Grants for Startups and Early-Stage Companies

U.S. Mission to Indonesia

Executive Summary The U.S. Department of State s Embassy Jakarta announces an open competition to implement the AI Pathways to the Future program, a comprehensive initiative designed to strengthen U.S.-Indonesia partnerships in artificial intelligence education, research, and innovation. Promoting AI innovation and security is a top priority of the United States government, including in its foreign policy. By deepening U.S. - Indonesia bilateral educational cooperation in the field of AI, Indonesia s future AI innovators will build critical relationships with American technology, standards, and thought, thus strengthening pathways to long term collaborations and AI-ready workforces to boost unparalleled economic growth. The program consists of two interconnected components: Component 1: AI Pathways Workshop (Fall 2026) A multi-day workshop bringing together representatives from 2-3 U.S. higher education institutions (HEIs) with AI research hubs, 3-4 Indonesian universities exploring AI research partnerships, 1-2 U.S. technology companies, and AI-focused alumni of U.S. government exchange programs and U.S. universities. The workshop will engage Indonesian college students and faculty in discussions about AI innovation career pathways, and institutional development. Component 2: Five-Month AI Innovation Mentorship Challenge Following the workshop, U.S. professors will launch mentoring relationships with Indonesian professors and high-performing students who will compete to build AI-powered solutions addressing pressing Jakarta infrastructure challenges such as waste management, flooding, traffic congestion, or urban planning. The challenge culminates in project presentations to an expert panel, with the winning solution receiving a certificate and being promoted through social media and press engagement. Target Audiences: - Indonesian university students interested in AI and technology careers - Indonesian university faculty and administrators developing AI programs - Indonesian education and AI policymakers - STEM-focused high school students - Alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs with AI expertise Expected Outcomes: - Strengthened partnerships between U.S. and Indonesian higher education institutions in AI research. - Increased Indonesian student interest in U.S. graduate programs in AI and related fields. - Development of practical AI solutions to Indonesian infrastructure challenges. - Enhanced understanding of U.S. opportunities in AI higher education and employment. - Exploration of scholarship opportunities and potential Jakarta-based innovation hub development. - EducationUSA advisers will participate throughout the program, providing information on pathways to U.S. study for students interested in graduate programs, conducting workshops, and offering one-to-one advising for program participants.

Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement

Strengthen BiH's institutional capacity to detect, investigate and prosecute complex money laundering operations linked to transnational criminal organizations that threaten U.S. security interests. This program will enhance financial investigative capabilities, improve interagency coordination, and build sustainable institutional expertise to combat evolving financial crime threats.

U.S. Mission to the United Kingdom

The U.S. Embassy to the United Kingdom of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Section program.This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding.Please refer to the full NOFO document for a full outline of the program.

U.S. Mission to Georgia

This funding opportunity supports the America First agenda by strengthening U.S. competitiveness, expanding American universities' international recruitment pipelines and building lasting ties between Georgian talent and U.S. institutions through two complementary initiatives: the EducationUSA Sports Pathways Initiative and the EducationUSA AI and Innovation Hubs. Both proposals under this funding opportunity have been approved for a combined total of $50,000, pending the availability of funds. EducationUSA AI/STEM and Innovation Hubs.The proposed "AI/STEM and Innovation Hubs" initiative will engage high school and university students, young entrepreneurs, computer programmers, startup founders, and emerging tech leaders in five Georgian cities Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Akhaltsikhe, and Telavi through a coordinated series of AI and STEM-focused advising workshops, innovation talks, and university outreach activities led by advisers. All sessions will be hosted at local American Spaces, leveraging these trusted venues to attract new audiences, expand community engagement, and reinforce America's commitment to accessible, high-quality educational opportunities.EducationUSA Sports Pathways Initiative.The proposed "Sports Pathways Initiative" will connect Georgia's top athletic talent with U.S. higher education opportunities through specialized advising on sports scholarships and athletic programs at American schools, colleges, and universities. Led by experienced advisers, the program will conduct targeted outreach to local sports schools and athletic academies in five Georgian cities Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Akhaltsikhe, and Telavi, focusing on sports where Georgia produces world-class talent: soccer, basketball, rugby, martial arts/MMA, judo, wrestling, and tennis.

