Category: Grants

CFP Civic Education Homestay Small Grants (US DOS for Bosnia & Herzegovina)

Civic Education Homestay Small Grants Program
Department of State
U.S. Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina

This small grants competition will support projects designed explicitly to promote interaction and the development of tolerance between the ethnically, religiously, and geographically diverse communities of Bosnia and Herzegovina through home-stay exchange programs. In addition to the core exchange program activities, the proposals should include a component in which participants will stay in the homes of fellow participants from different ethnic or religious backgrounds, and engage both youth and their families in volunteer projects in both communities. Priority will be given to innovative programs that bring together youth (ages 12-24) from communities across ethnic, geographical, and administrative lines and engage large numbers of youth in community improvement activities in each host town. The deadline for submission of proposals is April 08, 2016. To receive application forms and/or more information, please contact DOS at SarajevoHomestayBiH@state.gov, by phone +387 33 704 285 or by fax: + 387 33 704 432.

Amount
Upper $15,000USD Lower $1USD
Up to $15,000 may be available.

Eligibility
Only non-profit organizations, educational and cultural institutions, and independent media that are based in and legally registered in Bosnia and Herzegovina are eligible to apply.

Countering Violent Extremism and Interfaith Programming in Tanzania Grant (US DOS)

Countering Violent Extremism and Interfaith Programming in Tanzania
US Department of State
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
DRLA-DRLAQM-16-055
Due: March 29, 2016

Project Description
The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that mitigate religious tensions between communities in Tanzania.

DRL’s goal is to mitigate tensions between communities and address drivers of marginalization that exacerbate religious tensions and may contribute to conditions that could lead to violent extremism in Tanzania. Proposals should address and mitigate community tensions, religious or otherwise, and address the drivers of marginalization especially with regards to countering violent extremism. The program approach should seek a durable political process as a solution, including, but not limited to: (1) support at the civil society level including religious leaders and youth on ways to bring together diverse constituencies to promote messages of peace, coexistence, and (2) assisting the implementation of legislation that promotes tolerance and religious diversity.

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.

Activities that typically are not considered competitive include:
• The provision of large amounts of humanitarian assistance;
• English language instruction;
• Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware;
• Purely academic exchanges or fellowships;
• External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months;
• Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or that do not relate to security concerns;
• Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy issues, including projects aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorporate training or capacity-building for local civil society;
• Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives;
• Activities that go beyond an organization’s demonstrated competence, or fail to provide clear evidence of the ability of the applicant to achieve the stated impact;
• Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.

The authority for this funding opportunity is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA).

B. Federal Award Information
DRL anticipates having approximately $600,000 available to support successful applications submitted in response to this NOFO, subject to the availability of funding.

Applications should not request less than $300,000 and no more than $600,000. Applicants should include an anticipated start date between June 2016 – August 2016 and the period of performance should be between 18-24 months.

CFP Minerva Research Initiative Grants (US, DoD)

Just as the Cold War gave rise to new ideas and fields of study such as game theory and Kremlinology, the challenges facing the world today call for a broader conception and application of national power that goes beyond military capability. The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) is interested in receiving proposals for the Minerva Research Initiative, a university-led defense social science program seeking fundamental understanding of the social and cultural forces shaping U.S. strategic interests globally. The Minerva Research Initiative (Minerva) emphasizes questions of strategic importance to U.S. national security policy. It seeks to increase the Department’s intellectual capital in the social sciences and improve its ability to address future challenges and build bridges between the Department and the social science community. Minerva brings together universities and other research institutions around the world and supports multidisciplinary and cross-institutional projects addressing specific topic areas determined by the Department of Defense. The Minerva program aims to promote research in specific areas of social science and to promote a candid and constructive relationship between DoD and the social science academic community. The Minerva Research Initiative competition is for research related to the five (5) topics and associated subtopics listed below. Innovative white papers and proposals related to these research topics are highly encouraged. Detailed descriptions of the topics can be found in Section IX, “Specific Minerva Research Initiative Topics.” I. Identity, Influence, and Mobilization Culture, identity, and security Influence and mobilization for change II. Contributors to Societal Resilience and Change Governance and rule of law Migration and urbanization Populations and demographics Environment and natural resources Economics III. Power and Deterrence Global order Power projection and diffusion Beyond conventional deterrence Area studies IV. Analytical methods and metrics for security research V. Innovations in National Security, Conflict, and Cooperation Proposals will be considered both for single-investigator awards as well as larger teams. A team of university investigators may be warranted because the necessary expertise in addressing the multiple facets of the topics may reside in different universities, or in different departments of the same university. The research questions addressed should extend across a fairly broad range of linked issues where there is clear potential synergy among the contributions of the distinct disciplines represented on the team. Team proposals must name one Principal Investigator as the responsible technical point of contact. Similarly, one institution will be the primary recipient for the purpose of award execution. The relationship among participating institutions and their respective roles, as well as the apportionment of funds including sub-awards, if any, must be described in both the proposal text and the budget. The Minerva Research Initiative is a multi-service effort. Ultimately, however, funding decisions will be made by OSD personnel, with technical inputs from the Services.

