Civic Education Project | DOSPNG 23 GR 003

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOSPNG 23 GR 003

The Civic Education Project is a U.S. Department of State (U.S. Mission to Papua New Guinea, Embassy Port Moresby Public Diplomacy Section) grant opportunity seeking organizations to implement a long-term youth civic education program focused on the Constitution of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The core idea is to help young people in PNG better understand the constitution as a unifying national framework in a highly diverse country, and to turn that understanding into practical civic skills and participatory democratic behavior. The selected implementing organization is expected to design, manage, and deliver an extended, hands-on program that does not just teach civics in theory, but actively trains youth to interpret constitutional principles, engage with institutions, and practice democratic processes like debate, negotiation, and compromise.

The program is specifically targeted to youth ages 15 to 25 in Hela and Morobe Provinces, and it must be implemented in both provinces under the award. Over a three-year period, the project aims to reach large numbers of youth (the opportunity states an objective of engaging at least 4,000 youth total, while also indicating the implementer should aim for at least 2,000 participants per province). Participants should be in good social standing and demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to public service. A major emphasis is placed on inclusion and gender equity: proposals are expected to ensure participants are at least 60 percent female. The program is also meant to create a multiplier effect, where top participants gain the skills and support needed to lead future cohorts and expand the model to additional communities and regions over time.

In terms of content and activities, applicants are encouraged to build an interactive curriculum centered on PNGs constitutional foundations and legal system, while also incorporating comparative learning about the U.S. constitutional system, including Americas post-colonial history, the basics of U.S. federal and state structures, and the separation of powers across three branches of government. Delivery methods are expected to be practical and participatory, using activities like mock legislative sessions, mock trials, legislative trainings, legal workshops, debates and structured discussions, community service activities, and culturally grounded events. The program should also connect youth directly with real institutions and decision-makers through meetings with provincial, regional, and national officials, as well as judges, health officials, and law enforcement officers, so participants gain realistic exposure to how governance and accountability work in practice.

Implementation expectations are substantial and operationally detailed. The grantee must collaborate closely with village, provincial, and national leaders, coordinate with the U.S. Embassy Port Moresby, and work alongside other organizations running similar youth legislative initiatives (UNFPA is specifically mentioned). Proposals that build on or plug into existing youth legislative programs are prioritized, signaling that the funder wants alignment with ongoing efforts rather than stand-alone activities. The implementer is expected to manage the practical logistics of youth programming at scale, including transportation, accommodation, meals, incidentals, health and safety planning, and cost efficiency. Because the target group includes minors, applicants must also plan for legal and administrative requirements related to youth participation and ensure appropriate adult supervision throughout program activities.

The opportunity also calls for clear program design and accountability. Applications must describe how beneficiaries will be selected, how training will be delivered, what curriculum will be used (including a sample curriculum), and a timeline that maps activities across the performance period. Built-in evaluation is required: the implementing partner must include specific evaluation and follow-up metrics to track learning outcomes and longer-term impacts. Beyond training, the program is expected to produce tangible youth-created outputs, including a participant-developed preamble to a youth constitution in Tok Pisin and a written or recorded playbook of legislative best practices intended to guide future youth leaders and aspiring parliamentarians.

The project includes a pathway component for high-performing participants. The most active and successful youth should be given opportunities to take part in broader national or international civic and legislative experiences, such as national youth parliament programs in Port Moresby or Model UN opportunities in the United States. The budget may include travel for top participants to attend events in Port Moresby or the U.S., or to bring subject matter experts to PNG, reinforcing that this is intended to be an ongoing leadership pipeline rather than a one-time workshop series.

From a funding and administrative standpoint, the award is issued as a cooperative agreement (meaning the U.S. government expects to be more actively involved than under a standard grant). The total funding available is up to $250,000, subject to availability of funds, with up to two awards anticipated and an award ceiling of $250,000. The performance period can be up to 36 months, supported under FY2023 funding authority (Fulbright-Hays Act). Eligible applicants are broad and include various levels of government, public and private higher education institutions, tribal governments and organizations, and nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status. Cost sharing and in-kind support are welcomed but not required, and examples include donated space or venues, equipment, discounted lodging, transportation, or meals.

The timeline described in the notice places the award in September 2023, staffing and training in fall 2023, and the first major cohort running roughly February through October 2024, followed by higher-level participation opportunities in November. A second cycle led by top participants is expected from February through October 2025, with follow-on activities (including small grants programming) continuing across the grant period. Overall, the opportunity is designed to build sustained civic knowledge, practical democratic skills, and a youth leadership network grounded in PNGs constitution, while also strengthening understanding of U.S. governance structures through comparative civic education.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Papua New Guinea in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Civic Education Project" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Apr 18, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 15, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for DOSPNG 23 GR 003

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