Deadline: 17-May-21
The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has announced an open competition for the FY 2021 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship.
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship began in 2006 to honor the 300th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin, the legendary American statesman and diplomat, whose career, interests, and studies took him across the Atlantic Ocean, bringing about greater understanding between Americans and Europeans. His life offers 2 inspirations to today’s young citizens.
As a diplomat and a printer, he used the power of diplomacy and the media to increase the exchange of information between Americans and the people of other countries. The Fellowship aims to foster relationships among the younger generation of Americans and Europeans to build strong linkages and an awareness of shared values. The program also explores how young people interact with the media, both as consumers and producers of information, and how freedom of expression provides rights to citizens and imposes responsibilities.
Goals
The goals of the Fellowship are to:
- Develop a sense of civic responsibility and a commitment to cooperation among youth;
- Foster relationships among youth from different ethnic, religious, and national groups;
- Promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of Europe; and
- Develop a cadre of young leaders who will share their knowledge and skills with their peers through positive action.
Funding Information
- Approximate Total Funding: $750,000. This figure represents base year plus two noncompetitive continuation years, pending successful performance and the availability of funds.
- Approximate Number of Awards: One.
- Approximate Average Award: $250,000.
- Floor of Award Range: None.
- Ceiling of Award Range: $250,000
Outcomes
With the specific focus of the Fellowship, the following outcomes will indicate a successful project:
- European participants will demonstrate an improved understanding of the United States and its people, and the American participants will better understand the interests of the people of Europe.
- Participants will work together to identify and overcome misunderstandings or lack of understanding among nations both during the program and after they return to their homes.
- Participants will develop critical thinking skills that empower them to be literate consumers and creators of media.
- Participants will demonstrate a better understanding of international relations and issues.
- Participants will gain an understanding of the roles of the media and public perceptions in diplomacy and global issues.
Participants
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship will be designed for approximately 55 students ages 16-18 from all of Europe and the United States. Participants should demonstrate a strong interest in learning more about global issues and diplomatic relationships, the role of the free press and the freedom of expression (such as advocacy and debate in a democracy), and/or an interest in public or community service.
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 non-profit status with the IRS at the time of application.
- Bureau grant guidelines require that organizations with less than four years of experience in conducting international exchanges be limited to $130,000 in Bureau funding. ECA anticipates making one cooperative agreement, in an amount over $130,000 to support program and administrative costs required to implement this exchange program. Therefore, organizations with less than four years of experience in conducting international exchanges are ineligible to apply under this competition.
- Technical Eligibility: All proposals must comply with the requirements stated in the NOFO, POGI, and the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI); non-compliance will result in your proposal being declared technically ineligible and given no further consideration in the review process.
- Eligible applicants may not submit more than one proposal in this competition. If more than one proposal is received from the same applicant, all submissions will be declared technically ineligible and will receive no further consideration in the review process.
- Please note: Applicant organizations are defined by their legal name, and EIN number as stated on their completed SF-424 and additional supporting documentation outlined in the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) document.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=332176