Program Objectives
The Minerva Initiative is a Department of Defense (DoD)-sponsored, university-based social science research initiative launched by the Secretary of Defense in 2008 focusing on areas of strategic importance to U.S. national security policy.

The goal of the Minerva Initiative is to improve DoD’s basic understanding of the social, cultural, behavioral, and political forces that shape regions of the world of strategic importance to the U.S. The research program will:
• Leverage and focus the resources of the Nation’s top universities.
• Seek to define and develop foundational knowledge about sources of present and future conflict with an eye toward better understanding of the political trajectories of key regions of the world.
• Improve the ability of DoD to develop cutting-edge social science research, foreign area and interdisciplinary studies, that is developed and vetted by the best scholars in these fields.

The Minerva Initiative brings together universities, research institutions, and individual scholars and supports interdisciplinary and cross-institutional projects addressing specific topic areas determined by the Secretary of Defense.

University Research Grants
The Minerva Research Initiative primarily funds social science basic research by university-led research teams.

R-DEF: Research for Defense Education Faculty
The R-DEF Mission is to increase DoD social science expertise by investing in the defense experts who teach our future military and national security leaders at PME institutions and military service academies. R-DEF awards range from $1,000 to $80,000 to offer existing PME teaching faculty the resources and time (e.g., via course buyouts) to conduct scholarly research in topics of Minerva interest.

CFP Transatlantic Collaborative Digital Humanities Projects

Transatlantic program for collaborative work in the field of digital humanities – Call 2016
Deadline : 16 May 2016

The Fondation Maison des Science de l’Homme has published the third call of its grant program in digital humanities. Thanks to a generous grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, FMSH will co-finance transatlantic collaborative projects in the field of the digital humanities.

To strengthen its activity in the broad sphere of Digital Humanities, the FMSH seeks at present to implement a new international program of “digital philology”. To date, funded interactions in this area have been limited to exchanges within Europe. The purpose of this proposal is to create a formal organizational and funding structure for collaboration between the US and Europe in “digital literary studies”. For too long, Europe’s major projects in the digital humanities have been on a different track, as it were, from American projects. The present initiative is intended to help US and European researchers work together in an entirely new way in the field of digital literary studies, to share knowledge and methods, disseminate common practices and tools, and publicize their works.

The Program will support only research projects whose goal is to set up or to strengthen collaborations between US and European universities. It will co-finance up to 80% of the total cost of the research project per year.

Deadlines:
Applications due –  16 May 2016
Notification given – September 2016
Grant period commences – October 2016

Before submitting a proposal, potential applicants are encouraged to contact the FMSH.  Applications must be submitted electronically via the online application form

Moscow American Center Program Grant 2016 (Russia)

FY 2016 Moscow American Center Program Funding

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow (PAS Moscow) invites proposal submissions for a cooperative agreement to assist in providing administrative, technical and programmatic support for the American Center program. The American Center at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, is one of approximately 700 American Spaces supported by the Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) of the U.S. Department of State. The American Center is a technology-forward, welcoming, and engaging environment where Embassy personnel, U.S. visitors, and implementing partners connect with Russians, especially young leaders and young professionals, to inspire dialogue on issues that matter most to U.S.-Russia relations. All applications must be submitted on or before Friday, January 29, 2016, 6 p.m. Moscow Time. Emails that show a time stamp produced by the Department of State system as having been received after 6 p.m. will be ineligible for consideration.

Sponsor: United States Department of State (DOS), U.S. Mission to Russia
Sponsor ID: DOSRUS-16-GR-002

Amount: Upper $350,000
One award is expected

Applicant type: Nonprofit

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.