Request for Statement of Interest (SOI) for Zimbabwean University Partnership Development Catalyst Projects

Description

A. The Public Diplomacy section at the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe announces an open competition for eligible Zimbabwean universities to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to fund projects that catalyze existing or nascent university partnerships in key focus areas between accredited Zimbabwean universities and one or more U.S. university counterparts. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise 1 – 2 page statement of interest designed to clearly communicate program idea and objectives. This is not a full proposal. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit program ideas for evaluation prior to requiring the development of a full proposal application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decision are made. Program Objectives: Funding will support U.S.-Zimbabwean University Partnerships in key areas that support academic research collaboration, student and faculty mobility programs, dual degree/twinning projects, campus internationalization, and commercialization and tech transfer initiatives. Funding can include the following activities: · International travel costs; · Minimal personnel costs; · Office equipment; and · Administrative support. The ideal application must include the following: · An accredited Zimbabwean university with an existing partnership agreement with an accredited U.S. university; · Letter of support from the Zimbabwean university’s leadership; · Letter of support from the U.S. university’s leadership; · Resume or CVs from key contacts from both universities. · Clear and well-organized plan for future collaboration. · Copy of a valid Memorandum of Understanding or Partnership Agreement. Participants and Audiences: · Accredited Zimbabwean universities; and · Accredited U.S. universities. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: June 1 to December 31, 2022 Number of awards anticipated: 2 Award amount: Up to USD $20,000 (2 at $10,000 each) Type of Funding: FY22 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated program start date: June 1, 2022 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant (institutional) Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 8 months or less. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION The Public Diplomacy section at the U.S Embassy in Zimbabwe will accept Statement of Interests (SOI) from individuals up to April 15, 2022. A grants committee will review eligible applications which may take up to a month from submission of the proposal. All application materials, the SOI forms and any other supporting documentation must be submitted in English by email to PublicDiplomacyGrants-Zim@state.gov . 1. Application Package Application forms required below are available at http://zw.usembassy.gov and www.Grants.gov. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission Please follow all instructions below carefully. SOIs that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Content of SOI must include: · The SOI should clearly address the goals and objectives of the request with a detailed project description summarizing goals, objectives outcomes, performance indicators, beneficiaries, and proposed timeline. · Copy of an MOU or partnership agreement with an accredited U.S. university. · Resumes or CVs · Documents in English · The anticipated total budget amount (in U.S. dollars) 3. Submission Dates and Times SOIs are due no later than April 15, 2022. 4. Other Submission Requirements All application materials must be submitted by email to PublicDiplomacyGrants-Zim@state.gov and titled “University Partnership Catalyst Grants” in the subject line. FULL ANNOUNCEMENT IS ATTACHED

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