The FY 2025 U.S. Study Abroad Engagement Grants (SAEGs) funding opportunity, issued by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Global Educational Programs, and the U.S. Embassy Windhoek, Namibia, supports projects that enhance international academic partnerships and diversify the destinations and participants of U.S. undergraduate study abroad programs. The total funding available is approximately $15,000, subject to availability, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Projects are expected to last 12 months or less, with a start date of June 1, 2025. The program utilizes FY25 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and can be implemented as a grant, fixed-amount award, or cooperative agreement. The Department of State reserves the right to approve continuation grants beyond the initial period based on funding availability and program performance.

The primary goal of SAEGs is to build foreign higher education institutions’ capacity to establish partnerships with U.S. institutions and host a greater number of U.S. students for study abroad experiences. Proposals may include activities such as capacity-building workshops, training for education administrators, site visits, collaborative program development, or other initiatives aimed at fostering academic partnerships. This program aligns with the broader USA Study Abroad efforts to expand and diversify U.S. study abroad destinations and participants while fostering international educational collaborations.

Eligibility extends to a wide range of applicants, including not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, government and public international organizations, and individuals. Organizations based outside Namibia must demonstrate an understanding of the Namibian context. While cost-sharing is not required, applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration at the time of application or before award finalization. Exemptions to these requirements may be requested under specific circumstances.

Applications must include a detailed proposal of up to six pages, addressing the project’s goals, objectives, activities, and methods, along with a timeline, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plans, and plans for sustainability. Required forms, including the SF-424 series, must be completed, and additional documents such as CVs, letters of support, and NICRA agreements, if applicable, should be submitted. The proposal must outline how the project supports equity, engages underserved communities, and includes American content. All application materials must be submitted in English and emailed to WindhoekPublicDiplomacy@state.gov by December 13, 2024.

Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as the quality and feasibility of the program idea, organizational capacity, clarity of goals and objectives, detailed budgeting, and plans for monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability. Priority will be given to projects that advance equity and involve underserved communities. A review panel will assess all eligible applications, and decisions will be announced in February 2025.

Award recipients must comply with U.S. federal regulations, including those outlined in 2 CFR 200. Reporting requirements will include both financial and programmatic updates as specified in the award document. Indirect costs may be included if justified, and the use of funds for certain prohibited activities, such as promoting mass migration to the U.S. southwest border, is not allowed. Detailed guidance on budget preparation and other post-award requirements is available for applicants.