Austrian-American Partnership Fund

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE U.S. EMBASSY Vienna, Austria, PUBLIC DIPLOMACY SECTION Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Funding Opportunity Title: Austrian-American Partnership Fund Funding Opportunity Number: SAU90024GR0099 Deadline for Applications: 08/31/2024 CFDA Number: 19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs Total Amount Available: $200,000 Maximum for Each Award: $25,000 A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Vienna, Austria, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Purpose of Small Grants: The Austrian-American Partnership Fund (AAPF) is organized to fund projects advancing collaboration and dialogue and expand cooperation between Austria and the United States. AAPF accepts applications for funding for innovative projects that seek to bring American perspectives to Austria or connect Americans and Austrians in the following priority areas: Reinforcing the role of U.S.-Austrian and transatlantic ties in addressing shared challenges Promoting common democratic values and civic engagement Combating disinformation and building media literacy Addressing climate change together Fostering partnerships between U.S. and Austrian educational institutions Engaging youth around shared values Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility Guidelines While requests for support typically range between $1,000 and $10,000, the maximum Embassy support is $25,000 total. Cosponsoring from additional funding sources is strongly encouraged. All proposed programs must include a U.S. component (such as the showcasing of an American expert or involvement of a U.S. organization) and aim to increase understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives among audiences within Austria. Primary audience should be non-Americans in Austria. Special consideration will be given to programs that reach youth and/or engage geographically or otherwise diverse communities in Austria. Proposals will also be evaluated based on their anticipated short and long-term impact, and on the ability to reach audiences using both traditional and innovative outreach tools. Submission deadlines and selection procedures Deadlines for submission of project proposals are February 15, May 15, July 15, and November 15. Since the selection process can take up to two months, applicants should plan accordingly. Evaluation Criteria · Proposals will be evaluated by the U.S. Embassy Vienna Grants committee, based on feasibility of the project and whether it aligns with the Embassy’s priorities, the committee will select eligible and qualified applications based on the following criteria: · Program areas addressed are aligned with stated priorities. · Objectives and expected outcomes are clear. · Target audience is identified and aligns with program objectives and outcomes. Detailed budget and timelines included. Budget cannot include budget items for “miscellaneous expenses” or requests for funding food, alcoholic beverages, or entertainment. · Proposal is viable, reasonable, and executable. · Compliance with required information and documents. · The project clearly states how applicants will amplify outreach with audiences and evaluate and measure outputs and results during the project implementation period by way of quantitative and qualitative assessment tools. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt-Act. The source of funding is FY2024 Public Diplomacy Funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 1 to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: 10-40 awards (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from $1,000 to $25,000 Total available funding: $200,000 Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding Anticipated program start date: 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award (FAAs), or Cooperative Agreement. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION 1.Eligible Applicants We welcome applications from qualified individuals and organizations based in Austria or abroad. Registered non-profit/not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, think tanks, civil society and non-governmental organizations, and associations with programming experience are eligible to apply. Please note that for-profit or commercial entities are not (not) eligible to apply. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: · The AAPF does not sponsor individual requests for scholarships or travel for educational purposes. · Applications from organizations and individuals that do not meet the above criteria for eligibility. · Projects related to humanitarian or charitable activities, or activities related to party politics. · Construction programs. · Programs that support specific religious activities. · Conferences outside of Austria and personal trips abroad. · Lobbying for specific legislation or programs. · Commercial projects and activities. · Fundraising and fundraising events. · Conducting or publishing scientific research. · Projects primarily serving the institutional development of the organization applying. 2.Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing is not required. 3.Other Eligibility Requirements In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1.Address to Request Application Package Application forms required below are available at www.grants.gov. 2.Content and Form of Application Submission Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. The following documents are required: 1. Mandatory application forms · SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance --individuals) at grants.gov · SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov · SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov 2. Summary Coversheet: 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. 3. Proposal (3 pages maximum): 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. · Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact. Please include times and locations of planned events. · Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program. Include organization/individual name, address, email address, phone number(s), key personnel involved in project. · Problem Statement: Clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed. · Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. What aspect of the relationship between the U.S. and Austria will be improved? The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Please identify the target audience and how it aligns with program objectives. · Program Activities, Methods and Design: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives, solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. · Proposed Program Schedule: The proposed timeline for the program 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 program. · Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees, as well as co-sponsors. · Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time-frame of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? 4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. For an evaluation, applicants must submit a detailed and complete project budget including the cost shares borne by co-sponsors and recipients of the grant. The budget statement is logical and sufficiently detailed so that the individual items and how they came about can be traced exactly when the application is examined. Budgets must be calculated in U.S. Dollars. 3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Required Registrations: All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the 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 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. 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. 4. Submission process The project application, including the SF-424 forms, and any other required information listed above must be submitted via email to [email protected]; applications in hard copy/snail mail will not be accepted. Applications for funding cannot be considered until all required information has been received. Applications and project proposals must be in English. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact [email protected]. E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 1.Criteria Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below. The criteria listed are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. Organizational capacity and record on previous grants: The organization has expertise in its stated field and PDS is confident of its ability to undertake the program. This includes a financial management system and a bank account. Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out, and a reasonable implementation timeline. Goals and objectives: Goals and objectives are clearly stated. Embassy priorities: Applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support U.S. Embassy Vienna, Austria’s priority areas or target audiences. Budget: The budget justification is detailed, reasonable and realistic, and accounts for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. Monitoring and evaluation plan: The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured. Sustainability: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program. 2.Review and Selection Process A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications. F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 1.Federal Award Notices The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. Issuance of this NOFO 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: Payments will be made in at least two installments, as needed to carry out the program activities. 2.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.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/. Note the U.S Flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions. 3.Reporting Reporting Requirements: The awarding of government grants under the Austrian-American Partnership Fund requires at least a final activity report within 30 days of the completion of the project to be submitted in writing to the Grants Officer. The report(s) should include details about impact on audiences reached, amplification of messages about the project, and any media reporting. G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact PDS at: [email protected] Note: We do not provide any pre-consultation for application related questions that are addressed in the NOFO. Once an application has been submitted, State Department officials and staff may not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process is completed. H. OTHER INFORMATION Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.