PDS Belgrade BOLD Workshops | SRB10022FO008

FAQs: PDS Belgrade BOLD Workshops (Young Balkan Leaders) Grant

1) What is the PDS Belgrade BOLD Workshops grant opportunity?

It is a funding call from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission to Serbia, administered by the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade. The purpose is to fund organizations to deliver the in-country BOLD (Young Balkan Leaders) Workshop Program in Serbia.

2) What is the goal of the BOLD Workshop Program described in this notice?

The goal is to build leadership capacity among young people by giving them practical tools to design and carry out projects that create positive change in their communities. A key outcome is that participants leave with draft, practical project designs that are strong enough to compete for later funding.

3) Which themes must the workshops cover?

The program is organized around two themes: civic engagement and economic development.

4) How many workshops are expected under this funding call?

The funded activity is expected to include two workshops held in Serbia, each lasting roughly one week to 10 days. One workshop should focus on civic engagement and the other on economic development.

5) Can an applicant propose only one workshop instead of two?

Yes. Applicants may propose running only one of the workshops or both. If applying for a single workshop, the proposal must clearly specify which theme it covers.

6) How long should each workshop last?

Each workshop is expected to last approximately one week to 10 days.

7) What specific outputs does PDS expect from participants by the end of the workshop?

PDS is looking for participants to leave with draft, practical project designs. For civic engagement, this is typically a project proposal. For economic development ideas, this is typically a basic business plan. These drafts should be competitive for later funding opportunities, including the Embassy-sponsored BOLD small grants competition later in the year.

8) What level of detail is expected in the program plan?

A central requirement is a clear, detailed plan that someone unfamiliar with the organization can follow. Proposals should include a day-by-day agenda showing how leadership and project management training will be delivered and how the workshop drives toward concrete outputs.

9) How many participants are required per workshop?

Each workshop should be built for at least 40 participants.

10) What is the required participant country mix?

Each workshop must draw from across the region, including at least 25 participants from Serbia, 10 from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 5 from Montenegro.

11) What are the age requirements for participants?

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.

12) Can a participant attend both workshops?

No. Each participant may attend only one workshop.

13) Does the Embassy have preferences about where participants come from within Serbia?

Yes. The Embassy emphasizes geographic diversity and strongly encourages recruitment beyond Belgrade, including young leaders from towns and cities outside the capital.

14) What is expected for recruitment and outreach?

Proposals are expected to include a regionwide recruitment plan that goes beyond simply posting an open call. The plan should use targeted outreach methods designed to reach the right youth audiences across Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

15) Who is responsible for selecting and vetting participants?

The applicant organization is responsible for recruiting, selecting, and vetting participants.

16) Does PDS review participant lists before acceptances are sent?

Yes. The applicant must submit final participant lists to PDS for review before notifying anyone of acceptance.

17) How do U.S. Embassies in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro factor into recruitment?

The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade coordinates with U.S. Embassies in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro to support recruitment through their local BOLD networks.

18) What equity and inclusion expectations apply to proposals?

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. The notice highlights access across factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability, and asks applicants to explain how inclusive design strengthens outcomes and participant experience.

19) Are virtual or hybrid formats allowed?

Yes. Because of COVID-19 uncertainty, proposals that use virtual tools such as video conferencing and distance learning are welcomed.

20) If an applicant plans in-person workshops, what COVID-19 contingency planning is required?

If in-person activities are planned, the proposal should include realistic contingency plans that explain how activities could pivot to a fully virtual format if health measures require it.

21) What visibility or communications requirements are included?

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.

22) How many awards does the Embassy anticipate making?

The notice anticipates making 1 to 2 awards, depending on applicant capacity.

23) What is the expected award size?

Individual award amounts are expected to range from $50,000 to $150,000.

24) How much total funding is available under this opportunity?

Total funding available is $150,000.

25) What is the funding source for this opportunity?

The funds are supported through FY22/23 Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act.

26) What is the anticipated start date?

The anticipated start date is no earlier than July 1, 2022.

27) How long can the performance period be?

The total performance period must be 24 months or less, including time for assessment and evaluation.

28) What type of award instrument will be used?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which typically implies closer coordination with the awarding agency during implementation compared to a standard grant.

29) Is there any required role for PDS during the workshops?

Yes. 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, helping prepare participants for the later small grants round.

30) In what language must the application be submitted?

The complete application package must be submitted in English.

31) What currency should be used for the budget?

Budgets must be in U.S. dollars.

32) Are there formatting requirements for the application package?

Yes. Pages should be numbered, and formatting should be on A4 or 8.5 x 11 paper.

33) What standard federal forms are required?

Required forms include SF-424 and SF-424A. SF-424B is also required if the organization has not yet completed SAM.gov registration.

34) Are there any Embassy-specific forms required?

Yes. Applicants must complete the Embassy Grant Application Form for FY2022 and provide a detailed budget justification using the required Excel template.

35) What supporting attachments are requested?

Supporting attachments include one-page CVs or resumes for key personnel; letters of support from partners (if applicable) clarifying roles and responsibilities; the organization 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.

36) When is NICRA documentation required?

NICRA documentation is needed if the organization plans to charge indirect costs.

37) What registration requirements apply to applicants?

Registration requirements are not optional. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), an NCAGE/CAGE code, and an active SAM.gov registration (renewed annually).

38) What if SAM.gov registration is not finished at the time of application?

If SAM registration is still in progress, the application should include a screenshot showing the process has been started. The notice also states that SF-424B is required if the organization has not yet completed SAM.gov registration.

39) How and where were applications submitted?

Applications had to be submitted by email to BOLDSerbia@state.gov.

40) What was the application deadline?

Applications were due April 15, 2022.

41) Was there an information session for prospective applicants?

Yes. The Embassy planned a virtual information session on February 23, 2022 at 16:00 CET, coordinated through BOLDSerbia@state.gov.

42) When were final funding decisions expected?

Final funding decisions were anticipated by May 15, 2022.

43) Where could applicants find the full Notice of Funding Opportunity and required forms?

The full Notice of Funding Opportunity materials and required forms were made available through the U.S. Embassy Belgrade grants webpage.

44) Does this notice fund other parts of the BOLD program, like fellowships or small grants?

No. While BOLD includes additional opportunities (including 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.