Strengthening Government Through Civil Society Engagement in Panama

The U.S. Embassy in Panama announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to promote democratic institutions, accountability, and good governance in Panama with up to $1,000,000 Economic Support Funds (ESF) for a project period between 18-24 months. The anticipated start date for this activity is June 1, 2024. Subject to the availability of funds, Embassy Panama intends to issue approximately three to five awards in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000. Each award will be for an amount between $150,000 and up to $500,000 for each NOFO. Applications are due on February 15, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time (Washington, D.C.)

The NOFO and submitted proposals should focus on Pillar II of the Root Causes Strategy (RCS): Combating corruption, strengthening democratic governance, and advancing the rule of law.

Proposals should be oriented towards activities by civil society organizations working in partnership with governments to (1) create safe streets for the citizens of the region, (2) disrupt the movement of criminals and contraband to, within, and between the nations of Central America, (3) support the development of strong, capable, and accountable Central American governments, (4) re-establish effective state presence, services and security in communities at risk; and (5) foster enhanced levels of coordination and cooperation between the nations of the region, other international partners, and donors to combat regional security threats.

Specific objectives and indicators should be included in the proposals that allow the organization to measure and demonstrate progress. Funding awarded under this NOFO cannot be used for law enforcement, to train members of law enforcement, or to provide social services.

U.S. Embassy Panama invites qualified U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or overseas-based NGOs, U.S. and overseas-based public and private institutions of higher education, and public international organizations (PIOs) to apply.

U.S. Embassy Panama reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for each award. The authority for this NOFO is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Eligible organizations interested in applying are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the scope of eligible projects, the application submission requirements, and the review process.

Eligible Entities: Applicants who are eligible to apply are U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or overseas-based NGOs, institutions of higher education, and international public organizations (IPOs) and other qualified organizations that are able to respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period of time. Panama NGOs are highly encouraged to apply. A consortium of organizations can apply together if there is one lead organization submitting the proposal. U.S. and overseas-based Non-Governmental Organizations, and International Organizations are strongly encouraged to apply with a Panamanian NGO sub-grantee.

All organizations must have:

• Active registration on https://www.SAM.gov

Application package must contain:

• Cover Sheet
• Table of Contents
• Executive Summary
• Proposal Narrative
• Budget Narrative
• Detailed Line-Item Budget
• Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A. SF-424B; submitted through grants.gov
• Additional attachments: Organizational Capability; PMP; Roles and Bios of Key Persons; Timeline; Letter of Support from Government agency(ies) that has agreed to be a project partner

Required application forms and templates are available under the Related Documents tab on this website.

Submission Deadline:

Applications for consideration must be submitted by Thursday, February 15, 2024 11:59PM EST (Washington, D.C.)

Frequently Asked Questions:

CARSI NOFO Frequently Asked Questions

For further information, please contact:

PanamaGrants@state.gov