Fencing Futures – Bridging Algeria and the U.S. | ALG PAS FY24 10

Opportunity Information: Apply for ALG PAS FY24 10

Fencing Futures - Bridging Algeria and the U.S. is a U.S. Embassy Algiers (Public Diplomacy Section, U.S. Department of State) grant opportunity focused on running a fencing training camp in Algeria for young female Algerian fencers. The core idea is to bring U.S. fencing expertise directly to Algeria by hosting a weeklong camp led by U.S. university-level fencing coaches (and scouts), delivered in partnership with the Algerian Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Algerian Fencing Federation. Beyond athletic training, the program is framed as an empowerment and exchange initiative, combining mentorship, skills development, and visibility for girls and young women in sport, while also building longer-term connections between Algerian athletes and U.S. higher education pathways.

The program lays out five main objectives that proposals are expected to address clearly. First, it aims to upgrade coaching quality in Algeria through a structured "train-the-trainer" component where U.S. university coaches teach modern methods and best practices to Algerian coaches, with the expectation that these approaches will be adopted inside the Algerian Fencing Federation over time. Second, it seeks to create real academic and athletic pathways for Algerian fencers, including identifying talent and connecting athletes to scholarship opportunities at U.S. universities, along with guidance on balancing academics and competitive sport. Third, it emphasizes cultural exchange and inclusivity by involving at least one prominent U.S. fencer as an inspirational figure and as a way to highlight how U.S. sports programs can be supportive and inclusive. Fourth, it prioritizes community engagement by encouraging tournaments, exhibitions, and public-facing events that raise awareness of fencing in Algeria and show local audiences what the sport can offer. Fifth, it pushes for sustainability through formal partnerships, continuing professional development for coaches, creation of an alumni network that can mentor future athletes, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation to measure whether the effort is producing lasting results.

The primary target audience is young Algerian fencers, especially female athletes who have strong potential but limited access to advanced training resources, mentorship, or international opportunities. The participant mix is broader than just athletes: it includes U.S. university fencing coaches and scouts delivering instruction and mentorship, Algerian fencing coaches receiving the train-the-trainer support, at least one high-profile U.S. fencer serving a motivational and exchange role, and key Algerian stakeholders (officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Algerian Fencing Federation) who help coordinate and align the program with national sports development goals.

On funding and timing, the Embassy anticipates making one award, depending on the funding amount, with grants expected to range from USD 25,000 to USD 50,000, and total funding available capped at USD 50,000. The funding source is Smith-Mundt FY2024 Public Diplomacy funding, and the anticipated start date is October 1, 2024, subject to availability of funds. The performance period is listed as 8 to 12 months, and proposed programs should be completed within 12 months of the start date (or less). This is a grant (not a contract), meaning applicants propose a program plan and deliverables aligned with public diplomacy goals rather than simply providing a purchased service.

Eligibility is fairly broad but centered on organizations rather than individuals. Eligible applicants include U.S. and Algerian not-for-profit organizations (including NGOs and think tanks), public and private educational institutions, public international organizations and governmental institutions, and social enterprises (public or private). For-profit entities are explicitly not eligible. Cost sharing is not required, though it is permitted; if included, it must be clearly described in the budget, but it will not be used as a scoring criterion in proposal review. A key practical requirement is that applicant organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration. The notice also stresses that organizations need to be authorized by the Algerian Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Algerian Fencing Federation to implement the project (or, if not yet authorized, must explain how they will secure those relationships and approvals). Since SAM.gov registration can take 4 to 8 weeks, applicants are expected to start that process early.

The application package is tied to the notice of funding opportunity number ALG-PAS-FY24-10, and submissions must follow strict formatting and content rules. All documents must be in English, budgets must be in U.S. dollars, pages must be numbered, and documents should be formatted for 8.5 x 11 paper. Microsoft Word files are expected to be single-spaced in 12-point Calibri with at least 1-inch margins. Required forms include SF-424 and SF-424A, and SF-424B in certain cases (notably for organizations not registered in SAM.gov, as stated in the notice). The narrative proposal itself is capped at 5 pages and must cover, in a clear and measurable way, the problem being addressed, goals and objectives, planned activities, methods/design (with a logic model where appropriate), a detailed timeline with dates and locations, key personnel and their time commitments, partner roles, a monitoring and evaluation plan, and a sustainability or continuation plan beyond the grant period. Applicants must also include a separate budget justification narrative explaining line items in detail, plus attachments such as one-page CVs for key staff, letters of support from partners describing responsibilities, any NICRA documentation if indirect costs are claimed, and official permission letters for program activities.

The deadline to apply is September 5, 2024. Applications can be submitted through Grants.gov or by email to AlgiersGrants@state.gov. Finally, the notice includes several basic funding restrictions: grant funds cannot be used for construction, vehicle purchases, or alcoholic beverages.

• The U.S. Mission to Algeria in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Fencing Futures – Bridging Algeria and the U.S." 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 2024-08-06.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-09-05. (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 $50,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others.

Apply for ALG PAS FY24 10

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