PAS Beirut-English Language Small Grants: Enhancing English Language Education in Lebanon

Priority Region: Proposals must be implemented in Lebanon, with priority given to projects implemented partially or entirely in underserved areas.

Program Objectives:

U.S. Embassy Beirut seeks proposals that promote English language education through youth engagement, women empowerment, community service, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), English for Specific Purposes (ESP) or other relevant activities.

Key Guidelines:

–       Applicants can apply as individuals or as groups (for example, a group of alumni), organizations, or as non-profit organizations. 

–       All applicants should be Lebanon-based.

–       For alumni proposals, partnerships with existing, active alumni organizations are encouraged.

–       Successful projects should identify and work with appropriate partner institutions. Partner institutions can be engaged to provide expertise as well as cost-share activities.  Cost-sharing (financial and/or in kind) is encouraged for a competitive grant. 

–       Each project will be evaluated based on its potential sustainability, meaning its ability to reach different audiences and goals during and beyond the grant cycle; projects that demonstrate sustainability will be given preference.

Please note:     

–       All projects should be conducted mainly or entirely in English. Successful grantees will explain how they plan to enhance target audiences’ English language acquisition through the grant, and if unable to conduct the grant entirely in English, applicants must provide explanation.

–       Successful grantees should be prepared to share their grant activities, as appropriate, on our social media.

–        Priority will be given to proposals that:

o  Target a large number of beneficiaries throughout and beyond the grant period.

o  Engage Youth

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months

Total available funding: $30,000

Type of Funding: FY20 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds

Anticipated program start date: June 2020

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1.    Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost share is not required; however, projects with cost share components will receive an additional 5 points during merit review.

2.    Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (Data Universal Numbering System/DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations. Individuals are not required to have a unique entity identifier or be registered in SAM.gov. Applicants will be asked to open a separate bank account for the purposes of this grant funding.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1.    Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html

2.    Content and Form of Application Submission 

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

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 8 ½ x 11 paper, and

• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman 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) 

·       SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

·       SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs)

At https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html

2. Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal (5 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. It describes the efforts the applicant will undertake to address the priorities and goals of this announcement. 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.

·       Project Timeline: Applicants must provide an overall breakdown of the order and timeframe in which all project activities will take place. This item should provide a macro snapshot of what will take place from beginning to end of the project. Applicants must ensure that the timeline of activities/events corresponds with details provided in Proposal.

• 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. 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. Include a logic model as appropriate.
• Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
• Job Description/Biographical Info for Key Personnel: For each position designated as key personnel for this project/program, applicants must provide the following: a) if the position is already filled: provide brief biographical information summarizing the person’s qualifications, as well as a brief description of the roles and responsibilities pertaining to this project. Please also provide the name, date of birth, and nationality for these personnel. OR, if the person to fill a key position has not yet been hired: Provide a brief summary of the job description, which should include a description of the roles and responsibilities pertaining to this project, as well as a description of qualifications of eligible candidates. Please note that individuals involved in the project will be subject to a clearance process using their biographical information.
• 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 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?
• Sustainability Plan: The sustainability plan outlines how the proposed project will be sustained beyond the initial award period. Sustainability Plans may not exceed 2-pages.
• Optional Documents – Applicants may submit additional documents for consideration with their application. These documents are not required and there is a 10-page limit for this section of the application. Below are examples of some additional documents an applicant may wish to submit.

·       Letters of Agreement or Letters of Intent: Applicants proposing partner organizations and/or government bodies should include Letters of Intent or Letters of Agreement from their proposed partners.

·       Organization Chart: The organizational chart outlines the clear lines of responsibility and authority in the applicant organization to include budgeted level of effort listed by each person.

4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

Note: Please see full announcement under Related Documents.

Priority Region: Proposals must be implemented in Lebanon, with priority given to projects implemented partially or entirely in underserved areas.

Program Objectives:

U.S. Embassy Beirut seeks proposals that promote English language education through youth engagement, women empowerment, community service, Science Technology English Math (STEM), English for Specific Purposes (ESP) or other relevant activities.

Key Guidelines:

–       Applicants can apply as individuals or as groups (for example, a group of alumni), organizations, or as non-profit organizations. 

–       All applicants should be Lebanon-based.

–       For alumni proposals, partnerships with existing, active alumni organizations are encouraged.

–       Successful projects should identify and work with appropriate partner institutions. Partner institutions can be engaged to provide expertise as well as cost-share activities.  Cost-sharing (financial and/or in kind) is encouraged for a competitive grant. 

–       Each project will evaluated based on its potential sustainability, meaning its ability to reach different audiences and goals during and beyond the grant cycle; projects that demonstrate sustainability will be given preference.

Please note:     

–       All projects should be conducted mainly or entirely in English. Successful grantees will explain how they plan to enhance target audiences’ English language acquisition through the grant, and if unable to conduct the grant entirely in English, applicants must provide explanation.

–       Successful grantees should be prepared to share their grant activities, as appropriate, on our social media.

–        Priority will be given to proposals that:

o  Target a large number of beneficiaries throughout and beyond the grant period.

o  Engage Youth

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months

Total available funding: $30,000

Type of Funding: FY20 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds

Anticipated program start date: June 2020

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1.    Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost share is not required; however projects with cost share components will receive an additional 5 points during merit review.

2.    Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (Data Universal Numbering System/DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations. Individuals are not required to have a unique entity identifier or be registered in SAM.gov. Applicants will be asked to open a separate bank account for the purposes of this grant funding.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1.    Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html

2.    Content and Form of Application Submission 

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

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 8 ½ x 11 paper, and

• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman 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) 

·       SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

·       SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs)

At https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html

2. Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal (5 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. It describes the efforts the applicant will undertake to address the priorities and goals of this announcement. 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.

·       Project Timeline: Applicants must provide an overall breakdown of the order and timeframe in which all project activities will take place. This item should provide a macro snapshot of what will take place from beginning to end of the project. Applicants must ensure that the timeline of activities/events corresponds with details provided in Proposal.

• 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. 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. Include a logic model as appropriate.
• Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
• Job Description/Biographical Info for Key Personnel: For each position designated as key personnel for this project/program, applicants must provide the following: a) if the position is already filled: provide brief biographical information summarizing the person’s qualifications, as well as a brief description of the roles and responsibilities pertaining to this project. Please also provide the name, date of birth, and nationality for these personnel. OR, if the person to fill a key position has not yet been hired: Provide a brief summary of the job description, which should include a description of the roles and responsibilities pertaining to this project, as well as a description of qualifications of eligible candidates. Please note that individuals involved in the project will be subject to a clearance process using their biographical information.
• 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 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?
• Sustainability Plan: The sustainability plan outlines how the proposed project will be sustained beyond the initial award period. Sustainability Plans may not exceed 2-pages.
• Optional Documents – Applicants may submit additional documents for consideration with their application. These documents are not required and there is a 10-page limit for this section of the application. Below are examples of some additional documents an applicant may wish to submit.

·       Letters of Agreement or Letters of Intent: Applicants proposing partner organizations and/or government bodies should include Letters of Intent or Letters of Agreement from their proposed partners.

·       Organization Chart: The organizational chart outlines the clear lines of responsibility and authority in the applicant organization to include budgeted level of effort listed by each person.

4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

Note: Please see full announcement under Related Documents.