The U.S. Embassy Dhaka Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce a funding opportunity through this Annual Program Statement (APS) focused on strengthening, expanding, and celebrating U.S.-Bangladesh people-to-people ties, institutional linkages, and bilateral cooperation ahead of the 50th anniversary of U.S.-Bangladeshi diplomatic ties in 2022. Proposals for projects must focus on one of the APS Funding Priority Areas listed below and must include elements of public outreach and U.S. culture or a connection with U.S. expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) that will promote increased understanding of U.S. Page 3 of 17 policy and perspectives, and promote people-to-people and institution-to-institution ties. Proposals must also include a component/element related to the 50th anniversary of U.S. - Bangladesh diplomatic ties. Priority Areas Proposals must focus on one of the priority areas specified below and target at least one of PAS Dhaka’s key audiences, including: youth (14-35 years old), educators, women, other minority/marginalized groups, journalists, policy makers, civil society organizations, and entrepreneurs/innovators, and must include a component/element related to the 50th anniversary of U.S.-Bangladesh diplomatic ties. Awareness: Raising awareness of U.S.-Bangladesh relations and the importance of bilateral partnership. Civil Society Strengthening: Building institutional capacity of Bangladeshi non-profit, NGOs, grassroots organizations, and other civil society institutions to develop a more engaged and informed citizenry able to tackle major social challenges facing Bangladesh. Education: Improving student-centered teaching and soft skills training to strengthen student employability; English teaching; continuing education opportunities for teachers, teaching methods, and modernizing education systems; promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education; promoting tolerance and diversity among student populations; and strengthening linkages between U.S. and Bangladeshi higher education institutions. Human Rights/Inclusiveness: Expanding women’s rights and empowerment; access and legal reform for disabled persons, LGBTI rights, and ethnic/religious minorities’ rights; supporting freedoms of expression, press, association, religion; preventing and eliminating trafficking in persons; and strengthening rule of law. Inclusive Economic Growth and Prosperity: Promoting sustainable enterprises, small businesses, innovation, and the development of human capital in Bangladesh; encouraging implementation and enforcement of environmentally friendly business practices; reducing barriers to trade; strengthening intellectual property rights; improving opportunities for U.S. businesses; and promoting U.S. products and American business values. State Department Exchanges Alumni Network in Bangladesh: Leveraging Bangladeshi alumni of U.S. government exchange programs to achieve long-term objectives in Bangladesh through capacity building and strengthening connections through people-to-people ties and institutional linkages. Funding Information Length of performance period: 9 to 18 months Number of awards anticipated: To be determined, based on funding availability Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $20,000 to a maximum of $75,000 Eligibility Criteria Submissions are encouraged from Bangladeshi and U.S. entities, and international organizations with relevant programming experience. Experience should be documented in the proposal. U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter. Non-U.S. - based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization. Eligible entities include: Registered public or private non-profit organizations, such as think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations; Non-profit or governmental educational institutions (including schools, colleges and universities); and Governmental institutions. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. For more information, visit Grants.gov.