Grants for Businesses in US

Executive Summary The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Consulate General Naha invites proposal submissions for a cooperative agreement to implement two disaster preparedness forums – one on Okinawa main island and one in Miyako Island – within the full grant period of 15 months. This project is aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and crisis response capacity across Okinawa, including the Southwest Islands, through structured, expert-led interactive forums that advance U.S.-Japan cooperation on emergency management.    Eligible Applicants · Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status · Public and private educational institutions · Individuals · Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions ·  Foreign-based non-profit organizations/non-government organizations (NGO)   Submission Deadline All applications must be received by August 10, 2026 (GMT+9). Submit all application materials directly to the following email address: TokyoPASGrants@state.gov.  Contact NahaPAS@state.gov with questions about the contemplated program. Frequently asked questions and responses will be emailed to all applicants who submit a complete application package. A Bidding Conference will be held via conference call on July 29, 2026, to answer questions from potential applicants. Please follow all instructions in the attached Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

The Public Diplomacy Section of U.S. Embassy Muscat announces an open competition to support projects that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities in Oman while strengthening the long-standing partnership between the United States and the Sultanate of Oman. This Annual Program Statement outlines strategic funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and application guidelines for grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, with project durations of up to 12 months.   Successful proposals should clearly demonstrate how their projects support U.S. public diplomacy goals; showcase American excellence, expertise, innovation, and values, and strengthen the bilateral relationship.   The goals of U.S. policy in the region are to: 1) secure opportunities that advance U.S. commercial and strategic interests; 2) promote trusted cooperation in emerging technologies, innovation, and space; and 3) deepen people-to-people ties that showcase American excellence. Applicants should clearly explain how their projects support U.S. public diplomacy goals, strengthen the U.S.-Oman partnership, and highlight American expertise, leadership, and innovation.   Programs should include a clear U.S. element, such as engagement with U.S. experts, institutions, companies, universities, artists, athletes, alumni, or professional networks; the use of American models, standards, technologies, or best practices; or activities that increase understanding of the United States and its partnership with Oman. Program Description 1.      Project Background, Goals, and Objectives   The Public Diplomacy Section of U.S. Embassy Muscat is pleased to invite applications for federal assistance funding opportunities, pending availability of funds, through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines the Embassy’s funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting proposals. Applicants should carefully follow all instructions below.   The Public Diplomacy Section seeks proposals for programs that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities in Oman while strengthening the long-standing partnership between the United States and Oman. Competitive proposals should clearly demonstrate how the proposed project makes the United States safer, stronger, or more prosperous; and showcases American excellence, expertise, innovation.   Programs should include a clear U.S. element, such as engagement with U.S. experts, institutions, companies, universities, artists, athletes, alumni, or professional networks; the use of American models, standards, technologies, or best practices; or activities that increase understanding of the United States and its role as a trusted partner for Oman.    2.      Program Objectives   Applicants may submit proposals that address one of the program goals below. Proposals should focus on one or more of the priority outcomes, but applicants may also recommend their own objectives if they clearly align with U.S. Embassy Muscat priorities.   Goal 1. Advancing U.S.-Oman Commercial Ties, and Shared Prosperity:   This goal supports programs that make the United States more prosperous by expanding U.S.-Oman economic cooperation, strengthening commercial ties, and highlighting the value of trusted U.S. expertise, technology, standards, and business practices. Projects may support Omani entrepreneurs, students, business leaders, and institutions in sectors that advance shared economic priorities, including innovation, trade and investment, tourism, logistics, clean energy, creative industries, and other areas linked to Oman’s economic diversification goals.   Programs should demonstrate how engagement with U.S. experts, companies, universities, or professional networks can help Omani audiences develop practical skills, build market-oriented solutions, and identify opportunities for long-term U.S.-Oman commercial cooperation.   Project Audience(s): Entrepreneurs, students, business professionals, chambers of commerce, academic institutions, economic organizations, youth, and relevant civil society partners.   