Department of Education

Program Description: The purpose of the Technical Assistance and Dissemination to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program is to promote academic achievement and to improve results for children with disabilities by providing technical assistance (TA), supporting model demonstration projects, disseminating useful information, and implementing activities that are supported by scientifically based research. The 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress results illustrate the significant achievement gaps in reading and mathematics for students with disabilities.[1] Local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools need to continuously improve their systems and practices to address achievement gaps of students with disabilities and support educators implementation of evidence-based literacy and mathematics instruction that meet the individualized needs of students with disabilities so they are prepared for success in school and postsecondary opportunities. Through this competition and to address these needs, the Department intends to establish a National Center on Academic Interventions. [1] The National Assessment of Educational Progress (2024). https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/dashboards/achievement_gaps.aspx. ALN: 84.326Q Applicants are required to follow the 2025 Common Instructions and Information for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2025 (90 FR 42234) and available at ED 2025 Common Instructions. Note: For new potential grantees unfamiliar with grantmaking at ED, please consult our Getting Started with Discretionary Grant Applications webpage.

U.S. Mission to Myanmar

1. Project Background, Goals and Objectives Jefferson Center Mandalay Small Grants projects must clearly advance America First foreign policy principles by demonstrating how the proposed activities make the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while celebrating Freedom250 and American excellence. Priority will be given to projects that deliver tangible, measurable benefits to U.S. interests; elevate U.S. leadership and credibility; promote reciprocal and mutually beneficial engagement with Burma and focus on one of the priority areas outlined below. AMERICA FIRST: MAKING AMERICA SAFER Programs that directly advance the security and resilience of the United States by promoting American democratic governance and interests in Burma. This includes initiatives that reinforce the rule of law, counter trafficking, digital freedom, anti-scam awareness and corruption that threaten U.S. interests, uphold American-defined human rights, and empower civil society to create an environment that aligns with U.S. peace and security priorities in the region. AMERICA FIRST: MAKING AMERICA STRONGER Programs that advance America First priorities by equipping Burma s students and young adults with skill based and vocational training that strengthens U.S. relevant economic competitiveness. Proposals should promote accurate understanding of U.S. education, institutions, and culture; prepare potential qualified candidates for lawful study and exchange opportunities related to the United States; and build durable linkages with American academic, vocational, and cultural institutions. These may also include activities that strengthen the United States global leadership by promoting American values, and civic engagement rooted in U.S. principles. These programs should deepen U.S. influence in Burma, reinforce American cultural and educational standards, and build enduring partnerships that serve American diplomatic and strategic interests. AMERICA FIRST: MAKING AMERICA MORE PROSPEROUS Projects that advance U.S. Burma economic ties and U.S. prosperity by strengthening entrepreneurs and businesses that align with U.S. commercial and strategic interests. Activities that expand economic opportunities for the United States by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development that benefit American businesses and industries. Priority will be given to programs that promote U.S.-led STEM education, vocational training aligned with American economic priorities, or trade capacity building that directly supports U.S. economic growth and reduces reliance on adversarial actors. AMERICA FIRST: AMERICAN EXCELLENCE Projects that showcase the superiority of American leadership, innovation, arts, and community service. These initiatives should highlight U.S. achievements and role models, inspire admiration for American values, and promote collaboration that advances U.S. interests in technology, entrepreneurship, education, and the arts, ensuring America s continued prominence on the global stage. Activities may include programs that feature U.S. experts or content on Indo Pacific strategy, maritime and economic security, or resilient supply chains, and that clearly communicate U.S. strengths, values, and strategic objectives to Burma based audiences. ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING Programs that advance America First priorities by providing Business English and English for Entrepreneurship essential to U.S. linked trade, investment, and regional stability. Proposals should build high level English skills needed to work with American companies, navigate U.S. standards and contracts, participate in regional supply chains, and engage in lawful, rules based economic activity. Activities may include targeted English training for professionals, entrepreneurs, and future business leaders that uses U.S. materials, terminology, and case studies and clearly supports U.S. economic and strategic interests in the Indo Pacific. Project Audiences: Youth and Young Adults: Including students, recent graduates, and emerging professionals in both urban centers and rural regions of Burma, with a focus on those from underserved or marginalized communities in Mandalay. Civil Society Organizations: Local NGOs, advocacy groups, and community-based organizations in Mandalay, engaged in promoting democratic governance, human rights, anti-corruption, and rule of law reforms. Commercial Advancement: Individuals and entities involved in innovation, trade, and workforce development that align with U.S.-Burma economic ties and regional supply chains. Educational and Cultural Institutions: Schools, vocational training centers, universities, and cultural organizations that facilitate bilateral exchanges and promote American cultural and educational standards. Project Goals: Advance democratic governance and the rule of law in Burma by empowering civil society organizations to promote human rights, anti-corruption, and digital freedoms aligned with U.S. peace and security priorities. Enhance the skills and employability of Burmese youth and young adults through vocational training and English language programs that prepare them for lawful educational exchanges and economic participation linked to the United States. Strengthen U.S.-Burma economic ties by supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and workforce development programs that foster trade capacity building and reduce reliance on adversarial actors. Promote American cultural excellence and leadership by facilitating educational, artistic, and community service initiatives that highlight U.S. values and strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific region. Support sustainable, measurable outcomes by encouraging projects that incorporate robust monitoring, evaluation, and reporting mechanisms to demonstrate progress toward U.S. foreign policy goals. Project Objectives: Objective 1: Promote American Democratic Governance Enhance the institutional and operational capacity of at least 10 civil society organizations over a 12-month period to effectively advocate for rule of law, anti-trafficking measures, digital freedoms, and anti-corruption reforms. Success will be measured by the adoption and implementation of key organizational policies (e.g., financial management, transparency protocols), increased advocacy activities, and demonstrable influence on public policy aligned with U.S. peace and security priorities. Objective 2: Empower Youth through Vocational and English Language Training Provide vocational skills development and high-level English language instruction to a minimum of 1,500 youth and young adults, improving their readiness for lawful educational exchanges, workforce participation, and engagement with U.S.-linked economic opportunities. Progress will be assessed via standardized skill assessments, participant retention rates, and post-training employment or education placement data. Objective 3: Commercial Advancement and Economic Competitiveness Support at least 200 entrepreneurs and small businesses through training, mentorship, and capacity-building activities that promote innovation, STEM education, and trade capacity building. Programs should align with American economic priorities by enhancing workforce skills, facilitating access to U.S. markets, and reducing reliance on adversarial actors. Indicators of success include business growth metrics, increased participation in regional supply chains, and measurable expansion of U.S.-Burma commercial ties. Objective 4: Showcase American Excellence and Values Develop and implement cultural, educational, and leadership programs that highlight American innovation, arts, community service, and strategic expertise in areas such as Indo-Pacific security, maritime resilience, and economic policy. These initiatives should engage local audiences, promote admiration for American values, and strengthen bilateral cultural ties. Success will be measured by audience reach, participant feedback, and enhanced understanding of U.S. strategic objectives. Note: Please see detail information by clicking Related Document tab.

Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor announces an open competition for proposals for programs that investigate how perpetrators of transnational repression infiltrate diaspora communities using faith based or quasi government organizations to target individuals and groups across borders and exploit governmental and quasi governmental bodies and mechanisms. The program would then translate findings into immediately actionable options for individuals, organizations, governments and international bodies to mitigate risk and end these practices.

U.S. Mission to Mexico

The U.S. Department of State s Public Diplomacy Mission Mexico announces an open competition to implement a program to strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between the U.S. and Mexico through cultural, economic, security, educational, professional, and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include a U.S. cultural element, or connection with U.S. expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives. Programs that include multiple states and/or promote increased collaboration and networking between U.S. government program alumni are encouraged.

U.S. Mission to Myanmar

1. Project Background, Goals and Objectives American Center Yangon Small Grants projects must clearly advance America First foreign policy principles by demonstrating how the proposed activities make the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while celebrating Freedom250 and American excellence. Priority will be given to projects that deliver tangible, measurable benefits to U.S. interests; elevate U.S. leadership and credibility; promote reciprocal and mutually beneficial engagement with Burma and focus on one of the priority areas outlined below. AMERICA FIRST: MAKING AMERICA SAFER Programs that directly advance the security and resilience of the United States by promoting American democratic governance and interests in Burma. This includes initiatives that reinforce the rule of law, counter trafficking, digital freedom, anti-scam awareness and corruption that threaten U.S. interests, uphold American-defined human rights, and empower civil society to create an environment that aligns with U.S. peace and security priorities in the region. AMERICA FIRST: MAKING AMERICA STRONGER Programs that advance America First priorities by equipping Burma s students and young adults with skill based and vocational training that strengthens U.S. relevant economic competitiveness. Proposals should promote accurate understanding of U.S. education, institutions, and culture; prepare potential qualified candidates for lawful study and exchange opportunities related to the United States; and build durable linkages with American academic, vocational, and cultural institutions. These may also include activities that strengthen the United States global leadership by promoting American values, and civic engagement rooted in U.S. principles. These programs should deepen U.S. influence in Burma, reinforce American cultural and educational standards, and build enduring partnerships that serve American diplomatic and strategic interests. AMERICA FIRST: MAKING AMERICA MORE PROSPEROUS Projects that advance U.S. Burma economic ties and U.S. prosperity by strengthening entrepreneurs and businesses that align with U.S. commercial and strategic interests. Activities that expand economic opportunities for the United States by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development that benefit American businesses and industries. Priority will be given to programs that promote U.S.-led STEM education, vocational training aligned with American economic priorities, or trade capacity building that directly supports U.S. economic growth and reduces reliance on adversarial actors. AMERICA FIRST: AMERICAN EXCELLENCE Projects that showcase the superiority of American leadership, innovation, arts, and community service. These initiatives should highlight U.S. achievements and role models, inspire admiration for American values, and promote collaboration that advances U.S. interests in technology, entrepreneurship, education, and the arts, ensuring America s continued prominence on the global stage. Activities may include programs that feature U.S. experts or content on Indo Pacific strategy, maritime and economic security, or resilient supply chains, and that clearly communicate U.S. strengths, values, and strategic objectives to Burma based audiences. ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING Programs that advance America First priorities by providing Business English and English for Entrepreneurship essential to U.S. linked trade, investment, and regional stability. Proposals should build high level English skills needed to work with American companies, navigate U.S. standards and contracts, participate in regional supply chains, and engage in lawful, rules based economic activity. Activities may include targeted English training for professionals, entrepreneurs, and future business leaders that uses U.S. materials, terminology, and case studies and clearly supports U.S. economic and strategic interests in the Indo Pacific. Project Audiences: Youth and Young Adults: Including students, recent graduates, and emerging professionals in both urban centers and rural regions of Burma, with a focus on those from underserved or marginalized communities in Yangon. Civil Society Organizations: Local NGOs, advocacy groups, and community-based organizations in Yangon, engaged in promoting democratic governance, human rights, anti-corruption, and rule of law reforms. Commercial Advancement: Individuals and entities involved in innovation, trade, and workforce development that align with U.S.-Burma economic ties and regional supply chains. Educational and Cultural Institutions: Schools, vocational training centers, universities, and cultural organizations that facilitate bilateral exchanges and promote American cultural and educational standards. Project Goals: Advance democratic governance and the rule of law in Burma by empowering civil society organizations to promote human rights, anti-corruption, and digital freedoms aligned with U.S. peace and security priorities. Enhance the skills and employability of Burmese youth and young adults through vocational training and English language programs that prepare them for lawful educational exchanges and economic participation linked to the United States. Strengthen U.S.-Burma economic ties by supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and workforce development programs that foster trade capacity building and reduce reliance on adversarial actors. Promote American cultural excellence and leadership by facilitating educational, artistic, and community service initiatives that highlight U.S. values and strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific region. Support sustainable, measurable outcomes by encouraging projects that incorporate robust monitoring, evaluation, and reporting mechanisms to demonstrate progress toward U.S. foreign policy goals. Project Objectives: Objective 1: Promote American Democratic Governance Enhance the institutional and operational capacity of at least 10 civil society organizations over a 12-month period to effectively advocate for rule of law, anti-trafficking measures, digital freedoms, and anti-corruption reforms. Success will be measured by the adoption and implementation of key organizational policies (e.g., financial management, transparency protocols), increased advocacy activities, and demonstrable influence on public policy aligned with U.S. peace and security priorities. Objective 2: Empower Youth through Vocational and English Language Training Provide vocational skills development and high-level English language instruction to a minimum of 1,500 youth and young adults, improving their readiness for lawful educational exchanges, workforce participation, and engagement with U.S.-linked economic opportunities. Progress will be assessed via standardized skill assessments, participant retention rates, and post-training employment or education placement data. Objective 3: Commercial Advancement and Economic Competitiveness Support at least 200 entrepreneurs and small businesses through training, mentorship, and capacity-building activities that promote innovation, STEM education, and trade capacity building. Programs should align with American economic priorities by enhancing workforce skills, facilitating access to U.S. markets, and reducing reliance on adversarial actors. Indicators of success include business growth metrics, increased participation in regional supply chains, and measurable expansion of U.S.-Burma commercial ties. Objective 4: Showcase American Excellence and Values Develop and implement cultural, educational, and leadership programs that highlight American innovation, arts, community service, and strategic expertise in areas such as Indo-Pacific security, maritime resilience, and economic policy. These initiatives should engage local audiences, promote admiration for American values, and strengthen bilateral cultural ties. Success will be measured by audience reach, participant feedback, and enhanced understanding of U.S. strategic objectives. Note: Please see detail information by clicking Related Document tab.

