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 $500,000 in Fiscal Year 2024 Economic Support Funds (ESF) for a project period between 18-24 months. The anticipated start date for this activity is August 4, 2025. Subject to the availability of funds, U.S. Embassy Panama intends to issue approximately two to three awards in an amount not to exceed $500,000. Each award will be for an amount between $100,000 and up to $250,000. Applications are due on March 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time (Washington, D.C).

Proposals should focus on advancing both the Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) goals as well as the Root Causes Strategy. Submitters should seek to focus specifically on the CARSI Goal Three to support the development of strong, capable, and accountable Central American governments and the RCS Pillar II goal to combat corruption, strengthen democratic governance, and advance the rule of law.

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.

Link to templates: https://pa.usembassy.gov/carsi/

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 and at https://pa.usembassy.gov/carsi/ .

Submission Deadline:

Applications for consideration must be submitted by Friday, March 14, 2025 11:59PM EST (Washington, D.C.)

Frequently Asked Questions:

CARSI NOFO Frequently Asked Questions

For further information, please contact:

PanamaGrants@state.gov