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New Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) available!

Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) Grants Program

CARSI GRANTS PROGRAM

The U.S. Embassy in Panama is pleased to announce that funding is available through the Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) Small Grants Program.

The U.S Embassy invites proposals for programs that further strong governance, transparency and accountability Panama through one of the objectives below. For a complete description of each objective, please read the full text of our Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

 

PROGRAM AREAS FOR FUNDING

The CARSI Small Grants Program will consider grant proposals that advance the following objectives:

  • Panama’s democratic institutions implement meaningful reforms to hold corrupt actors accountable and decrease impunity.
  • Panama manages public revenues transparently and is accountable for investing public resources responsibly.
  • Panamanian civil society demands government accountability and is able to influence policy outcomes. The government of Panama upholds the values and practices of liberal democracy; citizens hold their government accountable for these actions.
  • Panama’s government adequately resources judicial and oversight institutions, ensuring their independence, and promotes reform of personnel selection and retention processes to create a competent civil service that provides nonpartisan continuity and services to all residents of Panama.

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: law enforcement; law enforcement training; social services; construction programs; programs relating to partisan political activity; charitable or development activities;

programs that support specific religious activities; fund-raising campaigns; lobbying for specific legislation or programs; programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; commercial or for-profit projects.

WHO CAN APPLY?

U.S. and Overseas based Non-government organizations

  • Universities and educational institutions
  • Public International organizations (PIO)

Individuals, for-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

In order to be eligible to apply for this funding opportunity, all organizations must have an ACTIVE registration on https://www.SAM.gov

Please see the guidelines attached below for information on how to obtain these registrations.

HOW MUCH?

The anticipated total federal funding amount in FY 2022 is $1,000,000.00. The U.S. Embassy Panama anticipates funding a minimum of two awards and a maximum of four awards based on this NOFO. The period of performance for each award is between 18-24 months with an anticipated start date of September 30, 2023.

The budget for each particular proposal should correspond with the size and scope of the project, within the constraints of the Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant review process will seek to exercise responsible stewardship of government resources by maximizing the impact of available funds.

Lump sum overhead costs and vague budget line items, such as “Miscellaneous Items” or “Unforeseen Expenses” will not be funded. Budget should be as detailed as possible with a breakdown of all specific expenditures including all calculations. Any figure you provide without a specific breakout will be returned for additional information or rejected.

HOW TO APPLY?

Important Note: U.S. Embassy Panama urges prospective applicants to immediately confirm their organizations have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. If an organization does not have an active registration in SAM.gov prior to applying, the application will be deemed ineligible.

Full applications for the CARSI Small Grants Program must be submitted no later than May 10, 2023 through grants.gov. Applications must be submitted in English. (Applications submitted in Spanish will not be accepted).

The full application package must contain:

  • Cover Sheet
  • Table of Contents
  • Executive Summary
  • Proposal
  • Detailed Line-Item Budget and Budget Narrative
  • Form SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance and SF-424_A

For more details about the grants process please read carefully our Notice of Funding Opportunity below or through this link in grants.gov: CARSI NOFO FY2022. Please contact us at panamagrants@state.gov with additional questions.

Notice of Funding Opportunity

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DEADLINE: MAY 10, 2023 11:59PM EDT (10:59PM PANAMA TIME)

  • Title:Strengthening Governance Transparency and Accountability in Panama 
  • Funding Opportunity Number: S-PM070-23-GR-501 
  • Application Period Opens: March 10 , 2023 
  • Deadline for Applications: May 10, 2023
  • CFDA Number and Title: 19.750 – Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) Grant Programs 
  • Total Amount Available: $1,000,000 
  • Award Floor: $250,000 
  • Award Ceiling: $500,000 

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