2024 AMERICAN CENTER VIENTIANE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM
- US Embassy Vientiane Seal U.S. EMBASSY IN LAOS
- General
- Apply by: May 31, 2024
Funding Description
2024 AMERICAN CENTER VIENTIANE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S. EMBASSY VIENTIANE AMERICAN CENTER
Annual Program Statement
Program Office: American Center Vientiane, Public Affairs Section, U.S.
Embassy Vientiane
Funding Opportunity Title: 2024 American Center Vientiane Small Grants Program Laos
Announcement Type: Grant or Cooperative Agreement
Funding Opportunity Number: PD-LAO-2024-2
Deadline for Applications: Rolling; see section D.4, Submission Dates and Times
CFDA Number: 19.441
Amount for Each Award: Maximum of $10,000
Total Amount Available: $30,000
CONTACT INFORMATION
For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, please contact the Public Diplomacy Grants Officer via email at VientianeACSmallGrants@state.gov or phone at +856-21-487-000.
SUMMARY
This document contains detailed instructions and information about the proposal process. Please read it carefully.
All applicants must submit proposals to https://forms.gle/6WDysKBBUgZVpxeV8 Activities will only be funded within the Lao PDR. We invite proposals in the $1,000-$10,000 range. The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane reserves the right to award less or more than the amount of funds described in the absence of worthy applications or under such other circumstances as they may deem to be in the best interest of the U.S. government.
Due to the volume of applicants and inquiries, the American Center does not accept requests for meetings or phone calls prior to application.
All grantees must include the following in order for your proposal to get selected:
- Grant proposal form and budget narrative using our suggested templates below. Proposal Template
- Budget Narrative
- SF424-Application for Federal Assistance
- Grant to Individual:
- or Grant to Organization:
- SF424A-Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs
- SF424B-Assurances for Non Construction programs Individual
- For organizations: your organization’s Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and proof of registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.Gov, see below).
A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The U.S. Embassy Vientiane Public Diplomacy Section announces an open competition for organizations to submit project proposals for funding under the U.S. Embassy’s 2024 American Center Small Grants Program. All projects or part of the projects should take place at the American Center in Vientiane. Projects taking place outside the American Center in Vientiane must include a written justification and description of how the Center will be included in the program.
This Annual Program Statement (APS) solicits proposals for projects that further the U.S. Mission’s public diplomacy goals of strengthening people-to-people ties between Laos and the United States, expanding educational opportunities for Lao people to better engage with the United States and ASEAN, and building and strengthening local partners through the specific objectives listed below.
Proposals for projects must focus on one of the priority areas specified below. Applicants should pay close attention to the American Center’s goals, priority program objectives, and target audiences when developing their proposals.
American Center Goals in Lao PDR
American Center programming fosters people-to-people connections and promotes critical thinking and thoughtful discussion through cultural programming, English language learning, promoting higher education, science, technology and math, and supporting programs put on by U.S. government exchange program alumni. Proposals funded under this APS will further one or more of the U.S. Mission to Laos’ public diplomacy goals: promoting partnerships between Lao and American people and organizations; promoting strong, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth for Laos through education and market orientation, raising awareness related to health information, good governance, and environmental sustainability; enhancing education ties, strengthening media engagement, and/or building capacity of local partners.
Priority Program Objectives and Target Audiences:
Grant proposals must explicitly address one or more of the American Center’s priority objectives listed below and create or extend the communities engaged in those areas:
- English language learning: provide American Center patrons high-quality opportunities to practice their English and learn more about American culture. The program should be based on sound English Language Teaching pedagogy, combining some structured instruction along with ample time for speaking practice, and should address English teaching and skills development, soft skills, critical thinking, and English skills that can be applied to business, trade, medicine and other fields highlighted in the American Center’s priority program objectives.
- Alumni: strengthening of connections and cooperation among exchange program alumni, building public awareness of alumni efforts to support Lao achievement of the country’s sustainable development goals, recruiting new Lao participants for U.S. government educational programs and exchange programs, and expanding projects and activities of alumni that help expand the impact of their U.S.-funded exchange programs.
- Civil Society: build leadership, communication, critical thinking, and negotiation skills through focus on one or more of the following issues: gender equity, human rights, social issues, combating domestic violence, health care, and/or family planning
- Entrepreneurship: encouraging entrepreneurship, enhancing essential business skills among Lao youth and underprivileged or marginalized individuals, soft skills, English skills for trade and business. But “seed funding” is not available to setup a business.
- Environment: raising awareness and building skills to help address climate change, wildlife trafficking, reducing deforestation and pollution, sustainable development and eco-tourism.
- eSports: provide opportunities for academic, personal and career growth and exploration through eSports club activities based on an academic eSports curriculum available from the North American Scholastic eSports Federation.
