Deadline: 4 June 2019
The Community Engagement Office (CEO), of the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards, contingent on funding availability, through the Public Diplomacy Grants Program.
Under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), CEO is seeking proposals for innovative ways to mitigate extremist narratives in Pakistan by engaging communities, promoting conflict resolution and peace-building methodologies. These projects should develop and strengthen partnerships, dispel violent extremist and radical ideologies through education, critical thinking, and structured dialogue to build resilient and empowered communities.
The funds awarded through this NOFO should strengthen local institutions, organizations, and communities to build self-sustaining capacity to implement long-term interventions to reduce violent extremism and ultimately contribute to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pakistan.
Project Areas
Organizations may submit multiple proposals under this NOFO, but only one proposal per each of the three (3) project areas outlined below:
- Project 1: Women Building Peace: Mobilization and expanded engagement of influential women from multiple sectors to promote social cohesion and build resilience against extremist ideologies and behaviors.
- Goal: Engage influential women from multiple sectors to promote social cohesion and contribute actively to reduce extremist elements within communities; while increasing acceptance of women in this role.
- Objective 1: Increased women’s’ participation in formal and informal processes of peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
- Objective 2: Increased coordination and collaboration among men and women in a variety of contexts in responding to violent extremism and conflict.
- Target Audience: Adult women with circles of influence including but not limited to professionals, mothers, daughters, activists, teachers, religious elders (aalim), politicians as well as men from within the same circles of influence.
- Geographic Scope: Nationwide. Applicants may apply with proposals covering one or more provinces or regions. Applicants are encouraged to include participants from rural, semi-rural and remote areas as appropriate.
- Award Amount and Duration: Proposals may be submitted for a project duration of up to two (2) years with an award floor of $250,000 and ceiling of $500,000.
- Project 2: Youth as Peace Keepers: Innovative engagement of youth to develop skills in conflict resolution, peace-building, critical thinking and leadership, through social entrepreneurship and/or use of technology and media.
- Goal: Youth are actively involved in resolving conflict, building social cohesion and fostering peace so that communities are more resilient against extremist ideologies.
- Objective 1: Enable youth to develop and implement innovative strategies and tools that contribute to more just and peaceful communities.
- Objective 2: Involve youth in social cohesion and peacebuilding activities and/or campaigns that help their communities be more resilient to extremist ideologies.
- Target Audience: Youth aged 16-30. Female participation is highly encouraged.
- Geographic Scope: Nationwide. Applicants may apply with proposals covering one or more provinces or regions. Applicants encouraged to include participants from rural, semi-rural and remote areas as appropriate.
- Award amount and Duration: Proposals may be submitted for a project duration from a minimum of one (1) year, not to exceed two (2) years with an award floor of $250,000 and ceiling of $500,000.
- Project 3: Building Community on University Campuses: Assist institutions of higher education to develop and implement policies and programs to reduce radicalization and hate speech on campus, promote peaceful coexistence, and support faculty and students to make campuses more receptive to diversity and inclusion.
- Goal: University administrations implement evidence-based practices and policies that build harmony and support diversity on their campuses, minimizing the social and cultural divisions that can allow extremist ideology to take hold.
- Objective 1: University administrations guide and support faculty and students in identifying and addressing conflict on campus through policies and procedures
- Objective 2: University administrators, faculty and students collaborate on policies and strategies to prevent and resolve conflict on campus and address factors that allow extremist ideology and violence to take place.
- Target Audience: Administrators, faculty and students from universities with more than 2,000 registered students.
- Geographic Scope: Nationwide. Applicants may apply with proposals covering one or more provinces or regions.
- Award amount and Duration: Proposals may be submitted for a project duration from a minimum of one (1) year, not to exceed two (2) years with an award floor of $200,000 and ceiling of $250,000.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,750,000
- Award Ceiling: $500,000
- Award Floor: $200,000
Eligibility Criteria
- Submissions are encouraged from U.S. and Pakistani registered not-for-profit, civil society/nongovernmental organizations, for-profit organizations, and educational institutions with relevant programming experience.
- Any relevant experience should be documented in the organization’s proposal.
- Organizations must provide proof of registration and non-profit status with their proposal application. U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter.
- Pakistan-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.
How to Apply
Applicants can apply via given website.
For more information, please visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=314584
