Investing in the Liberated University of Anbar | DOS BAGHDAD PD 2019 021

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS BAGHDAD PD 2019 021

The grant opportunity titled "Investing in the Liberated University of Anbar" is a U.S. Department of State-funded initiative run through the U.S. Mission to Iraq (U.S. Embassy Baghdad). Its core purpose is to help restore and revitalize the University of Anbar after the severe disruption and damage experienced in areas formerly seized by ISIS, where communities faced violence, displacement, and the breakdown of basic public services. The program is framed as part of the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement, which emphasizes education, exchanges, and research collaboration as long-term pillars for cooperation, stability, and rebuilding human capital. In practical terms, the project is meant to strengthen the university so it can again function as a reliable center for learning and workforce preparation, while also reconnecting it to international academic standards and partnerships.

Funding is offered as a discretionary grant with an award ceiling of $500,000 for a single selected project, with an 18-month implementation period. The anticipated number of awards is one, meaning the competition is aimed at identifying a single, strong implementer capable of delivering a comprehensive package of recovery and capacity-building activities. The funding opportunity number is DOS BAGHDAD PD 2019 021, categorized under education (CFDA 19.021). The opportunity was posted July 25, 2019, with an original closing date of September 6, 2019.

Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that hold U.S. IRS 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education themselves. In other words, universities are not the direct applicants; instead, a qualified nonprofit would apply and then work in partnership with the University of Anbar and U.S. academic partners. The solicitation strongly signals that the implementer must already have experience successfully partnering with both Iraqi and American higher education institutions and must be able to operate effectively in post-conflict environments, where logistics, security, infrastructure, and stakeholder coordination can be complicated.

Programmatically, proposals are expected to do more than provide equipment or short trainings. Applicants must include a structured plan to collaborate with the University of Anbar to conduct a needs assessment as an early step, using that assessment to guide the capacity-building strategy. The project design should incorporate practical capacity building programs, the purchase of relevant equipment and educational materials, and the development or updating of curricula that better prepare students for the needs of the Iraqi economy. A major emphasis is employability: proposals are encouraged to create pathways that help students move into the marketplace through internships and hands-on skills development, rather than focusing only on academic content in isolation.

A defining feature of this opportunity is the expectation of meaningful linkages with American universities. Proposals should clearly explain how U.S. academic expertise will be introduced to the University of Anbar in a way that is concrete and sustained, not symbolic. This includes faculty exchange components to encourage collaboration, information sharing, and professional development between Iraqi faculty and U.S. partner institutions. The solicitation also highlights English language education as a key area, reflecting its importance for academic engagement, research collaboration, and access to global resources and networks.

In the evaluation priorities, the Embassy indicates it will look favorably on proposals that present a clear and credible mechanism for bringing in American academic expertise and that show a strong focus on workforce readiness through practical training and internships. Additional favorable consideration is given to activities that support national reconciliation and minority inclusion, signaling that the project is expected to contribute to social cohesion as well as educational recovery. Overall, the opportunity is positioned as an integrated post-conflict higher education rebuilding effort that combines institutional capacity building, international academic partnerships, modernized workforce-oriented curricula, and targeted resources to help the University of Anbar serve affected populations and support long-term stability in Iraq.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Iraq in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Investing in the Liberated University of Anbar" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.021.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jul 25, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 06, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for DOS BAGHDAD PD 2019 021

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