Limited Submissions - All Agencies except NIH and NSF

Administration on Aging National Center on Elder Abuse

The Proposal Development Office distributed the following announcement in April that permits only one application from the institution. Please respond as requested below if you are working on an application for the current deadline.

As the effective and visible advocate for older Americans and their concerns, the Administration on Aging (AoA) is committed to protecting seniors from elder mistreatment. AoA’s elder rights programs protect seniors from known abuses to which older adults are often susceptible and assure the basic rights and benefits of vulnerable older people. Elder rights program activities conserve and extend personal resources, help avoid threats to financial security, and empower older Americans to make informed choices that enhance their ability to remain in the community.

Through this program announcement, AoA plans to award three (3) cooperative agreements and one (1) grant, ranging from $75,000 - $300,000, to collaborate in the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA). One (1) contract will be awarded through a separate procurement to operate the website for the NCEA information clearinghouse and an email listserve for elder abuse prevention and related professionals. The NCEA, which will be directed by the AoA, will include five (5) awardees, and the total funding for their collaborative work in the NCEA will be $815,250 per year. There are four (4) options in this program announcement under which entities may apply for funding:

Option I: Multi-Disciplinary Efforts (Cooperative Agreement)
Option II: Training (Cooperative Agreement)
Option III: NCEA Co-Manager (Cooperative Agreement)
Option IV: NCEA Special Projects (Grant)

Grantees are required to match at least 25% of the total program costs from non-federal cash or in-kind resources.

See program website for more information:
http://www.aoa.gov/doingbus/fundopp/announcements/2007/NCEA.doc

Most recent internal deadline: June 13, 2007.

Most recent external deadline: June 13, 2007.

Agency for Healthcare and Research Quality - Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grants (T32)

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) will award the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grants (T32) to eligible institutions as the primary means of supporting predoctoral and postdoctoral health services research training to help ensure that a diverse and highly trained workforce is available to assume leadership roles related to the nation’s health services research agenda. The primary objective is to prepare qualified individuals for careers in health services research who will focus their careers on producing research that will be implemented to improve the health care of all Americans. AHRQ requires all applicants to address at least one of the following special research training objectives in their T32 application:

Translating Research into Practice and Policy
Patient Safety and Quality
Quality Improvement
Patient-Centered Care
Payment, Markets, and Organization
Health Care Disparities
Core Competencies
Large-Scale Data Base Methods

The total project period requested in response to the present FOA may not exceed five (5) years. An application’s budget request must not exceed $500,000 in total costs per year including Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs.

For more details, see the full program description at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HS-08-001.html.

Most recent internal deadline: August 8, 2007.

Most recent external deadline: October 19, 2007.

Centers For Disease Control - Centers of Excellence in Public Health Informatics

The National Center for Public Health Informatics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention seeks proposals for Centers of Excellence in Public Health Informatics. The sponsor anticipates funding four to five applications, with an average award of $1 million (total costs) for the first year and a total project period of up to five years.

The solicitation fulfills a national strategic need to protect and improve the public’s health through discovery, innovation, and service in health information technology and informatics.  The research produced will improve health care, and facilitate early detection and prevention of disease outbreaks and possible terrorist events.  Public health informatics is the systematic application of information and computer science and technology to public health practice, research, and learning.  It is an emerging field that impacts the nation’s health and security and needs to be rapidly advanced.  It combines: (1) the use of public health information; (2) the use of information technology and; (3) the management of information systems to improve the overall effectiveness of the public health enterprise (e.g., the county, state or local health department).

The nature of this opportunity is to support research that will develop, translate, and disseminate informatics knowledge and expertise to public health professionals that is essential to maximizing the potential of information systems to improve the health of the nation.  Public health will look to informatics infrastructure to improve the reach and effectiveness of health promotion and disease prevention programs.  Access to population and other public health data, electronic health records and data, as well as access to electronic health record system expertise are essential for developing many new public health informatics systems in local and regional centers.

The broad objectives of this new RFA are to enhance:

• Electronic personal and medical health record support of public health functions and impacts;
• Basic capabilities that support public health practice;
• Public health decision support; and
• Consumer health platforms to support public health outcomes.

The guidelines require one core and two projects within each Center’s structure.  The research proposed must represent new research projects, and projects relevant to Public Health Informatics research currently supported by R01, P01 or other funding mechanisms may not apply for supplemental funds that extend or modify their scope under this solicitation.

See the complete announcement for additional information and guidelines:  http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/HK09-001.htm

Most recent internal deadline: March 24, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: April 10, 2009.

Centers for Disease Control - NIOSH - Education and Research Centers (ERC)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention invites grant applications for Education and Research Centers (ERC) that are focused on occupational safety and health training and research training. ERCs are academic institutions that provide interdisciplinary graduate training and continuing education in the core occupational safety and health areas of industrial hygiene, occupational health nursing, occupational medicine residency, occupational safety, as well as other closely related occupational safety and health fields. The following NIOSH website (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/centers.html) has information on the currently funded ERCs, including one at the University of Cincinnati; details of this program announcement are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-06-485.html. NIOSH recently issued the following clarification that pertains to several items in the announcement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OH-07-002.html.

Most recent internal deadline: April 20, 2007.

Most recent external deadline: August 14, 2007.

Centers for Disease Control - NIOSH - National Center of Excellence for the Prevention of Childhood Agricultural Injury

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) intends to commit up to $850,000 in direct costs per year for a maximum of five years in support for a National Center of Excellence for the Prevention of Childhood Agricultural Injury.  This center is to expected to 1) serve as a leader to facilitate prevention efforts and activities; 2) provide or enhance efforts to prevent injuries occurring to children who live on, work on, or visit farms, or are associated with other agricultural activities that pose a risk to children; 3) establish linkages and partnerships with the agricultural community to facilitate childhood agricultural injury prevention; 4) identify, disseminate, and facilitate the use of state-of-the-art information and programs to prevent childhood agricultural injuries; 5) provide recommendations, which incorporate input from the diverse stakeholders within childhood agricultural safety and health, for guiding childhood agricultural injury prevention efforts; and 6) conduct research to improve the safety and health of children who live on, work on, or visit farms.

The complete announcement is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OH-08-006.html

Most recent internal deadline: March 18, 2008.

Most recent external deadline: April 10, 2008. 

Defense, U.S. Department of - FY 2009 Defense Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR)

The Department of Defense announces the fiscal year 2009 Department of Defense Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR). PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DEPSCOR STATE-LEVEL SUBMISSION PROCESS HAS BEEN CHANGED. Universities in 23 states, including Kentucky, are eligible to submit only three applications per institution for available DEPSCoR funds ($14.8 million) in specific areas of research interest of the Army Research Office, the Office of Naval Research, or the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. Proposals selected in the University of Kentucky’s internal selection process described below will be uploaded and submitted directly to DoD through Grants.gov.

Proposals to perform research in listed technical areas or other areas important to national defense will be considered. View the agency web sites listed below for detailed information regarding technical goals. Applicants are strongly advised to consult these resources and to contact listed DoD program managers to explore possible mutual interest before submitting proposals.

U.S. Army Research Office:

http://www.aro.army.mil (select “For The Researcher” followed by “Funding Opportunities,” see BAA W911NF-07-R-0003-03)

Office of Naval Research:

http://www.onr.navy.mil/02/baa

Air Force Office of Scientific Research:

http://www.afosr.af.mil (select "Research (AFOSR-BAA-2009-1)” on Homepage)

Proposals must request a minimum of $300,000. The anticipated range of awards is from $300,000 to $600,000 total costs. Principal investigators must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

To maximize the DEPSCoR program objectives, all DEPSCoR awards require a minimum, non-federal cost sharing or matching of one-to-two (i.e., at least one dollar from State, institutional, and/or private sector sources to match each two dollars of DEPSCoR support being provided). Matching funds may support items such as salaries, indirect costs, operating expenses, or new equipment.

For information and application requirements see:  http://www.arl.army.mil/www/DownloadedInternetPages/CurrentPages/DoingBusinesswithARL/research/09r0003.pdf

Most recent internal deadline: March 30, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: May 4, 2009.

Education, U.S. Department of - Training Program for TRIO Programs

The U.S. Department of Education Training Program will provide funds to train staff and leadership personnel employed in, participating in, or preparing for employment in, projects funded under the Federal TRIO Programs, which are listed below:

Educational Opportunity Centers
Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement
Student Support Services
Talent Search
TRIO Dissemination Partnership Program
Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs Staff
Upward Bound
Upward Bound Math-Science

The Department of Education anticipates funding 8-12 grants at a maximum of approximately $400,000 each. Applicants will be expected to provide training to at least 325 participants and also must provide at least one training session on each listed topic in a specific priority that is tailored to the needs of new project directors and TRIO staff with less than two years of TRIO project experience. The Department of Education Training Program limits an institution to one application in each of the following priority areas:

Priority 1. Training to improve: record keeping; reporting student and project performance; and, the evaluation of project performance in order to design and operate a model TRIO project.

Priority 2. Training on: Budget management and the legislative and regulatory requirements for operation of the Federal TRIO Programs.

Priority 3. Training on: Assessment of student needs; proven retention and graduation strategies; and the use of educational technology in order to design and operate a model TRIO project.

Priority 4. Training on: Student financial aid and college and university admissions policies and procedures.

Applications are submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Details on this training program are available at: http://fr.cos.com/cgi-bin/retrieve?db=fr_2006&ac2=20060202a85 and through Grants.gov (http://apply.grants.gov/forms_apps_idx.html). The applicable CFDA Number is 84.103.

Most recent internal deadline: March 3, 2006.

Most recent external deadline: April 21, 2006.

***The UK applicant has already been selected with the internal competition that was held on February 9, 2009 for this announcement's predecessor announcement.***

Energy, U. S. Dept. of – Demonstration of Integrated Biorefinery Operations

The Department of Energy’s Golden Field Office announces a cooperative agreement to select integrated biorefinery projects that have the necessary technical and economic performance data that validates readiness for the next level of scale up. In general, “integrated biorefineries” employ various combinations of feedstocks and conversion technologies to produce a variety of products, with the main focus on producing biofuels. Co- or by-products can include chemicals (or other materials) and heat and power. For the purpose of this FOA, the term “integrated biorefinery” is a facility that uses a feedstock meeting the requirements described in this FOA to produce a biofuel as the “primary product” and may produce other products including chemicals (or other materials) and heat and power. These integrated biorefineries would produce, as their primary product, a liquid transportation fuel to support meeting the advanced biofuels portion of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS).

DOE encourages applications that propose novel or breakthrough technologies and those that include appropriate collaboration between and among industry, academia, and DOE National Laboratories, FFRDCs (Federally Funded Research and Development Centers) or other government-funded facilities.

This FOA contains two topic areas with the purposes of promoting flexibility for the applicants, encouraging competition, allowing for reasonable levels of scale up, and in recognition that the diverse technologies likely to be submitted may require different volumes to be technically feasible.

The six topic areas are as follows:
1. Topic Area 1 requests applicants to operate an integrated pilot-scale biorefinery in order to validate the technology; the proposed pilot-scale biorefinery must utilize an Acceptable Feedstock to produce an Acceptable Biofuel as defined for this Topic Area
2. Topic Area 2 requests applicants to operate an integrated pilot-scale biorefinery in order to validate the technology; the proposed pilot-scale biorefinery must utilize an Acceptable Feedstock to produce an Acceptable Bioproduct as defined for this Topic Area
3. Topic Area 3 requests that applicants design, construct and operate an integrated demonstration-scale biorefinery to validate the technology; the proposed demonstration-scale biorefinery must utilize an Acceptable Feedstock to produce an Acceptable Biofuel as defined for this Topic Area
4. Topic Area 4 requests that applicants design, construct and operate an integrated demonstration-scale biorefinery to validate the technology; the proposed demonstration-scale biorefinery must utilize an Acceptable Feedstock to produce an Acceptable Bioproduct as defined for this Topic Area
5. Topic Area 5 requests applicants to operate an integrated pilot-scale biorefinery in order to validate the technology; the proposed pilot-scale biorefinery must utilize an Acceptable Feedstock to produce and Acceptable Biofuel as defined for this Topic Area
6. Topic Area 6 requests that applicants design, construct and operate an integrated demonstration-scale biorefinery to validate the technology; the proposed demonstration-scale biorefinery must utilize an Acceptable Feedstock to produce an Acceptable Biofuel as defined for this Topic Area

Addition details are provided in the full announcement:  https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/PublicPages/PublicSearch/Public_Opportunities.aspx

Most recent internal deadline: February 9, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: April 30, 2009.

Energy, U.S. Department of - Energy Frontier Research Centers

The Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences announces the initiation of Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) to accelerate the rate of scientific breakthroughs needed to create advanced energy technologies for the 21st century.  The EFRCs will pursue the fundamental understanding necessary to meet the global need for abundant, clean, and economical energy.  The Office of Basic Energy Sciences is seeking applications for the establishment of EFRCs that will bring together the skills and talents of multiple investigators to enable fundamental research of a scope and complexity that would not be possible with the standard individual investigator or small group research project.  As such, the EFRCs will strengthen and complement the existing portfolio of the single Principal Investigator and small group research projects currently supported within BES core research areas.  The EFRC awards are expected to be in the $2 - 5 million range annually for an initial five-year project period.  It is anticipated that approximately $100 million will be available annually for multiple EFRC awards starting in FY 2009.  A specific entity may not submit more than three applications as the prime applicant, and an individual may not be named as the EFRC Director on more than one application.

The full announcement of 39 pages can be accessed at:  https://e-center.doe.gov/iips/faopor.nsf/UNID/933104E42D0185E58525742100694C78/$file/EFRC_FOA_Final_Dated_April42008_FINAL.pdf

Most recent internal deadline: June 9, 2008.

Most recent external deadline: October 1, 2008.

Energy, U.S. Department of - Nuclear Energy University Programs - Infrastructure Support

The mission of the Office of Nuclear Energy is to lead the Department of Energy (DOE)’s investment in the development and exploration of advanced nuclear science and technology. The Nuclear Energy University Program’s goals and objectives are to

- assist in addressing technical nuclear energy R&D challenges;
- maintain the nation's leading position in nuclear energy R&D;
- advance the state of U.S. nuclear technology; and
- improve the nation's nuclear science and engineering (NS&E) infrastructure so the industry will be ready for future expansion.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is for development of Nuclear Scientific and Engineering (NS&E) equipment and instrumentation infrastructure capabilities at U.S. universities and colleges to support, maintain or enhance institutional capacity to attract and teach NS&E students, build NS&E basic research or education capabilities, or enhance capability to perform R&D that is relevant to NE's R&D mission.  Eligibility is limited to institutions with established programs or the desire to develop programs in nuclear science and engineering fields such as nuclear engineering, radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry, health physics, nuclear physics or nuclear science. 

The maximum award is $300,000; DOE anticipates awards will range $115,000 - $175,000; cost sharing is encouraged but not required.

The full announcement can be accessed at:  http://e-center.doe.gov/iips/faopor.nsf/8df825feb86675de852564650046faea/fcf4bb300a8434f98525757700731fe5?OpenDocument

Most recent internal deadline: April 2, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: April 15, 2009.