Priority Outcome(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address this priority program area.   Increased awareness among Omani audiences of opportunities for U.S.-Oman trade, investment, entrepreneurship, and private-sector collaboration. Stronger connections between Omani entrepreneurs, students, or business leaders and U.S. experts, companies, universities, or professional networks. Greater understanding of American business practices, innovation models, market-based solutions, and trusted U.S. standards in sectors important to Oman’s economic growth. New partnerships or project ideas that position the United States as a preferred partner for economic cooperation, entrepreneurship, and commercial innovation in Oman.   Goal 2. Strengthening Sports Diplomacy, Youth Leadership, and Major-Event Expertise:   This goal supports programs that use sports to advance U.S. public diplomacy goals, strengthen people-to-people ties, and share American excellence in sports management, coaching, athletic development, sports entrepreneurship, and major-event planning. As the United States prepares to host major global sporting events, including the Olympics, proposals may draw on U.S. experience in organizing, managing, and leveraging sports events to support youth development, community engagement, tourism, and economic opportunity.   Projects should demonstrate how U.S. sports expertise can benefit Omani athletes, coaches, sports institutions, youth organizations, and communities while strengthening positive perceptions of the United States and expanding long-term U.S.-Oman cooperation in the sports sector.   Project Audience(s): Youth, athletes, coaches, sports federations and clubs, schools, universities, sports entrepreneurs, community organizations, and relevant public or private-sector partners. Priority Outcome(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address this priority program area. Increased exchange of U.S. and Omani expertise in sports management, coaching, leadership, athletic development, and major-event planning. Expanded professional connections between Omani sports institutions, coaches, athletes, or youth organizations and U.S. sports experts or institutions. Greater understanding of how sports diplomacy can support entrepreneurship, education, health, tourism, and community development. Increased recognition of the United States as a global leader in sports innovation, major-event management, and sports diplomacy.   Goal 3. Showcasing American Excellence in Culture, Heritage, and Creative Industries:   This goal supports programs that showcase American excellence, creativity, innovation, and cultural leadership while strengthening cultural understanding between the United States and Oman. Projects may connect American and Omani artists, cultural institutions, heritage professionals, designers, filmmakers, musicians, writers, museum professionals, and creative entrepreneurs. Programs may highlight the role of culture and heritage in strengthening national identity, mutual understanding, tourism, and economic opportunity. Projects may also showcase U.S. excellence in creative industries, including film, music, design, museums, digital storytelling, gaming, publishing, architecture, cultural entrepreneurship, and other creative sectors where the United States has global influence. Projects under this goal should support marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Freedom 250 programs should highlight American history, constitutional traditions, innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity, civic ideals, and the people-to-people ties that connect the United States and Oman.   Project Audience(s): Artists, cultural institutions, museums, heritage professionals, students, youth, creative entrepreneurs, educators, writers, filmmakers, designers, alumni, and the public.   Priority Outcome(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address this priority program area. Increased collaboration between U.S. and Omani cultural, creative, or heritage professionals and institutions. Greater public understanding of the United States through American arts, culture, history, innovation, and creative industries. Strengthened skills among Omani artists, cultural professionals, or creative entrepreneurs through engagement with U.S. experts, institutions, or models. Programs that connect Omani heritage and American creative expertise through exhibitions, workshops, public programs, digital storytelling, or joint cultural initiatives. Freedom 250 programs that increase awareness of American history, constitutional freedoms, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the long-standing U.S.-Oman partnership.   Goal 4. Advancing Emerging Technologies, Space Cooperation, and Innovation:   This goal supports programs that make the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous by expanding U.S.-Oman cooperation in emerging technologies, space science, and innovation. Projects should showcase U.S. leadership in science, technology, and space while supporting Omani talent, institutional capacity, and innovation ecosystems in areas of shared strategic interest.   Projects may focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, clean technology, trusted digital infrastructure, satellite technology, Earth observation, STEM education, commercial space, or space entrepreneurship. Competitive proposals should include a clear U.S. connection, such as collaboration with U.S. universities, research institutions, technology companies, NASA-related educational resources, private-sector innovators, U.S. exchange alumni, or American experts.   Programs should demonstrate how U.S. expertise, standards, and innovation models can help Omani students, researchers, entrepreneurs, educators, and professionals develop practical skills, build trusted partnerships, and contribute to long-term U.S.-Oman cooperation in technology and space.   Project Audience(s): Students, youth, universities, researchers, entrepreneurs, technology professionals, STEM organizations, science communicators, educators, civil society organizations, and relevant public or private-sector partners.   Priority Outcome(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address this priority program area. 1.      Increased understanding among Omani audiences of U.S. leadership, standards, and best practices in emerging technologies, advanced technologies, space science, and innovation. 2.      Stronger connections between Omani students, researchers, entrepreneurs, or professionals and U.S. technology, STEM, or space-related experts, institutions, and innovation networks. 3.      Practical skills development in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analysis, digital entrepreneurship, technology governance, STEM education, satellite technology, or space entrepreneurship, utilizing American platforms and providers. 4.      Greater awareness of trusted, responsible, and secure U.S. technology solutions that support innovation, economic growth, institutional resilience, and shared security. 5.      Programs that encourage U.S.-Oman collaboration in space education, Earth observation, climate and environmental monitoring, commercial space, science communication, or related fields.

The purpose of this modification is to clarify the meaning of the Program Policy Factors in Section V.C. To obtain a copy of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) please go to the ARPA-E website at https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov. To apply to this NOFO, Applicants must register with and submit application materials through ARPA-E eXCHANGE ( https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/Registration.aspx ). For detailed guidance on using ARPA-E eXCHANGE, please refer to the ARPA-E eXCHANGE User Guide (https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx). ARPA-E will not review or consider concept papers submitted through other means. For problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE, email ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (with NOFO name and number in the subject line). Questions about this NOFO? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq . For questions that have not already been answered, email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov.   AGENCY OVERVIEW The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), an organization within the Department of Energy (DOE), is chartered by Congress in the America COMPETES Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-69), as amended by the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-358), as further amended by the Energy Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-260): “(A) to enhance the economic and energy security of the United States through the development of energy technologies that— (i) reduce imports of energy from foreign sources; (ii) reduce energy-related emissions, including greenhouse gases; (iii) improve the energy efficiency of all economic sectors; (iv) provide transformative solutions to improve the management, clean-up, and disposal of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel; and (v) improve the resilience, reliability, and security of infrastructure to produce, deliver, and store energy; and (B) to ensure that the United States maintains a technological lead in developing and deploying advanced energy technologies.” ARPA-E issues this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under its authorizing statute codified at 42 U.S.C. § 16538. The NOFO and any cooperative agreements or grants made under this NOFO are subject to 2 C.F.R. Part 200 as supplemented by 2 C.F.R. Part 910. ARPA-E funds research on, and the development of, transformative science and technology solutions to address the energy and environmental missions of the Department. The agency focuses on technologies that can be meaningfully advanced with a modest investment over a defined period of time in order to catalyze the translation from scientific discovery to early-stage technology. For the latest news and information about ARPA-E, its programs and the research projects currently supported, see: http://arpa-e.energy.gov/. ARPA-E funds transformational research. Existing energy technologies generally progress on established “learning curves” where refinements to a technology and the economies of scale that accrue as manufacturing and distribution develop drive improvements to the cost/performance metric in a gradual fashion. This continual improvement of a technology is important to its increased commercial deployment and is appropriately the focus of the private sector or the applied technology offices within DOE. In contrast, ARPA-E supports transformative research that has the potential to create fundamentally new learning curves. ARPA-E technology projects typically start with cost/performance estimates well above the level of an incumbent technology. Given the high risk inherent in these projects, many will fail to progress, but some may succeed in generating a new learning curve with a projected cost/performance metric that is significantly better than that of the incumbent technology. ARPA-E will provide support at the highest funding level only for submissions with significant technology risk, aggressive timetables, and careful management and mitigation of the associated risks. ARPA-E funds technology with the potential to be disruptive in the marketplace. The mere creation of a new learning curve does not ensure market penetration. Rather, the ultimate value of a technology is determined by the marketplace, and impactful technologies ultimately become disruptive – that is, they are widely adopted and displace existing technologies from the marketplace or create entirely new markets. ARPA-E understands that definitive proof of market disruption takes time, particularly for energy technologies. Therefore, ARPA-E funds the development of technologies that, if technically successful, have clear disruptive potential, e.g., by demonstrating capability for manufacturing at competitive cost and deployment at scale. ARPA-E funds applied research and development (R&D). The Office of Management and Budget defines “applied research” as an “original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge…directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective” and defines “experimental development” as “creative and systematic work, drawing on knowledge gained from research and practical experience, which is directed at producing new products or processes or improving existing products or processes.”0F1 Applicants interested in receiving financial assistance for basic research (defined by the Office of Management and Budget as “experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts”)1 should contact the DOE’s Office of Science (http://science.energy.gov/). Office of Science national scientific user facilities (http://science.energy.gov/user-facilities/) are open to all researchers, including ARPA-E Applicants and awardees. These facilities provide advanced tools of modern science including accelerators, colliders, supercomputers, light sources and neutron sources, as well as facilities for studying the nanoworld, the environment, and the atmosphere. Projects focused on early-stage R&D for the improvement of technology along defined roadmaps may be more appropriate for support through the DOE applied energy offices including: the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (http://www.eere.energy.gov/), the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (https://www.energy.gov/fecm/office-fossil-energy-and-carbon-management), the Office of Nuclear Energy (http://www.energy.gov/ne/office-nuclear-energy), and the Office of Electricity (https://www.energy.gov/oe/office-electricity). ARPA-E encourages submissions stemming from ideas that still require proof-of-concept R&D efforts as well as those for which some proof-of-concept demonstration already exists. Submissions can propose a project with the end deliverable being an extremely creative, but partial solution. PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy technologies with Untapped Potential (SCALEUP) Ready program provides a vital mechanism for the support of innovative energy R&D that complements ARPA-E’s primary focus on early-stage transformational energy technologies that require proof of concept. Technologies that achieve substantial technical advancement under ARPA-E support may still face significant technical and commercial challenges upon completion of an award's funding period, and thus are at risk of being stranded in their development path once ARPA-E funding ends. Experience across ARPA-E’s diverse energy portfolios, and input from a wide range of investors and industry stakeholders, indicate that pre-commercial scaling projects are critical to establish practical performance and cost parameters. These pre-commercial scaling projects aim to 1) translate the performance achieved at bench scale to commercially scalable versions of the technology, 2) integrate the technology with broader systems, 3) provide extended performance data, and 4) validate the manufacturability and reliability of new energy technologies. Successful scaling projects should enable industry stakeholders to justify the substantial commitments of financial resources, personnel, manufacturing facilities, and materials necessary to subsequently deploy the technologies at a commercial scale. SCALEUP Ready seeks to scale the most promising technologies previously funded by ARPA-E. The possibility of ARPA-E-funded technologies becoming stranded along their development pathways leaves substantial intellectual property developed with American taxpayer dollars vulnerable to adoption by foreign competitors, who capture it for continued development and economic benefit overseas. This harms national competitiveness, as U.S. industries often fall behind on the development, scaling, and manufacturing of technologies necessary to compete in rapidly evolving global energy markets. Thus, projects selected for SCALEUP Ready will meet ARPA-E’s statutory goals by “accelerating transformational technological advances in areas that industry by itself is not likely to undertake because of technical and financial uncertainty."

A.   ELIGIBILITY 1.  Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply: ●       Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations ●        Public and private educational institutions ●        Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.331 . 2.  Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing or matching is encouraged, but not required for this funding opportunity.  3.  Other Eligibility Requirements All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. Optional: Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding under this funding opportunity. 4.    This opportunity will not support: ●       Projects relating to partisan political activity; ●       Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support ●       Construction projects; ●       Projects that support specific religious activities; ●       Fund-raising campaigns; ●       Lobbying for specific legislation or programs ●       Scientific research or surveys; ●       Commercial projects; ●       Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; ●       Projects that duplicate existing projects; ●       Illegal activities B.   PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 1.  Project Background, Goals, and Objectives Algeria presents a significant opportunity for U.S. technological engagement at a pivotal moment. With nearly two-thirds of its population under age 30, the country's shift to English-medium instruction and ambitious University 4.0 initiative create unprecedented openings for American collaboration in the technology sector. As Algeria modernizes its digital infrastructure and educational systems, there is strong interest in partnering with leading technology providers to ensure access to cutting-edge tools and internationally recognized standards. Algeria's next generation of technology leaders—students, educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders—currently have limited access to training in U.S. artificial intelligence tools, international standards, and best practices in AI governance. Providing access to American AI methodologies and best practices will help ensure that Algerian professionals have diverse options and can make informed choices about the technological ecosystems that best serve their needs and reflect democratic values of transparency, user-centered design, and ethical AI development. This Freedom250 initiative addresses these opportunities by leveraging the five American Spaces across Algeria to deliver practical, hands-on AI training to at least 150 strategic participants who will serve as multipliers within their communities. The program advances U.S. priorities in technological excellence and international partnerships by introducing American AI methodologies in Algeria's technology landscape. Through a modular curriculum spanning AI fundamentals, evaluation frameworks, hands-on labs, and localized application development, participants progress from conceptual understanding to practical proficiency, becoming advocates who can independently apply American frameworks in their professional contexts. This initiative builds directly on Mission Algeria's proven track record in technology and education programming. A 2026 program featuring a Freedom250 AI Envoy engaged Algeria's Ministry of Youth, establishing productive government relationships and demonstrating official interest in U.S. AI collaboration. Additionally, the Mission's 2025 collaboration with the Ministries of Higher Education and Vocational Training—including the country's largest English teaching conference—revealed that 70% of participating teachers expressed greater interest in learning about American AI tools, validating significant demand for practical AI training. The Public Diplomacy Section seeks to implement a transformative program that strengthens U.S.-Algeria partnership in artificial intelligence and emerging technology. At least 150 participants across five cities will complete the program with measurable gains, producing tangible artifacts like prompt libraries and localized AI applications. A cohort of trained local facilitators will later independently deliver the curriculum, enabling the American Spaces to continue programming beyond initial funding and exponentially expand reach. The alumni will serve as advocates for American AI frameworks, with educators integrating U.S. tools into teaching, entrepreneurs building ventures on American platforms, and community leaders promoting informed discourse about ethical technology development using learned frameworks. The ideal implementing partner will demonstrate sustainability-first design through clear training-of-trainers strategies, capacity to deliver quality programming across all five cities, rigorous monitoring and evaluation frameworks, emphasis on practical application over theory, concrete alumni engagement plans, and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances including virtual delivery. This program represents an important opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The successful implementer will share the Mission's vision of promoting American technological excellence and ensuring democratic values shape the digital future of the region. Project Audience(s): The primary beneficiaries of this program are the minimum of 150 participants across five Algerian cities who will receive direct training in U.S.-aligned AI tools, standards, and governance frameworks. The program targets university students (ages 18-30) pursuing degrees in technology, engineering, business, and education—a particularly strategic demographic given that nearly two-thirds of Algeria's population is under 30. These young professionals represent the future workforce and are eager to acquire cutting-edge skills that enhance their employability in the global technology marketplace. Educators including teachers, professors, and instructional designers serve as critical multipliers who can integrate American AI tools into their curricula, potentially reaching hundreds of additional students over their careers. They are positioned to normalize U.S. technological frameworks within Algeria's educational system and shape how the next generation understands and applies AI technologies. The program also targets entrepreneurs and small business owners developing technology-based ventures or seeking to integrate AI solutions into existing businesses. This audience is motivated by practical applications that improve efficiency and create competitive advantages. Finally, community leaders and civil society representatives working in non-governmental organizations and youth programs influence public discourse about technology adoption and are positioned to promote ethical AI development and democratic governance frameworks that align with American values. These audiences share key characteristics: they have capacity to train others and are at career stages where exposure to American frameworks can shape long-term professional trajectories. Project Goal:   The goal is to establish the United States as Algeria's preferred partner for artificial intelligence development by embedding American AI tools, standards, and governance frameworks within Algeria's emerging technology ecosystem. This long-term goal envisions a generation of Algerian technology leaders who routinely adopt U.S.-aligned AI methodologies, promote democratic values of transparency and ethical technology development, and serve as multipliers who expand American technological influence throughout Algerian institutions and communities. This goal directly aligns with U.S. foreign policy priorities of advancing American technological leadership globally, promoting democratic governance in digital spaces, and strengthening bilateral partnerships with a strategic partner in North Africa. Project Objectives: ·         Objective 1: Train a minimum of 150 participants across five American Spaces (Algiers, Bechar, Constantine, Oran, and Ouargla) in U.S.-aligned AI tools, standards, and governance frameworks, with at least 80% of participants completing all hands-on labs and collaborative projects by the end of the 12-month program period. ·         Objective 2: Achieve measurable knowledge gains among participants, with pre- and post-program assessments demonstrating at least 30% improvement in understanding of U.S.-aligned AI standards, ethical frameworks, and practical application methodologies ·         Objective 3: Establish a cohort of at least 10 trained local facilitators who can independently deliver the AI curriculum at American Spaces, ensuring program sustainability and enabling continued delivery beyond the initial funding period. ·         Objective 4: Generate tangible outputs demonstrating practical AI proficiency, with participants producing artifacts such as prompt libraries, automated report templates, and localized AI applications that address real challenges in education, health, agriculture, or community service. ·         Objective 5: Create a sustainable community of practice connecting program alumni, facilitators, and American Spaces, with at least 60% of participants remaining engaged through online platforms and contributing to knowledge-sharing activities six months after program completion. 2.  Substantial Involvement N/A READ FULL ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE ATTACHMENTS

Priority Region: Sub-Saharan Africa  Africa Regional Services (ARS) Paris, part of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, invites U.S. citizen speakers, artists, and athletes/coaches to submit Statements of Interest (SOIs) for inclusion on the ARS U.S. Speaker Program roster. Roster members may be selected for small program specific grants to conduct in-person and virtual outreach across sub-Saharan Africa.  The ARS Speaker Program supports U.S. foreign policy goals in Africa by strengthening security, supporting shared prosperity, and promoting American excellence. In line with the Department’s Freedom 250 initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the United States and the Decade of Sport in America programs are encouraged to:  Share the American story and 250 years of American excellence in innovation, technology, and culture; and celebrate American achievement in sports.  Lead the next era of results driven U.S.–Africa partnership.  This Annual Program Statement seeks U.S. citizen individuals with demonstrated expertise who can deliver programs in English  and  either French or Portuguese.   Priority Program Areas include security; economic prosperity, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship; energy security, and critical minerals; and American arts, sports, and creative industries as engines of economic opportunity.  Selected individuals will be added to the ARS roster following review and interview. Being on the roster does not guarantee funding; individual grants will be made only when a specific U.S. embassy or consulate request matches a roster member’s expertise and availability. SOIs must be submitted using the dedicated form available at  https://forms.office.com/g/NyK95VxSH9 . All supporting documents (credentials/testimonials/endorsements, U.S. passport and a CV or résumé) must be emailed to  arsspeaker@state.gov . Make sure the email subject line says “SOI” with your full name. Incomplete Statements of Interest will be rejected.   

