Climate Fund QA July 7.pdf

United States Department of State Office of Global Partnerships

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Questions and Answers Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Number: SFOP0009848

QUESTION 1:

We have an organization which is XXXX And we have a Project we are currently working on which is known as XXXX it's a climate change project, which Advocates for the well maintenance of our Environments, in order to safeguard our Climate

Change. As an organization we are therefore requesting for a Grant Application

Form so that we apply for the project Grant support from your office. Thank you so much. Your quick response towards our request will be highly appreciated.

ANSWER 1:

Per SOI Section D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION, D.1 Content and Form of Statement of Interest Submission (pages 6-7) detail the required submission elements in order to be technically eligible. In addition, section D.4

Other Submission Requirements (page 8) states, “All application materials must be submitted electronically through either SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com) or Grants.gov (www.grants.gov). Both systems require registration by the applicant.”

QUESTION 2:

We would like to know more about the Climate Solutions and Sustainable

Entrepreneurship - SFOP0009848

ANSWER 2:

Please refer to the SOI Section A Program Description (page 1) for all information related to the Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Fund.

QUESTION 3:

I hope this email finds you well. My name is XXXXXX of XXXXX. Our organization is dedicated to sustainable development with a strong focus on environmental concerns. I am writing to inquire about the call # SFOP0009848 and its relevance to our new project. We are currently working on an environmental research center that specializes in Environmental Data Collection and Analysis for

Sustainable Decision-Making, with a specific emphasis on addressing urgent health and ecological disaster responses in XXXXX. Considering the objectives outlined in the call, particularly the aim to create local communities of entrepreneurs and entrepreneur-support organizations that generate climate solutions, we would like to know to if we can go ahead and apply to this call just to make sure that our project aligns well with its focus. However, we have encountered a challenge as we are not currently registered on the website, https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.g ov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cclimatehubfund%40state.gov%7C685b62e913804a5a4

85008db6ef35df1%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C63822

5763776452005%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIj oiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ppH

%2Fi2KP9dTOlE0onyxCVKtS2h3iX4BH5uyzptj2URs%3D&reserved=0.

We kindly request your guidance on the necessary steps for us to proceed with the application despite this limitation.

Thank you for considering our inquiry. We greatly appreciate any assistance you can provide.

ANSWER 3:

SOI Section D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION, D.3 Funding

Restrictions (page 7) details eligible and prohibited countries. In addition, section

D.4 Other Submission Requirements (page 8) states, “All application materials must be submitted electronically through either SAMS Domestic

(https://mygrants.service-now.com) or Grants.gov (www.grants.gov). Both systems require registration by the applicant.” Registration is required on the platform to apply.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cclimatehubfund%40state.gov%7C685b62e913804a5a485008db6ef35df1%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638225763776452005%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ppH%2Fi2KP9dTOlE0onyxCVKtS2h3iX4BH5uyzptj2URs%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cclimatehubfund%40state.gov%7C685b62e913804a5a485008db6ef35df1%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638225763776452005%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ppH%2Fi2KP9dTOlE0onyxCVKtS2h3iX4BH5uyzptj2URs%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cclimatehubfund%40state.gov%7C685b62e913804a5a485008db6ef35df1%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638225763776452005%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ppH%2Fi2KP9dTOlE0onyxCVKtS2h3iX4BH5uyzptj2URs%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cclimatehubfund%40state.gov%7C685b62e913804a5a485008db6ef35df1%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638225763776452005%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ppH%2Fi2KP9dTOlE0onyxCVKtS2h3iX4BH5uyzptj2URs%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cclimatehubfund%40state.gov%7C685b62e913804a5a485008db6ef35df1%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638225763776452005%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ppH%2Fi2KP9dTOlE0onyxCVKtS2h3iX4BH5uyzptj2URs%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cclimatehubfund%40state.gov%7C685b62e913804a5a485008db6ef35df1%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638225763776452005%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ppH%2Fi2KP9dTOlE0onyxCVKtS2h3iX4BH5uyzptj2URs%3D&reserved=0

QUESTION 4:

Can a team from XXXXXXX apply for the attached grant opportunity for research?

ANSWER 4:

Refer to SOI Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, C.1 Eligible Applicants (page 4) for details on organizations that are eligible to apply. Please ensure you are registered with SAM.gov and have a UEI. SAM.gov Entity Registration is required before final award (once awards are selected from Full Proposals). 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. Additionally, please refer to

Section A (page 3) for information on eligible regions for programming.

QUESTION 5:

My organization for persons with disabilities is a non-prifit organization. We would like to apply for the below grant

Funding Opportunity Number: SFOP0009848

Funding Opportunity Title: Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Are we eligible to apply and what is the last date

ANSWER 5:

Per SOI Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, C.1 Eligible Applicants (page 4) details organizations that are eligible to apply. The application deadline can be found on the executive summary of the SOI (page 1).

QUESTION 6:

Dear sir, Good morning. Please are NGOs in XXXX qualified to apply for this grants?

ANSWER 6:

Refer to Section A Program Description (page 2) for information on eligible regions. Refer to SOI Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, C.1 Eligible Applicants

(page 4) for details on organizations that are eligible to apply. Please ensure you are registered with SAM.gov, and have a UEI before final award provision (once awards are selected from Full Proposals). 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.

QUESTION 7:

We are the XXXXX association which fights against poverty and the exclusion of young people by promoting economic initiatives, we have two areas of intervention […]

[…]We come to you because we are looking for a financial partner to scale and promote this solution to populations to fight against slash and burn agriculture and climate change with catalytic financing.

ANSWER 7:

Refer to SOI Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, C.1 Eligible Applicants (page 4) for details on organizations that are eligible to apply. Please ensure you are registered with SAM.gov and have a UEI. SAM.gov Entity Registration is required before final award (once awards are selected from Full Proposals). 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.

QUESTION 8:

I am writing to you to ask for financial help, funding/grant to attend college . I have recently been accepted to study at XXXX, which will commence from

September 2023 to July 2024 in XXX. The attached document supports the request

ANSWER 8:

Refer to SOI Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, C.1 Eligible Applicants (page 4) for details on organizations that are eligible to apply. Please ensure you are registered with SAM.gov and have a UEI. SAM.gov Entity Registration is required before final award (once awards are selected from Full Proposals). The process of

QUESTION 9:

Dear Sir, Am in XXXXX and our network can not do well online. Where can i send the project proposal? some guidelines and applications not on line.

Thank you sir

ANSWER 9:

As there is no application form, please refer to SOI Section D. APPLICATION AND

SUBMISSION INFORMATION, D.1 Content and Form of Statement of Interest

Submission (pages 6-7) which details out the elements required for submission to be considered eligible. In addition, section D.4 Other Submission Requirements

(page 8) states, “All application materials must be submitted electronically through either SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com) or Grants.gov

(www.grants.gov). Both systems require registration by the applicant.”

Refer to Section A Program Description (page 3) for information on eligible and ineligible regions and countries.

QUESTION 10:

Hope this mail finds you well.

This is to consult how i can access the applications to;

SFOP0009848

Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Department of State

Office of the Secretary

Help me access the please. Thank you and God bless you

ANSWER 10:

SOI Section D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION, D.1 Content and

Form of Statement of Interest Submission (pages 6-7) details the required submission elements in order to be technically eligible. In addition, section D.4

Other Submission Requirements states, “All application materials must be submitted electronically through either SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-

QUESTION 11:

Madam, Sir, I am contacting you on behalf of XXXXX, an international solidarity NGO based in

XXX that develops projects to support entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and the structuring of value chains in West Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Middle

East. We are interested in applying for your grant entitled “Climate Solutions and

Sustainable Entrepreneurship” and we have doubts on the eligible countries of implementation. More specifically, we wanted to know if the XXXX and XXXX are both eligible countries?

Thank you very much for your answer, ANSWER 11:

Please refer to Section A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION (page 2) in the SOI for details concerning which countries are not considered eligible for this funding opportunity.