Energy, U.S. Department of – Recovery Act: Wind Energy Consortia between Institutions of Higher Learning and Industry

This $24 million program initiative will fund consortia between institutions of higher learning and industry that will perform focused research on critical wind energy challenges.  These funds will be provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to preserve and create jobs, promote economic recovery, and provide investments needed to increase wind energy R&D.  The funding will be focused on two complementary areas, but not separate topics:

• Partnerships for Wind Research and Turbine Reliability: Universities in regions of the country in a Power Class 3 at 50 meters or greater wind region with consistent wind resources throughout the year are encouraged to team with industry partners to establish facilities/equipment and a research agenda necessary to study major challenges facing today’s wind industry.   Proposals must address one or more challenges described in the “20% Wind Energy by 2030” report and shall include descriptions of how the wind hardware and software will be acquired.  DOE highly encourages research in “turbine reliability” as a topic in any consortia proposal.
• Wind Energy Research & Development:  University R&D to advance material design, performance measurements, analytical models, and leveraging partnerships with industry to improve power systems operations, maintenance or repair operations, wind turbine and/or component manufacturing, and interdisciplinary system integration.   Fellowships, internships, etc. may be used to support the research agenda.  Universities are encouraged to partner with the wind industry in defining their R&D agenda, developing their curriculum, and intern partnerships.

The full announcement can be accessed at:  http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=47732

Applicants may only submit an application for one consortium.

Because the Department of Energy only allows applicants to submit an application for one consortium, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, June 15, 2009:

• Name and department of Principal Investigator/Project Director
• A brief description of the project (2 pages maximum)
• A listing of consortium members with a point of contact for each member of the proposed consortium

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation as to UK’s selection.  All responding will be notified of the results and the individual chosen will submit a required Letter of Intent by June 19, 2009 and full application and supporting material electronically through FedConnect for the July 29, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

Environmental Protection Agency - Annual Training Workshop

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Headquarters, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics is soliciting proposals from eligible entities in support of the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) Annual Training Workshop. This specific workshop is held each year to support CARE’s community-based, community-driven, partnership program designed to help communities understand and reduce risks due to toxics and environmental pollutants from all sources. The objective of the training workshop is to educate the CARE program in working collaboratively within the community to increase understanding of new approaches, to facilitate use of proven concepts, and to encourage more innovation in environmental programs. EPA anticipates awarding one cooperative agreement under this solicitation to support the annual training workshop. The amount of the award will be $150,000 for a period of two years. The grant will be incrementally funded in the first year for approximately $75,000.

Guidelines and detailed information are available at:  http://www.epa.gov/oppt/care_rfp.pdf

Most recent internal deadline: September 9, 2008

Most recent external deadline: October 3, 2008.

Environmental Protection Agency - Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging: Training and Demonstration Projects

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Aging Initiative seeks grant applications in response to a new grant opportunity for Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging:  Training and Demonstration Projects.  Proposals must address one of two areas:  (1) Train older adults, retirees and semi-retirees, to be environmental stewards in their community and educate young adults and/or children about the built environment and how land use decisions can impact the health and well-being of the environment and public health; (2) Demonstrate how changes to the built environment through implementation of model policies and designs that encourage and/or require incorporating greenways and sustainable streets in a community’s landscape can improve walkability, overall environmental quality, and ultimately the quality of life for persons of all ages.  EPA anticipates awarding up to two grants of $100,000 each.

Additional information about this initiative and details about the proposal requirements are available at:  http://www.epa.gov/aging/grants/grant-list/2008_11_21_rfp-epa-ao-ochp-08

Most recent internal deadline: October 20, 2008.

Most recent external deadline: November 21, 2008.

Environmental Protection Agency - Reducing the Environmental and Health Impacts of School Siting (EPA-OPEI-0704)

Agency: Development, Community and Environmental Division (DCED): U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Summary: The focus of this RFP is state-level decision-making and policies regarding capital investments in public schools including renovation of existing schools and siting and construction of new schools. In 2003, the EPA conducted a study which demonstrated a connection between school siting, student travel behavior, transportation-related air emissions, human health, and the environment. The purpose of this RFP is to:

1. Identify and summarize widely used policies and practices that may act as a barrier to implementing environmentally responsible smart growth school siting and design solutions;

2. Identify and summarize school siting and design strategies that have broad applicability and can provide localities and states with the flexibility to overcome these barriers (including new schools and opportunities to re-use or renovate existing schools). These strategies should lead to superior environmental outcomes, meet education goals, and meet other state/local goals (e.g., schools as centers of communities, student physical activity and health goals, reducing stress on transportation systems, meeting fiscal requirements, efficient use of tax dollars);

3. At minimum, result in a report and an electronic presentation to document and communicate the findings in 1-2 to a general audience, and to inform the educational efforts described in #5 below;

4. In at least 4 but no more than 10 states, identify, analyze and document existing policies and practices at the state level or on a state-wide basis that influence school siting and design;

5. For the states selected under #4, create any additional needed education materials, and educate critical school siting and construction stakeholders at the state level or on a state-wide basis on the findings from numbers 1-4 (above).

It is envisioned that 75% or more of the work conducted under this project will fall under numbers 3 and 4.

The expected outcomes may include reduced air and water impacts on school construction and operation, policy changes, and more informed stakeholders.

More information: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/grants/opei0704.htm

Most recent internal deadline: June 13, 2007.

Most recent external deadline: July 2, 2007.

Environmental Protection Agency - State Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement Program

The Environmental Protection Agency’s State Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement initiative supports collaborations with communities to improve their public health and/or environment. Funds support model activities that lead to measurable results in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks. The sponsor anticipates making five awards of $160,000 each, with no more than one award per EPA region. Kentucky is in Region 4, which also includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

For details on this program and specific requirements, see the full announcement:  http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/publications/ej/grants/rfa-state-grant-2-12-09.pdf

Most recent internal deadline: March 9, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: April 10, 2009.

Health Resources and Services Administration: Nursing Workforce Diversity

The purpose of the Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) program is to provide Federal funding for projects to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds (including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented among registered nurses).  The NWD program supports projects that provide education opportunities for students to become registered nurses and/or opportunities for practicing registered nurses to pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing.  Projects are expected to include a cohort of nursing students who will graduate and be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) within the three-year project period.  Applicant organizations may only submit one application under this announcement.

Program Information: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=true&oppId=18356

Most recent internal deadline: October 15, 2008.

Most recent external deadline: November 21, 2008.

Homeland Security, U.S. Dept. of – Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

The Department of Homeland Security has funds for Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants in two categories:

• Fire Prevention and Safety Activity – to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate incidences of deaths and injuries by fire and related hazards; and
• Firefighter Safety Research and Development Activity – to improve firefighter safety

The maximum award under each activity is $1 million. Project periods are one year for Fire Prevention and Safety Activity and up to three years for Research and Development Activity.

For information on recommended projects and application requirements see:  http://www.firegrantsupport.com/docs/2009FPSguidance.pdf

Applicants may submit only one FP&S grant application per FP&S application period. However, under the FP&S Activity, an applicant may request financial assistance for as many as three projects. Applicants should formulate FP&S applications that contain multiple projects and associated budgeted items based on strategic risks and common goals.

The University of Kentucky has an internal selection process to address this limited submission program. Individuals interested in submitting a Fire and Safety Grant proposal should send the following information to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Friday, October 9, 2009:

• Name and department of Principal Investigator and Activity category (Fire Prevention and Safety; Firefighter Safety Research and Development)
• Project summary – address the relevant activity category
• Fire Prevention and Safety – 1-2 pages – summarize the vulnerability the project will address, goals and objectives, assessment measures, and sustainability
• Firefighter Safety Research and Development – 1-2 pages – summarize project goals, objectives, specific aims, overall approach, and impact on firefighter safety

A committee will be convened to review the applications and make a recommendation. The successful applicants will be notified in time to coordinate the preparation and submission of one application (with multiple projects if appropriate) in time for the October 23, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of - Green and Healthy Homes Technical Studies Program

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the availability of funding for approximately $2.4 million for HUD’s Green and Healthy Homes Technical Studies Program for FY2009 to fund cooperative agreements to improve knowledge of the effects green residential building has on: 1) indoor environmental quality, and 2) occupant health, with a particular focus on children and other sensitive populations in low income households.

The Green and Healthy Homes Technical Studies Program has the following primary objectives:

1. To identify residential green building methods (for both the construction of new housing and the rehabilitation of existing housing) that are cost effective at improving IEQ and providing the maximum health benefits to housing occupants, with a particular focus on children and other sensitive populations; and
2. To promote the incorporation of cost effective residential green building methods into the construction and rehabilitation of low- and moderate-income housing.

Specific Areas of Interest:

1. Greening of Low-Income Housing: Applicants are encouraged to design studies that focus on low income housing, including federally-supported housing. Examples of green initiatives sponsored or supported by HUD include: the Office of Affordable Housing Preservation’s Mark to Market Green Rehab Initiative, the Office of Community Development and Planning’s Competitive Reallocation of Community Housing Development Organizations Funds to Provide for Energy Efficient and Environmentally-Friendly Housing for Low-Income Families, and
2. HOPE VI housing that incorporates green design features. For resources on designing, implementing and evaluating a project for the assessment and remediation of housing-related environmental health and safety hazards that result in illnesses to children.
3. Voluntary Guidelines: Assessing the IEQ and health benefits of residential green building conducted according to various voluntary guidelines, including: U.S. EPA’s Energy Star with
4. Indoor Air Package, Enterprise Community Partners Green Communities Criteria, U.S. Green
5. Building Council’s LEED for Homes, and National Association of Home’s Builder’s Green Home Building Guidelines.
6. Determining the Effects of Specific Features: HUD is interested in the IEQ and health benefits of including specific practices (e.g., IPM, or upgrades to ventilation systems) in residential green construction. HUD is interested in identifying features that may not be part of a specific green building program, but which significantly enhance the effects of the program on IEQ and health.
7. Injury Prevention Measures: HUD is interested in demonstrating the feasibility and cost effectiveness of incorporating injury prevention measures into residential green building. Such measures (e.g., grab bars in showers, anti-scald devices, lockable medicine cabinets) are not typically included in a green building program but could be incorporated to enhance the effects
8. of the program on resident safety and health.
9. Other Topic Areas: OHHLHC will also consider funding applications on other topics that are consistent with the overall goals and objectives of the Green and Healthy Homes Technical Studies Program and Healthy Homes Program.

The full announcement can be accessed at:  http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa09/ghhtssec.pdf.

Because HUD allows only one application from an organization for a given project, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, October 12, 2009:

• Title and location of the proposed project
• Names and departments of the Principal Investigator(s), project personnel, collaborating institutions and/or other partners
• Estimated cost of the project
• Narrative (4 pages maximum) containing project objectives and project description

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation.  All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the application and supporting material for the November 17, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of - Healthy Homes Demonstration Program

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the availability of funding for approximately $6 million for a Healthy Homes Demonstration Program for FY2009 to fund cooperative agreements to improve methods for the identification and control of multiple residential health and safety hazards.

The major objectives of this program in priority order are to:

1. Identify and remediate priority health hazards in high risk target housing where environmental conditions may contribute to a child’s illness or risk of injury;
2. Evaluate the efficacy of Healthy Homes program activities and facilitate the dissemination of findings, with a focus on the demonstration and evaluation of novel practices and the identification of evidence-based best practices;
3. Develop a professional workforce that is trained in healthy homes assessment and remediation principles;
4. Support public education and outreach that further the goal of protecting children and other vulnerable populations from environmentally induced illnesses; and
5. Further the principles of environmental justice and fair housing by increasing the availability of safe, low income housing.

Key Residential Health and Injury Hazards Targeted for Remediation are:

1. Allergens (dust mites, cockroaches, rodents, pet dander, fungal spores) - Asthma, exacerbation of asthma symptoms, allergies, other respiratory illness
2. Combustion Products of Heating and Cooking Appliances (carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene), and airborne particulate matter) - Death, respiratory irritation, increase in asthma symptoms, cancer
3. Insects and Rodent Pests - Exacerbation of asthma symptoms, transportation of pathogens, rat bites
4. Lead-Based Paint - Lead poisoning, impairment of cognitive functioning
5. Mold and Moisture - Interstitial lung disease, respiratory illness, increase in asthma symptoms, allergies
6. Pesticide Residues (dust and air) - Acute poisoning, damage to internal organs and central nervous system, cancer
7. Radon - Lung cancer
8. Take-home hazards from work/hobbies and work at home - Acute poisoning, asbestos-related diseases, lead poisoning
9. Unintentional injuries/fire - Death, burns, injury, acute poisoning, permanent disabilities
10. Environmental Tobacco Smoke - Asthma, exacerbation of asthma symptoms, respiratory illness, cardiovascular illness, lung cancer
11. Lack of Security, Recreational Opportunities, or “Green Space” - Poor mental health, stress/anxiety, obesity
12. Asbestos - Lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis

The full announcement can be accessed at:  http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa09/hhdsec.pdf.

Because HUD allows only one application from an organization for a given project, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, October 12, 2009:

• Title and location of the proposed project
• Names and departments of the Principal Investigator(s), project personnel, collaborating institutions and/or other partners
• Estimated cost of the project and
• Narrative (4 pages maximum) containing Project Objectives and Project Description

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation.  All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the application and supporting material for the November 24, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of - Healthy Homes Technical Studies Program

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the availability of funding for approximately $4 million for HUD’s Healthy Homes Technical Studies Program for FY 2009 to fund cooperative agreements to improve methods for the identification and control of multiple residential health and safety hazards.

HUD expects to advance the recognition and control of residential health and safety hazards and more closely examine the link between housing and health. The overall objectives of the Healthy Homes Technical Studies projects to be funded through this program include, but are not limited to:

(1) Development and evaluation of low-cost test methods and protocols for the identification of housing-related hazards;
(2) Development and assessment of cost-effective methods for reducing or eliminating housing-related hazards;
(3) Evaluation of the effectiveness of housing interventions and public education campaigns, and barriers and incentives affecting future use of the most cost-effective strategies;
(4) Investigation of the epidemiology of housing-related hazards and illness and injuries associated with these hazards, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations (e.g., children, senior citizens);
(5) Analysis of existing data or generation of new data to improve knowledge regarding the prevalence and severity of specific hazards in various classes of housing, with a focus on low-income housing. Specific examples include:
(a) The prevalence of carbon monoxide and other indoor air quality hazards;
(b) The prevalence and patterns of moisture problems and biological contaminants associated with excess moisture (e.g., mold, bacteria, dust mites);
(c) The prevalence of specific injury hazards in housing; and
(d) Improved understanding of the relationship between a residential exposure and illness or injury of children or other vulnerable populations. Applicants that propose this type of study should discuss how the knowledge that is gained from the study could be used in a program to reduce these hazards in target communities.
(6) Low-cost analytical techniques and instruments for the rapid, on- and off-site determination of environmental contaminants of concern (e.g., bioaerosols, pesticides, allergens). HUD’s primary interest is in the improvement of existing instruments or methods, and not in the development of new technologies or instruments. The OHHLHC has noted that these types of studies pose a high risk of experiencing significant delays. Applicants seeking to develop new technologies/instruments should discuss why, if funded, their proposed project would be unlikely to experience significant delays in its completion.

