PD-FY25-CANADA -AWE.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Academy for Women Entrepreneurs 2025 Canada

Department of State

U.S. Embassy Ottawa

Opportunity number: PD-FY25-CANADA -AWE

Application deadline: 15th January 2025

Contents

A. Basic Information

B. Eligibility

C. Program Description

D. Application Contents and Format

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

F. Application Review Information

G. Award Notices

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

I. Other Information

U.S Department of State U.S. Embassy Ottawa

No�ce of Funding Opportunity

A. Basic Informa�on

1. Overview Funding Opportunity Title Academy for Women Entrepreneurs 2025 Canada Funding Opportunity Number PD-FY25-CANADA -AWE Announcement Type Ini�al announcement Deadline for Applica�ons January 15, 2025 at Midnight Assistance Lis�ng Number 19.022– Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs

Appropriation Overseas Grants Length of performance period 12 months Number of awards an�cipated 1 award Award amounts Awards may range from a minimum of $ 25,000 to a maximum of $35,000 Total available funding $35,000 pending availability of funds Type of Funding Fiscal Year 2025 Fulbright-Hays Act An�cipated project start date September 2025

Funding Instrument Type: Coopera�ve agreement.

Project Performance Period: Proposed programs must be completed in 12 months or less.

U.S. Embassy Otawa will entertain applica�ons for con�nua�on grants funded under these awards beyond the ini�al budget period on a non-compe��ve basis subject to availability of funds, sa�sfactory progress of the program, and a determina�on that con�nued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

This no�ce is subject to availability of funding.

Priority Region: Montreal will be the site of in-person ac�vi�es, but par�cipants may be recruited from Montreal and the broader province of Quebec.

2. Executive Summary U.S. Embassy Ottawa announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to implement the 2025 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Montreal, Canada.

AWE is a U.S. Department of State-led initiative established in 2019 to provide women with the professional skills, knowledge, networks, and access to launch or scale successful businesses.

Cohorts of approximately 30 women meet online and in-person to learn core business skills such as strategic planning, marke�ng, and finance, then discuss the material with local facilitators, business leaders, and U.S. exchange alumni mentors.

Through its partnerships with Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School for Global Management, AWE u�lizes no-cost, online learning pla�orms. Used by AWE since 2019 in partnership with ASU & Freeport-McMoRan, DreamBuilder -- available in English and Spanish --teaches par�cipants the fundamentals of star�ng or growing a small business from a U.S.

perspec�ve, offering modules on marke�ng, pricing, and bookkeeping, and includes a built-in business plan generator. The Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Ini�a�ve provides more advanced curriculum and can be used alongside or instead of DreamBuilder.

U.S. Embassy Ottawa invites proposals to design and implement the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in Montreal, Quebec, through a training program in the fall of 2025 to train 30 women business owners from under-represented backgrounds in Montreal and the broader province of Quebec. The program, in English and French will follow a hybrid model, combining the U.S. online platforms DreamBuilder and/or Thunderbird’s 100 Million Learners courses, with localized in-person mentorship and facilitation. Successful projects will harness the power of U.S. exchange alumni and/or alumni networks to help participating women and their business grow.

B. Eligibility

1. Eligible Applicants The following are eligible to apply:

• U.S. and Canadian registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, community associations, and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience

• Alumni of U.S. government funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Canada

• Non-profit media organizations

• Professional trade organizations

• Non-profit or governmental educational institutions

• Private educational institutions

For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing or matching is not required. If an applicant offers cost sharing, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as s�pulated in its applica�on and later included in an approved agreement.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements All organiza�ons must have a Unique En�ty Iden�fier (UEI) issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registra�on in SAM.gov. Please see Sec�on D.3 for more informa�on. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

https://dreambuilder.org/ https://thunderbird.asu.edu/lifelong-learning/100-million-learners http://www.sam.gov/

An applicant may submit a proposal before completing the process to register in sam.gov and obtain a UEI. However, before a proposal is accepted, the organization must obtain a UEI and have an active SAM.gov registration. Therefore, we recommend starting the process of obtaining a SAM.gov registration as soon as possible. The process can take several weeks.

Please note there is no cost associated with UEI or SAM.gov registration.

C. Program Descrip�on

1. Goals and Objectives Program Objectives:

• Train 30 women entrepreneurs from under-represented backgrounds in founda�onal business skills, including strategic planning, marke�ng, and finance, through globally recognized curricula like DreamBuilder and/or the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Ini�a�ve .

