Category: Grants

Interfaith Programming in Eastern and Central Europe

Interfaith Programming in Eastern and Central Europe
Sponsor: United States Department of State (DOS), Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL)
CFDA Numbers: 19.345 – International Programs to Support Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
Amount: Upper $950,000, Lower $650,000

DRL anticipates having approximately $950,000 available to support approximately one successful application submitted in response to this NOFO, subject to the availability of funding. DRL may issue one or more awards resulting from this NOFO to the applicant(s) whose application(s) conforming to this NOFO are the most responsive to the objectives set forth in this NOFO.

Applicant Type: Academic Institution, Commercial, Nonprofit, Small Business
Citizenship or Residency: Unrestricted
Activity location: Europe
Deadline: 18 December 2015

This competition is for projects that encourage tolerance and interfaith understanding between religious groups and among civil society. Projects should work to address the xenophobia that affects Jewish and Muslim populations in Eastern and Central Europe, even in places where their numbers are small. We have seen the persistence of anti-Semitism as part of the culture and folklore of the region, despite the size or even existence of a Jewish population. Programs should seek ways to strengthen broader civic ownership of anti-Semitism and other religious-based hatreds and support ways to challenge these intolerant narratives in ways to make the contemporary diversity of the region more visible. Programs should seek to build interfaith and interethnic coalitions and collaboration within Eastern and Central Europe as well as with Western Europe is encouraged. Ideas for successful program activities could include, but are not limited to: anti-xenophobic messaging through targeted, local language campaigns, especially in communities with large numbers of refugee/asylum seekers and are already under pressure for scarce resources; grassroots activities that work with populations to raise awareness of these issues, particularly with respect to intolerance perpetrated by football fans; transition communities and refugees to address xenophobia and resource issues to mitigate tensions; or programs that build coalitions among host/transit communities and the immigrant population.

Projects should have the potential to have an immediate impact leading to long-term sustainable reforms, and should have potential for continued funding beyond DRL resources. DRL prefers innovative and creative approaches rather than projects that simply duplicate or add to efforts by other entities. This does not exclude projects that clearly build off existing successful projects in a new and innovative way from consideration. DRL also strives to ensure its projects advance the rights and uphold the dignity of the most vulnerable or at-risk populations.

CFP Culture and Foreign Policy: Global Cultural Citizenship (Germany)

ifa Research Programme “Culture and Foreign Policy”
Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations), Stuttgart, Germany

Within the framework of ifa’s Research Programme‚ Culture and Foreign Policy‛ experts examine current issues related to foreign cultural and educational policy. In projects of three to six months, experts provide actors in the field of foreign cultural and educational policy with up-to-date scientific findings in a concise and precise way, they formulate recommendations for future foreign cultural policy and they initiate discussion forums and other events among experts.

The ifa (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen), in partnership with EUNIC, is currently calling for proposals for the following research project, pending the allocation of funds:

Global Cultural Citizenship – New Dimensions for Cultural Diplomacy?
In a world of multiple transnational relationships and ever-increasing interconnectedness between civil societies, traditional approaches to cultural diplomacy are being challenged by more cooperative approaches, often labelled ‘cultural relations’, which focus on building intercultural understanding and long term relationships based on trust and credibility rather than delivering one-way messages. Within this new framework has emerged the concept: Global cultural citizenship, which promotes global cultural rights and global shared responsibilities. This is especially applicable to the current challenges posed by the protection of cultural heritage and mass migration.

This conference will ask the following questions: How should national cultural institutes and ministries of foreign affairs respond to these new dimensions for cultural diplomacy? To what extent do these institutions have a mandate to work beyond the national interest, either to promote European and/or Global cultural citizenship? What are the differences between national, European and Global values and principles? How should they be represented by national cultural institutes?

Format: International Conference in Brussels; Study in the ifa Edition Culture and Foreign Policy, concept and acquisition of about 10 speakers for a half day conference in Brussels.
Duration: 6 months
Start: 1 November 2015 Location: flexible
Deadline for applications: 26 October 2015

The research contract is for a sum of € 7,000.00 (gross).
Please send your complete application documents (in an attachment of max. 3 MB) via email to research(at)ifa.de by 26 October 2015 at the latest. Interviews are likely to be held in calendar week 44.