HUD is particularly interested in the following topics:

(1) Improving or assessing the efficacy of current methods for residential Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM focuses on approaches for managing pests which incorporate information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment, while minimizing hazards to people, property, and the environment. HUD is particularly interested in IPM methods for reducing cockroach and/or rodent populations in multifamily housing, with an emphasis on low-income housing;
(2) Developing easily replicable, cost-effective methods for preventing and controlling excess moisture in various types of residential buildings;
(3) Improving indoor air quality, such as through cost-effective approaches to upgrading residential ventilation or improving control/management of combustion appliances. Applicants should discuss how proposed approaches might affect residential energy consumption and/or costs (e.g., increasing air exchange rates resulting in an increase in heating and cooling costs) and how significantly increased energy consumption and/or costs can be avoided or mitigated;
(4) Evaluating the effectiveness of education and outreach methods designed to provide at-risk families with the knowledge to adopt self-protective behaviors with respect to housing-related health hazards. If you propose a study in this focus area you should cite and discuss the theoretical basis for the education/outreach approach that you are proposing;
(5) Developing easily implemented home assessment tools and questionnaires that employ electronic data collection methods. If possible, the instruments should contain items that have been validated (i.e., shown to be predictive of the hazard or condition the item is identifying) and shown to have good inter-user reliability.
(6) Conducting definitive cost-benefit or cost-effectiveness studies on the health benefits of healthy homes interventions in high risk populations (e.g., reductions in the incidence of injuries among children or the elderly, reductions in asthma morbidity). Applicants are encouraged to team with existing projects or studies through which the housing interventions are being conducted. (7) Other Focus Areas that are Consistent with the Overall Goals of HUD’s Healthy Homes Technical Studies Program. HUD will consider funding applications for technical studies on other topics that are consistent with the overall goals and objectives of the Healthy Homes Technical Studies program, as described above. In such instances, for an applicant to receive an award, it is necessary that the applicant describe in sufficient detail how the proposed study is consistent with the overall program goals and objectives.

The full announcement can be accessed at:  http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/09NOFA/FY2009_HHTS_NOFA.pdf

Because HUD allows only one application from an organization for a given project, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Friday, August 7, 2009:

• Planned title and location of the project
• Names and departments of the Principal Investigator(s), project personnel, collaborating institutions and/or other partners
• Narrative (2 pages) – include project objectives and description of proposed activities

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation. All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the application and supporting material for the August 18, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of (HUD) - Housing Counseling Training Program

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the availability of funding for approximately $5 million for HUD’s Housing Counseling Training Program for FY2009. Funds are available to provide, under cooperative agreements with HUD, training activities designed to improve and standardize the quality of counseling provided by housing counselors employed by “participating agencies.” Participating agencies are all housing counseling and intermediary organizations participating in HUD’s Housing Counseling Program, including HUD-approved agencies, and affiliates and branches of HUD-approved intermediaries, HUD-approved multi-state organizations, and state housing finance agencies.

The proposed training program must be national in scope. An applicant must be capable of providing training on all the training topics listed below unless proposing to provide Reverse Mortgage Counseling training or Fair Lending Abuse and Mortgage Fraud Counseling, exclusively.

• General Housing Counseling
• Credit Counseling and Financial Literacy for Prospective Homeowners
• Matching Clients with Loan Products
• Homebuyer Education Programs
• Section 8 Homeownership
• Helping Homeowners Avoid Delinquency and Predatory Lending
• Foreclosure Prevention
• Reverse Mortgages
• Home Maintenance and Financial Management for New Homeowners
• Counseling Individuals and Families that are Homeless or at Risk of Becoming Homeless
• Disaster Victims Counseling
• HUD’s Housing Counseling Program Requirements
• Rental Housing
• Federal Housing Administration
• Fair Lending Abuse and Mortgage Fraud Counseling

The full announcement can be accessed at:  http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa09/hctsec.pdf

Because HUD limits an institution to one application, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to send the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, June 29, 2009:

• Title of the project and the applicable letters (a – o) from the above list
• Names and departments of the Principal Investigator(s), project personnel, collaborating institutions and/or other partners
• Narrative (2-3 pages) with Project Objectives and Project Description

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation. All applicants will be notified of the results. The deadline for submission of the complete application to HUD is July 17, 2009.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of (HUD) - Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a notice for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 (NSP2).  Recipients will use the funds awarded under this notice to stabilize neighborhoods whose viability has been and continues to be damaged by the economic effects of properties that have been foreclosed upon and abandoned.  Under the program round in this notice, applicants will compete for up to $1.93 billion of NSP2 funds to carry out neighborhood stabilization programs.

Objectives. The primary objective of the program is the development of viable urban communities, by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and economic opportunity, principally for persons of low- and moderate-income.  Specifically:

• to foster the undertaking of housing and community development activities in a coordinated and mutually supportive manner by Federal agencies and programs, as well as by communities;
• a more rational use of land and other natural resources and the better arrangement of residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, and other needed activity centers; and
• the conservation of the Nation‘s scarce energy resources, improvement of energy efficiency, and the provision of alternative and renewable energy sources of supply.

The full announcement can be accessed at:  http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/pdf/nsp2_nofa.pdf

No entity may be the lead applicant on more than one NSP2 proposal. No one entity may be an applicant under more than one NSP2 proposal for a particular target geography or subset thereof.  Because of these restrictions, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, June 15, 2009:

• Planned title of the project
• Names and departments of the Principal Investigator(s), project personnel, collaborating institutions and/or other partners
• Estimated cost of the project
• Identify the target geography and the need for neighborhood stabilization; describe the proposed project (objectives and activities) – 4 pages maximum

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation.  All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the application and supporting material for the July 17, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

Labor, U.S. Department of - Energy Training Partnership Grants and Pathways Out of Poverty

The Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration has issued two Solicitations for Grant Applications (SGA) to provide training and placement services within the energy industry. An applicant may choose to submit an application for the Energy Training Partnerships SGA and the Pathways Out of Poverty SGA; however, DOL does not encourage applicants to submit applications to both competitions. An organization may not submit multiple applications in response to any one SGA. However, an organization that submits an application in response to one SGA is not precluded from participating as a suggested or required partner in applications submitted in response to the other SGA. 

Energy Training Partnership Grants
Energy Training Partnership funds are intended to provide training for workers that prepares them to enter the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, as well as green occupations within other industries, as described below. Individuals eligible for training include workers impacted by national energy and environmental policy, individuals in need of updated training related to the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, and unemployed workers. A portion of the funds under this Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA) will be reserved for projects serving communities impacted by automotive-related restructuring.   

Projects funded through this SGA will be implemented by partnerships made up of a diverse set of stakeholders including labor organizations, public or private employers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, and the workforce system. Bringing to bear the workforce expertise of these groups will allow successful applicants to develop programs that are responsive to the needs of both workers and employers, and that provide participants with the support needed to successfully complete training.

Pathways Out of Poverty
Competitive grants under this Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA) will fund projects that provide training and placement services to prepare individuals seeking pathways out of poverty for careers in the industries described below. Grantees selected from two separate types of applicants will be funded through this solicitation: (1) national nonprofit entities with networks of local affiliates, coalition members, or other established partners; and (2) local entities. Populations eligible to receive services through grants funded through this SGA include unemployed individuals, high school dropouts, individuals with a criminal record, and disadvantaged individuals living in areas of high poverty. As part of the technical review process, points will be awarded for applications that demonstrate that the proposed project serves areas of high poverty.   

Successful training programs funded through this SGA will prepare participants for employment within the industries described below, and will: (1) Include sound recruitment and referral strategies for targeted populations; (2) integrate basic skills and work-readiness training with occupational skills training, as necessary; (3) combine supportive services with training services to help participants overcome barriers to employment, as necessary; and (4) provide training services at times and locations that are easily accessible to targeted populations.

Both Programs
The Department of Labor will award grants to workforce development projects that focus on connecting target populations, including workers affected by significant automotive industry restructuring, to career pathways in green industries. Training programs will prepare individuals for careers in any of the seven energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, which include:

     The energy-efficient building, construction, and retrofit industries;
     The renewable electric power industry;
     The energy efficient and advanced drive train vehicle industry;
     The biofuels industry;
     The deconstruction and materials use industries;
     The energy efficiency assessment industry serving residential, commercial, or industrial sectors; and
     Manufacturers that produce sustainable products using environmentally sustainable processes and materials.

Additionally, the Department is interested in applicants contributing to our understanding of green industries and jobs that clean and enhance our environment. Initial research supported by the Department of Labor shows that there are ``growth, enhanced and emerging'' green occupations across a number of industries. Applicants may propose strategies that train for those occupations from among the following industries: Transportation; green construction; environmental protection; sustainable agriculture including healthy food production; forestry; and recycling and waste reduction (see the O*NET report at http://www.onetcenter.org/reports/Green.html). The Department will consider proposals that focus on these occupations within these industries if applicants can offer supporting data demonstrating these are emerging industries which are producing jobs in their communities.

See the following links for more information on:                
Energy Training Partnership Grants http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14924.htm               
Pathways Out of Poverty Grants http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14928.htm

Because the Department of Labor only allows one proposal submission to each of these SGAs, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Individuals interested in submitting to either program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Thursday, August 20, 2009:

• Names and departments of PI and other UK personnel
• Name of program (Energy Training Partnership or Pathways Out of Poverty)
• Narrative (maximum 4 pages) – include the following information: Statement of Need; Project Management and Organizational Capacity; Strategy and Project Work Plan; and Outcomes and Deliverables

A committee will be appointed to review the information and make recommendations as to the University’s submission in time for the Energy Training Partnership’s September 4, 2009 deadline and/or the Pathways Out of Poverty’s September 29, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

Labor, U.S. Department of - Health Care Sector and Other High Growth and Emerging Industries

The Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) announces the availability of approximately $220 million in grant funds authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Recovery Act) for projects that provide training and placement services to help workers pursue careers within certain industries. The purpose of the high growth and emerging industries grants funded through this SGA is to teach workers the necessary skills for, and help them pursue careers in, health care and other high growth and emerging industry sectors.

1. Health Care Sector
A.  Nursing
ETA is interested in projects that provide training and support career progression along the nursing career pathway, as well as short-term skills certification or credentialing that enables incumbent workers to advance along a career ladder/lattice in health care. These include licenses, certificates, and degrees from accredited nursing programs that lead to the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) or vocational licensure for LPNs, and positions as CNAs. ETA is also interested in academic strategies that help incumbent workers advance from an ADN to the bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) since many RNs with an ADN find it beneficial to enter bachelor's programs to prepare for a broader scope of nursing practice.

B.  Allied Health
Particularly in hospitals and in medical laboratories away from patient care settings, ETA is interested in investments that provide talent development strategies that support recruitment, retention, and career pathways in related allied health occupations.

C.  Long-Term Care
ETA is interested in projects that provide training for and support educational paths to careers in long-term care occupations, which include CNAs, home health aides, home and personal care workers, direct support professionals and RNs working in long-term care settings.

D.  Health Information Technology
ETA is interested in projects that design state-of-the-art training and support progression in career pathways for the health information workforce using a variety of learning strategies for individuals who want to specialize in the management of health information, as well as workers who must use HIT to perform the duties of their jobs.

2.  Other High Growth and Emerging Industries
ETA also seeks to promote broad-based economic recovery by supporting the workforce and training needs of workers and employers in other high growth and emerging industries. ETA recognizes that in some specific regions industries continue to grow, while in other regions industries have been negatively impacted by the economic downturn but are expected to experience job growth as the economy begins to recover. Further, some industries are being transformed by technology and innovation, requiring new skill sets for workers. Fields like information technology, advanced manufacturing, wireless and broadband deployment, transportation and warehousing, and biotechnology may be high growth and emerging industries in specific regional economies, offering jobs and solid career paths left vacant due to a lack of qualified workers. For example, in advanced manufacturing sectors, transformations in business processes and technologies are driving the need for workers to have increasingly complex skills and competencies provided through the use of effective training approaches, such as mobile skills training.

ETA is soliciting grant applications that address current and forecasted workforce shortages, and provide workers with paths to career enhancing opportunities in high growth, high demand, and economically vital sectors of the American economy. ETA will target education and skills development resources toward helping workers gain skills needed to build successful careers in these and other growing industries.

For more information see:  http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-17416.htm.

An organization may not submit multiple applications in response to this SGA. However, an organization that submits an application for this SGA is not precluded from participating as a partner in applications submitted by other applicants in response to this SGA.

Because the Department of Labor only allows one proposal submission to this SGA, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, August 31, 2009:

• Names and departments of PI and other UK personnel
• Title of proposed training project
• Narrative (maximum 4 pages) – include the following information:  Statement of Need; Project Management and Organizational Capacity; Strategy and Project Work Plan; and Outcomes and Deliverables

A committee will be appointed to review the information and make recommendations as to the University’s submission in time for the October 5, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Digital Learning Network

This NASA Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) is an announcement issued by the NASA Langley Research Center requesting proposals for the NASA Digital Learning Network. The recipient will work with NASA to continue the operation, maintenance, and evolution of the NASA Digital Learning Network in order to meet the following objectives:

Student-focused:

1. Goal - Deliver NASA-related content to students at all levels using interactive instructional technologies in order to foster improvement in STEM literacy.

• Objective 1: Plan, prepare, produce, deliver, and evaluate STEM content modules that fulfill the instructional needs of educators in support of their efforts to inspire, engage, and educate students.
• Objective 2: Through the effective use of distance learning techniques, increase the acceptance and use of educational technologies by educators and students.

Educator-focused:

2. Goal - Introduce and familiarize educators with NASA-related instructional resources through NASA’s Digital Learning Network™ technologies and methods so they are better prepared to improve students' STEM literacy.

• Objective 1: Plan, prepare, produce, deliver, and evaluate DLN events designed to familiarize educators with NASA-related instructional resources.
• Objective 2: Increase the acceptance and use of educational technologies by educators who use NASA educational resources.

The full announcement can be accessed at:   http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/viewrepositorydocument/cmdocumentid=212554/DLN_CAN%20nspires%20Nov%2010.pdf.

Because NASA only allows one response to this announcement from eligible organizations, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Wednesday, December 9, 2009:

• A brief description of the project (4 pages maximum) including the following information: (a) name and department of the principle investigator; (b) objectives; (c) methods and activities; and (d) management plan

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation.  The applicants will be notified of the outcome in time for the one selected to prepare and submit the full application and supporting material electronically through Grants.gov for the January 19, 2010 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Lead Institution for Kentucky Space Grant Consortium and KY NASA EPSCoR Programs

Kentucky has been notified by NASA that its Kentucky Space Grant Consortium program is eligible to re-apply for the next five-year Space Grant funding sequence (see http://astro.wku.edu/ksgc/ksgc2009rfp.htm). Funding for the Kentucky Space Grant and Kentucky NASA EPSCoR programs has been implemented through development of a comprehensive plan submitted to NASA by a Principal Investigator at a Kentucky university. The purpose of this Request for Proposals is to solicit plans and a proposal from universities for managing the future 5-year 2010-2014 NASA Space Grant to Kentucky. Because of the tie between the Space Grant and NASA EPSCoR programs, the PI for the Space Grant to Kentucky will also be the director of the Kentucky NASA EPSCoR and the PI on responses to NASA EPSCoR solicitations.

The complete solicitation is attached.

Because only one proposal per university will be accepted, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Tuesday, October 13, 2009:

• Names and departments of the PI and associates, i.e., technical, administrative, and budget or contract management staff, who will be responsible for managing the technical and fiscal aspects of a five-year Space Grant and multi-year NASA EPSCoR awards.
• Narrative (2 pages)
• Estimate and justify the number of hours and corresponding costs for the PI and all associates to operate the Space Grant during each of the five years, 2010-2014, and the total cost over five years.
• Estimate and justify the costs for travel, and materials and supplies for the PI and all associates needed to operate the Space Grant during each of the five years, 2010-2014, and the total cost over five years.
• Provide an estimate of indirect costs and rates during each of the five years, 2010-2014, and a total over five years.
• Present a statement defining the amount of cost share to be offered by the University during each of the five years, 2010-2014, and a total over five years.

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation as to UK’s one submission.  All applicants will be notified of the results; the one selected will be authorized to submit the full application and supporting material electronically for the October 23, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

National Endowment for the Arts - AccessAbility Program

The following National Endowment for the Arts projects provide career opportunities or arts programming for individuals with disabilities, older adults, or those in healthcare settings. NEA support may start on or after May 1, 2009. An initial grant period of up to two years is allowed, and a grant may be renewed for up to four years, subject to agency priorities, the availability of funds, and grantee performance. Organizations are limited to a single application for only one of the following three projects:

1) Statewide Forums on Careers in the Arts for Individuals with Disabilities

NEA plans to award a single grant of up to $50,000 to an organization to 1) manage and support a minimum of two Statewide Forums on Careers in the Arts for Individuals with Disabilities in states that have not yet convened such a forum, and 2) conduct a minimum of four follow-up activities (see website) in states that have convened forums.

2) Access to Design Professions

NEA plans to award a single grant of up to $75,000 to one organization that will work closely with the established national task force composed of a select group of design faculty, professional designers, disability service coordinators, career and vocational rehabilitation counselors, and students to increase the number of and support for people with disabilities in design professions.

3) Arts in Healthcare Consultancy Program

NEA plans to award a single grant of up to $50,000 to one organization that will work with arts, healthcare, and academic groups to help improve and increase professional arts programs that involve patients in healthcare settings, their families, caregivers, and communities.

Guidelines and additional information are available at: http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/accessibility.html

The guidelines require a nonfederal match of at least 1 to 1.

Most recent internal deadline: August 4, 2008.

Most recent external deadline: August 27, 2008.

National Endowment for the Arts - American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Artistic Genius Grant Program

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is seeking proposals for the American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Artistic Genius Grant Program in four areas: Visual Arts Touring, Presenting, Chamber Music and Dance. This grant opportunity is a major initiative to acquaint Americans with the best of their cultural and artistic legacy. Through American Masterpieces, the NEA will sponsor performances, exhibitions, tours, and educational programs across all art forms that will reach large and small communities in all 50 states.

Note: All American Masterpieces grants require a nonfederal match of at least 1 to 1.

Visual Arts Touring

This component of American Masterpieces will celebrate the extraordinary and rich evolution of the visual arts in the United States. Substantial efforts should be made to reach underserved communities. The tour of an existing program is eligible.

Grants generally range from $30,000 to $300,000. (NEA deadline: September 17, 2009)

Website: http://www.nea.gov/grants/apply/AMVAT.html

Organizations are limited to one application per year.

Presenting

This category is for projects that embrace multiple arts disciplines. Projects must consist of either a single multidisciplinary presentation or a multidisciplinary series comprised of several different single-discipline presentations. Projects with components that primarily feature or support a single discipline (e.g., dance, music, musical theater, opera, visual arts) will not be considered. If you have questions as to whether your project qualifies as multidisciplinary, consult with the Presenting staff before preparing an application.

Grants generally range from $10,000 to $100,000. (NEA deadline: September 24, 2009)

Website: http://www.nea.gov/grants/apply/AMPresenting.html

Organizations are limited to one application per year.

Chamber Music

Grants are available for chamber music performances in conjunction with educational activities that will highlight specific repertoire by American composers and enable ensembles to engage with communities in a variety of settings. The Arts Endowment is particularly interested in projects that have at least one performance and two educational activities.

Grants generally range from $5,000 to $75,000. (NEA deadline: October 8, 2009)

Website: http://www.nea.gov/grants/apply/AMChamber.html

Organizations are limited to one application per year.

Dance

The Arts Endowment plans to support a variety of projects that are artistically, historically, and culturally significant and that reflect the breadth of dance forms, styles, and techniques.

For dance companies, presenters, and festivals, grants will range from $15,000 to $150,000.

For college and university dance programs, all grants will be for $15,000. (NEA deadline: October 8, 2009)

Website: http://www.nea.gov/grants/apply/AMDance.html

Organizations are limited to one application per year.

Internal Review Process

Because NEA limits the number of applications that may be submitted to each of these programs; UK has established an internal review process. Anyone interested in participating in this program is to submit a pre-application packet electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research (vpr@email.uky.du ) and a copy to his or her Associate Dean for Research by Monday, August 24, 2009. The pre-application packet is to include the following:

• Name and department of project director and participating faculty (if any)
• Specific NEA program area: Visual Arts Touring; Presenting; Chamber Music, Dance
• One page abstract or description of the project
• Budget, including the University’s match and source of funds

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation. All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the application and supporting material electronically through Grants.gov for the appropriate NEA deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

NEA: Creativity and Aging in America

Creativity and Aging in America is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to actively engage older Americans in quality arts programs. Through this initiative, the Arts Endowment will support exemplary projects in the disciplines of literature and music. Projects must be conducted by professional artists and engage older adults as students, artists, and/or teachers. For the purposes of these guidelines, older adults are age 65 and above. The Arts Endowment’s support of a project may start on or after January 1, 2009. Generally, a grant period of up to one year is allowed.

An application in response to this announcement does not preclude an organization from applying under other Arts Endowment funding opportunities including Grants for Arts Projects. In each case, the request must be for a distinctly different project.

Grant Amount:

Grants are for $15,000 or $25,000. Approximately fifteen grants will be awarded.

All grants require a nonfederal match of at least 1 to 1.

Website for guidelines and additional information: http://www.nea.gov/grants/apply/CreativityAging.html

Most recent internal deadline: May 2, 2008.

Most recent external deadline: May 23, 2008.

National Endowment for the Arts: Grants for Arts Projects

The National Endowment for the Arts' primary funding opportunity (Grants for Arts Projects) has been announced for projects in FY2010. An organization may submit only one application through one of the three Grants for Arts Projects categories (see below). For most organizations, these categories represent the full range of funding options for the entire year. Applicants should examine the goal and purposes of their project as well as the review criteria of these three categories, and apply to the one category that is most relevant. The Arts Endowment will not transfer applications between categories.

Access to Artistic Excellence: To encourage and support artistic excellence, preserve our cultural heritage, and provide access to the arts for all Americans. An organization may request a grant amount from $5,000 to $150,000. (Deadlines: March 12 and August 13, 2009)

Challenge America: Reaching Every Community Fast-Track Review Grants: To support projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations. Grants are for $10,000. (Deadline: May 28, 2009).

Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth: To advance arts education for children and youth in school-based or community-based settings. An organization may request a grant amount from $5,000 to $150,000. (Deadline: June 11, 2009).

All grants require a nonfederal match of at least 1 to 1.

See the NEA website for details: http://www.nea.gov/grants/apply/index.html. Click on a specific discipline to access the guidelines for each of the three programs listed above.

Most recent internal deadline: February 23, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: See above according to program.

National Endowment for the Arts/Southern Arts Foundation - Regional Touring Program

The Southern Arts Federation (SAF) with support from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) promotes the touring of regional, national and international performing artists and writers. The NEA/SAF Regional Touring program is an opportunity for organizations to receive fee support to present performing artists and writers from outside the presenter’s state. Touring support is awarded to theatre, music, opera, musical theatre, literary and dance projects that contain both a public performance or reading and an educational component.  The public performance and/or educational/outreach component must target and reach an underserved community. Underserved communities include those communities in which people lack arts programs, services, or resources due to geography, economic conditions, cultural background, socio-political circumstances, disability, age or other demonstrable factors.

The maximum request is 50% of the artist fee, up to $7,500 for dance projects or $5,000 for all other projects.  The project must take place between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010.

Website: http://www.southarts.org/site/c.guIYLaMRJxE/b.1310953/

Most recent internal deadline: February 17, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: March 2, 2009.

National Endowment for the Arts - Statewide Forums on Careers in the Arts for Individuals with Disabilities

The Arts Endowment plans to award a single award of up to $50,000 to an organization to 1) manage and support a minimum of two Statewide Forums on Careers in the Arts for Individuals with Disabilities in states that have not yet convened such a forum, and 2) conduct a minimum of four follow-up activities in states that have convened forums. Based on the review of applications, the NEA will determine the appropriate funding mechanism for this award (i.e., either a cooperative agreement or a grant).

The Arts Endowment plans to make one award of up to $50,000, which requires a nonfederal match of at least 1 to 1. An initial award period of up to two years is allowed.

Website: http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/Statewide-Forums.html

Internal Review Process

Because NEA limits the number of applications that may be submitted, UK has established an internal review process. Anyone interested in participating in this program must submit a pre-proposal to the Office of the Vice President for Research (vpr@email.uky.du) with a copy to his or her Associate Dean for Research by Friday, July 24, 2009. The pre-proposal is to include the following:

• Names and departments of project director and participating faculty
• One page abstract or description of the project
• Budget, including the University’s match and source of funds

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation. All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the application and supporting material electronically through Grants.gov for the August 6, 2009 NEA deadline.

National Endowment for the Humanities - Humanities Summer Stipends

The National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Stipends provide $6,000 for two consecutive months of full-time research and writing on a humanities project that contributes to scholarly knowledge or to the public's understanding of the humanities.  Recipients usually produce scholarly articles, monographs on specialized subjects, books on broad topics, archaeological site reports, translations, editions, or other scholarly tools.  Summer Stipends may not be used for specific policy studies or educational or technical impact assessments; preparation or publication of textbooks; studies of teaching methods or theories, surveys of courses and programs, or curriculum development; inventories of collections; works in the creative or performing arts; projects that seek to promote a particular political, philosophical, religious, or ideological point of view; or projects that advocate a particular program of social action.  Additional information and guidelines are available at the following NEH website:  http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/stipends.html.

The University of Kentucky is limited to two nominations.  Any faculty member is eligible for nomination.  The nominees can be U.S. citizens or foreign nationals who have been living in the United States or its jurisdictions for at least three years prior to October 1, 2009.  Individuals who have held a major fellowship or research grant or its equivalent within the last three academic years prior to October 1st are ineligible.  A "major fellowship or research grant" is a postdoctoral research award with a stipend of at least $15,000.  Applicants may not receive both an NEH Summer stipend and an NEH Fellowship (or an NEH Faculty Research Award, or an NEH Fellowship for Advanced Social Science Research on Japan) in the same federal fiscal year (October 1, 2009-September 30,2010).  Sabbaticals and grants from an individual's own institution and stipends and grants from other sources supporting study and research during the summer are not considered major fellowships.  Recipients of an NEH Summer Stipend in 2005 or after are ineligible; however, individuals who have received Summer Stipends prior to 2005 may apply to support a new stage in their projects.  These applications do not receive special consideration and will be judged by the same criteria as others in the competition.  However, NEH will ask evaluators to review the accomplishments from the prior Summer Stipends award and determine if the project warrants additional support.

Eligible applicants interested in submitting a proposal to this program should submit the following information electronically to Ms. Kris Hobson (Hobson@email.uky.edu), Office of the Provost, and a copy to their Dean by Friday, August 21, 2009:

• Project narrative (maximum three single-spaced pages) to include the intellectual significance of the proposed project, objectives, methods and work plan, and final product and intended audience.  The NEH guidelines provide additional suggestions for addressing the narrative.
• Project bibliography (one singled-spaced page)
• Curriculum vitae (two-pages)

A committee will be appointed to review the proposals and make recommendations.  The two applications that are chosen will be prepared online and submitted electronically via Grants.gov for the October 1, 2010 deadline.

NEH Challenge Grants

Since the Gaines Center for the Humanities currently holds an NEH Challenge Grant, UK is not eligible to apply for a new grant until 2012.

Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities

Funding Opportunity Number: 20080501-CH
Closing Date for Applications: May 01, 2008
Award Ceiling: $1,000,000
CFDA Number: 45.130  --  Promotion of the Humanities_Challenge Grants
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes

Description: NEH challenge grants help institutions and organizations secure long-term improvements in and support for their humanities programs and resources. Awards are made to museums, public libraries, colleges, research institutions, historical societies and historic sites, public television and radio stations, universities, scholarly associations, state humanities councils, and other nonprofit entities. Because of the matching requirements, these NEH awards also strengthen the humanities by encouraging nonfederal sources of support. Both federal and nonfederal funds must provide long-term benefits to the humanities. Challenge grant funds should not merely replace funds already being expended on the humanities, but instead should reflect careful strategic planning to strengthen and enhance the institution's activities in and commitment to the humanities. Activities supported Challenge grants most commonly augment or establish endowments that support humanities activities in education, public programming, scholarly research, and preservation. Institutions may use the income from invested funds to meet ongoing humanities-related costs. Examples include: faculty and staff positions, fellowships, lecture or exhibition series, visiting scholars or consultants, publishing subventions, maintenance of facilities, faculty and staff development, acquisitions, and preservation or conservation programs.

Link to Full Announcement: http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/challenge.html

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) - We the People Challenge Grants in United States History and Culture

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) invites applications for Challenge Grants in United States History and Culture. This grant opportunity is designed to help institutions and organizations strengthen their ability to explore significant themes and events in American history, so as to advance our understanding of how – since the nation’s founding – these events have shaped and been shaped by American identity and culture. NEH seeks to support a range of approaches to the American experience: for example, approaches might explore significant events in America’s history, its democratic institutions, the political principles on which the nation is founded, or the complicated mix of peoples and cultures that have formed America. Also welcome are proposals that seek support for the study of the history and culture of the United States in international contexts rather than in isolation – proposals that explore relationships with other nations and cultures that have profoundly affected the course of United States history. NEH also welcomes proposals for programming at America’s historic places (e.g., historic sites, neighborhoods, communities, or larger geographical regions).

NEH challenge grants are capacity-building grants, intended to help institutions and organizations secure long-term improvements in and support for their humanities programs and resources. Grants may be used to establish or enhance endowments or spend-down funds (that is, funds that are invested, with both the income and the principal being expended over a defined period of years) that generate expendable earnings to support ongoing program activities. Funds may also be used for one-time capital expenditures (such as construction and renovation, purchase of equipment, and acquisitions) that bring long-term benefits to the institution and to the humanities more broadly. Because of the matching requirement, these NEH grants also strengthen the humanities by encouraging nonfederal sources of support. Applications are welcome from colleges and universities, museums, public libraries, research institutions, historical societies and historic sites, scholarly associations, state humanities councils, and other nonprofit entities. Programs that involve collaboration among multiple institutions are eligible as well, but one institution must serve as the lead agent and formal applicant of record.

Because an institution may apply for only one challenge grant at a time, UK will hold an internal competition. Individuals interested in participating in the internal competition should send the following information to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Wednesday, December 9, 2009:

• Name and department of Project Director
• Project description (maximum 2 pages): summarize the proposal, including the activities to be supported and the plans for raising funds for matching. Describe the significance to the humanities of what is being proposed.

A committee will be convened to review the applications and make recommendations as to the University's nominee. The Office of the Vice President for Research will notify all applicants of the outcome in time for the selected nominee to prepare a full proposal by the Feb 13, 2010 deadline.

Link to Full Announcement: http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/CG_UShistory.html

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663.)

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health - National Center for Construction Safety and Health (U60)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention invites new and renewal cooperative agreement applications for a NIOSH supported National Center for Construction Safety and Health.  This Center is intended to serve as an integrated, multi-disciplinary occupational safety and health resource for the entire U.S. construction sector. The overall objective is to make major contributions to improve construction worker health and safety as evidenced by well-accepted intermediate outcomes (e.g. evidence that research led to improved policies, procedures, training, tools, consensus standards, etc.) leading ultimately to improved end outcomes (e.g. reduced injuries, fatalities, exposures, or illnesses). Center efforts should improve upon prior construction research and prevention activities, and on the National Construction Agenda research and practice goals developed by the NORA Construction Sector Council. NIOSH anticipates making one award up to $5 M annually for up to 5 years in duration. 

According to the NIH CRISP database, NIOSH funded a Center for Innovation in Construction Safety and Health (5U19OH008308) at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 9/15/2004 – 6/30/2009.

For information and details about the requirements see the complete announcement: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OH-09-001.html

Most recent internal deadline: April 20, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: May 15, 2009.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) - Recovery Act NIST Construction Grant Program

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), United States Department of Commerce (DoC), is soliciting grant proposals for construction of research science buildings. The total amount to be awarded is approximately $120 million for new grants. NIST anticipates funding 8-12 projects with Federal shares in the $10 million - $15 million range with a project period of performance of up to five (5) years, although there is an expectation that most of the projects will be completed prior to 5 years.

Although cost sharing is not required, NIST encourages cost sharing in order for a proposal to be competitive, and it will be considered as part of the Selection Factors. A cost share of 25% would be viewed favorably, 50% even more favorably.

See the complete announcement for specific details:  http://www.nist.gov/recovery/construction_ffo.html

Since an eligible organization can submit only one Letter of Intent, UK will hold an internal competition. Individuals interested in submitting an application should send the following information to the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Tuesday, June 16, 2009:

• Title of Proposed Project
• Primary Contact Name
• Specific Facility (to be built or renovated)
• Project Synopsis (3 pages): Summarize the need and justify the proposed project. Summarize the contributions, improvements, and impacts the project will have on science and technology and associated infrastructure
• Total anticipated project costs and potential sources of cost share.
• Identify key scientific personnel who will use the facility

A committee will be convened to review applications; the selected individual will be notified in time for the required June 25, 2009 Letter of Intent deadline. NIST will acknowledge receipt of the Letter of Intent. A corresponding full proposal must be received at NIST no later than 3 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday, August 10, 2009. NIST expects to complete the review, selection, and grant award processing in February 2010.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663.)

Office of Public Health and Science - Youth Empowerment Program (YEP)

The YEP seeks to address unhealthy behaviors in at-risk minority youth and provide them opportunities to learn skills and gain experiences that contribute to more positive lifestyles and enhance their capacity to make healthier life choices. It is intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of a highly innovative and multi-partnership collaborative approach involving institutions of higher education, primary and secondary schools, sports organizations, youth clubs, other related community organizations and institutions, and the community at-large on reducing risky behaviors among targeted minority youth 10 to 18 years of age.

It is expected that the YEP will result in:

• Reduction in or elimination of high risk behaviors.
• Strengthening of protective/resiliency factors.

• Development of sustainable basic life skills needed to deal with the demands of everyday life.

• Development of skills and behaviors that lead to healthier lifestyle choices and to overall success in life.

Program Funding: $275,000 – 300,000/year for 3 years

Program Announcement: https://www.grantsolutions.gov/gs/preaward/previewPublicAnnouncement.do?id=10539

Because the Office of Public Health and Science limits an institution to one proposal, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Friday, August 28, 2009:

• The names and departments of the principal investigator, project personnel, as well as a list of community collaborators, schools and other partners;
• Project overview (1-2 pages) include objectives, proposed activities, evaluation, and prior programmatic experience

A committee of will be appointed to review the information and make recommendations as to the University’s submission. The agency deadline is September 3, 2009.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

State, U.S. Department of - 2009 Fellowships in the Arts: Documentary Filmmaking and Iraq Museum Residencies

The Cultural Programs Division of the Office of Citizen Exchanges in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for two Cooperative Agreements to support programs for short residency and training programs in the United States for emerging and mid-career documentary filmmakers from around the world and museum specialists from Iraq.  The Bureau anticipates that approximately $900,000 will be available to support this competition. Grantees will design, develop, and implement 30-60 day programs in the United States for the selected participants, individually or in small groups.  Each program should be built around a residency experience, which may be supplemented by other program elements designed to enhance and expand upon the activities of the residency. 

The two project themes for which the Bureau will accept proposals under this competition are as follows: 1. Documentary Filmmaker Fellowship Program (not to exceed $400,000) and 2) Iraq Museum Professional Residency Program (not to exceed $500,000)

Specific program requirements and additional information can be found at:  http://exchanges.state.gov/media/pdfs/rfgps/rfgp05122009.pdf

Most recent internal deadline: May 4, 2009. 

Most recent external deadline: May 12, 2009.

State, U.S. Department of - Afghanistan Elections Programming

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) solicits proposals for projects that promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Afghanistan. The Bureau’s Human Rights and Democracy Fund (HRDF) supports innovative, “venture capital” programs that uphold democratic principles, support and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, and build civil society in countries and regions of the world geo-strategically important to the U.S. HRDF funds projects that have the potential to have an immediate impact leading to long-term sustainable reforms; projects should have potential for continued funding beyond HRDF resources.

The bulk of project activities must target the requested country and last between 1 and 3 years. U.S.-based activities, study tours, scholarships or exchange projects will not be deemed competitive. Projects that have a strong academic, research, conference, or dialogue focus will not be deemed competitive. The Bureau strongly discourages health, technology, or scientific projects unless they have an explicit component related to the requested program objectives listed above. Projects that focus on commercial law or economic development will also not be rated as competitive.

Approximately $700,000 is available for elections-related programming in Afghanistan. To support program and administrative costs required for implementation, the Bureau anticipates making awards in the amounts of $250,000 - $700,000 for democracy, human rights, and rule of law programs. Proposals that request less than the award floor or more than the award ceiling may be deemed technically ineligible.

Further information can be found at in the complete announcement:  http://www.state.gov/g/drl/p/120787.htm

Most recent internal deadline: April 1, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: April 14, 2009.

State, U.S. Department of - Arts Exchanges on International Issues

This grant competition is based on the premise that people-to-people exchanges encourage and strengthen understanding of democratic values and nurture the cultural and social growth of societies. Under this premise, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs seeks proposals for projects in which U.S. visual artists and arts educators work with their counterparts overseas to create mutually beneficial and self-sustaining partnerships between cultural organizations and/or professional communities. Proposals that show strong prospects for enhancing existing long-term collaborations or establishing new collaborative efforts among participating organizations.

The two project themes for which the Bureau will accept proposals under this competition are:

• Mixed Visual Artistic Mediums: Cultural Exchange Between American Indigenous and Minority Artists: and Indigenous and Afro-Latino Artists from Latin and Central America;
• Mixed Visual Artistic Mediums: Cultural Exchange Between American Women Artists and Women Artists from Africa and/or the Middle East.

Details and additional information are available in the complete funding announcement: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-7624.htm

Funds are available to support 2-4 awards, with the average award being $450,000. The sponsor encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing but does not specify a minimum or maximum percentage required for the competition.

Most recent internal deadline: May 7, 2008.

Most recent external deadline: May 22, 2008.

State, U.S. Department of - Benjamin Franklin Summer Institutes

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for two grants for summer institutes for youth.  Public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3), including accredited, post-secondary U.S. educational institutions, may submit proposals to provide a three- to four week U.S.-based institute for one of the two institute options in the summer of 2010 for up to 45 teenagers ages 16-18:

1. The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute for participants from Europe, the European countries of Eurasia, and the United States.
2. The Benjamin Franklin Summer Institute with Asia for participants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the United States.

U.S. Embassies in all the participating countries will select the foreign participants, and the U.S. grant recipients will select the American participants.  Both institutes will focus on leadership development, critical thinking, diplomacy, community activism, and the media as ways that young adults can unite around their common goals.  Support for individual or small group follow-on projects in the home communities of the exchange alumni will complete the program.

The full announcement can be accessed at:   http://exchanges.state.gov/media/pdfs/rfgps/rfgp010610.pdf.

Organizations or institutions may apply for only one of the two institutes.  If more than one proposal is received from an applicant, all proposals will be disqualified.

Because the Department of State only allows organizations to submit one proposal for only one institute, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, December 7, 2009:

• Name and department of the principle investigator
• Identify the Institute being proposed (i.e., Institute for participants from Europe, Eurasia, US or Institute for participants from Central, South Asia and US)
• Project description (4 pages maximum) – include program objectives and program activities

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation.  All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the full application and supporting material electronically through Grants.gov for the January 6, 2010 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

State, U.S. Department of –Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) Programs

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces a Request for Proposals from organizations interested in submitting proposals to support a culture of compliance in Central America and the Dominican Republic. Approximately $900,000 is available.

DRL requests proposals that address the following objective:  Strengthening a Culture of Compliance through Promoting Labor Rights for Migrant Workers in Central America and the Dominican Republic. This solicitation seeks proposals to support initiatives that improve the labor rights situation of migrant workers in the CAFTA-DR region. Successful proposals will develop strategies to sustain and improve the application of labor standards for migrant workers, particularly among vulnerable groups, such as women, undocumented and indigenous workers.

Project components may include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and implementing strategies for promoting respect for the labor rights of migrant workers and disseminating good practices within the target countries;

• Providing technical assistance to worker organizations and NGOs to:
• Raise awareness among migrant workers and other vulnerable populations about their labor rights;
• Promote the organization of migrant workers in support of their labor rights; and/or
• Work with existing legal aid support networks to provide legal assistance to migrant workers;

• Conducting outreach and advocacy among employers and other key stakeholders to strengthen respect for labor rights for migrant workers;

• Providing training to government officials on mechanisms for improving labor law coverage for migrant workers, including increasing outreach to migrant workers, stronger enforcement, and extending – to the extent possible – social safety net protections.

The full announcement can be accessed at:  http://www.state.gov/g/drl/p/125614.htm.

Because the Department of State allows an organization to submit only one application, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Individuals interested in responding to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, July 20, 2009:

• Names and departments of the PI and other project personnel
• Project overview (3 pages) – briefly describe project objectives, proposed activities, innovative aspects of the proposed program, elements of sustainability that will have a lasting impact and applicant’s related experience.

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation. All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the full application and supporting material electronically through Grants.gov for the August 3, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

State, U.S. Department of – Congressionally Mandated – One-time Grants Program

The Department of State has allocated a total of $6 million for two Congressionally-mandated competitions:  A) One-time Grants Program for Academic Programs and B) Professional, Cultural, and Youth One-time Grants Program.  Each of these two competitions has multiple programs, each with specific guidelines and funding levels.

A.  Academic Programs:

1. Undergraduate Intensive English Language Program
2. Capacity Building for Undergraduate or Graduate Study Abroad
3. Study of the United States Institutes for Foreign Undergraduate Students

For more information on Competition A see: http://exchanges.state.gov/grants/open2.html

B. Professional, Cultural, and Youth One-time Grants Program

1.  Emerging Youth Leaders: for high school students (ages 15-17) and educators

- Democracy and Governance in Civil Society
- Science and Environmental issues

2.  Emerging Young Professionals: for young adults (ages 22-35)

- Environmental issues
- Entrepreneurial and business management skills
- Post-conflict governing
- Development of Grassroots Organizations for Women

3.  Emerging Cultural Leaders

- "Rooted in the Arts" program for U.S. performing artists (ages 25-35) and teachers

For more information on Competition B see: http://exchanges.state.gov/grants/open2.html

Most recent internal deadline: May 8, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: May 14, 2009.

State, U. S. Department of - Elections, Political Participation, and Consensus Building in Selected Countries

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) solicits proposals for projects that support elections and promote political participation and consensus building for countries in Africa (Cote d’Ivoire, Central African Republic, Togo, and Uganda), the Near East (Lebanon and Tunisia), and South Asia (Afghanistan) targeting the following issues:

Africa:

Central African Republic (approximately $750,000 available):  DRL seeks proposals to develop and build the capacity of human rights NGOs and to use radio as a tool to build civil society capacity.  Radio should be used to increase sustainable links between citizens, civil society, and elected representatives in an informative and interactive dialogue on issues regarding human rights—including impunity and endemic corruption—as well as democracy and civic participation, including in the presidential and legislative elections scheduled for 2010.  This dialogue, the reach of which should extend beyond the capital to other urban centers and rural areas throughout the country, should directly involve and help build the capacity of local human rights NGOs focusing on issues such as impunity, arbitrary arrest and detention, corruption, torture, judicial independence, women’s and children’s rights, press freedom, and electoral integrity.  The dialogue should aim to increase citizens’ understanding of human rights and their engagement in the political process, and it should incorporate the participation of elected representatives and other government officials.

Cote d’Ivoire (approximately $750,000 available): DRL seeks proposals to monitor the elections preparations process and the conduct of elections in Cote d'Ivoire, including the training of local election observers.

Togo (approximately $800,000 available): DRL seeks proposals to build the capacity of civil society organizations to participate in the 2010 presidential election process through collaboration with the Electoral Commission on one or more of the following election-related activities: voter registration, election observation, and/or adjudication of post-election disputes. Activities that specifically include a youth component are encouraged. Applicants interested in applying for a grant in Togo must currently be operating in the region and have the ability to immediately initiate program activities upon receipt of funding.

Uganda (approximately $550,000 available):  DRL seeks proposals that provide voter civic education in the lead up to and during the 2011 elections.

Near East:

Lebanon (approximately $700,000 available): DRL seeks to fund programs that provide support for media organizations to develop mediacoverage and monitoringof the 2010 municipal elections and electoral process;public awareness campaigns on citizen rights and responsibilities during the elections;and initiatives that empower youthparticipationin the elections.DRL welcomes proposals that focus on organizations outside the capital, on youth media groups, and that include training and/or small grants components.  

Tunisia (approximately $400,000 available): DRL seeks to fund programs that promote the participation of women in political processes and promote the empowerment of women to become a part of political dialogue by educating them on innovative methods of engagement and participation.

South Asia:

Afghanistan (approximately $600,000 available): DRL seeks proposals that support civic education by local civil society groups in preparation for the 2010 parliamentary and district elections. Applicants are encouraged to work with organizations such as Afghan Women’s Network and Afghan Civil Society Forum.

The full announcement can be accessed at:  http://www.state.gov/g/drl/p/127829.htm.

Because the Department of State will accept no more than three proposals from an organization, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, August 31, 2009:

• Names and departments of PI and key personnel
• Target country(ies)
• Project narrative (maximum 4 pages) including a statement of work or synopsis of the program and its expected results, the project’s objectives and activities, the total amount of funding requested and program length, and a brief statement on how the project is innovative, sustainable, and will have a demonstrated impact.

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation.  All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the full application and supporting material electronically through Grants.gov for the September 14, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

State, U.S. Department of – Global Human Rights Defenders Emergency Fund Near East and South Asia

Defenders of human rights often risk their own and their families’ lives, safety, and jobs to advocate for universally recognized human rights.  The Department of State places a high priority on defending these individuals.  An emergency fund within the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) supports human rights defenders who promote human rights, democracy and good governance, women’s rights, fair labor practices, independent media and journalism, and other issues that may raise the risk of safety and/or life for their defenders.   