Through this Disaster NOFO, EDA will award investments in regions experiencing severe economic distress or other economic harm resulting from hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024. EDA’s goal under this NOFO is to assist communities recovering from a disaster by realizing opportunities to recover and change the economic trajectory of the community for the better. In other words, EDA funding seeks to help communities recover and set them on a path to exceed their previous pre-disaster baseline. EDA seeks projects that are responsive to community needs post-disaster by engaging all aspects of the community, with special focus on private industry partners. This Disaster NOFO provides funding through three pathways: Readiness Path – Standalone non-construction projects designed to increase a community’s readiness to apply for or implement disaster recovery funding from private and public sources including, but not limited to, future EDA NOFOs and the Implementation or Industry Transformation Paths under this NOFO. Projects will fund strategy development, capacity building, and/or predevelopment costs necessary for future recovery projects. Implementation Path – Standalone construction or non-construction projects designed to address the economic challenges faced by a community recovering from a natural disaster and improve economic trajectories beyond pre-disaster economic conditions. Industry Transformation Path – Led by a coalition of regional stakeholders, a portfolio of large-scale, multicomponent construction and non-construction projects designed to fundamentally transform the economic trajectory of a region through the development or acceleration of an industry.

The goal of the training grant program is to enhance the quality and availability of safety training for United States commercial fishermen. Availability includes the frequency, geographic considerations, channels or partners of dissemination, culturally and/or educational appropriate training material, and other characteristics of a successful training program. As a result, the Coast Guard and NIOSH invite applications to support the development and implementation of training and education programs that: develop and deliver training which addresses the needs of commercial fishermen in the United States provide qualified marine safety instructors, or otherwise accepted by the National Maritime Center instructors and faculty to conduct the training evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the training program on reducing injuries among fishermen coordinate with existing training programs and partnerships with industry fishermen, and agencies conform to 46 U.S.C. § 4502 (i) Safety Standards for commercial fishing safety training In order to support and administer the grant program, the Coast Guard and NIOSH signed a Memorandum of Understanding on May 17, 2018. While the Coast Guard, along with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), provides regulatory oversight for safety and health matters within the commercial fishing industry, NIOSH is an agency operating under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the mission of generating new knowledge in occupational safety and health and transferring that knowledge into practice to prevent worker injury, illness and death. NIOSH conducts and funds scientific research, develops methods to prevent occupational hazards, develops guidance and authoritative recommendations, translates scientific knowledge into products and services, disseminates information, identifies factors underlying work-related disease and injury and responds to requests for workplace health hazard evaluations.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement (NOFO) invites R25 applications to support the development and implementation of research education programs for recent baccalaureates from all backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences. It is essential to expand and broaden the skilled Alzheimers Disease (AD) and Alzheimers Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) research workforce and provide exposure to AD/ADRD research to individuals early in their careers. The proposed research education programs will support intensive research experiences in the AD/ADRD field with the goal of preparing recent baccalaureates to transition into strong, research-focused advanced degree programs or competitive private sector research careers in AD-related disciplines.

This announcement supports Executive Order 14276, Restoring America’s Seafood Competitiveness, by soliciting projects that support: workforce development for marine-related professions in marine science, aquaculture/mariculture, and maritime operations; enhancing seafood safety and management through training in seafood best practices, marketing, and fishery management; technological innovation in fishing practices; outreach and education for consumers on quality and sustainability of wild caught fish or products farmed through aquaculture/mariculture; enhanced regionally-specific management of fishery resources based on local knowledge; and strengthening the seafood supply chain through partnerships with industry, researchers, and community organizations to build relationships that increase the sustainability and competitiveness of the marine community in Alaska. Proposed projects must be conducted in Alaska.