The Department of State invites applications from U.S. organizations with interest and expertise in conducting research and training to implement programs concerning the countries of Eastern Europe and the independent states of the former Soviet Union. Institutions of higher education or U.S.-based non-profit organizations that meet the provisions outlined in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC (501) (c) (3) may apply.

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to inform potential applicant organizations of programmatic, procedural, and funding information for the annual grant competition for the Program for the Studies of Eastern Europe and the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union (Title VIII). The grantor expects funds appropriated under the Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia (AEECA) heading of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023 (Div. K, P.L. 117-328) (FY 2023 SFOAA) this funding opportunity. Grantees will receive funds before September 30, 2024. This notice is subject to the availability of funding.Purpose:

In the Act, Congress declared its finding that independently verified, factual knowledge about the countries of Eastern Europe and the independent states of the former Soviet Union is critical to the national security of the United States, the furtherance of U.S. national interests in the conduct of foreign relations, and the prudent management of U.S. domestic affairs. Furthermore, Congress found that the development and maintenance of U.S. expertise in these regions depends upon a national capability for advanced research by highly trained specialists. Such specialists constitute a national resource potentially available for service in and out of government. In the Act, Congress also declared that providing a stable and dedicated source of financial support for Title VIII functions, beyond federal, state, local, regional, and private sector funding, is critical to maintaining this important research and training on a long-term, national scale.