U.S. National Science Foundation

Plasma science is a transdisciplinary field of research where fundamental studies in many disciplines, including plasma physics, plasma chemistry, materials science, and space science, come together to advance knowledge for discovery and technological innovation. The primary goal of the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">EC</span>osystem for<span style="text-decoration: underline;">L</span>eading<span style="text-decoration: underline;">I</span>nnovation in<span style="text-decoration: underline;">P</span>lasma<span style="text-decoration: underline;">S</span>cience and<span style="text-decoration: underline;">E</span>ngineering (ECLIPSE) program is to identify and capitalize on opportunities for bringing fundamental plasma science investigations to bear on problems of societal and technological need within the scope of science and engineering supported by the participating NSF programs. The ECLIPSE meta-program has been created to foster an inclusive community of scientists and engineers, an ecosystem spanning multiple NSF Directorates, in the pursuit of translational research at the interface of fundamental plasma science and technological innovation. The ECLIPSE program builds on the long history of NSF leadership in supporting multi-disciplinary research in plasma science and engineering, and is intended to enhance organizational unity within NSF, and potentially with other funding agencies, in considering proposals and supporting projects that may otherwise struggle to find a natural home within the existing hierarchy of Directorates, Divisions, and programs within the Foundation. Examples of topical areas within the scope of the ECLIPSE program include but are not limited to: <ul type="disc"> <li>Plasma surface interactions, with applications to, e.g., advanced manufacturing, materials processing, and catalysis.</li> <li>Atmospheric pressure plasmas and microplasmas with applications to, e.g., microelectronics, plasma agriculture, environmental remediation, and other clean and decarbonized energy goals enabled by electrification of the chemical industry.</li> <li>Dusty plasmas with applications to, e.g., development of nanomaterials, aerosols, and functionalized surface coatings.</li> <li>Novel sensor development for highly non-equilibrium plasmas with applications to, e.g., cubesat-based geospace measurements and industrial plasma diagnostics.</li> <li>Novel computational modeling for multi-component and/or multi-phase plasma systems with applications to, e.g., space weather prediction and plasma reactor design.</li> <li>Novel studies of plasmons in nano-photonics and nano-optics with applications to, e.g., sub-THz wireless communication and photocatalytic chemical processes.</li> <li>New chemical measurement science for characterizing processes occurring in plasmas and using plasmas as part of measurement systems with applications to, e.g., analysis of environmental contaminants or identification of forensic evidence.</li> <li>Study of fundamental chemical reactions and mechanisms in plasmas with applications to, e.g., novel chemical synthesis.</li> </ul> Proposals submitted for consideration by this program should address societal or technological needs within the scope of science and engineering supported by the National Science Foundation. Proposals addressing technology development primarily supported by other US government funding agencies are not eligible for consideration and may be returned without review. Proposers are strongly encouraged to contact the cognizant Program Officers if they are unsure of the suitability of a project to this program. Proposals submitted for consideration by the ECLIPSE program should satisfy the following criteria: (1) clearly articulate the fundamental scientific and/or engineering challenge in plasma science and engineering that may be relevant to more than one NSF program;<ins cite="mailto:Mangala%20Sharma" datetime="2021-06-04T14:45"></ins> and (2) provide a substantive discussion of how a resolution of the stated scientific and/or engineering challenge will address specific societal and/or technological needs identified as priorities by the research communities, policymakers and/or other stakeholders. Depending on the nature of the proposal, the latter may be described as the Intellectual Merit or the Broader Impact of the proposed activity. The program encourages inclusion of specific efforts to increase the diversity of the ECLIPSE community and to broaden participation of under-represented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as Broader Impacts of proposed work. The program welcomes proposals from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), and institutions in <a href="https://new.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/epscor/epscor-criteria-eligibility" target="_blank">EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions</a>, along with collaborations between these institutions. Proposers are also encouraged to address how the proposed efforts may enhance workforce development towards STEM careers associated with the field of plasma science and engineering. The ECLIPSE program is not intended to replace existing programs. A proposal that is requesting consideration within the context of ECLIPSE should begin the title with the identifying acronym "ECLIPSE:" and should be submitted to one of the "Related Programs" listed below. In choosing the most relevant program, proposers are advised to read program descriptions and solicitations carefully and to consult with cognizant Program Officers in advance of proposal preparation. Proposal submissions outside of the scientific scope of the receiving program may be transferred to a different program or may be returned without review. Proposers should ask for consideration and review as an ECLIPSE proposal only if the proposal addresses both of the criteria listed above. Proposals marked for consideration by the ECLIPSE program that do not address both of these criteria may be returned without review or reviewed within the context of an individual program. Supplement requests to existing awards within a program that address both of the above criteria may also be considered. Information Sharing with other Funding Agencies When permitted under an MOU between NSF and another funding agency, NSF may share information from proposals for consideration of joint funding and may invite employees of such organizations to attend merit review panels as observers.