- Health and wellness: courses or workshops to share public information on health issues, promote volunteerism and public support for healthy living, and increase awareness among Lao youth and educators about educational needs and professional opportunities related to careers in health and medicine.
- Inclusiveness and support issues related to: disabled persons, LGBTQI rights, ethnic minorities, other marginalized and stigmatized groups such as victims of human trafficking, underprivileged youth, or religious minorities.
- Journalism and media: promote the critical reading and analysis of news and other information sources, including social media, and/or introduce journalism fundamentals
- STEM: enhance creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills by providing hands-on opportunities for American Center patrons to learn about and explore robotics, coding, programming languages, app development, game design, or other computer science skills.
- Volunteering: promoting volunteerism and the spirit of helping others through community service projects, developing managerial and organizational skills to effectively design and implement volunteer and community service projects, public information and public awareness outreach about volunteering and community service, as well as partnering among individuals, communities and organizations to achieve common goals and build capacity / support for non-profit volunteer activities.
- Women’s empowerment: promoting the leadership capabilities, professional development, educational opportunities, mentoring and economic prosperity of women.
- Youth: non-profit activities to help prepare Lao youth for competitive selection into exchange programs and educational opportunities, including academic pursuits as well as extracurricular activities such as sports, art, photography, film, music, dance, debate, speech communications, problem solving, writing, reading, soft skills, critical thinking, computer literacy, computer programming, STEM and test taking skills.
Activities and expenses that will not be funded include, but are not limited to:
- the purchase or long-term lease of space or buildings in support of program activities;
- construction projects;
- for-profit activities;
- individual travel to conferences;
- scholarships to support educational opportunities or study for individuals;
- funding ongoing projects, which would otherwise be funded through other means;
- financial support for fundraising or fund development projects, including for charity;
- projects that are inherently political in nature or that contain the appearance of partisanship/support with an individual or single party in electoral campaigns;
- political party and lobbying activities;
- projects that support specific religious activities;
- projects that are inherently development in nature, or that primarily consist of procuring equipment or goods that will be given to an organization or individual;
- projects that provide social services, disaster relief services, or development assistance, especially projects typically funded through U.S. Government assistance programs and other non-Public Diplomacy funding;
- projects that primarily support agricultural development;
- cash prizes for competitions;
- networking events;
- alcohol;
- business-class travel;
- translations.
Length of performance period
Projects generally must be completed in one year and include a credible plan for completion within one year, but can be extended in certain circumstances if additional time is required. The Public Diplomacy Section will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards on a non-competitive basis, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.
Award Amount
Award Amount will vary between $1,000 and $10,000. The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane reserves the right to award less or more than the amount of funds described in the absence of worthy applications or under such other circumstances as they may deem to be in the best interest of the U.S. government.
Priority Region
Activities will only be funded within the Lao PDR. Activities should mainly be implemented/conducted at the American Center in Vientiane. Projects taking place outside the American Center in Vientiane must include a written justification and description of how the Center will be included in the program.
B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
Length of performance period: Maximum one year; October 2024 to September 2025
Number of awards anticipated: 3-10 awards, depending on selected proposals
Award amounts: $1,000 to $10,000, contingent on funding availability
Total Amount Available: $30,000
Anticipated program start date: From October 01, 2024
This notice is subject to availability of funding.
Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award, or Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that embassy staff are more actively involved in grant implementation.
Program Performance Period: Projects generally must be completed in one year or less, but can be longer in certain circumstances. The Public Diplomacy Section will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards on a non-competitive basis, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.
C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION
- Eligible Applicants
Submissions are encouraged from U.S. and Lao entities with relevant programming experience, and other foreign entities with relevant programming experience can also apply. This experience should be documented in the proposal. Eligible entities include:
- Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
- Public and private educational institutions
- Individuals
For-profit entities are not eligible to apply. Previous federal award recipients who are not/were not in compliance with the terms of their financial and program reporting requirements are ineligible to apply. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure they are in compliance with all applicable terms, conditions, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance and requirements. Those organizations found to be in non-compliance may be found ineligible for funding or designated high risk if selected for funding.
- Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost sharing is not required.
However, it may be considered in the merit review to break ties among applications with equivalent scores after evaluation against all other factors.
- Other Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a unique entity identifier or be registered in SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations.
D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
- Address to Submit Application Package
Note: Please read the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the APS deadline has passed, Embassy staff may not discuss this competition with applicants until the proposal review process has been completed.
Please attach proposals in Microsoft Word or .pdf format with [Project Name]_[Funding Notice Number] in the subject line. Proposals should be submitted electronically to https://forms.gle/6WDysKBBUgZVpxeV8 for no later than Friday, May 31, 2024 at 11:59 PM (Laos time, GMT+7). For the purposes of determining if a proposal is submitted on time, officials will utilize the time-stamp provided by email.
