2023 Emerging Voices Small Grants Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S. EMBASSY PHILIPPINES, PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION

2023 Emerging Voices Small Grants Program

Funding Opportunity Title:  2023 Emerging Voices Small Grants Program 
Funding Opportunity Number:  23-PHL-NOFO-EV
Deadline for Applications: May 22, 2023

CFDA Number:  19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs
Maximum for the Award:  $20,000

SUMMARY:

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Public Affairs Section (PAS Philippines) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that we are considering proposals for the 2023 Emerging Voices (EV) Small Grants Program. Our funding goals, strategic themes, and processes for submitting grant proposals are all outlined in this notice. Please read carefully and follow all instructions. This notice is subject to the availability of funding.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

PAS Philippines invites youth leaders and youth-led organizations to submit project proposals that would deepen connections between the Philippines and the U.S. by highlighting shared values and promoting bilateral cooperation and objectives. Youth leaders and youth-led organizations can submit, and the budget should not be more than $20,000 in total.

Examples of projects include, but are not limited to:

Youth experts conducting speaking tours/public talks, roundtable discussions, and workshops;

Youth-led capacity-building workshop or training aligned with the priority themes;

Youth-led information campaign to raise awareness on priority program areas; and

Virtual programs and other new methodologies to promote priority program areas.

PRIORITY PROGRAM AREAS

Food Security

Increasing awareness and capacity to promote Food Security

Creating networks of Youth Leaders and advocates of Food Security

Addressing Food Security issues

Cybersecurity

Advancing innovative approaches to combating Cybersecurity issues

Increasing awareness and capacity to promote Cybersecurity

Increasing youth participation in formulating policies on Cybersecurity

Creating networks of Youth Leaders and advocates of Cybersecurity

Participants and Audiences:

PAS Philippines’ target audiences include U.S.-Philippines youth, youth leaders and youth-led organizations, cultural and educational leaders, innovators, digital influencers, youth from minority groups and vulnerable communities, national and regional media, NGOs and think tanks, government officials (state, district, and municipal officials; policymakers, civil servants).

Please note that the following types of programs are NOT eligible for funding:

Programs relating to partisan political activity;

Charitable, humanitarian, or development activities;

Construction programs;

Programs that support specific religious activities;

Fund-raising campaigns or programs charging a fee for participation;

Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;

Scientific research;

Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of an organization; or

Programs that duplicate existing programs;

Activities that take place in the United States and its territories;

Programs with alcohol, excessive meals, refreshments, or entertainment; and

Individual scholarships.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

The length of the performance period is 12 to 24 months

Award amounts may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $20,000

Proposals are accepted until May 22, 2023

Funding Instrument Type:  Grant will be a Cooperative Agreement. PAS Philippines staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation.

Program Performance Period:  Proposed programs are usually completed in one year or less, but it may be extended in special circumstances.  PAS Philippines will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis. This is 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.

C. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from youth leaders and youth-led organizations situated in the U.S. and the Philippines.  Youth leaders and youth-led organizations registered not-for-profit organizations with appropriate programming expertise, such as think tanks and civil society/non-governmental groups, are also welcome to submit.  Commercial or for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply.  Cost-sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity.  Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity.  Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time on or before the closing date of this funding opportunity.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Instructions: Please follow all instructions below carefully. Failure to furnish all information or comply with stated requirements may lead to the application’s disqualification for consideration. Applicants must set forth accurate and complete information as required by this Small Grants Program.

CONTENT OF APPLICATION

Step 1: Fill out the mandatory federal assistance forms – All forms are available as part of the grants package on grants.gov

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) – Individual OR Organization

Budget Information for Non-Construction programs (SF424A)

Assurances for Non-Construction programs (SF-424B)

Step 2: Create a coversheet

The cover sheet includes the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, and a proposed start and end date.  It should also include a very brief synopsis of the goals to be achieved through the program.

Step 3: Create a Project Proposal

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: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.

Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.

Problem Statement: Clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed.

Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. What aspect of the relationship between the U.S. and Philippines will be improved? The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.

Expected Outputs: Please list expected outputs or tangible deliverables of the proposed project.

Expected Outcome: Please list expected outcomes or the changes (behavior, attitudes, perceptions, knowledge, and/or skills) that you want to achieve based on project goals and objectives.

Proposed Program Schedule: 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?

Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.

Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?

Future Funding or Sustainability: Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA): If your organization has a NICRA, you should include NICRA charges in the budget and the latest rate should be included in the proposal.

