People-to-People Partnership for Peace Fund Grants Activity

People-to-People Partnership for Peace Fund Grants Activity is sponsored by U.S. Embassy Jerusalem. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem is pleased to announce the potential availability of funding through its Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement for projects targeting Palestinian audiences, outlining funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions.

**Funding Instrument Type:**Cooperative Agreements **Project Performance Period**: Proposed projects should be completed in 18 months or less.

The Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. government. **This notice is subject to availability of funding.

**The Public Diplomacy Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer.

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) announces an open competition to implement projects that advance U.S. economic, commercial, and security interests among Palestinian audiences.

This Annual Program Statement (APS) outlines strategic goals, expected outcomes, target audiences, eligibility criteria, and application guidelines for cooperative agreements ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, with a project duration of up to 18 months. Project proposals must address at least one of the following goals: 1. Advance S.

economic interests and technological leadership 2. Promote S. -Israeli-Palestinian health-tech cooperation 3.

Promote Christian tourism 4. Promote American excellence in education technology 5. Counter malign influences and promote free speech In addition to aligning with one of the strategic goals, applicants should clearly explain how they advance American leadership and excellence and how the projects deliver measurable results.

This APS seeks to partner with eligible entities, including not-for-profit organizations or education institutions to achieve these goals. Please read the entire APS package before submitting an application. Applications must be submitted by August 06, 2026 for projects beginning as early as September 29, 2026.

For more information, contact JerusalemPDJApplications@state. gov**Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria and do not contain all of the required information will not be considered** **Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Annual Program Statement 2026** * Applicant Organization Information Survey * Budget Narrative Sample Template * SF424_4_0-V4. 0-Instructions * SF424A-V1.

0-Instructions * SF424B-V1. 1-Instructions ## Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Annual Program Statement 2026 U.S. Embassy Jerusalem FY2026 Annual Program Statement U.S. Embassy Jerusalem, Department of State **Opportunity number**: EMBJPD26002 **Application deadline**: August 06, 2026 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 Jerusalem, Public Diplomacy Section** **Annual Program Statement for Public Diplomacy** [](https://il. usembassy.

gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities/)**A. ****BASIC INFORMATION** ##### **_1. _****_Overview_** **Funding Opportunity Title**U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement (Palestinian audiences) **Funding Opportunity Number**EMBJPD26002 **Deadline for Applications**August 06, 2026; TIME 23:59 Israel Daylight Time **Assistance Listing Number**19.

040 – Public Diplomacy Programs **Length of performance period**Up to 18 months **Number of awards anticipated**dependent on amounts **Award amounts**awards may range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $250,000 (approximately) **Total available funding**$1,000,000 pending availability of funds **Type of Funding**FY 2026 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds **Anticipated project start date**Awards will begin on a rolling basis once approved, with start dates no later than September 29, 2026 U.S. Embassy Jerusalem is pleased to announce the potential availability of funding through its Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement for projects targeting Palestinian audiences, outlining funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting requests for funding.

Please carefully follow all instructions below. **Funding Instrument Type:** Cooperative Agreements **Project Performance Period**: Proposed projects should be completed in 18 months or less.

The Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. government. **This notice is subject to availability of funding.

**The Public Diplomacy Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer. ##### **_2.

_****_Executive Summary_** U.S. Embassy Jerusalem’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) announces an open competition to implement projects that advance U.S. economic, commercial, and security interests among Palestinian audiences.

This Annual Program Statement (APS) outlines strategic goals, expected outcomes, target audiences, eligibility criteria, and application guidelines for cooperative agreements ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, with a project duration of up to 18 months. Project proposals must address at least one of the following goals: 1. Advance U.S. economic interests and technological leadership 2.

Promote U.S.-Israeli-Palestinian health-tech cooperation 3. Promote Christian tourism 4. Promote American excellence in education technology 5.

Counter malign influences and promote free speech In addition to aligning with one of the strategic goals, applicants should clearly explain how they advance American leadership and excellence and how the projects deliver measurable results. This APS seeks to partner with eligible entities, including not-for-profit organizations or education institutions to achieve these goals.