Application prerequisites
• Certificate of higher education (at least M.A.)
• Proven experience and sound knowledge in the subject area as well as in the field of foreign cultural and educational policy
• Proven experience in event organisation and public relations
• Very good skills in writing and editing scientific reports
• Very good language proficiency in English, proficiency in French would be an asset
• The advertised projects are full time fellowships. The chosen candidates may not be elsewhere employed during the research project. These rules do not apply to research contracts.

Application process
In order to apply for the advertised project, the following documents must be submitted:
• Letter of Motivation. With full personal details (including postal address, e-mail address, telephone number, mobile number)
• Details concerning the project:
• • Title and subject matter
• • Short statement explaining why the subject is relevant
• • Short outline of a one day conference including suggestions for speakers (2 pages in length)
• • Short outline of the study
• CV

ACCS Dr. D.Ray Heisey Graduate Student Scholarship

Call for application:
Dr. D.Ray Heisey Graduate Student Scholarship
Association for Chinese Communication Studies

Dr. D. Ray Heisey (1932-2011) was Director (1983-1996) and Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies at Kent State University. He was a renowned intercultural communication scholar who served as Advisor on many Chinese students’ dissertation committees. He had facilitated research collaborations between scholars and students in the US and from the Far East, Middle East, Europe, and North America. He loved traveling and experiencing other cultures, having lived in or visited over 40 countries. Dr. Heisey had taught in Chinese universities and published a great number of research works on Chinese communication studies with Chinese students and scholars. Dr. Heisey was a long term ACCS member. His enthusiasm, dedication to education, and personal and scholarly integrity continue to impact ACCS scholars. In honor of Dr. D. Ray Heisey’s contribution to Chinese Communication Studies, the ACCS has decided to establish a Dr. D. Ray Heisey Scholarship each year. The award amount is $400.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
–       You must be a current ACCS member
–       You must be a second-year, or above, graduate student majoring in the area focusing on Chinese Communication Studies, enrolled full-time at a university.
–       You must complete an application form and submit all required materials* to the Committee of Dr. D. Ray Heisey Scholarship.
*Required materials: personal statement, two recommendation letters, current transcript, curriculum vita, and a writing sample.

CRITERIA FOR SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION
–       The scholarship is awarded to a graduate student who has enrolled in the major in second year or above for the semester in which the scholarship is received.
–       An above average academic record (3.2 on a 4.0 scale) verifiable by current school transcripts.
–       An expressed desire to enter the field of Chinese Communication Studies in a 1-3 page typewritten statement of application.
–       Leadership skills and research records, and active involvement in ACCS activities.

The scholarships will be awarded for the academic year (Fall 2015-Spring 2016). The deadline for accepting applications is October 30, 2015. The online application form is at http://www.uni.edu/commstudies/accs/scholarship/application_form.htm

Intercultural Harmony Grants from Laura Jane Musser Fund

Through the Intercultural Harmony Initiative, the Laura Jane Musser Fund provides grants to projects that promote mutual understanding and cooperation between groups and citizens of different cultural backgrounds. The geographic area for this initiative is the following states: Colorado, Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wyoming.  Online applications will be accepted at www.musserfund.org from September 16 through October 16, 2015.

PRIORITY IS PLACED ON PROJECTS THAT:
Include members of various cultural communities working together on projects with common goals
*Build positive relationships across cultural lines
*Engender intercultural harmony, tolerance, understanding, and respect
*Enhance intercultural communication, rather than cultural isolation, while at the same time celebrating and honoring the unique qualities of each culture

PROJECTS MUST DEMONSTRATE:
*Need in the community for the intercultural exchange project
*Grassroots endorsement by participants across cultural lines, as well as their active participation in planning and implementation of the project
*The ability of the organization to address the challenges of working across the cultural barriers identified by the project
*Tangible benefits in the larger community

LIMITS OF GEOGRAPHY:
Only programs in Colorado, Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wyoming may apply.

PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR SUPPORT:
Intercultural Harmony projects can be carried out in a number of areas, including (but not limited to):
*The arts
*Community service
*Youth activities

OUTCOMES SHOULD INCLUDE:
*A demonstration of intercultural exchange between cultures
*Increased comfort in interaction between the groups and individual citizens addressed by the project
*Harmonious shared use of public space and community facilities
*Continued cooperation by the participants or communities addressed by the project

WHAT THE PROGRAM WILL COVER:
*New programs or projects within their first three years (up to $18,000)
*The planning and implementation phase of a project (up to $18,000)

WHAT WILL NOT BE FUNDED:
*Capital Expenses
*General Operating Expenses
*Ongoing Program Support

WHO CAN APPLY:
*Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations
*Organizations that are forming if they have a documented fiscal sponsor relationship
*Organizations located within one of the eligible states listed above

Danish Council for Independent Research Grants

Danish Council for Independent Research Call for Proposals Autumn 2015 and Spring 2016

The Danish Council for Independent Research (DFF) invites applications for grants towards research activities. DFF wishes to strengthen and develop the internationalisation of Danish research and the Council therefore welcomes applications that involve international activities. The objective is to give the best researchers and research groups the opportunity to coordinate and develop their research collaborations across country borders, and to give talented researchers the opportunity to spend periods abroad as part of their research careers. Consequently, aspects of internationalisation may form an element in applications for all of DFF’s instruments.

Details of the multiple types of grants available here.

CFP Media Analytics for Developing and Testing Theories of Social Structure and Interaction

Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative – Media Analytics for Developing and Testing Theories of Social Structure and Interaction

The purpose of this initiative is to advance the state of social sciences and their formalization to develop causal theories and methods to recognize/ predict social contexts, relationships, networks, and intentions from social media, taking into account non-verbal communication such as gestures, micro-expressions, posture, and latent semantics of text and speech.

Research Concentration Areas: Research is needed to integrate empirical generalizations on latent features of communication – how language is used differently by individuals of different social statuses in groups – into one or more coherent theories (Communication). For instance, leaders use spoken and written language differently than followers (Sociology, Anthropology); women and men differ markedly in how they communicate; individuals from lower socioeconomic groups are frequently the innovators when it comes to developing new ways to use language vis-à-vis individuals from the upper-class. Yet, these commonly observable patterns have yet to be rigorously verified and integrated into coherent theories of language, social structure, and social interaction (Network Science). Also, research is needed to further develop algorithms (Computer Science) that can accurately detect key features of speech linked to these structural patterns (e.g., humor, metaphor, emotion, language innovations) and subtle non-verbal elements of communication (e.g., pitch, posture, gesture) from text, audio, and visual media (Machine Learning, Multi-media algorithms). Thus, this research necessarily requires an interdisciplinary, cross-cultural approach to link features of language use and structure in text and non-verbal communication styles to social structure and action (e.g., communicators’ changes of positions in status hierarchies, roles in power dynamics, shift in group alliances).

Amount:
Upper  $6,250,000USD Lower  $1,000,000USD
It is anticipated that awards under this topic will be no more than an average of $1.25M per year for 5 years, supporting no more than 6 funded faculty researchers (and their teams). Exceptions warranted by specific proposal approaches should be discussed with the topic chief during the white paper phase of the solicitation.

Eligibility:
Eligible Applicants: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
This topic has been designated for potential US/UK collaborative proposals

This MURI competition is open only to and full proposals are to be submitted only by U.S. institutions of higher education (universities) including DoD institutions of higher education, with degree-granting programs in science and/or engineering. To the extent that it is a part of a U.S. institution of higher education and is not designated as a Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC), a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) or other University Affiliated Laboratory (UAL) is eligible to submit a proposal to this MURI competition and receive MURI funds. However, the eligibility of a UAL (other than an FFRDC) to submit a URI proposal does not exempt the proposal from any evaluation factor contained in this FOA. Ineligible organizations (e.g., industry, DoD laboratories, FFRDCs, and foreign universities) may collaborate on the research but may not receive MURI funds directly or via subaward.

