The Congo Basin Conclave II – Administrative Component Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) by the U.S. Department of State outlines a funding opportunity for projects focused on preserving the Congo Basin while balancing environmental concerns with economic opportunities for local communities and protecting indigenous peoples. Below is a detailed summary:

The program invites proposals for a single award of up to $150,000, with a performance period of 3-12 months. This cooperative agreement involves substantial involvement by the U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, including participant selection and event scheduling. Projects must focus on the administrative aspects of the Conclave, working in tandem with a cultural grant for integrated program delivery.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. For-profit organizations are excluded. Cost sharing is not required. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration on SAM.gov, though individuals are exempt from this requirement. Proposals must comply with Federal Assistance rules outlined in 2 CFR 200.

The goals include fostering cross-border collaboration among stakeholders, creating actionable plans for regional preservation projects, and developing community engagement strategies. The project will consist of preparatory national sessions in Congo Basin countries, followed by a regional dialogue in Kinshasa featuring thematic discussions, best practices sharing, and cultural outreach to highlight the value of preserving the Congo Basin.

Applications must include a detailed proposal (maximum six pages), budget justification, and supporting documents like resumes of key personnel and partnership letters. A strong emphasis is placed on clear objectives, program feasibility, organizational capacity, sustainability, and equity. All application materials must be submitted via email to the specified contact by February 14, 2025.

The review process evaluates applications based on criteria such as program feasibility, organizational capability, and impact potential. Awardees must adhere to reporting requirements, including financial and performance updates, and are subject to compliance with Federal policy standards.