U.S. Embassy Abuja Northwest Programs | DOS NGA PD ABV FY20 006

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS NGA PD ABV FY20 006

The U.S. Embassy Abuja Public Affairs Section (PAS), part of the U.S. Department of State, is offering a competitive grant opportunity called the U.S. Embassy Abuja Northwest Programs (Funding Opportunity Number: DOS NGA PD ABV FY20 006). The focus is Nigeria's North West and North Central regions, where ongoing insecurity and instability have created an urgent need for programs that reduce violence and strengthen community resilience. The overall aim is to support Nigeria's response through practical, community-based initiatives that build peace, improve communication across divided groups, and strengthen local capacity to prevent conflict from escalating.

This opportunity is designed for projects that foster inter-communal and interfaith dialogue, create safe forums for constructive advocacy and conflict resolution, support early warning mechanisms, and help amplify government security efforts in underserved areas. PAS is especially interested in proposals that directly contribute to peace and stability by preventing and countering violent extremism, reducing rural violence, and encouraging peaceful dialogue and non-violent conflict resolution. A key preference is given to applicants that are not starting from scratch: the Embassy prioritizes individuals and organizations that have already begun relevant work, can show real capacity to manage programming and finances, and can point to a clear record of results.

The intended audiences are grassroots stakeholders who can influence local stability, including youth, women, religious leaders and other credible community voices, and members of the security apparatus. The underlying logic is that sustainable improvements in security require addressing root causes of violence through trusted local engagement, better community-government communication, and mechanisms that detect tensions early and resolve disputes before they become violent.

Funding is provided as a fixed amount grant under FY20 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy funds and the Fulbright-Hays Act authority. Awards are expected to range from USD 5,000 to USD 50,000, with the number of grants depending on the size of individual awards. Projects must run between six and twelve months, and the anticipated start date listed in the notice is September 1, 2020. Importantly, this funding is not meant for broad humanitarian relief or infrastructure; proposals must also be safe to implement and follow current health regulations.

Eligibility is broad. Individuals may apply, as can non-profit organizations (including think tanks and civil society/NGO groups), public and private educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. However, organizations (unlike individuals) must meet U.S. federal registration requirements, including obtaining a DUNS number (unique entity identifier), an NCAGE/CAGE code, and maintaining an active SAM.gov registration. The rules are strict on submissions: each individual or organization may submit only one proposal, and if an organization submits multiple proposals, all of that organization's submissions can be ruled ineligible.

Application materials are available through the Embassy website and Grants.gov, and submissions must be in English with budgets presented in U.S. dollars. A complete application package includes the required federal forms (SF-424 or SF-424-I for individuals, plus SF-424A), a summary cover sheet, a short proposal narrative, a detailed budget justification, and supporting attachments such as one-page CVs for key personnel and letters of support from partners. If indirect costs are included and the organization has a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA), the NICRA must be attached. Proposals should be written clearly enough that a reader unfamiliar with the applicant can understand exactly what will be done, why it matters, how it will be implemented, and how results will be measured. Despite the many required components, the Embassy notes that, due to submission volume, the application should be no more than three pages, which implies applicants need to be concise and highly organized.

Applications were due by July 31, 2020 at 11:59pm West Africa Time, submitted by email to PASAbujaGrants@state.gov using the subject line "NW NC Submission." Questions about the process are directed to the same email address. The opportunity also emphasizes compliance with U.S. government integrity and performance checks for larger awards, including review of records in systems accessible through SAM (such as FAPIIS) when applicable.

Several activities are explicitly not fundable under this grant. The Embassy will not support social welfare projects, tuition assistance, individual travel to conferences, construction, or costs that simply complete activities begun using other funds. Projects that are political in nature or that provide partisan support, campaign support, or political party activity are also prohibited. In other words, the funding is meant for practical peacebuilding, dialogue, prevention, and community stabilization programming rather than direct relief, infrastructure, or partisan political work.

Proposals are scored by a Grants Review Committee using clear evaluation criteria. Strong applications will show a feasible and well-developed program concept (20 points), proven organizational capacity and responsible management of prior grants (20 points), solid planning with measurable goals and objectives (15 points), a realistic and well-justified budget (10 points), and a credible monitoring and evaluation plan with output and outcome indicators (15 points). Applicants are also expected to include visible "American content" (10 points), meaning some clear tie to U.S. policy, values, speakers, exchanges, or alumni networks, and to demonstrate sustainability (10 points) so that positive impact continues after the grant ends.

• The U.S. Mission to Nigeria in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Abuja Northwest Programs" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2020-07-01.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-07-31. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals, Others.

Apply for DOS NGA PD ABV FY20 006

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