Due Dates:
September 8, 2015: White paper
December 7, 2015: Full proposal

Spark Grants – Humanities Washington (Seattle)

Spark Grant Guidelines
Spark Grants bring to life Humanities Washington’s mission of sparking conversation and critical thinking to help create informed, engaged communities across our state. Spark Grants support projects at large and small organizations that encourage thoughtful consideration of issues and provide social, historical and philosophical context to better understand our complex world.

While there are many opportunities for individuals to access information – e.g., the media, Internet, books – there are relatively few outlets for people to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns about this information with other people, especially those with viewpoints different from their own. Spark Grants are available to help “spark” and sustain these important conversations.

We are especially interested in supporting programs that bring together diverse groups of people. To serve broader audiences and promote partnerships, Spark Grants will only be awarded to projects that are the result of a collaboration between two or more organizations. In addition, these projects must be:
• Based in dialogue and discussion
• Open to the general public
• Free or low-cost to attend

Project formats may include:
• Lectures and readings
• Community conversations
• Reading and discussion groups
• Public forums
• Panel presentations

Spark Grants can be used to fund public programs that build on themes developed in a larger project, such as discussions in conjunction with exhibitions or film festivals.

2015 Spark Grant Timeline
• Letter of intent due: August 28, 2015
• Full applications due: September 25, 2015
• Grant applicants notified of funding decisions: Week of November 23, 2015
• Funded grant activity can begin: December 15, 2015

Who is Eligible for Funding
Any nonprofit organization or public agency is eligible to apply for a Spark Grant. While applicants do not need to be incorporated or have tax-exempt status, they must be organized for nonprofit purposes and funded activities must clearly serve a Washington state audience. In addition:
• Organizations may apply for a Spark Grant only once in a calendar year.
• Organizations that have previously received Humanities Washington funding must submit a final report before applying again with a new project.

Individuals are not eligible to receive Humanities Washington grants.

Award Amounts
Spark Grants are awarded through a competitive grant process. Award amounts range from $1,001 to $7,500. Please note that Humanities Washington has limited grant funds to award, and not all eligible applicants may receive funding. Please review the list of permitted project costs and matching funds requirements.

How to Apply for a Spark Grant
Please review the How to Apply page to see if your project is eligible for funding and to access the online application form. We also strongly recommend that you review the Application Tips before starting your application.

Grant Writing Consultation
Humanities Washington staff is available to consult with applicants on draft proposals by telephone or in person by appointment prior to any application deadline (a minimum of four weeks before the deadline is advised). We strongly recommend that you review the Application Tips before starting your application and/or contacting staff. Calls and emails are returned to applicants in the order they are received in our office. We will contact all applicants who submit a Letter of Interest to discuss the proposed project.

American Cultural Centers and Cultural Programming in China

American Cultural Centers and Cultural Programming in the People’s Republic of China

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards. PAS invites organizations to submit proposals for the establishment of an American Cultural Center (ACC) through an existing partnership with a Chinese institution and/or comprehensive U.S. cultural-related programming at space provided by a Chinese partner institution as needed.

The ACCs created through this initiative are open to organization/institution faculty, staff, and students of all levels, as well as the general public for specific events. The ACCs’ goal is to provide a space to create a community and interactions that allow Chinese audiences to better understand the United States, its culture, society, government, language, law, economic system, and values. The ACCs seek to address the broad spectrum of responsible U.S. opinions in a climate of academic freedom and open-ended inquiry. Areas of programming at ACCs may include (but are not limited to):
– Invited public, private, and academic speakers to engage audiences on U.S. culture, society, government, language, law, economic system, and values, etc.;
– Cultural programming representing a broad range of U.S. visual and performing arts;
– Information resources on U.S. culture, society, government, language, law, economic system, and values, etc. in print and/or electronic form.

Eligible applicants:
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Request for Applications (RFA). PAS invites U.S. post-secondary accredited institutions of higher learning (Public, Private, and State) and not-for-profit organizations subject to 501 (c) (3) of the tax code to submit proposals for the establishment of an American Cultural Center (ACC) through an existing partnership with a Chinese institution and/or comprehensive U.S. cultural-related programming at space provided by a Chinese partner institution as needed. PAS will award three grants up to US$100,000 per grant.

