Deadline: 31-Dec-22
U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh is pleased to announce an open competition for organizations to submit program proposals that strengthen, expand, and celebrate U.S.-Bangladesh people-to-people ties, institutional linkages, and bilateral cooperation of U.S.- Bangladesh diplomatic ties.
PDS invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit project proposals outlining program concepts that reflect these goals.
Purpose
- PDS Dhaka invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural, educational, or professional ties between the people of Bangladesh and the United States. Programs must highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an U.S. cultural element, or connection with an U.S. expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. This can also include the involvement of Bangladeshi alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Applicants are encouraged to review the U.S. Mission to Bangladesh Integrated Country Strategy to help develop strong proposals that align with the U.S. government’s priorities in Bangladesh.
Objectives
- Proposed programs should address one or more of the following objectives:
- Advancing democratic values through the promotion of human rights, civil society, freedom of expression, press freedom, disability rights, and good governance;
- Promoting inclusive economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship, promote economic opportunities and empowerment of underserved communities and youth, and explore the benefits of expanded trading opportunities between the United States and Bangladesh;
- Increasing opportunities for Bangladeshi youth from historically marginalized communities (e.g., indigenous, LGBTQIA+, religious minorities, etc.); and
- Increasing resilience to disinformation and misinformation through media literacy, fact checking, professional and technical training, and innovative awareness campaigns.
Funding Information
- Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $20,000 to a maximum of $75,000.
- Total expected available funding: $500,000
- Length of performance period: Up to 12 months
Examples of PDS-funded programs include, but are not limited to:
- Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs;
- Capacity-building workshops and training programs;
- Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions;
- Professional, cultural, and academic exchanges, partnerships, and programs including research collaboration; and
- English language programs.
Participants and Target Audiences
- Participants and target audiences include, but are not limited to:
- Youth and rising leaders (high school and university-level students and entry-level young professionals);
- Civil society leaders and non-governmental organizations including grassroots activists, organizers, and community-based and minority-serving organizations;
- Journalists, social media influencers, and bloggers;
- Business leaders and entrepreneurs;
- Established opinion leaders, including cultural and/or educational institution administrators, educators, and government officials; and
- Leaders and organizations supporting underserved communities living outside of Dhaka.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from Bangladeshi, Bangladesh-based, and U.S. entities:
- Registered U.S. and Bangladeshi not-for-profit organizations, including civil society organizations, think tanks, and social, cultural, and educational institutions with programming experience;
- U.S. and Bangladeshi non-profit or governmental educational institutions;
- U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter. Non-U.S. based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government entity.
- For-profit and commercial entities, even those that may fall into the categories , are not eligible to apply for this funding opportunity.
- For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
Other Eligibility Requirements
- In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) along with an active registration in SAM.gov. The UEI will be generated when the organization registers
- Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, the submission received closest to and before the deadline will be reviewed.
Ineligible
The following types of programs are NOT eligible for funding:
- Programs relating to partisan political activity;
- Charitable or development activities;
- Construction and infrastructure programs;
- Programs that support specific religious activities;
- Fundraising campaigns;
- Lobbying for specific legislation or programs
- Scientific research;
- Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
- Programs that duplicate existing programs;
- Projects consisting of a single meeting or brief conference;
- Projects or events that require participants pay for entrance or participation; and
- Projects or events benefitting a for-profit enterprise.
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh.