RFAs: Promoting Ties Between the United States and Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu and/or Nauru

The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit project ideas for evaluation prior to requiring the development of a full proposal application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their project idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decision(s) are made.

Goals

• Applicants should choose only one of these goals as a focus of their statement of interest:
  • Promote regional security cooperation, including countering transnational threats, such as narcotics use and trafficking.
    • Programs may emphasize youth engagement and education as a means to prevent involvement in criminal activities or drug use. Initiatives that equip young people with life skills, mentorship, and leadership opportunities to serve as positive influencers in their communities are eligible. Activities that encourage cross-border collaboration, information sharing, and partnerships with U.S. counterparts are especially encouraged.
  • Promote U.S. and Pacific Islanders’ prosperity by advancing and deepening their bilateral economic and commercial partnership.
    • Programs may increase support for entrepreneurs by creating connections with American peers and experts to share resources, innovative techniques, and other tools to strengthen and grow their businesses while expanding their networks and markets.
    • This initiative can also focus on helping aspiring Pacific Islander entrepreneurs explore mutually beneficial bilateral and multilateral export trade opportunities.
  • Connect experts from the United States and Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru and/or Tuvalu related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, focused on growth industries – particularly working in partnership with technical and vocational education and training institutions (TVETs).
    • This initiative’s goal is to find innovative approaches to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, including in partnership with TVETs.
    • This initiative may also include projects designed to connect private sector employers with vocational and technical educational institutions to improve the employability of graduates in the STEM fields and to connect them with U.S. approaches to technical fields and education.
  • Promote greater understanding of American values and culture, especially around innovation and opportunity.
    • Activities may highlight U.S. achievements in science, technology, business, andagriculture, and show how these contribute to global progress. Leading up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, programs can use film, music, sports, and shared history to strengthen people-to-people connections.
    • These initiatives can also spotlight the United States’ role in major upcoming global events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and help international audiences better understand American society, creativity, and leadership on the world stage.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $50,000 pending funding availability.
• Award amounts awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000.
• Length of performance period: Proposed programs should be completed in 18 months or less.

Participants and Audiences

• The intended project participants and/or beneficiaries should have a connection with Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, and/or Tuvalu. Priority audiences include youth, students over age 14, entrepreneurs and educators

Eligibility Criteria

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with a physical presence in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, or Tuvalu
  • Public and private educational institutions with a physical presence in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, or Tuvalu
  • Individuals
  • Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions with a physical presence in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru or Tuvalu.

Ineligibility Criteria

• For-profit projects or proposals from businesses;
• Requests with that do not contain a Pacific Island component;
• Requests that do not contain a U.S. component;
• Individual academic or scientific research;
• Projects with elements of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
• Programs relating to partisan political activity;
• Charitable or development activities;
• Construction programs;
• Programs that support specific religious activities;
• Fund-raising campaigns;
• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
• Scientific research;

For more information, visit Grants.gov.