DRL seeks proposals for effective and immediate approaches to disburse small, short-term emergency financial support to human rights defenders and advocates of human rights globally or regionally when the repression or restriction of basic human rights may occur.  DRL encourages applicants to submit proposals that include strategies to target all kinds of human rights activists, including those who promote the rights of marginalized populations, including the LGBT community, labor rights activists, and religious rights activists.

The full announcement can be accessed at:   http://www.state.gov/g/drl/p/c12302.htm.

Because the Department of State will accept only one proposal from an organization, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Friday, November 6, 2009:

• Name and department of the Principal Investigator
• Names of international partners
• Project overview (4 pages maximum) include program objectives, a description of the network in the countries in which the applicant proposes to work, and the vetting process and mechanisms to provide assistance to human rights defenders.

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation.  All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the full application and supporting material electronically through Grants.gov for the November 24, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

State, U.S. Department of – International Sports Programming Initiative

The Office of Citizen Exchanges welcomes proposals for two-way exchanges that directly respond to the following thematic areas. Given budgetary limitations, projects for themes not listed below are not eligible and will not be reviewed under this initiative.

Eligible Themes:

(1) Training Sports Coaches

Through seminars and outreach, projects submitted in response to this theme will aim at aiding youth and secondary school coaches in the target countries in the development and implementation of appropriate training methodologies. The goal is to ensure the optimal technical proficiency among the coaches participating in the program while also emphasizing the role sports can play in the long-term economic well-being of youth.

(2) Youth Sports Management Exchange

Exchanges funded under this theme will enable American and foreign youth sport coaches, adult sponsors, and sport association officials to share their experience in managing and organizing youth sports activities, particularly in financially challenging circumstances, and will advance cross-cultural understanding of the role of sports as a significant factor in educational success. The pursuit of academic degrees from U.S. institutions is not an acceptable focus of this program, and applications that propose this will not be considered.

(3) Youth with Disabilities

Exchanges supported by this theme are designed to promote and sponsor sports, recreation, fitness, and leisure events for children and adults with physical disabilities. Project goals include improving the quality of life for people with disabilities by providing affordable, inclusive sports and recreational experiences that build self-esteem and confidence, enhancing active participation in community life and making a significant contribution to the physical and psychological health of people with disabilities. Proposals under this theme aim to demonstrate that physically disabled individuals can be included in sports and recreation opportunities in their communities, and will develop opportunities for them to do so.

(4) Sports and Health

Projects funded under this category will focus on effective and practical ways to use sports personalities and sports health professionals to increase awareness among young people of the importance of following a healthy lifestyle to reduce illness, prevent injuries and speed rehabilitation and recovery. Emphasis will be on the responsibility of the broader community to support healthy behavior. The project goals are to promote and integrate scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life. (Actual medical training and dispensing of medications are outside the purview of this theme.)

For a list of eligible countries and additional details including the agency’s cost sharing and F&A rate preferences, see the complete announcement at:

http://exchanges.state.gov/media/pdfs/rfgps/rfgp03232009.pdf

Most recent internal deadline: February 23, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: March 23, 2009.

State, U.S. Department of - Iraq Elections-Related Proposals and Iraq Post-Election Initiative Proposals

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) requests proposals under two separate initiatives to support the advancement of democracy inside Iraq. Projects should directly support the overall goal of the strategy: Iraqi citizens, civil society and democratic institutions work cooperatively to reduce violence and build a sustainable, accountable and responsive system of governance. Organizations should have a demonstrated capacity to work in Iraq on democracy-related issues. This request for proposals does not guarantee funding and is subject to Congressional approval of DRL’s spending plan as well as approval by the Assistant Secretary of DRL and the Office of Acquisitions and Management.

Dept. of State Program #1 - Iraq Elections-Related Proposals

DRL invites organizations to submit proposals outlining program concepts and capacity to manage projects that address the first of the three strategic objectives of the strategy: Institutionalize democratic, political and legislative processes that resolve disputes peacefully. Proposals should provide a compelling country-oriented rationale and comprehensively outline and develop program concepts and capacity to manage projects that will address one or more of the following priorities:

• Projects that build the capacity of civil society organizations to conduct election-related activities, including voter education, voter registration, election observation and observer training, polling activities, and get-out-the-vote activities for the national elections for the Council of Representatives and other upcoming Iraqi elections.
• Projects that include election-related training for political parties or media.
• Projects that facilitate improved election-related communication between government officials and Iraqi citizens at the local, provincial, and national levels.
• Projects that promote the participation of youth, women, and minorities in political processes.

Proposals should address coordination with the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and with the international community and other USG-funded entities in Iraq, if applicable.

The full announcement can be accessed at:  http://www.state.gov/g/drl/p/125915.htm.

Dept. of State Program #2 - Iraq Post-Election Initiative Proposals

DRL invites organizations to submit proposals outlining program concepts and capacity to manage projects that address one or more of the three strategic objectives of the strategy:

• Institutionalize democratic, political and legislative processes that resolve disputes peacefully;
• Improve capacity and accountability at all levels of government; and
• Foster the environment for and development of Iraq’s civil society and media to operate independently, freely and effectively.

Proposals should provide a compelling country-oriented rationale and comprehensively outline and develop program concepts and capacity to manage projects that will address one or more of the following priorities in the post-national election period:

• Projects that enhance the capacity of Iraq’s public administration and the Council of Representatives to perform core functions in the post-national election period, including consensus-building, policy analysis, bill drafting, budgeting, constituent relations, administration, and improved oversight of executive branch agencies.
• Projects that foster dialogue, transparency, and responsiveness in the legislative process.
• Projects that assist Iraqis with the enactment of laws and other grassroots activities that contribute to national reconciliation or advancing key pieces of legislation, including legislation related to human rights issues.
• Projects that contribute to cross-sectarian dialogue, consensus-building, tolerance, and reconciliation in the post-national election period.
• Projects that strengthen democratic political institutions to facilitate effective pluralistic governance and promote the participation of youth, women, and minorities in political processes.
• Projects that strengthen the organizational capacity, sustainability, and accountability of civil society to effectively engage in the democratic process.
• Projects that encourage and facilitate dialogue among Iraqi civil society, Iraqi local and national governments, and international actors.
• Projects that support the development of professionalism, sustainability, and editorial independence of Iraqi media, including strengthening the regulatory framework for independent media and freedom of expression.

Proposals should address coordination with the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and with the international community and other USG-funded entities in Iraq, if applicable.

The full announcement can be accessed at http://www.state.gov/g/drl/p/125916.htm.

Because the Department of State will accept only one application from an organization for each of the two programs, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Individuals interested in responding are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Tuesday, July 21, 2009:

• Name and department of the Project Director
• Identify Program - #1 Iraq Election or #2 Iraq Post-Election Initiative
• Project overview (2-3 pages) – briefly describe project objectives, proposed activities, innovative aspects of the proposed program, elements of sustainability that will have a lasting impact and applicant’s related experience.

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation.  All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the full application and supporting material electronically through Grants.gov for the July 27, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

State, U.S. Department of - Jefferson Science Fellows

The Jefferson Science Fellows (JSF) program at the U.S. Department of State, initiated in 2003, established a model for engaging the American academic science, technology, and engineering (STE) communities in the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy. The JSF program is administered by the National Academies and supported through a partnership between the U.S. STE academic community, professional scientific societies, and the U.S. Department of State.

Tenured academic scientists and engineers from U.S. institutions of higher learning are eligible for selection to be Jefferson Science Fellows. Each Fellow will spend one year at the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for an on-site assignment in Washington, D.C. that may also involve extended stays at U.S. foreign embassies and/or missions. All JSF assignments will be designed in consultation with regional and/or functional bureaus within the U.S. Department of State/USAID. While in general JSF assignments will involve providing up-to-date expertise in the rapidly advancing STE arenas that routinely impact the policy decisions encountered by the U.S. Department of State/USAID, each Fellow will also be expected to become conversant with the functional operation of the U.S. Department of State/USAID. In doing so, the JSF program complements and enhances the existing efforts by both the continuing employees within the U.S. Department of State/USAID and other temporary fellows supported by non-governmental organizations who address STE issues. Following the fellowship year, the Jefferson Science Fellow will return to his/her academic career, but will remain available to the U.S. Department of State/USAID for short-term projects over the following five years.

Nominations and applications are limited to scientists, technologists, and engineers holding a tenured faculty appointment at a U.S. college or university.

Eligible nominees and applicants will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Ability to articulate science and technology issues to the non-specialist/general public.
• Ability to rapidly and accurately understand scientific advancements outside their discipline area and to effectively integrate this knowledge into U.S. Department of State policy discussions.
• Open-mindedness and receptive attitudes toward public policy discussions at the U.S. Department of State/USAID.
• Stature, recognition and experience in the national and international scientific or engineering community.

Those individuals offered JSF awards must successfully complete and maintain security clearances required for them to undertake their duties within the U.S. Department of State/USAID.

Additional guidelines and a list of the current Fellows are available at: http://www7.nationalacademies.org/Jefferson/

Most recent internal deadline: December 2, 2008.

Most recent external deadline: January 15, 2009.

State, U. S. Department of – Malaysia Programs

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces a Request for Proposals (RFP) from organizations interested in submitting proposals for projects that support good governance, media assistance and religious tolerance in Malaysia.

Program Area #1:  Good Governance (Approximately $500,000)

DRL seeks proposals aimed at strengthening political parties to promote accountability, integrity and effectiveness in representing party member and constituent interests, and, building legislative capacity of the national and state assemblies, and increasing the integrity of electoral systems. Programs may address these objectives through direct assistance to the government and political parties and/or promotion of public awareness and engagement on these areas.

Proposals should address one or more of the following areas:

• Political party reforms in improved accountability to member and constituent interests; appropriate use of the media; promotion of youth participation; and development of women leaders;
• Strengthening of the national and state assembly capacities to review legislation and fulfill other mandates including a better oversight of public expenditures, public agency activities, government budgeting, and procurement; and inclusion of women’s and human rights issues as a part of the legislative agenda;

• Strengthening of the integrity and public trust in elections through activities that include voter registration audits; increased access to information from voter registration and electoral offices; improved procedures for campaigning and election-day operations; and increased transparency related to absentee voting.

Program Area #2:  Civil Society (Approximately $500,000)

DRL seeks proposals aimed at: (1) promoting media and internet freedom; (2) promoting religious tolerance.

The full announcement can be accessed at:  http://www.state.gov/g/drl/p/130236.htm.

Each organization may submit up to 1 proposal for each program area (2 proposals in total), but must not combine activities for good governance and civil society in a single proposal.

Because the Department of State limits an institution to two applications, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Wednesday, October 14, 2009:

• Names and departments of PI and key personnel
• Specify Program Area (Good Governance or Civil Society)
• Project narrative (maximum 4 pages) including a) a statement of work or synopsis of the program and its expected results, b) the project’s objectives and activities, c) the total amount of funding requested and program length, and d) a brief statement on how the project is innovative, sustainable, and will have a demonstrated impact.

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation.  All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the full application and supporting material electronically through Grants.gov for the October 23, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

State, U. S. Department of - North Korea Programs

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) solicits proposals for projects that promote human rights and the rule of law; civil society; and media freedom and freedom of information in North Korea:

1.  Human Rights and Rule of Law (approximately $750,000 available):

DRL seeks proposals for projects to improve the internal North Korean human rights situation, including those that address rule of law and women's rights. Applicants should demonstrate a clear linkage between proposed activities and their intended impact inside the country. 

2.  Civil Society (approximately $750,000 available):

DRL seeks proposals for projects to build the capacity of both South Korean- and defector- led organizations to collaborate and to more effectively advocate for change in North Korea.

3.  Media Freedom and Freedom of Information (approximately $1,000,000 available):

DRL seeks proposals for projects that increase the flow of information in, within, and out of North Korea, including through exchanges and training programs in the East Asia Pacific region.

The full announcement can be accessed at:  http://www.state.gov/g/drl/p/127837.htm.

Because the Department of State limits an institution to one application, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, August 31, 2009:
           
a)   Names and departments of PI and key personnel
b)   Project narrative (maximum 4 pages) including a statement of work or synopsis of the program and its expected results, the project’s objectives and activities, the total amount of funding requested and program length, and a brief statement on how the project is innovative, sustainable, and will have a demonstrated impact.

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation.  All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the full application and supporting material electronically through Grants.gov for the September 15, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

State, U.S. Department of - Professional Exchange Programs in Selected International Countries

The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for grants that support exchanges and build relationships between U.S. non-profit organizations and civil society and cultural groups in Africa, East Asia, Europe, the Near East, North Africa, South Central Asia and the Western Hemisphere. Pending availability of funds, it is anticipated that approximately $5,600,000 or more will be available to support this competition. Sponsor expects to fund approximately 10-15 projects under the Professional Exchange Program competition in FY 2009. Successful projects should promote mutual understanding and partnerships between key professional and cultural groups in the United States and counterpart groups in other countries through multi-phased exchanges taking place over one to two years. Proposals should encourage citizen engagement in current issues and promote the development of democratic societies and institutions, with a view toward creating a more stable world. All programs should be two-way exchanges and involve participants from the U.S. and foreign countries.

This opportunity from the Department of State consists of four themes: 

1. The Legislative Fellows Program (LFP) - Priorities focus on engagement with young professionals in positions to influence and develop their societies, including young professionals involved in the local and national legislatures of developing democracies. The LFP program is designed to strengthen understanding of the U.S. legislative process and enhance appreciation of the role of civic society and its engagement in the political process. LFP will provide young professionals from identified countries with hands-on exposure to the U.S. political process through internships in U.S. Congressional offices (including state/district offices), state legislatures, city councils or local governments across the U.S. The program will also involve U.S. participants who will be selected from staff members at the various internship sites who will act as primary host/mentors to the foreign fellows during their U.S.-based program. After the internships are completed, these U.S. staff members will travel overseas to the interns' home countries to continue their engagement by participating in joint outreach activities, engaging the local media, and on-site consultancies and presentations to wider audiences.

2. Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP) - Support and development of business entrepreneurs in emerging free market societies remains a top priority for the State Department worldwide. Sponsor seeks proposals to implement the Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP) program to promote entrepreneurial thinking, job creation, business planning, and management skills that will assist young emerging entrepreneurs worldwide (approximately 25-35 years old) in launching business careers. The YEP program will increase understanding of the links between entrepreneurial activity and free markets as well as the importance of transparency and accountability in business and government. The YEP program will introduce young men and women to entrepreneurial thinking, business management skills, attracting investment, and also in designing programs to teach others these skills. The program will enhance appreciation for American business practices and the role of the individual in creating growth through grassroots-focused entrepreneurial efforts.

3. Outreach and Integration of Minority Communities - Sponsor seeks proposals for programs that will engage community leaders, educators, youth influencers, journalists, and community-based organizations in examination of programs and practices to facilitate integration and empowerment of minority populations, particularly youth, in selected countries. The program would look at issues related to the integration of immigrant and minority populations into a modern democratic society. This includes integration in the political system, economic opportunity, freedom of expression, access to education, and practice of an open social/cultural life, while maintaining ethnic identity within a multi-ethnic society. A specific concentration of programming on immigrant and minority youth populations and the special needs/challenges they face in modern society should be a major focus. An overall comparison and sharing of best practices in the U.S. and in foreign countries on these issues should also be included. Programming should include an overview of U.S. and foreign government and legal structures, an understanding of the diversity of American and foreign societies and efforts to increase tolerance and respect for others with differing views and beliefs. Program content should include an overview of the range of historical and current American and foreign experiences with integrating various immigrant and minority citizens, examination of what has worked well and what has not, and analysis of the range of actors including government, NGOs, religious organizations, immigrant organizations, educational institutions, and the role of the media and public who report on these issues. Participants (from the U.S. and foreign countries) in the program should include representatives of non-governmental organizations, community leaders, educators, youth influencers, religious leaders, and journalists from minority communities.

4. Nqwang Choephel Fellowship Program for Tibet - Sponsor welcomes proposals that focus on the themes of cultural preservation and economic self-sufficiency and proposals that train and assist Tibetans living in Tibetan communities in China by providing professional experience and exposure to American society and culture through internships, workshops and other learning activities hosted by U.S. institutions. The experiences will also provide Americans the opportunity to learn about Tibetan culture and the social and economic challenges that Tibetans face today.

For details and specific requirements for each theme and country, see the complete announcement:  http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-28737.htm.

Most recent internal deadline: January 12, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: February 20, 2009.

State, U.S. Department of – Programs for Chad

The Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) requests proposals for projects that promote democracy and human rights in Chad.

DRL is interested in projects targeting one of the following issues in Chad (approximately $1,000,000 available):

1).Raising awareness to prevent the recruitment of child soldiers in government and/or rebel groups - Projects related to child soldiers should focus on preventing recruitment of children from refugee and/or IDP camps in the east; however, proposals may also include efforts in other parts of the country as appropriate. Awareness raising strategies should be clearly described and aimed specifically at key actors who may be able to prevent or stop the recruitment and use of child soldiers. Such actors may include, but are not limited to, field-level members of the military, local refugee leaders, parents/parent-teacher associations, gendarmes and law enforcement officials, local and provincial civilian authorities, and civil society/religious groups. As such, projects should demonstrate a strong understanding of the ways in which children are recruited. To promote collaboration and avoid duplication of efforts, projects should also demonstrate the ability to coordinate closely with UNICEF, UNHCR, and other actors engaged in similar efforts. Awareness raising activities must demonstrate that they do not duplicate UNICEF efforts. Applicants interested in applying for a grant in this area must currently be operating in Chad.

2). Reducing school violence - Projects must pay particular attention to the inclusion of girls, demonstrate knowledge of other related ongoing projects, and explain how the proposal does not duplicate existing efforts. Projects should involve training for and the involvement of actors such as teachers, school administrators and local authorities, students (male and female), and parents/parent-teacher associations. They should seek to strengthen existing mechanisms that work with or within schools or to build associations that will continue to promote safer schools over the long-term.

The full announcement can be accessed at:  http://www.state.gov/g/drl/p/125224.htm.

Because the Department of State only allows an organization to submit one application, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, July 6, 2009:

• Names and departments of the PI and other project personnel
• Project overview (3 pages) – briefly describe project objectives, proposed activities, innovative aspects of the proposed program, elements of sustainability that will have a lasting impact and applicant’s related experience.

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation.  All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the full application and supporting material electronically through Grants.gov for the July 16, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

State, US Dept. of - Request for Proposals on Democracy, Human Rights, and Rule of Law in Selected Countries

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor announces a Request for Proposals from organizations interested in submitting proposals for projects that promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law for countries in Africa (Cameroon, Zimbabwe and Regional), East Asia Pacific (Fiji, Laos, Timor Leste and Regional), Europe (Armenia, Belarus, Moldova, Russia, OSCE and Regional), the Near East (Jordan, Morocco, West Bank / Occupied Territories, Yemen and Regional), South and Central Asia (Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Regional), and the Western Hemisphere (Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico and Nicaragua).

Click on the following link for the full announcement with specific details on the types of proposals to be supported in each country and the funding levels:  http://www.state.gov/g/drl/p/130297.htm.  The Proposal Development Office chose to send this brief overview rather than a lengthy three page memo.

Because the Department of State allows institutions to submit no more than seven applications, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Thursday, October 29, 2009:

• Names and departments of PI and key personnel
• Specify the targeted country(ies)
• Project narrative (maximum 4 pages) including:  a) a statement of work or synopsis of the program and its expected results; b) the project’s objectives and activities; c) the total amount of funding requested and program length; and d) a brief statement on how the project is innovative, sustainable, and will have a demonstrated impact.

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make recommendationd.  All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the full application and supporting material electronically through Grants.gov for the November 17, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

State, U.S. Dept. of, - Study of the United States Institutes for Scholars

The Branch for the Study of the United States, Office of Academic Exchange Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, invites proposal submissions for the design and implementation of three Institutes to take place over the course of six weeks beginning in June 2010.  These Institutes are intensive academic programs whose purpose is to provide foreign university faculty, secondary educators, and other scholars the opportunity to deepen their understanding of American society, culture, and institutions.  The ultimate goal is to strengthen curricula and to improve the quality of teaching about the United States in academic institutions abroad.  The Institutes should provide a multinational group of experienced educators with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions.

The three Institutes to be funded are:

• The Study of the U.S. Institute on U.S. Culture and Society – 1 award of approximately $290,000 for a group of 18 university level faculty
• The Study of the U.S. Institute on Journalism and Media – 1 award of approximately $290,000 for a group of 18 university level faculty
• The Study of the U.S. Institute for Secondary Educators – 1 award of approximately $360,000 for a group of 30 secondary educators.

Program details are available through Grants.gov:  http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=T94gKFbFs6JmDN9LZ291PSDGCvn0k90c9WCjcvLlcT1BGcbJKTvN!1798842873?oppId=49704&mode=VIEW and the following website:  https://exchanges.cms.getusinfo.com/uploads/dX/Xh/dXXhMja9lk3fSKI2xciJrw/rfgp12032009.pdf.

Applicants may propose to host only one Institute listed under this competition.  Should an institution submit multiple proposals under this competition, all proposals will be declared technically ineligible and given no further consideration in the review process.  As a result of the sponsor guidelines, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, October 26, 2009:

• Names and departments of Program Director and all participating faculty and staff
• Specify the focus of the proposed Institute – 1) US Culture and Society, 2) Journalism and Media or 3) Secondary Educators
• Program description (5 pages maximum) – include objectives, description of academic component, cultural component, participant monitoring, and evaluation plan
• Budget – funding requested from the Dept. of State, cost sharing (identify sources from UK and others), total program cost

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation as to UK’s one submission.  All applicants will be notified of the results; the one selected will be authorized to submit the full application and supporting material electronically through Grants.gov for the December 3, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

State, U.S. Dept. of, - Study of the US Institutes for Student Leaders

The Branch for the Study of the United States, Office of Academic Exchange Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, invites proposal submissions for the design and implementation of approximately 15 Study of the United States Institutes for Student Leaders under five different themes. Taking place over the course of five weeks, the Institutes will be scheduled throughout a one year period, starting in April, 2010 and ending in March, 2011. The scheduling of each Institute should coincide with the academic calendar of the participants’ home country(ies).

Institute Themes:

• The Study of the U.S. Institute on Global Environmental Issues
• The Study of the U.S. Institute on New Media
• The Study of the U.S. Institute on Religious Pluralism in the United States
• The Study of the U.S. Institute on Social Entrepreneurship
• The Study of the U.S. Institute on Women’s Leadership

The full announcement can be accessed at:  http://exchanges.state.gov/grants/open2.html
Click on the link Study of the U.S. Institutes for Student Leaders. 

Applicant organizations may submit no more than one application as a lead institution under this competition for either Option A or Option B. If UK submits an application under Option A, then it can only be a partner in an Option B proposal, but not the lead organization If multiple proposals are received from the same applicant organization, all submissions will be declared technically ineligible and will be given no further consideration in the review process.

Option A: Total available funding up to $240,000 (one institute) or up to $480,000 (two institutes). Under Option A, applicant organizations (colleges, universities, or NGOs) are invited to submit one application to host no more than two Institutes under any of the themes listed above. It is anticipated that between 1 and 5 awards will be made under Option A.

Option B: Total available funding up to $1,680,000. Under Option B, other public and private non-profit organizations or consortia of organizations must propose to administer seven (7) Institutes in one application. Organizations, using sub-grantee agreements, must propose to administer at least one Institute under each of the five (5) themes listed above, and two additional Institutes in the theme(s) of their choice. It is anticipated that up to two awards may be made under Option B.

Because the Department of State only allows organizations to submit one proposal for Option A or Option B, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Thursday, December 10, 2009:

• name and department of the principle investigator
• a paragraph stating which Option the program falls under and, if Option B, who the partners are and which partner is the lead organization
• project description (3 pages maximum) including program objectives and program activities

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation. All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the full application and supporting material electronically through Grants.gov for the January 14, 2010 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

State, U.S. Dept. of, - Support for Multilateral Initiatives

The U.S. Dept. of State has allocated $325,000 for projects in support of the following three multilateral programs:  Association of South East Asian Nations, Organization of the Islamic Conference and Community of Democracies .

Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) - Total funding available - $127,500
Projects should focus on ways to assist local and regional non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations to participate in and influence the development of the emerging ASEAN human rights body. Proposals should clearly address one or more of the following areas:

• Provide training for human rights advocates from ASEAN member countries on multilateral human rights mechanisms and interaction with civil society;
• Support increased NGO and civil society interface with ASEAN, including by promoting dialogue and communications capability among civil society, political actors, government officials and other stakeholders about the proposed human rights Charter and independent body;
• Facilitate consultations with regional organizations, such as the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Organization of American States (OAS), and the African Union (AU) on their processes for drafting human rights charters and related instruments and developing independent human rights bodies, in order to enhance ASEAN-based NGO knowledge and capabilities to effectively influence and promote the work of the new human rights body;
• Promote and facilitate exchanges with NGOs, academic institutions, and think tanks from other regions so that ASEAN-based NGO’s can benefit from their knowledge and expertise in the creation and implementation of regional human rights bodies/charters such as the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the AU African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, and the OAS Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) - Total funding available - $127,500

Projects should focus on non-governmental efforts to provide assistance to the OIC to develop a human rights charter and independent body. Proposals should clearly address one or more of the following areas:

• Provide technical assistance to the OIC to assist in drafting a proposed human rights charter and developing an independent human rights body, that are consistent with international standards and norms;
• Support increased NGO and civil society interface with the OIC, including by promoting dialogue among civil society, religious communities, political actors, government officials and other stakeholders about the proposed human rights charter and independent body;
• Facilitate consultations with other regional organizations, such as the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe or the Organization of American States on their process for drafting human rights charters and related instruments and developing independent human rights bodies in order to enhance best practices and address common challenges in defending and promoting human rights.
• Promote dialogue among OIC officials or OIC member state representatives and U.S. scholars, Muslim leaders, NGOs and civil society to explore how Americans understand the intersections between Islam and human rights, and how Muslims in the United States use human rights, including the protection of the freedoms of expression and religion and prohibition on various forms of discrimination, to fight against intolerance and to combat discrimination; and to identify future efforts to work together to promote tolerance through advocacy campaigns.

Community of Democracies (CD) - Total funding available - $70,000
Projects should focus on supporting the travel of NGO activists from Muslim countries outside the Middle East to the 2009 Ministerial in Lisbon.

• Facilitate the travel and participation of NGO representatives from Muslim societies outside the Middle East at the 2009 CD Ministerial in Lisbon;
• Design and implement creative, hands-on programming to strengthen advocacy networks, both among NGOs in Muslim societies outside the Middle East, and to connect with existing NGO networks in other regions.

For more information see:  http://www.state.gov/g/drl/p/115502.htm

Most recent internal deadline: February 13, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: February 25, 2009.

State, U.S. Department of - Track II Dialogue on Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula

The Office of Regional Security and Policy in the Department of State’s Bureau of East Asian & Pacific Affairs invites U.S. multilateral, academic, or non-profit/non-governmental organizations to submit proposals for facilitation of an unofficial “Track II” dialogue that would allow for the participation of academic, non-governmental, military, and other government agency representatives from Northeast Asia -- including the United States, Russia, China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, the DPRK, and any other relevant countries -- to meet and discuss regional security and nonproliferation issues that affect them all.  Organizations with significant experience in this or similar fora are encouraged to apply.  The Department will have $99,000 available for a single grant.

The full announcement can be accessed at:   http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=49905.  Click on Full Announcement in the heading.

Because the Department of State allows organizations to submit only one proposal, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Tuesday, November 10, 2009:

• Name and department of the Principal Investigator
• Names of international partners
• Project narrative (4 pages maximum) including a problem statement, project goals, implementation, evaluation and timeline.

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation.  All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the full application and supporting material electronically through Grants.gov for the November 30, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

State, U.S. Department of - U.S. Institutes on American Politics, Literature, Religious Pluralism, Foreign Policy and Institute for Secondary Educators

The US Department of State plans to make one award to five different Institutes that focus on promoting a better understanding of American society, culture, values and institutions to improve the quality of teaching and strengthen curricula about the United States at academic institutions abroad. The five Institutes are:
1) The Study of the United States Institute on American Politics and Political Thought ; one award of up to $280,000;
2) The Study of the United States Institute on Contemporary American Literature; one award of up to $280,000;
3) The Study of the United States Institute on Religious Pluralism in the United States; one award of up to $280,000;
4) The Study of the United States Institute on U.S. Foreign Policy; one award of up to $280,000; and
5) The Study of the United States Institute for Secondary Educators; one award of up to $350,000.

Participants in each Institute will be a multinational group of experienced and highly-motivated foreign professionals and specialists in the area. Each Institute is to include an academic residency component of at least four weeks beginning in June 2008 that maximizes interaction between participants and presenters during classroom sessions; provide opportunity for limited but well-directed independent research; and include an educational travel program. Guidelines and additional information are available at: http://exchanges.state.gov/education/rfgps/dec14rfgp.htm

Most recent internal deadline: November 16, 2007.

Most recent external deadline: December 14, 2007.

State, U.S. Department of, – Youth Ambassadors Program with South America and Mexico

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for the Youth Ambassadors Program with Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela, and the United States. Public and private non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations may submit proposals to recruit and select youth and adult participants and to provide the participants with three-week exchanges focused on civic education, community service, and leadership along with follow-on projects in their home communities. For planning purposes, it is anticipated that exchange delegations will travel from all 13 countries to the United States, and U.S. exchange delegations will travel to six South American countries.

The total amount of funding available is $3,000,000. ECA anticipates awarding approximately three grants. The Bureau reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal project configurations and budgets in accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds.

Applicant organizations may apply for one, two, or all three of the options outlined below. The Bureau strongly urges organizations to limit their applications to the option(s) where they have the strongest institutional capacity in every country; this capacity must be thoroughly described in the proposal. Please note the funding range for each option.

• Option One: Southern Cone regional project (Project A): $900,000-$1,000,000
• Option Two: Andean regional project (Project B) plus a single-country or joint project (one of Projects C through F below): $850,000-$1,000,000
• Option Three: Three or four single-country projects or joint project (Projects C through G below): $750,000-$1,000,00

If an organization chooses Option Two or Option Three, please note that the intention is to have these projects conducted separately and distinctly from one another.

The list below identifies the project name, the language in which the exchange will be conducted, the requested secondary themes (of which applicants choose one), and whether an exchange to the partner country by U.S. students and teachers is requested.

