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The REPS Office of the U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Section seeks proposals for a program entitled "World Affairs in Theory and Practice." Implemented at the New Delhi American Center (NDAC), this competitive program will draw from a target audience of high-achieving undergraduate-level students connected to academic programs in the fields of international affairs, sustainable development, human rights, health policy business, and related disciplines. Participants will complete one of three MOOCs (Massive, Open, Online Courses) on themes of global health, environmental security, and international trade offered by American universities and expertly facilitated at the NDAC. Courses will meet weekly and will last 4-6 weeks, depending on the format of each MOOC selected for the series. Following the completion of each MOOC course, participants will participate in a live simulation of diplomatic negotiations around a similar theme as their course, helping them understand complex issues in theory and practice. Finally, participants will be introduced to EducationUSA advisors from the U.S. India Educational Foundation (USIEF) for counseling on options for pursuing higher education in the United States.

The program is a two-part initiative designed to foster new connections between scholars and journalists covering international affairs and, to that end, offers an interrelated set of awards, including programming grants for universities and fellowships for scholars in the humanities and social sciences who study religion in international contexts. To be eligible, applicants must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States as of the application deadline date; have a PhD degree that was conferred by the application deadline; and be able to attend and participate in two program-sponsored events.

The American Film Showcase (AFS) is the State Department's flagship film exchange program and is implemented by the University of Southern California's (USC) School of Cinematic Arts. AFS supports the exchange of U.S. films, filmmakers, and film experts in support of foreign policy priorities. The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy South Africa announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to support the 2020 American Film Showcase in South Africa, with a specific focus on the use of documentary film for conveying human rights messages. Concept notes are requested from organizations that have the necessary capacity, experience, and knowledge to support the implementation of the AFS 2020 program in South Africa. Logistical and financial management capabilities, linkages with existing film events and programs, and a focus on innovative approaches will be critical components of a successful proposal. AFS brings award-winning contemporary American documentaries, independent films, and filmmaking know-how to audiences around the world, offering a view of American society and culture as seen by independent filmmakers. Funded by a grant from the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and produced by the USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA), the Showcase highlights the value of film in fostering understanding and cooperation, dialogue, and debate. AFS will include a visit from American documentary filmmakers to engage with local audiences, as well as a film collection for use in related activities. See: http://americanfilmshowcase.com/current-afs-slate/. A U.S. government staff member must be present at all screenings of films provided through AFS, and Embassy officials will guide the selection of films for the activities implemented through this project.

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Request for Applications (RFA). PAS invites U.S. individuals, educational institutions, and not-for-profit organizations subject to 501 (c) (3) of the tax code, as well as Chinese organizations legally established in China, to submit proposals for conducting cultural exchange programs that will provide Chinese audiences with the opportunity to experience U.S. culture and the arts. PAS will have up to US$200,000 available to award multiple grants for up to US$50,000 per grant. Please see the full announcement for additional details.

AUTHORITY: Grant making authority for the Program for Research and Training on Eastern Europe and the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union (Title VIII) is contained in the Soviet-Eastern European Research and Training Act of 1983 (22 U.S.C. 4501-4508, as amended). PURPOSE: Congress determined that independently verified factual knowledge about the countries of Eastern Europe and Eurasia is critical to the national security of the United States, the furtherance of its national interests in the conduct of foreign relations, and the prudent management of its domestic affairs. Congress further concluded that providing a stable and dedicated source of financial support for Title VIII functions supplementing other Federal, State, local, regional, and private sector funding is critical to maintaining this important research and training on a long-term, national scale. The development and maintenance of U.S. expertise on these regions depends upon a national capability for advanced research by highly trained specialists with in-country experience. These specialists are a national resource available for service in and out of Government. In order to guarantee the existence of that knowledge and the capability to sustain it, certain essential functions are necessary, including: a. graduate training; b. advanced research; c. public dissemination of research data, methods, and findings; d. contact and collaboration among Government and private specialists; and e. American specialists? firsthand experience of the countries of Eastern Europe and Eurasia, including on-site advanced training and research to the extent practicable. For further information or to arrange a consultation, please contact BristolA@state.gov.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement to support the exchanges and building of lasting ties between high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations and the people of the United States. The agreement will also fund exchanges for American youth that will immerse them in the cultures of several selected countries with significant Muslim populations while living and attending high schools abroad. Public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) and public institutions may submit proposals for the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Overseas Components to: (1) recruit and select international students from designated countries (referred to herein as "inbound" participants) and American students (referred to herein as "outbound" or "YES Abroad" participants); (2) identify host families and schools and provide programs and support to American participants in approximately thirteen countries overseas; (3) provide orientations to all groups; (4) coordinate travel and logistics; (5) liaise with U.S. embassies and natural families; and (6) provide follow-on alumni programs that promote civil society, leadership, and mutual understanding. Pending the availability of funds, ECA intends to award one cooperative agreement for approximately $17,250,000.

