Improving the Business Environment in Central Asia | SFOP0008900

Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0008900

The U.S. Department of State, through the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, is offering a discretionary grant opportunity called "Improving the Business Environment in Central Asia" (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0008900). The program is framed as an open competition, meaning eligible organizations can submit proposals to design and implement a project that supports improvements to the business and commerce environment in Central Asia. The announcement points applicants to the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the full program specifics, requirements, and selection criteria, but the basic intent is to fund work that contributes to stronger conditions for private sector activity, trade, investment, and related economic development outcomes in the region.

This opportunity uses a grant as the funding instrument and is categorized under Business and Commerce, with assistance listed under CFDA 19.108. The Bureau expects to make one award under this announcement, with an estimated maximum (award ceiling) of $1,975,000 for the single selected project. In practice, that implies one organization will be chosen to lead the program at a relatively large scale, likely coordinating multiple activities, partners, or engagements as needed to achieve measurable improvements tied to the program goals described in the NOFO.

Eligibility is limited to nonprofits that have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS, excluding institutions of higher education. That means the applicant organization must be a qualifying nonprofit entity and not a university or college; if the program allows subawards or partners, those details would be spelled out in the NOFO, but the prime applicant must meet the stated eligibility requirement. The opportunity was created on April 21, 2022, and the original application deadline (closing date) was June 30, 2022, so it is tied to that specific solicitation window unless the agency later amended or re-opened it through an official update.

At a high level, applicants were being invited to propose a structured, outcomes-focused program aimed at improving the overall business environment in Central Asia. While the short summary does not list the exact activities, grants under this type of State Department business-environment theme often emphasize practical reforms and capacity-building work such as reducing regulatory barriers, supporting transparent commercial practices, strengthening dialogue between government and the private sector, encouraging policy improvements that foster entrepreneurship and investment, and improving the ability of local stakeholders to implement and sustain pro-business changes. Any organization applying would need to align its approach with U.S. foreign policy and economic objectives for the region and present a clear plan for implementation, monitoring, and results as required in the full NOFO.

• The Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in the business and commerce sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Improving the Business Environment in Central Asia" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.108.
• This funding opportunity was created on Apr 21, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 30, 2022. (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 $1,975,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for SFOP0008900

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