Funder: U.S. Mission to Kyrgyzstan
Due Dates: May 26, 2025 (Questions) | May 31, 2025 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Awards range from $100,000–$200,000 for up to 24 months; up to two awards anticipated.
Summary: Supports programs to improve English proficiency among teachers and students in the Kyrgyz Republic, fostering U.S.-Kyrgyz ties and economic opportunities.
Key Information: Only one proposal per organization; U.S. applicants must partner with Kyrgyz-registered organizations.
Description
The U.S. Embassy Bishkek Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals for projects that increase English language proficiency across the Kyrgyz Republic. The program aims to enhance the fluency and teaching capacity of high school and university English teachers, expand students’ access to high-level and native English speakers, and promote knowledge of American culture. The ultimate goal is to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic by building a larger pool of English-proficient Kyrgyzstanis.
Projects should address one or more of the following objectives:
- Improve English proficiency of pre-service and early- to mid-career teachers to at least B2 CEFR level.
- Increase English proficiency, confidence, and understanding of American culture among teachers and students through engagement with native speakers and authentic content.
- Recruit advanced English-speaking alumni or graduates to teach public school students, raising student proficiency.
The program is designed to complement existing U.S. Embassy English language initiatives and leverage resources such as American Spaces and USG program alumni.
Due Dates
- Deadline for questions: May 26, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Bishkek time
- Application deadline: May 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Bishkek time
Funding Amount
- Award size: $100,000–$200,000 per project
- Number of awards: Up to 2, depending on award sizes and funding availability
- Project duration: 12–24 months (projects must be completed within 24 months)
- Funding instrument: Cooperative agreement (with substantial involvement from the U.S. Embassy)
- Cost sharing/matching: Not required
Eligibility
Eligible applicants:
- Kyrgyz Republic-registered:
- Not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks, civil society, and NGOs)
- Public and private educational institutions
- U.S.-based:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and educational institutions, only if partnering with a Kyrgyz Republic-registered organization
Additional requirements:
- For-profit entities are not eligible.
- Only one proposal per organization; multiple submissions will render all ineligible.
- All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration in SAM.gov.
- Subcontracting is allowed, but only one non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient.
- Extra consideration for leveraging American Spaces, USG alumni, or existing USG programming.
Ineligible activities include: partisan political activity, direct social services, construction, religious activities, fundraising, lobbying, scientific research, commercial projects, and institutional development.
Application Process
Submission methods:
- Email: BishkekProjectProposals@state.gov (include Funding Opportunity Title and Number in subject)
- Grants.gov
Required application components:
- Mandatory forms: SF-424, SF-424A, and (if applicable) SF-424B
- Proposal (max 10 pages):
- Project summary and objectives
- Organizational background and experience
- Problem statement and justification
- Program methods, activities, and deliverables
- Timeline and schedule
- Key personnel and partners
- Sustainability plan
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) plan (including Theory of Change and PMP datasheet)
- Budget:
- Detailed line-item budget (template provided)
- Budget justification narrative
- Attachments:
- Key personnel resumes or position descriptions
- Letters of support from partners (if applicable)
- Proof of non-profit status and registration
- Indirect cost rate agreement (if applicable)
Monitoring & Evaluation:
- Applicants must submit a draft Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) with clear indicators, data collection methods, and a Theory of Change.
- Standard indicators and guidance are provided in the application materials.
Other notes:
- All documents must be in English and budgets in U.S. dollars.
- Proposals missing required documents will be deemed ineligible.
Additional Information
- Review process: Proposals are evaluated on program quality, organizational capacity, planning, budget, M&E, sustainability, and American leadership.
- Reporting: Quarterly program and financial reports are required; PMP datasheet must be updated regularly.
- Allowable costs: Personnel, fringe, travel, supplies, contractual, and indirect costs (up to 15% MTDC if no NICRA).
- Unallowable costs: Construction, direct social services, pre-award costs, and entertainment (e.g., alcohol).
External Links
Contact Information
For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact the Grants.gov Support Center.