QUESTION 12:

Dear Sirs/Madam, I would like to thank you for having this good development opportunity in Africa. My organization (local NGO) needs to apply for this call.

Therefore, we would like it if you send us the application form because we couldn't access the format.

ANSWER 12:

As there is no application form, please refer to SOI Section D. APPLICATION AND

SUBMISSION INFORMATION, D.1 Content and Form of Statement of Interest

Submission (pages 6-7) which details out the elements required for submission to be considered eligible. In addition, section D.4 Other Submission Requirements

(page 8) states, “All application materials must be submitted electronically through either SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com) or Grants.gov

(www.grants.gov). Both systems require registration by the applicant.”

QUESTION 13:

Good morning!

I would like to submit my NCAGE code request (For non-US based organizations).

However, the portal (https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/) is not working. What should I do?

Thank you 😊

ANSWER 13:

Per section E Page 10 an NCAGE code is no longer required for organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feportal.nspa.nato.int%2FCodification%2FCageTool%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cclimatehubfund%40state.gov%7Cd6e28880d94849778c7708db728efba5%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638229730649761907%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1uhARZ2uw3vgNpi3GjRLRdX7CdSVnhlH5B81ttWl1%2F4%3D&reserved=0

Defense (DoD) awards in order to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities.

QUESTION 14:

I want to apply for

Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Fund as a non-profit organization in XXXX. Where is the link to apply please

ANSWER 14:

As there is no application form, please refer to SOI Section D. APPLICATION AND

SUBMISSION INFORMATION, D.1 Content and Form of Statement of Interest

Submission (pages 6-7) which details out the elements required for submission to be considered eligible. In addition, section D.4 Other Submission Requirements

(page 8) states, “All application materials must be submitted electronically through either SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com) or Grants.gov

(www.grants.gov). Both systems require registration by the applicant.”

Question 15:

We were exploring submitting a statement of interest for the Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Funding Opportunity [SFOP0009848], and we were wondering if there is a required minimum or target age range for the entrepreneurs who will be engaged through the climate hubs. Would it be allowed to propose a climate hub that engages youth entrepreneurs who are under age

18?

Answer 15:

Please refer to Section A Program Description (page 3) for full details on who hubs and programming should target. The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process and the Department welcomes hearing of the creativity from the private sector. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea(s) by submitting a Full Proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decision(s) are made.

Question 16:

Can we propose a grant for XXXX under this grant?

Answer 16:

Please refer to SOI Section A Program Description (page 3) for a full list of countries and regions that are eligible and ineligible for this funding opportunity.

Question 17:

My name is XXXX , of XXX . XXXXX specilises in the development of drought tolerant varieties for legumes , oil seed crops and small grains. We work primarily with small hold farmers to share knowledge on successful implementation of climate smart agriculture and good agricultural practices. I am interested in applying for the Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Grant to advance XXXX’s mission and vision. However, I have not been able to download the application form.

I would greatly appreciate any guidance that you can provide on the application and eligibility.

Answer 17:

As there is no application form, please refer to SOI Section D. APPLICATION AND

SUBMISSION INFORMATION, D.1 Content and Form of Statement of Interest

Submission (pages 6-7) which details out the elements required for submission to be considered eligible. In addition, section D.4 Other Submission Requirements

(page 8) states, “All application materials must be submitted electronically through either SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com) or Grants.gov

(www.grants.gov). Both systems require registration by the applicant.”

Question 18:

We are pleased to contact you, to have more information about how you are operating in XXXXX, especially in XXXX.

We are an International Organization based in XXXX and we have many offices around Africa, Asia, Europ and America. As a Country Program in XXX, we are embedded at the XXXX, working on many areas related to Climate change, Biodiversity, Energy and Carbon Market. We provide our neutral technical assistance to the government on the cited subjects, and we are open to other strategic areas of collaboration with organizations like yours, to boost and make a high impact on the country.

By this email, I wanted to know more about your call of proposal “Climate

Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Fund (CSSEF)” or other calls for

Morocco.

