Deadline: 17-Jul-25
The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) announces an open competition to implement projects that promote U.S. best practices and values to strengthen U.S. Kazakhstan ties through the digital technology and sports sectors.
PDS Kazakhstan invites proposals for programs that engage capable participants, strengthen regional networks to advance business ties with the United States, highlight shared values, and promote bilateral cooperation and security.
Goals
- Goal 1: Deepening Kazakh-American Ties Through Sports
- Sports diplomacy is a key component of U.S. foreign policy that leverages the universal appeal of sports to connect nations across the globe. Sports diplomacy projects empower communities, identify and engage emerging leaders, and foster a deeper understanding of the United States. As the United States prepares to host several global sporting events, including the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los-Angeles, the U.S. Mission in Kazakhstan seeks to:
- Strengthen people-to-people ties and mutual understanding between Kazakhstan and the United States by supporting projects that highlight American sports values and excellence as a key area of cultural understanding and commercial growth.
- Project Audience(s):
- Youth aged 18-25;
- Sports professionals and amateur sports communities;
- Female athletes and coaches;
- Local- and national-level sports managers;
- Government bodies; and/or
- Educational institutions.
- Priority Objectives(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas.
- Increase awareness and knowledge of American values such as teamwork and community-level sports among Kazakh youth, ages 18-25, through participation in sports programs inspired by U.S. models
- Strengthen athletic collaboration between the U.S. and Kazakhstan, exchange expertise by establishing at least one institutional partnership between a Kazakh sports organization or university program and a U.S. counterpart.
- Increase U.S. sports management knowledge and best practices like community outreach and involvement, youth sports league management, personnel and budget management in athletic organizations, among at least 3 Kazakh organizations and athletic clubs, resulting in greater appreciation for American leadership in sports innovation.
- Sports diplomacy is a key component of U.S. foreign policy that leverages the universal appeal of sports to connect nations across the globe. Sports diplomacy projects empower communities, identify and engage emerging leaders, and foster a deeper understanding of the United States. As the United States prepares to host several global sporting events, including the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los-Angeles, the U.S. Mission in Kazakhstan seeks to:
- Goal 2: Equipping Young Professionals with In-Demand Technical Skills
- Digital, artificial intelligence (AI), and communication skills are slated to be the fastest-growing skills in 2025 and beyond. As a global leader in emerging technologies, the United States has in the past supported comprehensive STEM education initiatives across Kazakhstan, creating mutually beneficial opportunities for U.S. and Kazakh businesses in key sectors. They seek to build on these efforts and further strengthen our partnership with Kazakhstan by sharing advanced U.S. technology and expertise to mutual benefit, driving economic growth and enhancing the capabilities of both nations in the global market.
- Programs under this theme will equip Kazakhs with skills to work in high-growth sectors, partner with U.S. businesses, and advance mutual U.S. and Kazakh economic interests. Successful proposals will leverage American know-how in AI, digital infrastructure, and communication systems through joint mentorship programs and collaborative projects. Examples of fields that could benefit from advanced digital and AI skills and solutions include commerce, energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, creative industries, cultural preservation, and publishing.
- Project Audience(s):
- Emerging and mid-career professionals across high-growth sectors;
- Tech entrepreneurs;
- Researchers or government officials involved in policy-making;
- Youth aged 18-25.
- Priority Objective(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas.
- Increase employability of emerging professionals and young people in the tech and STEM sector by connecting workforce development experts and business leaders from the United States with Kazakh counterparts, resulting in greater understanding of U.S. business culture and favourability towards U.S. technology and knowledge.
- Strengthen the technical and entrepreneurial skills of aspiring Kazakh IT professionals by facilitating mentorship and exchanges with leading U.S. mentors and startup incubators, resulting in at least two formal U.S.-Kazakhstan business partnerships.
Funding Information
- Award Amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $40,000 (approximately)
Duration
- Length of Performance Period is 9 to 12 months
Eligibility Criteria
- The following non-profit U.S. and Kazakhstan-based organizations are eligible to apply:
- Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
- Public and private educational institutions
- Individuals
- Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions
- For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO.
Ineligibility Criteria
- This opportunity will not support:
- Projects relating to partisan political activity;
- Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support;
- Construction projects;
- Projects that support specific religious activities;
- Fund-raising campaigns;
- Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
- Scientific research or surveys;
- Commercial projects.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.