Deadline: 31-Mar-21
The U.S. Embassy Tokyo’s Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out an exchange program showcasing the technological advances that are being implemented to address pressing social issues common to the U.S. and Japan, in order to deepen economic, scientific, and technological cooperation, promote sustainable economic growth and environmental protection, and strengthen people-to-people ties between both countries.
Objectives
- Technology and innovation provide solutions to many of today’s key social, environmental, health and economic challenges.
- Leading software applications, IoT devices, artificial intelligence, big data, cloud technology, and many more advanced technological tools have drastically improved people’s lives.
Priority Areas
- The Embassy welcomes proposals that address these complex social issues, and is particularly interested in supporting the following priority areas:
- Promoting rural revitalization and community engagement through technology;
- Healthcare innovation;
- Clean energy innovation;
- Furthering economic growth through environmental protection;
- Social equality and integration.
Funding Information
- Length of performance period: Up to 24 months;
- Number of awards anticipated: 1-3 awards (dependent on amounts);
- Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $70,000;
- Total available funding: $70,000;
- Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 2 years or less.
Funding Restrictions
The following types of projects or activities are not eligible for funding:
- Projects relating to partisan political activity;
- Charitable or development activities;
- Construction projects;
- Projects that support specific religious activities;
- Fund-raising campaigns;
- Lobbying for specific legislation or projects
- Scientific research;
- Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
- Projects seeking funds for personal use;
- Projects that require participation fees.
Participants and Audiences
- The Embassy will only consider proposals that are geared toward Japanese audiences. Potential participants could include academic institutions; business leaders and entrepreneurs; start-ups; community leaders; cultural institutions; journalists and media organizations; social and new media users; U.S. and Japan thought leaders; and women and youth.
Priority Region
- Japan
Eligible Applicants
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations.
- Public and private educational institutions.
- Public international organizations and governmental institutions.
Review Criteria
Each application will be evaluated and rated using the criteria outlined below.
- Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 25 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.
- Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 25 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.
- Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and the program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.
- Budget – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.
- Monitoring and Evaluation Plan – 15 points: Applicant demonstrates an ability to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured.
- Sustainability – 10 points: Program activities will continue to have a positive impact after the end of the program.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=331185