Answer 18:

Please refer to the Section A Program Description (pages 1-2) of the SOI for all information related to the Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Fund.

Question 19:

Got you information from American Space, Sokoto.

Please I have a question; what is the budget celling for the proposed project?

Answer 19:

Please refer to SOI Section B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION, (page 3) for information on project floors and ceilings.

Question 20:

Sequel to the Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship grant application announcement, I am writing in order to be sent the full announcement on the call as I am finding it difficult to access it electronically

Answer 20:

As there is no application form, please refer to SOI Section D. APPLICATION AND

SUBMISSION INFORMATION, D.1 Content and Form of Statement of Interest

Submission (pages 6-7) which details out the elements required for submission to be considered eligible. In addition, section D.4 Other Submission Requirements states, “All application materials must be submitted electronically through either

SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com) or Grants.gov

(www.grants.gov). Both systems require registration by the applicant.”

Question 21:

I'm a small young farmer from XXX seeking for grants to grow my business, I come across the grants advert opportunity going on to support small businesses in the US, i want to know if am eligible to apply.

I would be very grateful if I can get the support to grow my business, I have my CAC and other details and also picture and video of my farm if necessary

I can attach.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks and best regards, Answer 21:

SOI Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, C.1 Eligible Applicants (page 4) details organizations that are eligible to apply. Please ensure you are registered with

SAM.gov and have a UEI. SAM.gov Entity Registration is required before final award (once awards are selected from Full Proposals). 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.

Question 22:

Good day

I came across a short on CSSEF where grants wil be awarded to intrepreneurs.

Does it only apply to already business owners and how does one go about it?

Thank you

Answer 22:

SOI Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, C.1 Eligible Applicants (page 4) details organizations that are eligible to apply. Please ensure you are registered with

SAM.gov and have a UEI. SAM.gov Entity Registration is required before final award (once awards are selected from Full Proposals). 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.

Question 23:

We are a XXXXX non-profit organization and we are very interested in submitting an SOI for the SFOP0009848 Climate Solutions and Sustainable

Entrepreneurship grant. Nevertheless, in page 10 of the instructions, it says that

“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.“

The grant was posted June 12th and the deadline to apply is July 14th, so I am afraid that there will not be enough time for us to register at sam.gov and obtain our UEI.

Any recommendations for this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 23:

SOI Section D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION, D.4 Other

Submission Requirements (page 8) states, “All application materials must be submitted electronically through either SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com) or Grants.gov (www.grants.gov). Both systems require registration by the applicant.”

Under Section 3 “Other Eligibility Requirements” (page 5) 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 before an award is issued. Submitting the SOI is the first step in a two-step process and does not constitute an application for the NOFO/Full Proposal. Eligible SOIs will be selected to submit Full Proposals, at which time a specific deadline for SAM.gov registration will be provided.

SAM.gov Entity Registration is required before final award (once awards are selected from Full Proposals). 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.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsam.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cclimatehubfund%40state.gov%7C8ec08a8a3ff34161343908db768eadbf%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638234127399787966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=uoNidyP0UjeL1YMVZF9R5oGG3r6noPxBWgbbO8Kx80U%3D&reserved=0 http://www.sam.gov/

Question 25:

I'm XXXX from XXXXX I would like to find out how I can apply for the climate solutions & sustainable enterprenuership fund ,I'm a climate change facilitator who was trained under the young African leaders intiative( yali). Kind regards

Answer 25:

As there is no application form, please refer to SOI Section D. APPLICATION AND

SUBMISSION INFORMATION, D.1 Content and Form of Statement of Interest

Submission (pages 6-7) which details out the elements required for submission to be considered eligible. In addition, section D.4 Other Submission Requirements

(page 8) states, “All application materials must be submitted electronically through either SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com) or Grants.gov

(www.grants.gov). Both systems require registration by the applicant.”

Additionally, SOI Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, C.1 Eligible Applicants

(page 4) details organizations that are eligible to apply.

Question 26:

Hello, I have a question regarding the funding opportunity: SFOP0009848, Climate

Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Fund.