Please read the entire APS package before submitting an application. Applications must be submitted by August 06, 2026 for projects beginning as early as September 29, 2026. For more information, contact JerusalemPDJApplications@state.

gov**Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria and do not contain all of the required information will not be considered. ** Please follow all instructions below. [](https://il.

usembassy. gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities/)**B. ****ELIGIBILITY** ##### **_1.

_****_Eligible Applicants_** The following organizations are eligible to apply _:_ * S. , Israeli, or Palestinian not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and non-governmental organizations * S. , Israeli, or Palestinian public and private not-for-profit educational institutions For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are **not** eligible to apply for funding through this APS.

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. 1.

**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 * Projects that support specific religious activities * Lobbying for specific legislation or programs * Scientific research or surveys * Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization * Projects that duplicate existing projects [](https://il.

usembassy. gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities/)**C. ****PROGRAM DESCRIPTION** ##### **_Project Background, Goals, and Objectives_** Applicants may submit a proposal to address one of the program goals below.

Proposals should focus on as many of the priority outcomes as possible. NOTE: All programs must include an American component, conveying an element of U.S. culture, expertise, history, and/or shared values. This must be a concrete element that establishes or strengthens ties between Palestinian audiences and the United States.

For example, competitive proposals will include a connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives and/or increased cooperation that continues after the conclusion of the program that makes America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. **Goal 1.

Advance U.S. Economic Interests and Technological Leadership** The U.S. embassy seeks to equip Palestinian business leaders with the knowledge, networks, and tools necessary to successfully engage with U.S. markets from Jerusalem and the West Bank. Palestinian entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and technology firms face substantial barriers in representing U.S. brands and importing from U.S. markets.

These barriers include limited understanding of U.S. regulatory requirements, unfamiliarity with mechanisms such as franchising and certification processes, and insufficient exposure to cutting-edge American technologies and business practices. Projects that address this goal would directly address these barriers.

* Palestinian SMEs and start-ups interested in franchising or importing from the United States * Palestinian business owners and managers in food, consumer goods, health products, and services * Palestinian high-tech firms and IT service providers seeking U.S. partnerships * Chambers of commerce and business associations * Business incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurship centers * Universities and vocational training institutions (business, tech, health) * Local media and economic reporters **Priority Outcomes:**Applicants should submit proposals that achieve as many of the outcomes listed below as possible.

Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas. 1. Comprehensive U.S. market competency among Palestinian business leaders, with at least 80 Palestinian entrepreneurs, SMEs, and professionals gaining with knowledge of how to import from or invest in U.S. markets and represent U.S. brands locally.

Such knowledge includes an understanding of: * S.

market fundamentals, business culture, and commercial expectations * Franchising models and readiness requirements * Import procedures, documentation, and logistics * Professional certification processes and standards recognition, including U.S. regulatory frameworks like FDA certifications as a model for American standards adoption * Investment mechanisms, including pathways for Palestinian businesses to establish U.S. operations 1.

Sustained exposure to leading U.S. exports through showcase sessions featuring product demonstrations, use-case presentations, and skills-oriented training resulting in Palestinian firms gaining firsthand knowledge of cutting-edge American technologies, brands, and identify potential import, investment, and franchise opportunities.

Proposals will focus on opportunities between Palestinian businesses and leading U.S. companies in sectors most amenable to U.S. exports to Palestinian markets such as: * Artificial Intelligence and machine learning applications * Cybersecurity solutions and services * Cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial technology (fintech) * Trading platforms and financial services technology * Franchising and brand licensing 1.

Facilitation of business-to-business linkages and partnerships: Successful proposals will result in concrete commercial leads for U.S. business and partnerships between Palestinian and U.S. firms.

