The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is soliciting applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) Initiative. The program operates under the Bureau for Inclusive Growth, Partnerships, and Innovation (IPI) through the Local, Faith, and Transformative Partnerships (LFT) Hub. Rooted in the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 (Smith-Mundt Act), ASHA aims to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries by supporting overseas institutions that reflect American ideas, values, and best practices. The initiative focuses on public diplomacy and advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives through partnerships between U.S. not-for-profit organizations and overseas schools, libraries, hospital centers, and centers of excellence.

The ASHA Initiative seeks to support institutions that highlight American values such as inclusion, tolerance, democratic participation, gender equality, and environmental resilience. Eligible projects may involve durable commodities, construction, or renovation activities designed to improve institutional capacity and performance while showcasing American practices. Public diplomacy outcomes are central to the program, with applicants required to demonstrate how their initiatives will foster increased awareness, positive attitude shifts, or behavioral changes toward the United States. Proposed activities must also align with USAID’s strategic priorities, including health security, democratic renewal, inclusive economic growth, and gender equity.

For FY 2025, USAID expects to allocate approximately $28.5 million in total funding, with individual awards capped at $2 million. There is no minimum award amount, and USAID typically issues between 20 and 30 awards annually. Projects involving only durable commodities will have a maximum implementation period of two years, while construction or renovation projects, or a combination of commodities and construction, will have up to four years for completion. Applicants are encouraged to secure leveraged funding from external sources to complement USAID’s investment.

Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based not-for-profit non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including public colleges and universities, with a demonstrated history of at least two years of partnership with the proposed overseas institution. Overseas institutions must be founded or sponsored by U.S. citizens and must not be under the control or management of foreign governments. Eligible overseas schools must provide English-language instruction and focus on secondary or higher education levels, while hospital centers must emphasize medical education and research. Centers of excellence and libraries must also align with ASHA’s public diplomacy and development goals.

Applications will be evaluated through a two-phase merit review process. In Phase 1, applicants will submit a concept note addressing eligibility, alignment with ASHA’s public diplomacy objectives, and proposed outcomes. Successful Phase 1 applicants will be invited to submit a more detailed Phase 2 application, including technical and cost proposals, evidence of land rights for construction projects, and audited financial statements. All applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and possess a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

The deadline for comments is January 17, 2025, at 4 PM EST. While the issue date for the full Request for Applications (RFA) and additional deadlines are yet to be announced, applicants are advised to monitor www.grants.gov for updates and clarifications. Questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted by the specified deadline, with responses provided via amendments to the RFA. USAID emphasizes the importance of adherence to submission requirements and will not reimburse costs associated with application preparation.