Closing date for applications:
July 31, 2015

CFP Promoting Reconciliation and Advancing Accountability in Sri Lanka

Promoting Reconciliation and Advancing Accountability in Sri Lanka

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces a Request for Proposals (RFP) from organizations interested in submitting proposals for projects that will support the bureau’s policy priorities of promoting reconciliation and advancing transparency and accountability in Sri Lanka. DRL invites organizations to submit proposals for programs to conduct the following:

1. Advancing reconciliation and cooperation across religious and ethnic lines (approximately $750,000, pending availability of funding): DRL’s goal is to facilitate cooperation across religious and ethnic lines to advance reconciliation so that all citizens of Sri Lanka can live with each other in peace. The bureau seeks proposals that will create opportunities for religious and ethnic groups to come together to promote reconciliation through cross-community communication and initiatives. Program approaches should not be limited to dialogues; activities should include concrete actions to foster intercommunity trust and collaboration. The use of traditional and alternative media to encourage collaboration among diverse communities could also be considered. Strong consideration will also be given to proposals that work to facilitate interaction among communities in the north/east and south.

2. Advancing transparency and accountability and countering corruption (approximately $1,000,000, pending availability of funding): DRL’s goal is to counter corruption and advance transparency and accountability. The bureau’s objective is to strengthen the technical capacity of the Commission to Investigate Allegation of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) so that it can more effectively serve the citizens of Sri Lanka. The program approach should include working with CIABOC to enhance the documentation, processing, monitoring, and resolution of corruption and bribery cases, train staff on effective case management, and assist the Commission to educate government entities, civil society organizations, and the broader public about its work. Activities could include technical capacity building, awareness raising initiatives, as well as procurement of necessary software and equipment.

Amount: Upper  $1,000,000USD Lower $500,000USD
For each program area, proposals that have at least an 18-month timeframe will be viewed more competitively.

Closing date: July 15, 2015

Sponsor:
United States Department of State (DOS)
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL)
Sponsor ID: DRLA-DRLAQM-15-079

Eligibility:
Organizations submitting proposals must meet the following criteria:
– Be a U.S.-based or foreign-based non-profit organization/non-government organization (NGO), or a public international organization; or
– Be a for-profit organization or business, although there are restrictions on payment of fees and/or profits to the prime recipient under grants and cooperative agreements,
including those outlined in 48 CFR Part 30 (“Cost Accounting Standards”), 48 CFR Part 31 (“Cost Principles”), and 22 CFR 145.24(b)(3)(“Program Income”);
3. Have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with thematic partners or in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders including industry and NGOs; and
4. Have demonstrable experience administering successful and preferably similar projects. DRL reserves the right to request additional background information on organizations that do not have previous experience administering federal grant awards. These applicants may be subject to limited funding on a pilot basis.

Organizations may form consortia and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.

Applications that request less than the award floor ($500,000) or more than the award ceiling ($ 1,000,000) will be deemed technically ineligible.

U.S. Mission to the European Union Funding Opportunity

The U.S. Mission to the European Union (USEU) is soliciting proposals for projects aimed at increasing understanding of U.S. foreign policy and economic priorities related to the EU; supporting U.S. goals of advancing economic growth in both regions and worldwide; and furthering U.S.-EU understanding and cooperation on our shared cultural, political and economic values, particularly democracy, rule of law, and human rights. USEU will award several cooperative agreements for projects to be carried out between September 2015 and December 2016. Section I: Funding Opportunity Description The U.S. Mission to the European Union (USEU) Public Affairs Section is soliciting proposals for projects aimed at increasing understanding of U.S. foreign policy and economic priorities; supporting U.S. goals of advancing economic growth in both regions and worldwide; and furthering U.S.-EU understanding and cooperation on our shared cultural, political and economic values, particularly democracy, rule of law, and human rights. Applicants should be legally recognized non-profit, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, or academic institutions that comply with U.S. and EU requirements and have a proven track record of developing and implementing programs in the EU environment.

Sponsor: United States Department of State (DOS), Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
Closing Date for Applications: Jul 10, 2015
Estimated Total Program Funding: $180,000
Award Ceiling: $60,000
Award Floor: $10,000