The Department of State’s OES Bureau is offering this grant to advance international communication and coordination on Short-Lived Climate Forcers.

SLCFs represent a major opportunity to reduce emissions that contribute to near-term global and regional climate impacts affecting developing countries, with mitigation options available at lower cost in many instances than opportunities to mitigate carbon dioxide. No concerted global effort addresses SLCFs in the aggregate. To address this gap, the State Department plans to build the capacity of developing countries to take domestic action on SLCFs and launch a broad coordinating effort that supports and builds upon current SLCF mitigation efforts already underway. The main activities to achieve these goals may include a seminar for developing country policymakers, two workshops on SLCF inventories and best approaches and practices for mitigation, research into existing SLCF efforts and mitigation opportunities, and dissemination of these best practices and related information. The successful applicant will be able to explain how their proposal is particularly appropriate for achieving the expected outputs of the SLCF Initiative, which include (1) better-informed developing country governments and non-government entities interested in serving as partners and champions of SLCF work; (2) identification of priority areas for SLCF emissions research and mitigation in developing countries; (3) a report compiling a global inventory of SLCF mitigation actions, focusing on developing countries; and (4) a website and other outreach materials to disseminate the inventory to developing country policy makers and stakeholders, and to support a framework for future cooperation.

Eligibility is limited to non-profit/nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) subject to section 501 (c) (3) of the U. S. tax code, foreign not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and to public international organizations. Applicants must provide evidence that they have significant experience in planning and implementing international meetings and events. Applicants must also possess relevant in-house SLCF subject matter expertise, or demonstrate their ability to partner with an outside organization with the requisite expertise. Applicants are encouraged to partner or to engage with other institutions to leverage available funds. Proposals should demonstrate creativity, substance, and relevance to OES?s goal of advancing international communication and coordination on SLCFs.

A cooperative agreement for up to 400,000 U.S. Dollars (USD) in FY 2010 Economic Support Funds (ESF) will be awarded, contingent upon Congressional Notification of funds, for work that fosters international communication and coordination on SLCFs. The initial period of performance will be for two years. Funding authority rests in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.