In an unprecedented move to bolster the integration of refugees into American society, the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration has launched a groundbreaking initiative. The FY 2024 Request for Proposals for Cultural Orientation Technical Assistance, identified by its funding opportunity number SFOP0010123, is set to transform the existing paradigms of refugee resettlement. This discretionary funding instrument, expressed through a Cooperative Agreement, targets nonprofit organizations possessing a 501(c)(3) status, excluding higher education institutions.
As a critical component of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program under CFDA Number 19.510, this program does not require cost sharing or matching, offering an award ceiling of $1.8 million and a floor of $1.5 million. The initiative seeks to enhance the connectivity between overseas Cultural Orientation programs and domestic Reception and Placement activities, alongside the recently introduced Welcome Corps programs. This effort underscores the government’s commitment to a seamless transition for refugees, aiming to provide comprehensive cultural orientation through both traditional and digital platforms, ensuring all refugees, irrespective of linguistic or cultural literacy, receive the support they need.
The announcement, made on November 3, 2023, indicates a closing date for applications on December 22, 2023. Kathleen Sheehan, a representative for the grantor, has been appointed as the contact point for prospective applicants experiencing difficulties in accessing the full announcement electronically. This initiative marks a pivotal step in the U.S. approach to refugee resettlement, prioritizing a systematic and humane integration process for those seeking a new beginning in the nation.
Opportunity ID: 350853
General Information
- Document Type: Grants Notice
- Funding Opportunity Number: SFOP0010123
- Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2024 Request for Proposals for Cultural Orientation Technical Assistance
- Opportunity Category: Discretionary
- Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement
- Category of Funding Activity: Other (see text field entitled “Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity” for clarification)
- Category Explanation: Refugee Resettlement
- Expected Number of Awards: 0
- CFDA Number(s): 19.510 — U.S. Refugee Admissions Program
- Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
- Version: Synopsis 1
- Posted Date: Nov 03, 2023
- Last Updated Date: Nov 03, 2023
- Original Closing Date for Applications: Dec 22, 2023
- Current Closing Date for Applications: Dec 22, 2023
- Award Ceiling: $1,800,000
- Award Floor: $1,500,000
Eligibility
- Eligible Applicants: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Additional Information
- Agency Name: Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration
- Description: Background and Purpose The Cultural Orientation (CO) Technical Assistance Program is managed by the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration of the Department of State (hereinafter referred to as the “Bureau”). The purpose of the CO Technical Assistance Program is to strengthen linkages between overseas CO programs for refugees approved for admission to the United States and Reception and Placement (R&P) and Welcome Corps (WC) activities conducted upon their arrival. The CO Technical Assistance program must be prepared to support both the overseas and the domestic delivery of Cultural Orientation. With that in mind, the Bureau has established the following CO Technical Assistance Program objectives and activities for 2024 (Year One):
- To strengthen linkages between overseas CO programs and domestic R&P and WC activities
- Develop, maintain, and update content on a CO Website and newsletter;
- Maintain and upgrade refugee-facing digital platforms such as Settle In with the goal of providing cultural orientation material to all refugees regardless of linguistic or cultural literacy ability.
- Provide technical support to the CO working group and CO leaders;
- On request, conduct presentations regarding CO at national and/or regional refugee resettlement-related conferences;
- If requested by the Bureau, provide technical assistance to overseas and/or domestic CO programs regarding the evaluation of CO program activities, and the assessment of student learning and understanding, as appropriate;
- Facilitate both in-person and virtual overseas and domestic CO trainer exchanges;
- If requested by the Bureau, provide coordination and/or facilitation of special forums or workshops such as a domestic and overseas CO coordinators conference.
- If requested by the Bureau, coordinate a trip for the CORE Director, the PRM CO Program Officer and the PRM Overseas CO Focal Point Officer to an RSC to monitor and evaluate a particular Cultural Orientation.
- To strengthen linkages between overseas CO programs and domestic R&P and WC activities
- Link to Additional Information: Link to Opportunity in SAMS Domestic
- Grantor Contact Information: If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact: Kathleen Sheehan
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