Illustrative program activities include: * Reverse trade missions for Palestinian businesses to travel to U.S. trade shows, accompanied by representatives from the U.S. Embassy * Support for a delegation of Palestinian business leaders to attend the SelectUSA conference in May 2027 * For participants who are unable to travel, facilitated introductions between Palestinian businesses and relevant U.S. companies with local representatives or through virtual webinars * 20-50 tailored one-on-one or small-group mentoring engagements for selected firms with high commercial potential 1.

Alumni engagement component: Successful proposals will include a component involving large-scale engagement of alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, such as a conference to convene PD alumni in a large-scale entrepreneurship and business fair featuring exhibition booths, structured B2B matchmaking, panel discussions, and technical masterclasses.

The goal for such an alumni engagement component is to enlist our large pool of PD alumni as advocates for U.S. business. **Goal 2.

Promote U.S.-Israeli-Palestinian Health-Tech Cooperation** The U.S. Embassy seeks to support a U.S.-Israeli-Palestinian health cooperation program that creates a structured platform for Palestinian healthcare institutions to access U.S. health technology innovation through partnerships with Arab Israeli health-tech firms and professionals.

Arab Israeli health-tech firms and professionals can serve as cultural bridges, technical partners, and implementation facilitators. Palestinian Healthcare Sector * Palestinian hospital administrators, department heads, procurement officials, physicians, other healthcare professionals, health-tech entrepreneurs, medical schools/research centers, and other healthcare leaders U.S. Health Technology Sector * S.

health-tech companies and startups in fields such as AI diagnostics, telemedicine platforms, hospital management systems, medical devices, and pharmaceutical development Arab Israeli Health Sector * Arab Israeli health technology firms, medical professionals, physicians, nurses, health-tech entrepreneurs * Arab Israeli healthcare professionals working in Israeli hospitals and research institutions **Priority Outcomes:**Applicants should submit proposals that achieve as many of the outcomes listed below as possible.

Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas. 1. Generate commercial opportunities for U.S. health-tech companies by connecting Palestinian hospitals, clinics, and health administrators with representatives of U.S. health technology solutions who can facilitate adoption, implementation, and sustained collaboration 2.

Establish partnerships through which Arab Israeli health technology firms help provide Palestinian markets with U.S.-origin or U.S.-compatible solutions 3.

Build practical Palestinian-Israeli professional cooperation in healthcare that demonstrates tangible benefits of partnership, amplifies moderate voices, supports coexistence narratives, and advances Presidential peace initiatives through visible, non-political collaboration Phase 1: Foundation Building & Business Leads Generation * Conduct consultations with major Palestinian hospitals to identify priority technology needs and partnership interests * Recruit Arab Israeli health technology firms, medical professionals, and entrepreneurs with solutions matching Palestinian needs and cultural-linguistic capacity to serve Palestinian markets * Recruit U.S. health-tech companies emphasizing opportunities to enter Palestinian market * Establish program advisory committee including Palestinian healthcare leaders, Arab Israeli health-tech representatives, and U.S. officials Phase 2: Pre-Conference Engagement & Matchmaking * Host virtual roundtables introducing Palestinian healthcare administrators to specific U.S./Arab Israeli health technology solutions (e.g., telemedicine platforms, AI diagnostics, hospital information systems) * Facilitate pre-conference site visits enabling Arab Israeli health-tech professionals to visit Palestinian hospitals, understand operational contexts, and develop tailored proposals * Conduct structured needs-matching process pairing Palestinian institutions with relevant U.S./Arab Israeli technology providers based on specific requirements * Develop conference agenda prioritizing Palestinian healthcare challenges and featuring Palestinian healthcare leaders as co-conveners and speakers Phase 3: Health Futures West Bank Conference Design Principles * Position Arab Israeli health-tech and professionals as cultural bridges and technical partners rather than primary focus * Showcase U.S. health technology innovation as foundation for solutions * Create platform for Palestinian-Arab Israeli dialogue focused on shared challenges * Emphasize practical, implementable partnerships over aspirational discussions **Goal 3.

Promote Christian Tourism** The U.S. Embassy seeks proposals that enable Palestinian communities with Christian heritage sites to attract more American tourists. Successful proposals will create business-to-business partnerships between American and Palestinian religious tour operators.

American tour operators would gain a meaningful market advantage by partnering with Palestinian counterparts and offering American tourists visits to Christian heritage sites in Palestinian areas led by expert local guides. Successful proposals support the continued economic self-sufficiency and survival of Palestinian communities with Christian heritage sites, where tourism has a disproportionate impact on local livelihoods.

Proposals will create mutually beneficial partnerships between American and Palestinian tour operators.

* American tour operators, including faith-based travel organizers seeking authentic pilgrimage opportunities for their congregations and clients * Palestinian tour operators, other tourism-related businesses, and local religious minority communities in Bethlehem and other Palestinian communities with Christian heritage sites **Priority Outcomes:**Applicants may focus on as many of the outcomes listed below as possible.

Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas.

* Illustrative program activities include but are not limited to: * Support the participation of at least 15 Palestinian tour operators from Bethlehem and other Palestinian communities with Christian heritage sites in the 2026 U.S. Tour Operators Association Annual Conference or similar trade conference, resulting in at least 20 business-to-business meetings with American travel companies, religious communities, or faith-based tour organizers and at least 15 documented follow-up partnership discussions within six months of the conference.

* Organize one in-person business-to-business matchmaking activity connecting American and Palestinian Christian tourism stakeholders, resulting in at least two new partnership agreements, collaborative tourism packages, or other formal business arrangements between American and Palestinian tour operators.

* Enhanced ability of Palestinian tour operators to promote Palestinian Christian tourist destinations among American faith-based travel networks, contributing to a measurable, directly attributable increase in the number of American tourists participating in tours to Bethlehem and other Palestinian communities with Christian heritage sites through participating operators during the project period. **Goal 4.

Promote American excellence in educational technology** Educational institutions in the West Bank and Jerusalem face increasing demand for digital learning tools that can strengthen teaching, improve school management, and expand access to high-quality educational resources.

Schools and education stakeholders are seeking innovative solutions that support both in-person and remote learning while preparing students for participation in a technology-driven global economy. At the same time, there is an opportunity to increase exposure to American educational technology, teaching methodologies, and innovative learning models within the Palestinian education sector.

The U.S. Embassy seeks to bolster the ability of Palestinian educators to import and adopt U.S. education technology (edtech) tools such as Learning Management Systems, online course/virtual schooling platforms, adaptive tutoring tools, and Student Information Systems.

Illustrative activities under such a program include but are not limited to: * Introduction sessions and demonstrations of U.S. educational technology platforms and tools * Awarding of subgrants to support pilot implementation of selected platforms in participating schools * Training sessions for school staff on platform setup, integration, and daily use * Technical support and ongoing coaching for participating institutions * Development of model digital classrooms or model schools using integrated ed-tech solutions * Facilitation of direct engagement between Palestinian institutions and U.S. ed-tech providers through trade missions, reverse trade missions, and education exhibitions organized in Jerusalem/West Bank.

* Public and private school administrators and leadership teams (both K-12 and higher education) * Teachers/instructors across core academic subjects * IT coordinators and school digital learning focal points responsible for supporting educational technology implementation, digital learning systems, and school technology infrastructure **Priority Outcomes:**Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below.

Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas: * Increased adoption among schools and universities of available American educational technology solutions * Successful pilot use of selected edtech platforms in participating institutions * Strengthened relationships between Palestinian education institutions and U.S. edtech providers **Goal 5.

Counter Malign Influence and Promote Free Speech** The U.S. Embassy seeks proposals for a Palestinian media capacity-building initiative designed to equip emerging and independent Palestinian journalists with practical skills in digital reporting, investigative journalism, multimedia storytelling, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.

Successful proposals will include (but are not limited to) activities such as: * A series of weekly workshops and hands-on training sessions led by media practitioners – including U.S. government exchange alumni – in which participants will gain the tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex information environment * Participant-produced media projects that demonstrate the practical application of newly acquired skills and contribute to a more informed and resilient Palestinian media environment * A capstone event such as a professional conference, open day, or journalists gathering to showcase participant work and foster continued professional exchange Successful proposals will focus on digital verification, fact-based reporting, investigative techniques, the identification of false information and narratives, responsible AI use, and AI-generated content.

Participants will also be introduced to U.S. best practices in maintaining media ethics in digital innovation, highlighting U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence and technology and its role in shaping the future of journalism. * Journalists and media professionals * University students and educators **Priority Outcomes:**Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below.

Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas: 1. Increased resilience of Palestinian media to extremist narratives 2. Enhanced access to accurate, fact-based news among Palestinian audiences ##### **_1.

_****_Substantial Involvement_** U.S. Embassy Roles and Responsibilities: * the approval of key program personnel,subawards, or contracts * review and approval of project work plans or schedules * approval of significant changes to project scope,objectives, or deliverables * monitoring and site visits * technical guidance,training,or resources to help the recipient achieve project goals * facilitating connections to U.S. government agencies, private sector, and alumni Recipient Roles and Responsibilities: * implementation and management of all project aspects, including staffing, activities implementation, events coordination, etc. * ensure financial and contractual compliance with award * communicate regularly with the Embassy regarding project implementation and to ensure that the Embassy can fulfill its responsibilities listed above [](https://il.

usembassy. gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities/)**D. ****APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT** Please follow all instructions 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 Application** * The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity * All documents are in English * All budgets are in U.S. dollars * All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various, required forms.

The following documents are **required**: ##### **_1. _****_Mandatory application forms_** * SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) at gov or Embassy website [https://il. usembassy.

gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities]. * SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at gov or Embassy website [https://il. usembassy.

gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities]. * SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at gov or Embassy website [https://il. usembassy.

gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities]. (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM. gov) ##### **_2.

_****_Proposal (10 pages maximum)_** Applicants must submit a complete narrative proposal in a format of their choice, or they may use the attached proposal template if they like (Attachment 001). The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do.

The proposal must include all the items below: * **Proposal Summary:**Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.

* **Introduction to the Organization**: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the State Department and/or U.S. government agencies as well as experience with and expertise in areas related to those described in the NOFO. You may use the attached Applicant Organization Information Survey form to provide this information (Attachment 002).

* **Problem Statement:**Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed * **Program Methods, Design, Activities, and Deliverables:**The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. * **Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline:**The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

* **Key Personnel:**Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? * **Project Partners:** List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees (if applicable).

* **Future Funding or Sustainability**: Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. * **Monitoring & Evaluation Plan (awards under $100,000.

00):** Proposals must include a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) that explains how the applicant plans to track project performance and measure progress toward the project’s goals and objectives.

The PMP should include “If-Then” statements to illustrate how the project activities will lead to the intended results, along with a short datasheet outlining proposed project activities and the indicators that will be used to measure success. * **Monitoring & Evaluation Plan (awards over $100,000. 00):** Proposals must include a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP).

The M&E plan should show how applicants intend to measure and demonstrate progress towards the project’s objectives and goals. The key components to the PMP are as follows: * **Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative**: In narrative form, applicants should describe how they intend to monitor and evaluate the activities of their award.

In addition, the applicant should describe any M&E processes, including key personnel, management structure (where M&E fits into the overall program’s staff structure), technology, and as well provide a brief budget narrative explaining any line-item expenditures for M&E listed in the program’s budget.

If the proposal is from a prior grantee, the proposal discusses how the grantee has adapted, improved or otherwise modified their approach based on learning from previous experience. This narrative is limited to two pages. * **Theory of Change Diagram:**Applicants are expected to submit either a Theory of Change diagram or an If-Then Statement that illustrates how project activities will lead to intended outcomes.

* **Monitoring and Evaluation Datasheet:** The applicant must include their proposed activities and their expected outputs and outcomes as well as the goals and objectives as written in the NOFO. The datasheet’s purpose is to explicitly illustrate how a project’s activities lead to tangible results (such as increased beneficiary skills, knowledge, or attitudes) that ultimately address a PDS objective.