We would like to clarify if a cost-share is required to submit a SOI and full proposal? Though it is stated that a cost share is not required, there is additional language in the Notice of Funding Opportunity that indicates proposals will be evaluated for a 1:1 cost share. Specifically, under Program Objectives, page 3, which addresses partnerships needing leverage, as well as in the evaluation criteria for the full proposal, under section Cost Effectiveness and Leverage.

Any clarity you're able to provide on this would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, Answer 26:

Per SOI Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, 2. Cost Sharing or Matching (page 5)

“Cost sharing is not required. However, GP encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing in support of its programs.” Furthermore, Section

A Program Objectives page 3 states that “The Department of State seeks to initiate partnerships that feature leverage.” Cost sharing and leverage are not required and are not binding. This SOI submission is the first of a two-step process and is not yet considered a full proposal.

Question 27:

Hello, My name is XXXXXXXX for XXXXX Foundation. We are interested in applying for the Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship grant. We are in the process of creating the account on grants.gov, but the form requests a consulate number and a code that we don't know what it is.

Could you please guide us through that process or provide the information?

This is a screenshot of the section that I'm referring to:

Answer 27:

Please ensure that you are trying to create an Applicant profile rather than a

Grantor profile. For all technical questions related to Grants.gov, please contact grants.gov

Question 28:

Good day Sir/ Madam

We are a Consortium located in XXXXX that is in the process of developing a pilot project that will produce green hydrogen and ammonia from renewable resources.

We wanted to know if there are any grants related to our project, if yes what are the requirements to secure a spot.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgrants.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cclimatehubfund%40state.gov%7C4b4023a001734d2ba44c08db77213a36%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638234756838913007%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jtGz5v1pN5fl%2F9WNZLZhbJ1tavoXJWfUv525AdiiPvM%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgrants.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cclimatehubfund%40state.gov%7C4b4023a001734d2ba44c08db77213a36%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638234756838913007%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jtGz5v1pN5fl%2F9WNZLZhbJ1tavoXJWfUv525AdiiPvM%3D&reserved=0

Hope to hear from you soon.

Answer 28:

Please refer to the SOI Section A Program Description (page 1) for all information related to the Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Fund.

Additionally, SOI Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, C.1 Eligible Applicants

(page 4) details organizations that are eligible to apply.

Question 29:

Good morning

With regard to the funding opportunity for Climate Solutions and Sustainable

Entrepreneurship Fund (CSSEF), I would like to find out if the SXXXX VXXXXXX concept would be ideal for such a grant?

Regards

Answer 29:

Please refer to the SOI Section A Program Description (page 1) for all information related to the Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Fund.

Question 30:

We're XXXXX wishing to find out if we too can qualify for a funding assistance program.

We intend to go into farmer sensitization on the effects of deforestation and charcoal burning.

The major reason given when asked why they go into charcoal business, the common answer given is poverty. In this regard we want to go round the entire

XXXXX district to educate the farmers on bee keeping and afforestation.

In the urban center of XXXXX, we intend to educate the citizens on the use of briquettes. This will reduce demand for charcoal and alternately reduce the cutting down of trees for charcoal.

To realize this task, we need resources for capacity building, be it financial assistance or logistical support.

Your assistance will be highly appreciated.

Yours sincerely, XXXXX

Answer 30:

Please refer to the SOI Section A Program Description (page 1) for all information related to the Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Fund and what programs may be a fit.

Question 31:

Dear all, thank you for this great opportunity.

As we are going through the documents we fail to locate some critical documentation that we need to understand in order to make our proposal competitive.

Could you please guide me in finding the following:

1- Description of Climate Hub so that we can confirm in our presentation that we have presented all the requested details?

Thank you so much-

Best regards, Answer 31:

Full details of what the Description of Climate Hub document must include are listed under Section D. Application and Submission Information (page 6) of the SOI document.

Question 32:

Dear Sir/Madam, With regards to funding opportunity SFOP0009848, we would be grateful to receive feedback on the following questions:

Would the CSSEF consider seed funding to entrepreneurs/SMEs as eligible costs?