• Project A: Southern Cone (Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay) Regional project. English. Secondary theme: Environment, Drug and alcohol abuse prevention, Business and entrepreneurship, or Alternatives to violence. U.S.-to-Chile and U.S.-to-Paraguay exchanges.
• Project B: Andean (Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru) Regional project. Spanish. Secondary theme: Environment, Business and entrepreneurship, or Drug and alcohol abuse prevention. U.S.-to-Ecuador exchange.
• Project C: Colombia Single-country project. English. Secondary theme: Drug and alcohol abuse prevention.
• Project D: Venezuela Single-country project. English. Secondary theme: Environment, Drug and alcohol abuse prevention, or Business and entrepreneurship.
• Project E: Suriname and Guyana Joint project. English. Secondary theme: Environment, Business and entrepreneurship, or Drug and alcohol abuse prevention. U.S.-to-Suriname/Guyana exchange.
• Project F: Mexico Single-country project. Spanish. Secondary theme: Alternatives to violence.
• Project G: Brazil Single-country project. English. Secondary theme: Business and entrepreneurship. U.S.-to-Brazil exchange.

For more information see: http://exchanges.state.gov/grants/open2.html

Most recent internal deadline: May 18, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: May 28, 2009.

Transportation, U.S. Dept. of - Small Business Transportation Resource Centers

The Department of Transportation Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) announces the opportunity for business centered community-based organizations, transportation-related trade association, colleges and universities, community colleges or chambers of commerce to compete for participation in OSDBU's Small Business Transportation Resource Center program in the Southwest Region, the South Atlantic Region, and the Mid-South Atlantic Region.

OSDBU will enter into Cooperative Agreements with these organizations to outreach to the small business community in their designated region and provide financial and technical assistance, business training programs, such as, business assessment, management training, counseling, technical assistance, marketing and outreach, and the dissemination of information, to encourage and assist small businesses to become better prepared to compete for, obtain, and manage DOT funded transportation-related contracts and subcontracts at the federal, state and local levels.

The full announcement can be accessed at:  http://www.osdbu.dot.gov/documents/pdf/RFP_SBTRC_NEW_REGIONS_2010_v3.pdf.

According to the guidelines, “any eligible organization … will submit only one proposal per region for consideration by OSDBU; eligible organizations may submit proposals for multiple regions.”

Because the sponsor allows eligible organizations to submit only one proposal per region, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, November 2, 2009:

• Title and location of the project
• Names and departments of the Principal Investigator(s), project personnel, collaborating institutions and/or other partners
• Project description (4 pages) including a) approach and strategy; b) organizational capability; and c) staff capabilities and experience

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review this material and make a recommendation.  All applicants will be notified in time to prepare and submit the application and supporting material for the November 19, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

USAID - Health Research Program (HaRP): Health Research Challenge for Delivery and Health Research Challenge for Impact

The United States Government, represented by the Agency for International Development (USAID), Global Health (GH), Office of Health, Infectious Diseases, and Nutrition (HIDN), proposes to enter into two Leader with Associate Cooperative Agreements for the implementation of the Health Research Challenge for Impact (HRCI) activity and the Health Research Challenge for Delivery (HRCD) activity.

A. Health Research Challenge for Impact (HRCI)

A successful applicant will work with USAID and other partners to develop and test new or refined tools, approaches, interventions, and policies that contribute to the improved health status of infants, children, and mothers. HRCI will work with USAID and other partners to implement a research agenda that is structured from the beginning around a vision of how new research might lead to translation of research results into programs for maximal coverage and utilization.

B. Health Research Challenge for Delivery

A successful applicant for the HRCD project will address the “know-do” gap by managing research and evaluative activities on how to deliver, achieve coverage, and scale up existing evidence-based approaches that contribute to the improved health status of infants, children, and mothers in developing countries. It is anticipated that these research activities would usually occur within the context of existing service delivery programs and would focus on research and introduction activities and would not normally provide funding support to establish or support existing ongoing service delivery activities.

The full guidelines for RFA #USAID-M-OAA-GH-HSR-09-919 may be accessed at: 

http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=W9JpKBRKllSddStJrTYndy1TFNQtR3FnQlt8gyGMdnm4BZXB5pNd!-1575494556?oppId=46971&flag2006=false&mode=VIEW

Individual organizations, consortia, prime/sub award application, i.e. any application involving two or more of the same partner organizations are eligible to bid for either HRCI or HRCD, and may not submit proposals for both cooperative agreements.

Most recent internal deadline: May 12, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: May 22, 2009.

USDA - Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Sustainable Community Projects 

The mission of the CYFAR Program is to marshal resources of the Land-Grant and Cooperative Extension Systems so that, in collaboration with other organizations, they can develop and deliver educational programs that equip youth who are at risk for not meeting basic human needs with the skills they need to lead positive, productive, contributing lives.

The CYFAR Sustainable Community Projects has two strategic objectives:

• To support community educational programs for at-risk children, youth, and families which are based on locally identified needs, soundly grounded in research, and which lead to the accomplishment of one of four CYFAR National Outcomes; and
• To integrate CYFAR programming into ongoing Extension programs for children, youth, and families – insuring that at-risk, low income children, youth, and families continue to be part of Extension/4-H programs and have access to resources and educational opportunities.

The complete announcement can be accessed at:  http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/rfas/cyfar_scp.html

Because UK already has a CYFAR program, the institution can only submit ONE proposal for an additional program.  The USDA Request for Applications states that:  “Current CYFAR SCP grantees may submit an application for an additional new project; however, if the same community site is being used, a justification must be provided.”  In order to comply with this requirement, anyone at UK interested in submitting an application for an additional CYFAR program should contact Dr. Janet Kruzynske at jkurzyns@email.uky.edu to ensure that there is no overlap between the current program and the proposed additional program.

To deal with the USDA limitation of only one additional program submission, UK has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Thursday, October 1, 2009:

• Names and departments of the Principal Investigator and project team;
• Description (3-4 pages) - Including Project Title, CYFAR Outcome, Program Model, Community Sites. For each community site provide:(a) Location, county staff name, title: (b) Community staff name, title; and (c) Community and faith-based program partners.
• A statement that the PI has contacted Dr. Janet Kruzynske and she confirms her program does not overlap with what is being proposed.

A committee will be appointed to review the information and make recommendations as to the University’s submission.  The project team selected will be notified in time to prepare the proposal for electronic submission by the deadline of October 23, 2009.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

USDA - Extension Integrated Pest Management Coordination and Support Program

Description:

The primary elements of state IPM extension programs since inception have been to provide:

• A focal point for IPM team building, communication and stakeholder participation;
• Applied research and demonstration;
• Development of predictive models and information management systems;
• Preparation of manuals and fact sheets;
• Training programs for agents, consultants, scouts, growers, others; and
• Technical assistance and trouble shooting.
  

EIPM-CS funds help agricultural producers and other pest managers gain confidence in alternative pest management practices through training, demonstration, and evaluation of methods and strategies. These efforts will contribute to the achievement of national IPM goals. A strong NIFA/land-grant university partnership will enable EIPM – CS to address pest management challenges on an appropriate scale - from county level to multi-state production regions.

In the FY 2010 EIPM-CS RFA, NIFA announces two distinct components:

• COORDINATION proposals should be focused on the creation/enhancement of a program of extension IPM activities that address multiple program emphasis areas
  
• Support proposals should address a specific need identified in the announcement

Please note:  In FY 2010, an applicant institution is limited to submitting only ONE coordination and only ONE support application.  In FY 2010, no more than ONE EIPM-CS coordination program application will be accepted from each eligible institution.

Each qualifying application MUST be accompanied by a letter of support from the Extension Director/Extension Administrator or be submitted directly by the Extension Director/Extension Administrator. Submissions from an institution without endorsement by the Extension Director/Extension Administrator will result in the application being excluded from review. Multiple applications from a single institution for COORDINATION activities will result in all applications from that institution being excluded from review.

In the case of the University of Kentucky, the appropriate individual to issue the letter of support is Jimmy C. Henning, Associate Dean for Extension Programs.  Any individual interested in this program MUST contact Associate Dean Henning concerning the program.

Closing Date: January 14, 2010

Link to Full Announcement: http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/eipm_support_Program.html

USDA - International Science and Education (ISE)

The purpose of U.S. Dept. of Agriculture International Science and Education (ISE) is to support the internationalization of food, agriculture and related programs at U.S. universities and colleges.  The intent is that ISE will improve the ability of American students, business people, and community members to compete more effectively in the global world of agriculture.  ISE projects are to strengthen the global competence and competitiveness of American colleges, universities and businesses in the food, agriculture, and related sectors.  In addition, ISE projects must be directed to agricultural research, extension, and/or teaching activities that enhance the capabilities of American colleges and universities to conduct international collaborative research, extension and teaching.

Multi-year proposals, up to a maximum of four years, may be submitted.  The maximum amount under this program is $150,000 per award, and no Project Director (PD) or co-PD may receive and/or participate in more than one ISE grant concurrently.  In addition, no institution may receive and/or participate in more than one ISE grant as the lead organization.

Proposals should demonstrate how the proposed work responds to the specific needs and strengths of the university or college in addressing one or both of the following areas:

1. Strengthening the Global Competence of Students, Faculty, and Staff in Agriculture and Related Areas

Students, faculty, and staff should clearly understand international factors that affect U.S. food and agriculture, and faculty and staff should convey an understanding of the international dimensions of agricultural and related sciences to students.  Areas of emphasis may include but are not limited to:(a) planning, implementing and evaluating initiatives that enhance the international content of the curricula in colleges and universities so as to ensure that United States students acquire an understanding of the international dimensions and trade implication of their studies; (b) ensuring that U.S. scientists, extension agents, and educators convey the implications of their international findings to students, peers and other users in the United States; or (c) enhancing the capabilities of colleges and universities to conduct collaborative research with other countries, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, on issues relevant to U.S. agricultural performance.

2. Enhancing Business Performance in International Agriculture and Related Sectors

Through extension, research and/or teaching programs, enhance the ability of American agricultural producers, marketers and others in the agricultural community to operate effectively in the global arena.  Supportable activities include but are not limited to:(a) enhancing the capabilities of U.S. colleges and universities to provide cooperative extension education that promotes the application of new technology developed in foreign countries to U.S. agriculture; or (b) enhancing the capability of U.S. colleges and universities, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, to provide leadership and education programs in market identification, international trade policies, new or existing markets, and production efficiencies.  Such programs should strengthen the ability of American natural resources and food production, processing, and distribution businesses and industries to compete internationally.

The complete announcement, application guidelines and abstracts of funded projects can be accessed at:  http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/intl_science.html.

Because the USDA will allow each institution to submit no more than two proposals as the lead institution and will only award one grant to an institution acting as the principal or lead institution, UK has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Tuesday, December 8, 2009:

• Names and departments of the Project Director, project team, and any non-UK team members and/or collaborators
• Project description (3-4 pages) - include the project’s goals, objectives, proposed activities, and anticipated impact on internationalization

A committee will be appointed to review the information and make recommendations as to the University’s submissions.  The individuals selected will be notified in sufficient time to prepare the proposal for electronic submission by the deadline of January 28, 2010.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

USDA National Clean Plant Network Cooperative Agreements Program (NCPN)

The NCPN provides high quality, asexually propagated plant material free of targeted plant pathogens and pests that cause economic loss to protect the environment and ensure the global competitiveness of specialty crop producers.

Priorities for this program include: 1) establishing and supporting clean plant network governance and related administrative and support systems; 2) providing for operations needed for the rapid and safe introduction, diagnosis, treatment, foundation block establishment, and release of clean plant materials for planting from foreign and domestic sources for commercial development; 3) conducting research and methods development to accurately test, develop therapies, and support the establishment of guidelines and standards for different crop species for certification maintenance; 4) developing partnerships with land-grant and other university-based extension and outreach services to interact with commercial nurseries, industry associations, and producers; and 5) developing and implementing audit and quality controls.

The complete announcement, application guidelines and abstracts of funded projects can be accessed at:  http://www.aphis.usda.gov/mrpbs/fmd/downloads/NCPN_Announcement.pdf.   Cost sharing is not required but preferred.

Because the USDA limits an applicant to only one application and/or be a third party in an application submitted by another entity, UK has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Thursday, June 18, 2009:

• Names and departments of the Principal Investigator, project team, and any non-UK team members and/or collaborators
• Description (3-4 pages)  - Project goals, objectives, proposed activities, and performance measures
• Budget – also include source and amount of proposed cost sharing

A committee will be appointed to review the information and make recommendations as to the University’s submission.  The project team selected will be notified in time to prepare the proposal for electronic submission by the deadline of July 6, 2009.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

USDA/NUCFAC - U.S. Forest Service/National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council:  Urban and Community Forestry National Challenge Cost-Share Program – 2009 Special Focus Grant:  Outreach – Urban Forest Conference Scholarship Grants

This special focus grant will fund up to $100,000.00 for projects that provide scholarships to non-traditional/underserved participants.  The priority is to increase and strengthen urban forestry collaboration and partnerships by engaging non-traditional partners, individuals, and organizations that have an important stake in urban forestry, but may not be involved in day-to-day community forest management.  This is to be a sustained educational experience that will broaden their investment and participation in urban and community forestry beyond the scholarship sponsored event.  The sponsor only supports urban and community forestry project that have national or multi-state, significance in their impact or application. 

The complete announcement, application guidelines and abstracts of funded projects can be accessed at:  http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/nucfac.

Most recent external deadline: May 11, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: June 5, 2009. 

USDA/NUCFAC - U.S. Forest Service/National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council:  Urban and Community Forestry National Challenge Cost-Share Program – 2009 Special Focus Grant:  Storm Event Protocol

This special focus grant of up to $50,000.00 is for the development of a new storm event protocol that blends urban forest programs with emergency management operations.  The purpose is to reduce the impact of storms on urban forests, lessen personal injuries and property damage, and decrease emergency management costs.

Through the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry competitive Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program, the Council only supports urban and community forestry project that have national or multi-state, significance in their impact or application. 

The complete announcement, application guidelines and abstracts of funded projects can be accessed at:  http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/nucfac.

Most recent internal deadline: May 11, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: June 5, 2009.

USDA - Woody Biomass Utilization Grant Program

The USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, Technology Marketing Unit, located at the Forest Products Laboratory, requests proposals for forest product projects that address the nationwide challenge in dealing with low-valued material removed from hazardous fuel reduction activities on both public and private lands.

The hazardous fuels woody biomass utilization grant program is intended to help improve forest restoration activities by using and creating markets for low-valued material and woody biomass removed from forest restoration activities on both public and private forestlands. These funds are targeted to help communities, entrepreneurs, and others turn residues from hazardous fuel reduction and forest health activities into marketable forest products and/or energy products.

Individual grants under this program are $50,000 - $350,000, with a cost sharing requirement of at least 20% (cash or in-kind contributions). The program has a two-step application process. Pre-applications have a postmark deadline of November 20, 2009. USDA will invite successful pre-applicants to submit a full proposal that will be due April 2, 2010.Additional information and details are available at:  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/research/units/tmu/tmugrants.shtml

Because USDA limits an organization to one pre-application, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, October 12, 2009:

• Names and department of Project Director and Other Key Personnel
• Project description and its impact on National Forest System Lands Forest Restoration Activities (2 pages)
• Budget, including the source of the 20% required match

A committee will be appointed to review the information and make recommendations concerning the University’s submission. The individual selected to be UK’s applicant will be notified in sufficient time to prepare the pre-application for the November 20, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).