Public Diplomacy Section Notice of Funding Opportunity is sponsored by U.S. Mission to Nigeria. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

# Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) # FY25 Public Diplomacy Section Notice # U. S . Embassy Abuja Public Diplomacy Section , Department of State # Opportunity number: PDS -ABV -NOFO -FY2 5-01 # Application deadline: March 21, 2025, at 11:59 pm (GMT) 2 A.

Basic Information ................................ ................................ ..........................

3 B. Eligibility ................................ ................................

................................ ........ 4 C.

Program Description ................................ ................................ ......................

4 D. Application Contents and Format ................................ ................................

.. 6 E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines ................................

..................... 8 F. Application Review Information ................................

................................ ... 10 G.

Award Notices ................................ ................................ .............................

11 H. Post -Award Requirements and Administration ................................ .............

12 I. Other Information ................................ ................................

........................ 13 3 Public Diplomacy Section, U.S. Embassy, Abuja Notice of Funding Opportunity Funding Opportunity Title FY 25 Public Diplomacy Section Notice of Funding Funding Opportunity Number P DS -ABV -NOFO -FY25 -0 1 Announcement Type Initial Deadline for Applications March 21 , 2025, 11:59pm GMT Assistance Listing Number 19.

040 Length of performance period 12 months Award amounts $5,000 - $ 50,000 Type of Funding FY 25 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated project start date August 2025 Funding Instrument Type: Grant or cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that bureau/embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation (“Substantial Involvement”).

Pro ject Performance Period : Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or The Department of State may entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period.

If selected, the application can be processed 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. Department of State. This notice is subject to availability of funding.

4 Priority Region: 19 Northern Nigeria states and the FCT The U.S. Embassy Abuja Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the Department of State is pleased to announce its annual open funding competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out programs that align with U.S. mission goals in Nigeria.

The target audience are Nigeria n nonprofit organiza tions ( NGOs ) and public and private educational institutions from the 19 northern states : Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Nassarawa, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the FCT. Selection of proposals is dependent on U.S. government funding availability.

The following organizations (Nigerian and U.S.) are eligible to apply : • Not -for -profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/ NGOs • Public and private educational institutions • Public international organizations and governmental institutions 2. Cost Sharing or Matching Applicants can cost share , but it is not mandatory and will not be used as a rating criterion. 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 D.

3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM. gov. 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 . ## C. Program Description 1.

Goals and Objectives 5 PDS invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Nigeria, highlight shared values , and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must include a U.S. cultural element or a connection with U.S. expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

PDS will prioritize proposals whose programs focus on and demonstrate how any of the following outcomes are achieved : • Good governance advocacy to include promoting transparency and accountability in government and media freedom that provide insight into the policy formulation process for stakeholders and lead to positive, peaceful changes in policies.

• Entrepreneurship and innovation including the creative industries that will strengthen access to economic opportunities among Nigerian youth, women, and • Accessible quality education through literacy development and capacity building for educators across all levels of education that will strengthen educational access, collaboration, and global competence in Nigeria by fostering strategic partnerships, lever aging digital resources, and facilitating international exchanges.

Address the impacts of climate change, food insecurity, and instability and their interlinkages that will increase access among Nigerians, both through their communities and their local government institutions, to best practices, technology, Participants and Audiences: This funding opportunity focuses on programs for northern Nigeria and its audiences.

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: • Programs relating to partisan political activity ; • Charitable or social welfare projects ; • Individual travel to conferences ; • Construction programs ; • Programs that support specific religious activities ; • Fundraising campaigns ; • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs ; • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the • Programs that duplicate existing programs.

6 ## 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.

• 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 pages are numbered ; • All documents are formatted to fit 8 ½ x 11 paper ; and • All Microsoft 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 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF -424 -I (Application for Federal Assistance – individuals) • SF -424A (Budget Information for Non -Construction programs) • SF -424B (Assurances for Non -Construction programs) (note: the SF -424B is only required for individuals , organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM.

gov) Note: The mandatory forms can be downloaded from www. grants. gov under the 2.

Summary Page (optional) A c over sheet stating the applicant ’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. 3. Proposal ( 6 pages maximum) The proposal should contain sufficient information 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: A short narrative that outlines the proposed project , including pro ject objectives and anticipated impact.

7 Introduction to the Organization or Individual Applying : A description of past and present operations demonstrating the ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the State Department and/or other U.S. Problem Statement: A c lear, concise and well -supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed .

Pro ject Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program aims to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be specific, achievable , and measurable.

Pro ject Activities : A description of the program activities and how they will help Pro ject Methods and Design : A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate. Proposed Pro ject Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities.

Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. Key Personnel: List the names, titles, roles , and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program and w hat proportion of their time will be used in support of this program .

Pro ject Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations Pro ject Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, articulate how the activities will be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how the program will be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant.

Future Funding or Sustainability : The plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period or the availability of other resources, if applicable. 4. Budget Justification Narrative After filling out the SF -424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail.

Nigerian organizations should utilize the PD S budget template here . See section I.

Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further • One -page curriculum vitae (CV ) or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the • Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of • If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file.

• Official permission letters, if required for program activitie s. 8 ## E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines 1.

Address to Request Application Package Application forms required above are available at Grants. gov . Department of State Contacts If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: 2.

Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM. gov) All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration 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 a pplicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal un der review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any federal award that results from t his NOFO. The 2 CFR 200 requires sub recipients to obtain a UEI.

Please note the UEI for sub recipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub recipient . 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 . • Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.

gov. • Organizations 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 • Organizations 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 Entity (NCAGE) code to apply for non -DoD registration and wishes to remove a n NCAGE code from their SAM.

gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“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 9 an NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated. ” 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 https://eportal. nspa.

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

int) An exemption from the UEI and sam. gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case -by -case basis . See 2 CFR 25.

110 for a full list of exemptions. Organizations requesting exemption 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 justification of their request.

Approval for a SAM. gov exemption must co me from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review. 3.

Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than March 21, 2025, at 11:59 pm (GMT) i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) : None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency 5.

Other Submission Requirements All application materials must be submitted by email to PASAbujaGrants @state. gov . ## F.

Application Review Information Each application will be evaluated and rated based on the evaluation criteria outlined Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 20 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 10 points: The organization has expertise 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 Objectives – 20 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated , and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the Budget – 20 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Monitoring and Evaluation Plan – 20 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 activities will continue to have positive impact after 2.

Review and Selection Process A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications. Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified via email. Successful applicants will be notified via email with feedback provided.

11 i. Risk factors – must include Under the merit review a s required by 2 CFR 200. 206, prior to making a Federal Award the Department will review and consider the following risk factors: b.

Management systems and standards c. History of performanc e d. Audit reports and findings e.

Ability to effectively implement requirements f. If there are any program specific risk factors that will be considered, The award or cooperative agreement will be written, 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 countersignature .

The recipient may only start incurring pro ject 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 obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute 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 preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the rig ht to reject any or all proposals received. Unsuccessful applicants : Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email.

Recipients will be required to request payments by completing form SF -270 —Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer. 12 ## H. Post -Award Requirements and Administration 1.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the • Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024 , o Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.

205), o Promoting 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), o Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part o Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR • 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT • 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION • 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS • 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG -FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE) 13 • 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY • 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports.

The award document will specify what reports are required and how often these reports must be submitted. Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR).

The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity da ta from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation 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 documentation.

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 accounting records.

Guidelines for Budget Justification 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 time that will be spent on the program. Travel : Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries.

If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification 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 duration 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. 14 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 activities. 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. Indirect Costs : These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA.

Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 1 5% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR 200. 1. “Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy.

It also includes in -kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic