Funder: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Due Dates: June 30, 2025 (11:59pm Eastern)
Funding Amounts: One award, $1,000,000 total, 24-month project period
Summary: Supports a U.S.-based three-week exchange for youth and adult mentors from sub-Saharan Africa focused on civic engagement and leadership development.
Key Information: Applicants must have at least four years of experience conducting international exchanges; only U.S. non-profits and educational institutions are eligible.
Description
This opportunity funds a single U.S. non-profit or educational institution to design and implement a three-week exchange program in the United States for youth (ages 15–18) and adult mentors from sub-Saharan Africa. The program's primary themes are civic engagement and leadership development, aiming to empower participants to become responsible citizens, actively engaged in their home communities, and to foster mutual understanding between U.S. and African participants. Activities will include workshops, community site visits, homestays with American families, and collaborative projects with U.S. peers. Upon their return, participants are expected to implement community service projects in their home countries, with follow-on support and alumni engagement coordinated by the awardee.
Due Dates
- Application Deadline: June 30, 2025, 11:59pm Eastern Time
- Anticipated Award Date: September 15, 2025
No late applications will be accepted. All submissions must be made via Grants.gov.
Funding Amount
- Total Funding Available: $1,000,000 (pending availability of funds)
- Number of Awards: 1
- Award Ceiling/Floor: $1,000,000 (fixed amount)
- Project Duration: Up to 24 months
The award covers all aspects of project planning, pre-departure preparation, U.S.-based activities, participant travel, and follow-on activities in home countries.
Eligibility
- Eligible Applicants:
- U.S. not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and NGOs)
- U.S. public and private educational institutions
- Additional Requirements:
- Must demonstrate at least four years of experience conducting international exchanges for awards exceeding $130,000.
- Must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active SAM.gov registration.
- Only one proposal per organization will be considered.
- Proposals must comply with all requirements outlined in the NOFO, POGI, and Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI).
Application Process
- Submission Method: Electronic submission via Grants.gov
- Required Documents:
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Executive summary
- Proposal narrative
- SF-424A (Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs)
- Detailed line-item budget and budget narrative
- Resumes/CVs of key personnel
- Letters of endorsement from significant partners (if applicable)
- Performance Monitoring Plan (recommended)
- Formatting: Adhere strictly to instructions in the NOFO and PSI; incomplete or non-compliant applications will be deemed ineligible.
- Registration: Applicants must have an active SAM.gov registration and register with the Department of State’s MyGrants system.
Additional Information
- Cost Sharing: Not required, but strongly encouraged and will enhance proposal competitiveness.
- Program Requirements:
- The exchange must be conducted in English and take place in 2026.
- Activities must include homestays, community service, leadership training, and substantial interaction with U.S. peers.
- The recipient is responsible for participant safety, travel, housing, and follow-on alumni engagement.
- Performance monitoring and evaluation is required, using the ECA’s MODE Framework.
- Performance Monitoring: Proposals must include a plan to collect and report on specific indicators (see NOFO for details).
- Award Administration: Substantial involvement from the Department of State is expected; see NOFO for post-award requirements.
External Links
Contact Information
For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Support or call 800-518-4726 (24/7, except federal holidays).