* The selected applicant’s M&E PMP is subject to review and approval before any award will be issued under this NOFO. The selected applicant may be asked to work with U.S. Department of State Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists to ensure the applicant’s M&E PMP achieves an expected level of expertise and meets PDS objectives. * Expenses directly associated with monitoring and evaluation are considered allowable.

##### **_3. _****_Budget Justification Narrative_** * **Detailed Budget** – Applicants must submit a detailed line-item budget. Applicants are encouraged to utilize the template provided with the funding opportunity but are not required to do so (Attachment 003).

Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail. The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent in the following budget categories: personnel; fringe benefits; travel; equipment; supplies; consultants/contracts; other direct costs; and indirect costs. See Annex Section I for a description of the types of costs that should be included in each category.

Personnel salaries should include the level of effort and the rate of pay, which should cover the percentage of time each staff member will dedicate to grant-based activities. If an organization is charging an indirect cost rate without a NICRA, it must apply it to the modified total budget costs (MTDC), refer to 2CFR§200. 1)).

**Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars** and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars. * **Budget Justification Narrative** – Applicants must submit a budget justification narrative to accompany the detailed line-item budget.

The purpose of the budget justification narrative is to supplement the information provided in the detailed budget spreadsheet by justifying how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives and accomplish the project goals.

The budget justification narrative is a tool to help Embassy staff fully understand the budgetary needs of the applicant and is an opportunity to provide descriptive information about the requested costs beyond the constraints of the budget template.

Together, the detailed budget spreadsheet, the budget justification narrative, and the SF-424A should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that supports the proposed project plan and should be directly related to the specific project components described in the applicant’s proposal.

* Audit Requirements: Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards in the Standard Terms and Conditions https://www. state. gov/m/a/ope/index.

htm and 2CFR200, Subpart F – Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization’s established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget. * Visa Fees: Include all visa application and related fees in your budget as applicable.

Please note DS-2019s for post-funded programs must be submitted directly by the award recipient. If you anticipate your program will include the DS-2019 visa processing, your organization must be a registered Designated Sponsoring Organization. For more information go to: https://j1visa.

state. gov/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/ ##### **4. ****_Attachments_** * **Key Personnel Resumes**: A résumé, not to exceed one page in length, must be included for the proposed key staff persons, such as the Project Director and Finance Officer, as well as any speakers or trainers (if applicable).

If an individual for this type of position has not been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position description, identifying the qualifications and skills required for that position, in lieu of a résumé. * **Letters of support from program partners:**Letters of support should be included for sub-recipients or other partners.

The letters must identify the type of relationship to be entered into (formal or informal), the roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation to the proposed project activities, and the expected result of the partnership. The individual letters cannot exceed one page in length.

* **Indirect Costs**: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included in the application submission.

* **Proof of Non-profit Status:**Documentation to demonstrate the applicant’s non-profit status (e.g., U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Service determination letter, and non-U.S. organizations should provide evidence of non-profit status issued by a government entity). * **Proof of Registration:** A copy of the organization’s registration should be provided with the proposal application.

S. -based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter. Non-U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.

* **Security package:** The safety and security of all participants and activities under this project are the sole responsibility of the award recipient. Due to the security climate in Israel and the West Bank, we require all proposals to include a security package to accompany appropriate programmatic elements within their proposal.

The security package must include but is not limited to: secure transportation; lodging, and emergency accountability and evacuation for any non-Israeli personnel living or working in Israel or the West Bank, as well as a copy of your organization’s security operational procedures for high-risk environments. Reasonable costs for necessary security are allowable expenses and should be included in the proposed budget.

If a security company is engaged and funded under the award, it must be registered by the Government of Israel. We require award recipients to notify the Public Diplomacy Section in advance when U.S. citizens are traveling to Israel or the West Bank. Other items NOT required/requested with the application submission, but which _may_ be requested if your application is approved to move forward in the review process include: 1.

Copies of