The Embassy of the United States of America in Guatemala's Public Affairs Section (PAS) invites interested individuals and non-profit organizations from Guatemala and the United States to submit proposals for projects requesting funding. A panel comprised of Embassy staff members will review each complete proposal received before the deadline of midnight, Wednesday, February 20, 2013 and select five to eight proposals for funding. At least one, but no more than three, of the selected proposals will be from individuals or organizations who have never received U.S. Government funding. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by March 31, 2013. Please note that selected proposals will have to complete additional forms and registration documents within thirty days of notification in order to receive funding. Proposals should fit under one of four main themes: 1) Supporting the rule of law and citizen security 2) Encouraging economic growth and sustainable environmental practices 3) Improving health and education 4) Increasing mutual understanding between the United States and Guatemala Important notes: - All potential applicants should be knowledgeable of similar existing programs in Guatemala, including those funded by the U.S. Government, in order to avoid duplication of effort.

The Abe Fellowship Program encourages international multidisciplinary research on topics of pressing global concern. The program fosters the development of a new generation of researchers interested in policy-relevant topics and willing to become key members of a bilateral and global research network. In partnership with the SSRC, the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP) established the Abe Fellowship Program as its flagship program in 1991. The Abe Fellowship Program now includes three core elements: the Abe Fellowship, the Abe Fellowship for Journalists, and the CGP-SSRC Policy Forum. Founded through the efforts of Shintaro Abe, former Japanese minister of foreign affairs, the mission of CGP is (1) to promote collaboration between Japan and the United States, with the goal of fulfilling shared global responsibilities and contributing to improvements in the world's welfare, and (2) to enhance dialogue and interchange between Japanese and US citizens on a wide range of issues, thereby improving bilateral relations.

The Study of the U.S. Branch, Office of Academic Exchange Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), invites proposal submissions for the design and implementation of five different Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars and Secondary Educators to take place over the course of five to six weeks beginning in June 2014, pending the availability of funds. These Institutes should provide multinational groups of experienced foreign university educators, scholars, teachers, and other professionals with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions. Three of these Institutes will be for groups of 18 foreign university level faculty, focusing on the themes of Contemporary American Literature, Religious Pluralism in the United States, and U.S. Political Thought, and with a total duration of six weeks each. Two additional Institutes will be five-week general survey courses on the United States for a group of 20 foreign secondary educators.

The Information Office (IO) in the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy of the United States of America in Islamabad, Pakistan, is pleased to announce a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for an assistance award through the Public Diplomacy Grants program. PAS Islamabad invites organizations to submit proposals for an award to provide training to media professionals through the program specified in this specified in this NOFO. Programs will take place in various locations in Pakistan including Islamabad, Karachi, Kyber Paktunkhwa and the newly merged tribal areas (the former FATA). The objective of this program is to strengthen Pakistan's free press. Its aim is to strengthen the capacity of journalists and the accuracy of reporting in Pakistan. This program seeks to address the gaps in their professional knowledge by providing training to journalists in new or traditional forms of media that also support professional standards in journalism, increasing participants' knowledge and skills in producing and reporting quality news stories, and exposing them to high professional standards.

The U.S. Consulate Fukuoka Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This annual notice of funding opportunities outlines our funding priorities and areas of interest, as well as procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please note that this notice supplements specific notices of funding opportunities that may be posted both here and on other relevant sites throughout the year. Any organization or individual interested in applying for funding should carefully follow all instructions.