Step 3: Create a detailed budget proposal and narrative

After filling out the SF-424A Budget, create a more detailed budget proposal and budget narrative to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. No format required for both documents.

Step 4: Attach additional documents.

Please attach a copy of (if applicable):

Unique Identifier Number from SAM.GOV

www.SAM.gov registration

Optional forms:

One-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program

Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner

Official permission letters, if required for program activities

Please feel free to submit additional information as you think necessary.

Step 5: Carefully read the terms and conditions

Read the terms and conditions that apply to this award.  Funded proposals are expected to fully comply with these terms and conditions, including:

The Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, including the S. flag branding and marketing requirements, available at https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/271865.pdf

The regulations found in 2CFR 200, 2 CFR 600 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/CFR-2014-title2-vol1/CFR-2014-title2-vol1-part200/context

Complete a final review of your documents.  Ensure that:

The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity;

All documents are in English;

All budgets are submitted in U.S. dollars;

All pages are numbered;

All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and

All materials are submitted in pdf format.

When these steps are complete, you may submit your application package via email to GrantsManila@state.gov using subject line: 23-PHL-NOFO-EV (Applicant’s Name) (Project Title)

Deadline of submissions:
May 22, 2023

E. APPLICATION REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

• Criteria: Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated based on the criteria enumerated in Section F below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project and to determine the likelihood of its success.

• Acknowledgment of receipt: Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of their proposal.

• Review: A technical review panel will review the proposal based upon the criteria noted in Part F. A determination will be made regarding the program’s proposed area of activity and the Mission’s strategic goals. Proposals that are the best fit will be given additional consideration.

• Follow-up notification: Applicants will generally be notified within 90 days after the submission deadline regarding the results of the review panel

F. APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA

Professional capacity and experience: The organization or individual has expertise in its stated field and has demonstrated its ability and experience to implement the program, including strong financial management and appropriate personnel. (10 points)

Quality and feasibility of the program idea: The program idea is well developed with details about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. (20 points)

Goals and objectives: Goals and objectives are clearly stated, and the program’s approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. (10 points)

Theme Relevance: The applicant has clearly described how the proposed project will support and address issues related to the priority themes. (20 points)

Budget: The budget justification details reasonable and appropriate costs about the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed goals and objectives. (20 points)

Monitoring and evaluation plan: Applicant demonstrates the ability to measure program success against key indicators and provide milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when they will be measured. (10 points)

Sustainability: Program activities will continue to have a positive impact after the end of the program. (10 points)

G. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

The cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses after the start date shown on the grant 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 funding opportunity 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 right to reject any or all proposals received.

Payment Method: Payments will be made as needed to carry out the program activities.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified via email.

H. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please email ysealiphilippines@state.gov.

Note:  We do not provide any pre-consultation for application-related questions.  Once an application has been submitted, staff will not discuss the competition until the entire proposal review process is completed.

I.  OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

Personnel: 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. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other property that is required to implement 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 $5,000 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 $5,000 per unit, put it in the budget under “Equipment.”

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 document. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of the modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.

Cost Sharing: “Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or entities other than the U.S. Embassy.  It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.

Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

---

SF424 application

The document you are trying to load requires Adobe Reader 8 or higher. You may not have the
Adobe Reader installed or your viewing environment may not be properly configured to use
Adobe Reader.
For information on how to install Adobe Reader and configure your viewing environment please
see http://www.adobe.com/go/pdf_forms_configure.

---

SF424 application for individual

The document you are trying to load requires Adobe Reader 8 or higher. You may not have the
Adobe Reader installed or your viewing environment may not be properly configured to use
Adobe Reader.
For information on how to install Adobe Reader and configure your viewing environment please
see http://www.adobe.com/go/pdf_forms_configure.

---

SF424A budget

The document you are trying to load requires Adobe Reader 8 or higher. You may not have the
Adobe Reader installed or your viewing environment may not be properly configured to use
Adobe Reader.
For information on how to install Adobe Reader and configure your viewing environment please
see http://www.adobe.com/go/pdf_forms_configure.

---

SF424B Assurances form

The document you are trying to load requires Adobe Reader 8 or higher. You may not have the
Adobe Reader installed or your viewing environment may not be properly configured to use
Adobe Reader.
For information on how to install Adobe Reader and configure your viewing environment please
see http://www.adobe.com/go/pdf_forms_configure.