The NOFO mentions the need for leverage, and the amount of funds expected to be leveraged need to be included in the anticipated total budget - will the leverage amount be audited? What happens if the leverage is not raised as expected?

Thank you for your clarifications.

Sincere regards, Answer 32:

Per SOI Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, the U.S. Department of State does not allow profit to be earned on federal assistance awards. Per SOI Section C.

ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, 2. Cost Sharing or Matching (page 5) “Cost sharing is not required. However, GP encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing in support of its programs.” Furthermore, Section A Program

Objectives (page 3) states that “The Department of State seeks to initiate partnerships that feature leverage.” Cost sharing and leverage are not required and are not binding. This SOI submission is the first of a two-step process and is not yet considered a full proposal.

Per SOI Section A Program Objectives (page 3) leveraged resources are not subject to audit and are counted as aspirational resources.

Question 33:

Dear Program Officer, My name is XXXX with XXXXXXX Our organization is interested in applying for the above-referenced funding opportunity and has questions after reviewing the

NOFO.

1.) We had a question regarding eligibility. We are a registered non-governmental organization with the XXXX and the government of XXXX. XXXXX headquarters is based in XXXXX. Are we eligible to apply for the funding opportunity as an overseas NGO, or must we partner with a 501(c)3 organization to apply?

2.) We want to confirm the number of attachment types required for the NOFO.

According to the instructions, the statement of interest should be within five pages. However, the template scope of the work (SOW) template is eight pages.

We do understand that the SOW is not required. Can you please specify what parts of the SOW are required in the SOI submission?

3.) Are we allowed to submit more than one application?

Please let me know when you get a chance. I am excited to hear from you soon.

Sincerely, XXXXX

Answer 33:

Refer to SOI Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, C.1 Eligible Applicants (page 4) for details on organizations that are eligible to apply. Please ensure you are registered with SAM.gov and have a UEI. SAM.gov Entity Registration is required before final award (once awards are selected from Full Proposals). The process of

Per Section A Program Description, the submission of the SOI is the first in a two-step process. First, applicants will submit a statement of interest (SOI) and a

Description of Climate Hub. The Statement of Work is not necessary until eligible

SOI applicants are invited to submit Full Proposals. A draft SOW is included to illustrate for applicants how goals and progress will be measured (performance indicators).

Per Section C Eligibility Information (page 5) applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization.

Question 34:

Good morning, I hope this email finds you well. I would like to seek clarification regarding the inclusion of a startup studio component in our proposed climate innovation hub, as mentioned on page 3 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity document of the opportunity titled Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship

(SFOP0009848).

Our understanding is that the department intends to foster climate-focused startups through innovation hubs, typically structured as startup accelerators or incubators. However, our experience managing such programs has led us to believe that these models have limited impact on increasing the success probability of startups. In contrast, startup studios offer a higher probability and shorter path to success, as supported by relevant research .(https://gan-

7000682.hs-sites.com/disrupting-venture-landscape-white-paper)

Considering the time-bound nature of the climate problem, where only limited iterations and experimentation are possible, we strongly advocate for embedding a climate studio component within the proposed innovation hub.

However, we noted the statement on page 5, which states that "the U.S.

Department of State does not allow profit to be earned on federal assistance awards." In a startup studio model, the studio acts as the initial sponsor/owner of https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgan-7000682.hs-sites.com%2Fdisrupting-venture-landscape-white-paper&data=05%7C01%7Cclimatehubfund%40state.gov%7C5b5805adb9864aaeec5308db7baa62bc%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638239743957009938%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=B68menqMzlQOn5F4AEKmCR1sDu5PWfyrNX7rgOtkozc%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgan-7000682.hs-sites.com%2Fdisrupting-venture-landscape-white-paper&data=05%7C01%7Cclimatehubfund%40state.gov%7C5b5805adb9864aaeec5308db7baa62bc%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638239743957009938%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=B68menqMzlQOn5F4AEKmCR1sDu5PWfyrNX7rgOtkozc%3D&reserved=0 each startup. Therefore, we would like to confirm if including a minor startup studio component with a budget of $50,000 for two startup ideas from our studio would be considered profit earning on federal assistance awards.

We believe that adding two startup studio ideas to the program would exemplify the kind of creativity the department seeks.

Thank you for your attention to this inquiry, and we look forward to your guidance and clarification.

Best regards, Answer 34:

Please refer to the SOI Section A Program Description (page 1) for all information related to the Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Fund and what programs may be a fit. Additionally, please consult Section C Eligibility

Information (page 4) for full criteria and standards that climate hubs must meet.

Per SOI Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, the U.S. Department of State does not allow profit to be earned on federal assistance awards. Per SOI Section C.

ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, 2. Cost Sharing or Matching (page 5) “Cost sharing is not required. However, GP encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing in support of its programs.” Furthermore, Section A Program

Objectives (page 3) states that “The Department of State seeks to initiate partnerships that feature leverage.” Cost sharing and leverage are not required and are not binding. This SOI submission is the first of a two-step process and is not yet considered a full proposal.

Question 35:

Dear Climate Hub Fund, Greetings to you.

With regards to funding opportunity SFOP0009848 posted on June 12, 2023, and titled " Climate Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship", I would like to verify if the XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXX XX XXXXXX (XXXX), a Public International

Organization (PIO), is eligible to apply for this grant opportunity to be implemented in XXXX and XXXX?

Thank you in advance for your clarification.

Regards

XXXX

Answer 35:

SOI Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION, C.1 Eligible Applicants (page 4) details organizations that are eligible to apply. Please ensure you are registered with

SAM.gov and have a UEI. SAM.gov Entity Registration is required before final award (once awards are selected from Full Proposals). 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.

Additionally, please refer SOI Section A Program Description (page 3) for a full list of countries and regions that are eligible and ineligible for this funding opportunity.

Question 36

Dear Sir or Madam, We are contacting you about your recent grant notice - SFOP0009848 Climate

Solutions and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Fund.

We would like to get the full announcement and access your platform to submit our statement of interest by the deadline. Could you please guide us through this?

Kind regards, Answer 36

As there is no application form, please refer to SOI Section D. APPLICATION AND

SUBMISSION INFORMATION, D.1 Content and Form of Statement of Interest

Submission (pages 6-7) which details out the elements required for submission to be considered eligible. In addition, section D.4 Other Submission Requirements

(page 8) states, “All application materials must be submitted electronically through either SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com) or Grants.gov

(www.grants.gov). Both systems require registration by the applicant.”

Please ensure you are registered with SAM.gov and have a UEI. SAM.gov Entity

Registration is required before final award (once awards are selected from Full

Proposals). 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.

Question 37

Good morning!

I hope you had a great 4th of July celebration.

I'm not able to access "additional information" for the "Climate Solutions and

Sustainable Entrepreneurship" grant (SFOP0009848).

Is there any way you can send additional information or links that can help our team understand the requirements of documents to submit, specific areas of focus, and additional qualifications?

Best regards, Answer 37

The additional information link on grants.gov links to the same application and information on the Sams Domestic platform. As outlined in section D.4 Other

Submission Requirements (page 8) states, “All application materials must be submitted electronically through either SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grants.gov%2Fweb%2Fgrants%2Fview-opportunity.html%3FoppId%3D348662&data=05%7C01%7Cclimatehubfund%40state.gov%7C88389a5289474229749108db7d590e22%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638241593666944497%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1qh17WXoUHWwzl%2BZgJUFzuJx09at8nd1UNUXxDoaKM8%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grants.gov%2Fweb%2Fgrants%2Fview-opportunity.html%3FoppId%3D348662&data=05%7C01%7Cclimatehubfund%40state.gov%7C88389a5289474229749108db7d590e22%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638241593666944497%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1qh17WXoUHWwzl%2BZgJUFzuJx09at8nd1UNUXxDoaKM8%3D&reserved=0