Priority Program Areas: I. U.S. - NEW ZEALAND (INCLUDING NIUE AND THE COOK ISLANDS) BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP Programs that seek to explain U.S. policies, culture, and values to New Zealand, Niuean or Cook Island audiences, resulting in a positive impact on the bilateral relationship. II. REGIONAL SECURITY Programs that address issues of regional security, cybersecurity, non-proliferation, and countering violent extremism, as well as exchanges that promote multilateral cooperation and enhance stability in the Asia-Pacific region. III. ECONOMIC GROWTH Programs related to promoting trade, investment, economic integration and responsible commercial development in the region. IV. PACIFIC ISSUES Programs related to addressing challenges specific to the Pacific/Oceanic region, such as maritime and polar affairs, infrastructure, educational development, health and wellness, and technology.

The U.S. Embassy Bucharest/Bureau of Public Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for non-profit Romanian organizations and institutions with experience in adult education, language teaching to adults, civic engagement, and with no political affiliations, to apply for a grant of up to $25,000 to conduct English language teaching programs for young to middle-aged adults (ages 20 - 45) from rural areas of Vaslui, Braila, Ialomita, Gorj and Olt counties, in order to help them acquire new skills and enhance their competitiveness on the labor market.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) is pleased to invite eligible organizations to submit grant applications for humanitarian demining in Colombia during fiscal year 2017. Specific goals, objectives, and technical requirements for application packages are detailed below. PM/WRA anticipates providing multiple awards totaling, at most, a cumulative amount of $11 million under this grant opportunity. The specific locations have already been tasked to specific operators, so proposals will be evaluated against other submissions. PM/WRA will most heavily weigh the cost effectiveness of the applications when making funding decisions.

The United States Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, acting through the Office of Public Affairs, is pleased to announce a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the "Night at the Museum" Civic Education Program which promotes awareness of joint cultural heritage and appreciation for museums as places of learning in BiH. Proposals should include a series of events, activities at three or more major museums in the country, and overnight stays for youth at those museums. Applicants should include in the program at a minimum the National Museum of BiH, the Fojnica Franciscan Monastery Museum, and one of the major museums in Republika Srpska, for no less than 400 students from different ethnic groups across the country. These youth participants will work together at each museum. Programs should be innovative, bring together youth (ages 12-24) from communities across ethnic, geographic, and administrative lines, and engage participants in follow-up community improvement activities. Priority will be given to applications which engage youth who have not yet had access to programs funded by the U.S. government. A detailed budget should be expressed in USD, with a maximum amount of $50,000.

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon announces an open competition for an assistance award through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). PAS Yaounde invites all eligible organizations to submit a proposal for a French-language television and radio entertainment drama series that addresses the issue of countering violent extremism among young people in contemporary Cameroonian society and highlights the power of civic engagement and peaceful community involvement to enact positive change and provide an alternative to violent extremism.

The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), U.S. Department of Labor announces the availability of approximately $4 million total costs for up to two cooperative agreements of up to $2 million total costs each to fund technical assistance project(s) in two different countries to improve implementation of social compliance systems that promote acceptable conditions of work and the elimination of child labor and forced labor in coffee supply chains. Each cooperative agreement will fund a project in one of the following countries in the Latin America/Caribbean region, where DOL's List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor (TVPRA List) documents child labor and/or forced labor concerns: Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, or Nicaragua. Project outcomes include: 1) Adoption of a robust and sustainable social compliance system by private sector stakeholders in coffee supply chains; 2) Strengthened capacity of private sector stakeholders to implement a robust and sustainable social compliance system in coffee supply chains; and 3) New social compliance tools on child labor, forced labor, and acceptable conditions of work piloted in the coffee supply chain. The duration of the project will be a maximum of 4 years (48 months) from the effective date of the award. Applicants may apply for one or two of the cooperative agreements listed above. No more than two applications per applicant will be accepted. If applying for two cooperative agreements, applicants should not combine countries in a single application, but must submit separate applications for each country. Each application should request no more than $2 million total costs in funding.