• Empower program participants to create scalable business models.

• Expand participants’ understanding of social enterprise models.

• Foster participants’ ability to promote economic opportunities for women and increase the number of women-led businesses in Canada.

• Facilitate the development of a network of female entrepreneurs and investors in Canada to grow women businesses and drive local partnerships

• Foster alumni engagement through follow-on activities.

Project Activities:

Phase 1: Develop and Recruit

• Develop a curriculum and training materials.

• Identify, recruit, and train facilitators and mentors from alumni of U.S.

government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Canada, the American Chamber of Commerce, and other networks of Canadian women entrepreneurs.

• Develop a transparent and widely-publicized recruitment process and recruit participants.

Proposals must provide a recruitment strategy for recruiting target participants, that includes a participant application and selection process and specifies how the U.S. Consulate General Montreal Public Diplomacy Section will be involved.

Phase 2: Train the Cohort

• Organize an in-person launch event/training in Montreal. Organize all event logistics, including participant travel and accommodations, if needed.

• Facilitate training with the online DreamBuilder and/or Thunderbird’s 100 Million Learners courses through regular virtual or in-person sessions to discuss challenges, share best practices, and receive guidance from facilitators.

https://dreambuilder.org/

• Organize activities that integrate localized content to supplement the online DreamBuilder or Thunderbird’s 100 Million Learners courses.

• Establish a support network among participants to foster peer-to-peer learning and collaboration.

Proposals are encouraged to incorporate a variety of interactive activities, workshops, field trips, case studies, and other learning experiences to help participants develop their entrepreneurship skills.

Phase 3: Milestone Finale

• Organize a closing event in Montreal to showcase AWE participants’ businesses, connect participants with potential investors, and increase participants’ access to funding opportunities. Organize all event logistics, including participant, speaker, or facilitator travel and accommodations, if needed.

o Closing event session topics must include, but are not limited to:

Addressing the unique challenges, needs, and opportunities of women entrepreneurs in accessing capital.

Inviting potential investors to participate in the forum and provide funding opportunities for promising women-led businesses.

• Conduct a pitch competition where selected AWE participants present their business plans to a panel of investors and the winners received seed fundings.

• Create social media content that showcases AWE success stories.

Participants and Audiences:

The 2025 AWE participants will consist of 30 Canadian women entrepreneurs who:

• Reside in province of Quebec, Canada.

• Own social enterprises or businesses.

• Have 1-5 years of business experience and demonstrate computer proficiency and internet access.

• Belong to under-represented backgrounds.

• Are recruited from the province of Quebec via a competitive application process.

2. Substantial Involvement For this award, the U.S. Mission to Canada will:

• Review and approve:

o program content and design o Par�cipant recruitment strategy and selec�on o List of speakers, resource persons o Iden�fy and contact alumni of U.S. government exchange programs and other networks for poten�al speakers, trainers and mentors

• The grantee can request Embassy assistance with:

o Securing commitment from high-level speakers or invi�ng government representa�ves o Invi�ng press to par�cipate in events o Sharing AWE promo�onal ac�vi�es on U.S. Embassy social media pla�orms

• The Grant Officer must give final approval of the following before ac�on by the grantee:

o Keynote speakers, par�cipants, facilitators, and expert speakers o Training curriculum and promo�onal materials o Venues and dates for in-person events and ceremonies.

D. Applica�on Contents and Format

Please follow all instruc�ons below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Applica�on Please ensure:

• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objec�ves of this funding opportunity and is no more than 4 pages in length

• All documents are in English

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars

• All pages are numbered

• All documents are formated to fit 8 ½ x 11 paper, and

• All Microso� Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Applica�on for Federal Assistance – organiza�ons) or SF-424-I (Applica�on for Federal Assistance --individuals) at htps://www.grants.gov/

• SF-424A (Budget Informa�on for Non-Construc�on programs) at htps://ca.usembassy.gov/u-s-mission-to-canada-funding-opportuni�es/

• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construc�on programs) at htps://ca.usembassy.gov/u-s-mission-to-canada-funding-opportuni�es/ (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals, organiza�ons exempt from registra�on, and for organiza�ons not required to fully register in SAM.gov)

2. Summary Page Cover sheet sta�ng the applicant’s name and organiza�on, proposal date, program �tle, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://ca.usembassy.gov/u-s-mission-to-canada-funding-opportunities/

3. Proposal (4 pages maximum) The proposal should contain sufficient informa�on 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 narra�ve that outlines the proposed project, including project objec�ves and an�cipated impact.

• Introduc�on to the Organiza�on or Individual applying: A descrip�on of past and present opera�ons, showing ability to carry out the program, including informa�on on all previous grants from the State Department and/or U.S. government agencies.

• Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed

• Project Goals and Objec�ves: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objec�ves” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

• Project Ac�vi�es: Describe the program ac�vi�es and how they will help achieve the objec�ves.

• Project Methods and Design: A descrip�on of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.

• Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed �meline for the program ac�vi�es.

Include the dates, �mes, and loca�ons of planned ac�vi�es and events.

• Key Personnel: Names, �tles, roles and experience/qualifica�ons of key personnel involved in the program. What propor�on of their �me will be used in support of this program?

• Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organiza�ons and sub-awardees.

• Project Monitoring and Evalua�on Plan: This is an important part of successful grants.

Throughout the �meframe of the grant, how will the ac�vi�es be monitored to ensure they are happening in a �mely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is mee�ng the goals of the grant?

• Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for con�nuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

4. Budget Justification Narrative A�er filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See sec�on I. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further informa�on.

5. Attachments

• 1-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program

• Leters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibili�es of each partner

• If your organiza�on has a Nego�ated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file.

• Official permission leters, if required for program ac�vi�es.

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package Applica�on and budget forms required above are available on the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada website under “Academy for Women Entrepreneurs” and htps://www.grants.gov/.

2. Department of State Contacts If you have any ques�ons about the grant applica�on process, please contact: Otawa- PA@state.gov

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Required Registrations

All organiza�ons, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique En�ty Iden�fier (UEI) and an ac�ve registra�on in 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. An applicant must maintain an ac�ve registra�on while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must con�nue to keep the registra�on ac�ve for the en�re dura�on of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this

NOFO.

The 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the �me of applica�on but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.

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.

• Organiza�ons based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Iden�fica�on Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Organiza�ons based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Organiza�ons based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S.

Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO Commercial and Government En�ty (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign https://ca.usembassy.gov/ https://ca.usembassy.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:AlumniCanada@state.gov assistance funding opportuni�es. If an applicant organiza�on is mid-registra�on and wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registra�on, the applicant should submit a help desk �cket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain an NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registra�on a�er this incident is resolved in order to have my registra�on ac�vated.”

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:

NCAGE Homepage:

htps://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)

Exemptions An exemp�on from the UEI and sam.gov registra�on requirements may be permited on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemp�ons.

Organiza�ons reques�ng exemp�on from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a jus�fica�on of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemp�on must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the applica�on can be deemed eligible for review.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applica�ons are due no later than January 15, 2025, at Midnight

5. Funding Restrictions

i. Funding Restric�ons for the United Na�ons Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

None of the funds awarded resul�ng from this No�ce of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2Fgsafsd_sp%3Fid%3Dgsafsd_kb_articles%26sys_id%3Dc81018e71b1601d0937fa64ce54bcb57&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=W2ShcazZBQbanYGj0cLOTnUJwv%2BGL4xfwr83%2BycQY2E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t32ANWzgpiB93pMWoq%2BFCSHz4YJY9QF1S1iQzCsS6RM%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feportal.nspa.nato.int%2FAC135Public%2Fscage%2FCageList.aspx&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=v3TLT8F%2FNfk5SuTcI2zw7SMhV4HK542OhP9XDx4ln%2BY%3D&reserved=0 https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 payment or transfer to United Na�ons Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

ii. Prohibi�on on Funding Ac�vi�es that Encourage Mass-Migra�on Caravans towards the United States Southwest Border

None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migra�on caravans towards the United States southwest border. Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the United States asylum process; and/or for referrals to legal representa�on in the United States.

Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migra�on caravans towards the United States southwest border. The provision of humanitarian assistance is permited.

6. Other Submission Requirements All applica�on materials must be submited by email to Otawa-PA@state.gov

Par�cipant Protec�on in Grants Language for No�ces of Funding Opportunity and Annual Program Statements:

Section 6 - Appendices: (c) Beneficiary Protection Plan (Required) – a description of the organization’s standards of conduct policy, training protocols, and reporting mechanisms to prevent discrimination, harassment, and abuse of beneficiaries of the program, especially if the beneficiaries include minors or other particularly vulnerable groups.

