PDS Belgrade BOLD Workshops | SRB10022FO008

Opportunity Information: Apply for SRB10022FO008

The PDS Belgrade BOLD Workshops grant opportunity is a U.S. Department of State (U.S. Mission to Serbia) funding call, run through the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, to support delivery of the BOLD (Young Balkan Leaders) Workshop Program in Serbia. The BOLD network is aimed at building leadership capacity among young people, primarily by giving them practical tools to design and carry out projects that create positive change in their communities. The program is organized around two themes: civic engagement and economic development. While BOLD includes additional opportunities (U.S.-based academic fellowships and a separate small grants competition for BOLD members), this specific notice focuses on funding organizations to run the in-country workshops that prepare participants to develop strong, fundable project concepts.

The funded activity is expected to include two workshops held in Serbia, each lasting roughly one week to 10 days, with one workshop dedicated to civic engagement and the other to economic development. Applicants are allowed to propose running only one of the workshops or both; if applying for a single workshop, the proposal must clearly specify which theme it covers. A central requirement is a clear, detailed plan that a reader unfamiliar with the organization can follow, including a day-by-day agenda showing how leadership and project management training will be delivered and how the workshop will drive toward concrete outputs. The primary outcome PDS is looking for is that participants leave the workshop with draft, practical project designs: either a project proposal (more typical for civic initiatives) or a basic business plan (more typical for economic development ideas). These drafts should be strong enough to compete for later funding, including through the Embassy-sponsored BOLD small grants competition that will occur later in the year.

Participant recruitment and composition are a major part of the grant expectations. Each workshop should be built for at least 40 participants and must draw from across the region: at least 25 participants from Serbia, 10 from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 5 from Montenegro. Although the BOLD network is open to members ages 18-35, the implementing organization may narrow the age band if it improves the fit for the workshop goals, but each participant may attend only one workshop. The Embassy emphasizes geographic diversity and strongly encourages recruitment beyond Belgrade, urging applicants to bring in young leaders from towns and cities outside the capital. Proposals are expected to include a regionwide recruitment plan that goes beyond simply posting an open call, using targeted outreach methods that reach the right youth audiences across all three countries. The applicant is responsible for selecting and vetting participants, then submitting final participant lists to PDS for review before notifying anyone of acceptance, with the Embassy coordinating with U.S. Embassies in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro to support recruitment through their local BOLD networks.

The program design also needs to reflect several cross-cutting priorities and practical considerations. Proposals should show how the workshops will advance equity and include underserved communities, consistent with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities. That includes thoughtful attention to participation and access across factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability, and a clear explanation of how inclusive design strengthens the program outcomes and the participant experience. Because of COVID-19 uncertainty, the Embassy welcomes proposals that use virtual tools like video conferencing and distance learning, and if in-person activities are planned, the proposal should include realistic contingency plans explaining how activities could pivot to a fully virtual format if health measures require it. In addition, the implementing organization must ensure visibility for the program by sharing participant information, participant experiences, and/or project ideas on BOLD social media channels so the wider network can see examples of youth leadership and be motivated by the results.

On the funding side, the notice anticipates making 1 to 2 awards, depending on the applicant(s) capacity. Individual award amounts are expected to range from $50,000 to $150,000, with total funding available of $150,000, supported through FY22/23 Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act. The anticipated start date is no earlier than July 1, 2022, and the total performance period for the proposed program must be 24 months or less, including time for assessment and evaluation. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which typically implies closer coordination with the awarding agency during implementation compared to a standard grant. A specific content expectation is that a PDS grants representative should be invited to speak during the workshop(s) to explain the basics of applying for a U.S. Embassy grant, directly preparing participants to compete effectively in the later small grants round.

To apply, organizations must submit a complete application package in English, with budgets in U.S. dollars, numbered pages, and formatting on A4 or 8.5 x 11 paper. Required forms include SF-424 and SF-424A, and SF-424B is also required if the organization has not yet completed SAM.gov registration. Applicants must also complete the Embassy Grant Application Form for FY2022 and provide a detailed budget justification using the required Excel template. Supporting attachments include one-page CVs or resumes for key personnel, letters of support from partners (if applicable) clarifying roles and responsibilities, the organization s NICRA documentation if indirect costs are charged, any official permission letters needed for planned activities, and if SAM registration is still in progress, a screenshot showing the process has been started. Registration requirements are not optional: applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), NCAGE/CAGE code, and active SAM.gov registration (renewed annually).

Applications were due April 15, 2022, and had to be submitted by email to BOLDSerbia@state.gov. The Embassy planned a virtual information session on February 23, 2022 (16:00 CET) for prospective applicants, also coordinated through the same email address. Final funding decisions were anticipated by May 15, 2022, and the full Notice of Funding Opportunity materials and required forms were made available through the U.S. Embassy Belgrade grants webpage.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Serbia in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "PDS Belgrade BOLD Workshops" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.900.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jan 31, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 15, 2022. (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 $150,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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