The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan aims to increase partnership and collaboration between American and Ivoirian universities.
These partnerships can take different forms but will facilitate academic exchanges, collaborative research, and professional development opportunities, ultimately supporting the exchange of ideas and expertise and contributing to the capacity of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Côte d’Ivoire.
Goals
Projects may include, but not be limited to, the following goals:
Foster partnerships between U.S. and Ivoirian universities to promote academic exchange and collaborative research.
Strengthen the institutional capacity of universities through joint programs, faculty exchanges, and shared resources.
Develop and implement new curricula that address global challenges and incorporate diverse perspectives.
Promote joint research initiatives that address pressing global issues and encourages innovation.
Provide professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to improve teaching and administrative practices.
Support the development of policies that facilitate international collaboration and academic freedom.
Enhance the use of technology in education through collaborative projects and shared digital resources.
Promote sustainable practices and environmental stewardship through joint university initiatives.
Funding Information
Estimated Total Program Funding: $250,000
Award Ceiling: $250,000
Award Floor: $20,000
Length of performance period: 12 months
Eligibility Criteria
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
Accredited higher education institutions in Côte d’Ivoire and the United States
Applicants should have already identified a partner institute
Application Requirements
Please ensure:
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.
Summary Page
Cover 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.
Proposal (10 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: Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project 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, description of the size and capacity of relevant departments; including information on all previous grants from the State Department 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
Project Goals and Objectives: 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.
Project Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.
Project 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 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.
Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time-frame 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.
Attachments
1-page Curriculum Vitae (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
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 activities.