F. Applica�on Review Informa�on

1. Review Criteria Each applica�on will be evaluated and rated based on the evalua�on criteria outlined below.

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 20 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program ac�vi�es will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementa�on �meline.

Organiza�onal Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points: The organiza�on has exper�se in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objec�ves – 15 points: Goals and objec�ves are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Budget – 10 points: The budget jus�fica�on is detailed. Costs are reasonable in rela�on to the proposed ac�vi�es and an�cipated results. The budget is realis�c, accoun�ng for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed ac�vi�es.

Monitoring and evalua�on plan – 15 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured.

Sustainability – 10 points: Program ac�vi�es will con�nue to have posi�ve impact a�er the end of the program.

Support of Equity and Underserved Communi�es – 10 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communi�es in program administra�on, design, and implementa�on.

2. Review and Selection Process

An Embassy Grants Review Commitee will evaluate all eligible applica�ons and will contact successful applicant(s) for next steps following a decision by the Review Commitee mee�ng.

If the grant is awarded in Washington DC, the implemen�ng partner should an�cipate beginning programming by September 2025.

3. Risk Review

i. Risk factors

Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award the Department will review and consider the following risk factors:

a. Financial stability

b. Management systems and standards

c. History of performance

d. Audit reports and findings

e. Ability to effectively implement requirements

G. Award No�ces

The award or coopera�ve agreement will be writen, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and counter-signature. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the award document signed by the Grants Officer.

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obliga�on to provide any addi�onal future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discre�on of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not cons�tute 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 prepara�on and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Unsuccessful applicants: Unsuccessful applicants will be no�fied within two weeks of the Review Commitee mee�ng via email.

Payment Method:

Recipients will be required to request payments by comple�ng form SF-270—Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submi�ng the form to the Grants Officer.

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administra�on

1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Before submi�ng an applica�on, applicants should review all the terms and condi�ons and required cer�fica�ons which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.

These include:

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Execu�ve guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applica�ons for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this no�ce of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE:

• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regula�ons (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, par�cularly on:

o Selec�ng recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objec�ves through an impar�al process of evalua�ng Federal award applica�ons (2 CFR part 200.205), o Promo�ng the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O.

13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341), https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 o Providing a preference, to the extent permited by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and o Termina�ng agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms and Condi�ons, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priori�es (2 CFR part 200.340).

• 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

(FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

In accordance with the Execu�ve Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communi�es, proposals should demonstrate how the program advances equity with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender iden�ty, sexual orienta�on, and disability. The proposal should also demonstrate how the program will further engagement in underserved communi�es and with individuals from underserved communi�es. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing racial equity and underserved communi�es will enhance the program’s goals and objec�ves, as well as the experience of par�cipants.

The support of underserved communi�es will be part of the review criteria for this opportunity. Therefore, proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communi�es in program administra�on, design, and implementa�on.

2. Reporting

Repor�ng Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify what reports are required and how o�en these reports must be submited. Closing reports are due within 120 days of the grant’s end date.

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Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and repor�ng of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance ac�vity data from budge�ng, planning, and alloca�on through obliga�on and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documenta�on. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accoun�ng records.

Applicants should be aware of the post award repor�ng requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condi�on for Recipient Integrity and Performance Maters.

I. Other Informa�on

Guidelines for Budget Jus�fica�on

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 �me that will be spent on the program.

Travel: Es�mate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and par�cipants/beneficiaries. If the program involves interna�onal travel, include a brief statement of jus�fica�on 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 dura�on of the program), and costs at least $10,000 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 $10,000 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 ac�vi�es.

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.

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Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program ac�vi�es, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organiza�on opera�ng. If your organiza�on has a Nego�ated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, atach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organiza�ons that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.1.

“Cost Sharing” refers to contribu�ons from the organiza�on or other en��es other than the U.S.

Embassy. It also includes in-kind contribu�ons such as volunteers’ �me and donated venues.

Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

Beneficiary protec�on:

Organiza�ons that have their proposals for funding recommended for funding by the Embassy Otawa grants review panel will be asked to submit safety protocol and procedures for addressing formal complaints of sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, sexual assault, stalking, misconduct, and retalia�on during the life cycle of any Federal Assistance Award made under this no�ce.

This plan must include addressing complaints against both project implemen�ng staff and beneficiaries as well as how the plan will be presented to beneficiaries.

I. Other Information