These deadlines are firm. If organizations fail to meet the deadlines noted above, their application will not be considered for funding and will be considered ineligible. Applicants who fail to meet the deadline will be eligible to reapply in the next annual cycle.
- Content and Form of Application Submission
Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.
Please ensure:
- The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity
- All documents are in English
- All budgets are in U.S. dollars and clearly explained
- All pages are numbered
- All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and
- All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.
STEP 1: IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR FUNDING:
Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.
Proposal: The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below (7 pages maximum):
- Proposal Summary: Short narrative (approximately three sentences) that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.
- Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.
- Project Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the project is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to reaching the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.
- Project Activities: Describe the project activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.
- Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the project activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
- Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles, and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the project. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this project?
- Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.
- Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the project be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?
- Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the project beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.
Budget Justification Narrative: Use a separate sheet to describe each of the budget expenses in detail.
Attachments:
- One-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program
- Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner
- Official permission letters, if required for program activities
STEP 2: Mandatory application forms (three mandatory application forms)
- SF424-Application for Federal Assistance Individual
https://la.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/142/2024/04/SF424_Individual_2_0-V2.0-Exp-date-February-28-2026.pdf or SF424-Application for Federal Assistance Organization https://la.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/142/2024/04/SF424_4_0-V4.0_Organization-Exp-date-November-30-2025.pdf
- SF424A-Budget Information for Non Construction Programs
- SF424B-Assurances for Non Construction programs Individual
- https://uploads.mwp.mprod.getusinfo.com/uploads/sites/142/2024/04/SF424B-Assurances-for-Non-Construction-programs-–-Individual.pdf
- Direct Deposit form in USD currency including a copy of bank book matches. https://uploads.mwp.mprod.getusinfo.com/uploads/sites/142/2024/04/DIRECT-DEPOSIT-SIGN-UP-outside-vendor.doc
3. Required Registration – Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from https://www.sam.gov and maintain an active registration with SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. The registration is free of charge.
The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.
Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.
- Submission Dates and Times
The Public Affairs Section will accept proposals throughout most of the year and will review proposals according to the following schedule. Please note that while the deadlines for submission of applications are firm, all of the review and response dates are approximate and are subject to change, based on availability of funds. All funding decisions are also subject to availability of funds at all times. Any application submitted after May 31, 2024, will need to be resubmitted after September 2024 if not selected for funding with FY24 funds.
- Proposals received from the date when the APS is published on the Embassy website to Friday, May 31, 2024, will be reviewed by June 2024, with responses going out by September, 2024.
- Funding Restrictions
Award funds cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages or to engage in for-profit activities.
- Other Submission Requirements
All application materials must be submitted by online https://forms.gle/6WDysKBBUgZVpxeV8
Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.
E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
- Criteria
Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below.
Quality and Feasibility of the Project Idea – 25 points: The project idea is well developed, with detail about how project activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.
Organizational Capacity and Performance Record on Any Previous Grants – 25 points: The organization / individual has expertise in their stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.
Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and project 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 he/she is able to measure project success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The project includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured.
Sustainability – 10 points: Project activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.
- Review and Selection Process
A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications.
- Federal Awardee Performance & Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)
For any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity, if the Federal awarding agency anticipates that the total Federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold on any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity may include, over the period of performance (see §200.88 Simplified Acquisition Threshold), this section must also inform applicants:
i. That the Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);
ii. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;
iii. That the Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.205 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.
- Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates
Selections will be made and awards will be signed in September 2024.
F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
- Federal Award Notices
The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer.
If a proposal is selected for funding, the U.S. Embassy / Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the U.S. Embassy / Department of State.
Issuance of this APS does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.
Payment Method: The funds for this grant or cooperative agreement will be disbursed in in two to three installments. Final payment will be disbursed upon submission of final report.
- Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Terms and Conditions: Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include:
2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 600, Certifications and Assurances, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, all of which are available at: https://www.statebuy.state.gov/fa/pages/home.aspx
Note the U.S. Flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions.
- Reporting
Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. Financial reporting for the use of the first installment will be required at the time the request for the second installment is made. Financial reporting, through the same method, will again be required at the conclusion of the grant period.
Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters .
G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: Public Diplomacy Grants Officer in Public Diplomacy Section, U.S. Embassy Vientiane at VientianeACSmallGrants@state.gov or by phone at +856-21-487-000.
H. OTHER INFORMATION
Guidelines for Budget Justification
Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.
Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.
Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $5,000 per unit.
Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.
Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.
Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.
Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a
Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of the modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.
“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.
Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages
Contact
- US Embassy Vientiane
- 2024 AMERICAN CENTER VIENTIANE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM
- 2024 AMERICAN CENTER VIENTIANE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM
- VientianeACSmallGrants@state.gov