U.S. Consulate General Chennai Public Affairs Section (PAS) Annual Program Statement | C NOFO 21 103

Opportunity Information: Apply for C NOFO 21 103

The U.S. Consulate General Chennai Public Affairs Section (PAS) Annual Program Statement (Funding Opportunity Number C NOFO 21 103) is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission to India, focused on education and public diplomacy programming. It invites proposals for projects that strengthen ties and mutual understanding between the United States and India, with an emphasis on practical, program-based activities that build partnerships, develop skills, and expand people-to-people connections. Although applicants can design projects that touch more than one theme, each proposal is expected to have one primary focus area.

The grant is organized around four priority themes. The first, Transformative Technologies, targets programs that advance U.S.-India cooperation in emerging technology fields such as artificial intelligence and related innovation ecosystems. It also explicitly encourages initiatives that promote U.S.-India space diplomacy by helping cultivate the next generation of space experts in both countries. A third emphasis within this theme is cybersecurity awareness, which can include educational efforts, public outreach, trainings, or other activities that help audiences better understand cyber risks and best practices.

The second theme, Inclusive Democracy, seeks programs that broaden participation in democratic and civic life. Priorities include efforts that encourage women to engage more deeply in politics, democratic processes, and civic engagement. PAS Chennai is also looking for programs that build networks of young leaders who can develop a stronger understanding of democratic values while working in their communities on challenges tied to inequity and injustice. In addition, the opportunity welcomes projects that highlight aspects of the U.S. experience in confronting racism, sexism, and discrimination, particularly where the programming creates space for meaningful conversations with young Indians about discrimination and inclusive societies.

The third theme aligns with the Indo-Pacific Strategy, supporting initiatives that educate, advocate, and collaborate with India toward a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Within this area, the notice calls out projects that leverage U.S. science and technology expertise and work with educational institutions to explore the Indian Ocean as a shared natural resource, with specific attention to ocean health and disaster management. Programs may involve public institutions and officials when appropriate. Another priority is building social and intellectual connections across Indo-Pacific countries by creating opportunities for participants to recognize shared values and develop lasting bridges of understanding.

The fourth theme, Higher Education, focuses on academic collaboration and student mobility. This includes programming connected to Indias new National Education Policy implementation and how it can open doors for U.S.-India education partnerships. PAS Chennai is also interested in projects that deepen institutional partnerships between U.S. and Indian higher education institutions, such as collaborations that strengthen teaching, research linkages, or joint initiatives. A related goal is increasing awareness of higher education opportunities in the United States and expanding people-to-people engagement through higher education pathways.

In terms of eligibility, the opportunity is open to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education under that category). The funding instrument is a grant, and the activity category is listed as education under CFDA 19.040. The award ceiling is $25,000, and the opportunity anticipated making one award. The opportunity was created on March 19, 2021, with an original closing date of December 31, 2021. While PAS Chennai prioritizes the four areas above, it also indicates it will consider competitive proposals on other topics consistent with the broader goals described in the notice.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to India in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Consulate General Chennai Public Affairs Section (PAS) Annual Program Statement" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 19, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 31, 2021. (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 $25,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for C NOFO 21 103

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