U.S.

Department of State
Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU)
Notice of Funding Opportunity

The Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU) Public Affairs Section (PAS) is pleased to announce
funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program to support human
rights projects. We seek proposals from organizations and individuals that meet all
program eligibility requirements detailed below. Interested parties should submit
proposals to VAUGrants@fan.gov by April 4 2022 / 5:00 (Caracas time).

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

VAU PAS invites proposals for projects that promote human rights, strengthen the
networks of human rights defenders within the country, and/or provide tools to educate
Venezuelans on the defense of human rights. The program must include a U.S. cultural
element or connection with U.S.-based experts, organizations, or institutions. The
program will be developed in cooperation with the VAU.

In particular, the VAU is looking for an organization or individual to create, plan,

coordinate, and execute a human rights project that includes any of the following
components: training, mentorship, information/resources, speaker series.

Successful proposals will include a comprehensive monitoring and reporting plan to be

implemented before, during, and after the program implementation.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Announcement posted: 03/11/2022

Closing date for applications: 04/04/2022
Funding type: Cooperative agreement
Decision date: no later than 04/29/2022
Expected size of individual awards: Between $15,000 to $25,000.
Total available funding: $80,000 
Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2022 Public Diplomacy Funding 
Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months
or less.
Anticipated program start date:  July 15, 2022
This notice is subject to availability of funding. Although project budgets should be
within the minimum and maximum set in this document, the VAU reserves the right to
award less or more than the funds requested as it deems to be in the best interest of the
U.S. Government.

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C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants:

The following individuals are eligible to apply:

● Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil

society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience

● Individuals

● Non-profit or educational institutions

● USG sponsored exchange alumni

For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

2. Cost Sharing

Inclusion of cost share is not required, but some cost share is preferred.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

If the grant will be processed with an individual, that individual is not required to have a
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number or be registered in SAM.gov. However, should
the grant be processed with an organization that is a partner in the project, that
organization must have a UEI, as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov.
Organizations must have a commitment to equal opportunity employment practices and
to non-discrimination practices with regard to beneficiaries, without regard to race,
religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

DUNS numbers are no longer being used. They will be replaced and assigned a UEI by
Sam.gov. UEIs are being given to organizations who register/renew this year. As a
reminder Sam.gov needs to be renewed yearly. https://sam.gov/content/home

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

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 1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms should be requested from VAUGrants@fan.gov.

Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the
requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be
ineligible.

Please ensure:

● The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding
opportunity;
● All documents are in English;
● All budgets are in U.S. dollars and should be submitted using the designated
budget form.

The following documents and information are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

a. SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I
(Application for Federal Assistance --individuals)
b. SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)
c. SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs)
2. Proposal Summary: A short narrative which outlines the proposed project,
including challenge(s) to be addressed, project objectives, and anticipated impact.
3. Project Goals and Objectives: The goal(s) of the proposed project need to
describe what the project is intended to achieve and include the objectives which
support the goal(s). Objectives should be specific, measurable, and realistically
achievable in a set time frame.
4. Project Methods, Design, and Timeline: A description of how the project is
expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal(s). This should
include a description of the project’s direct and indirect beneficiaries as well as a
plan on how to continue the program beyond the grant period, or the availability
of other resources, if applicable. The proposed timeline for the project activities
should include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
Applicants may also submit proposed workshop or training agendas and
materials.
5. Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner
organizations and sub-awardees.

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 6. Communication Plan: The communication plan should include a
communication and outreach strategy for promoting the proposed project. It may
include social media, websites, print news, or other forms of media employed to
share information about the project to beneficiaries and the public.
7. Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: The Monitoring and Evaluation
component of the proposal should outline in detail how the proposal’s activities
will advance the program’s goals and objectives. This should include any
outcomes showing a change in knowledge, awareness, and attitudes; improved
quality of services; increased capacity at a school, group; etc. Proposals should
also include how the grantee will measure the impact of planned activities.
8. U.S. Component: States how your project incorporates or leverages connections
between Venezuela and the United States. If you are working together with a U.S.
organization or individual please list their information and role in the project.
9. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above),
separately use the Proposal Summary and Budget Format to describe each of the
budget expenses in detail. Line item expenditures should be listed in the greatest
possible detail. Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant
agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.
10. Additional Attachments:
- 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program
- Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and
responsibilities of each partner
- Official permission letters, if required for program activities

E. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

1. Evaluation Criteria: Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis
of the evaluation criteria outlined below.

Organizational capacity and record on previous grants: The organization has

expertise in its stated field and PAS is confident of its ability to undertake the
program. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.  [Note:
If selected for funding, the organization or individual must have a USD bank
account, preferably in the United States.]

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea: The program idea is well
developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The
proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.  

Goals and objectives: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and the program
approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. 

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 Budget: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the
proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for
all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. 

Monitoring and evaluation plan: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure

program success against key indicators and provide milestones to indicate progress
toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome
indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured. 

Sustainability: Program activities will continue to have a positive impact after the
end of the program. 

2. A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications. The

Committee’s decision is final.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

The grant award will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer.
The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to
the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring
program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed
by the Grants Officer.

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide
any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the
period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S.
government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the
preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right
to reject any or all proposals received.

Payment Method: Payments will be made in at least two installments, as needed to carry
out the program activities. [Note: If selected for funding, the organization or individual
must have a USD bank account, preferably in the United States.]

Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified via email.

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and

program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be
submitted.

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G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

Questions about the grant application process should be directed to: VAUGrants@fan.gov

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