaigns; commercial projects; scientific research; projects whose primary aim is the institutional development of the organization, or illegal activities.
- Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and India. All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United States and India.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit their application forms electronically via given website.
Eligible Countries: India and United States
For more information, please visit grants.gov.