Opportunity Information: Apply for HRV2021NOFO002
Pas Zagreb Emerging Voices NOFO 2021 (Funding Opportunity Number HRV2021NOFO002) is a discretionary grant competition run by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission to Croatia, through the U.S. Embassy Zagreb Public Affairs Section. The opportunity is designed to fund projects in Croatia that have clearly defined goals, practical activities, and measurable outcomes, with the broader intent of strengthening ties between the United States and Croatia while supporting civic, educational, and cultural priorities. The Embassy anticipated making around 15 awards, with individual grant amounts ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 25,000 (the award ceiling is USD 25,000), and it noted that partial funding could be offered even if a proposal requests more.
The program is organized around several key thematic areas. Under Economic Prosperity, the Embassy sought innovative projects that build STEM/STEAM skills for elementary and high school students in ways that make these fields more accessible and appealing to Croatian youth. It also encouraged educational initiatives that address corruption, promote transparency in government and business, and help improve Croatia’s overall investment climate. A third economic focus area is inclusive opportunity: projects that nurture business development skills and create pathways for women, minority communities, and rural residents across Croatia.
A second major theme is Holocaust Education. The Embassy invited projects for teachers and/or students that strengthen Holocaust education by using new resources, modern and creative teaching methods, and hands-on activities such as workshops. Eligible educators include those teaching grade seven and above, extending through university professors. Proposals could address related issues like antisemitism, law and justice, and genocide prevention, and the Embassy signaled a preference for projects that bring in U.S. experts for joint programming.
The Culture theme funded artistic and cultural programming meant to deepen the U.S.-Croatian partnership and highlight shared values. A central requirement here is a strong American cultural element, such as involvement by an American performing artist, author, innovator, fine artist, inventor, director, or similar figure. The goal is an active exchange that engages Croatian audiences and showcases the diversity of American experiences and achievements, including narratives of overcoming adversity.
The opportunity also emphasized English-Language Education, specifically projects that improve English through higher-order skills rather than basic instruction alone. The Embassy highlighted critical thinking (for example, analyzing complex problems, comparing interpretations, and recognizing cultural differences), communication (concise writing, drafting practical documents like college applications and CVs, critical reading, summarizing, presenting, and public speaking), and research skills (defining problems, collecting and interpreting information and data, and evaluating results).
Finally, the American Studies theme supported projects that strengthen American Studies content and curricula in Croatian high schools and universities, expand student access to accurate information about the United States (including the U.S. economy, history, literature, society, culture and values, and U.S. democracy), and encourage engagement with U.S. experts. Proposed formats could include virtual or in-person conferences, workshops, research collaborations, art exchanges, performances, lectures, and related initiatives intended to support ongoing U.S.-Croatian cultural dialogue.
Eligibility was limited to Croatian non-profit organizations and institutions, including educational institutions. Each organization could submit only one proposal, and organizations with active Embassy grants were not eligible to apply. All funded activities had to take place in Croatia, and budgets had to be submitted in U.S. dollars; proposals with budgets in Croatian kuna or other currencies would not be reviewed. Budgeting expectations were strict about clarity and detail, requiring line-item breakdowns (for example, specifying the number of nights and rate for accommodations rather than a single lump sum). The Embassy also listed clear cost restrictions: grant funds could not be used for religious or political activities, humanitarian or charitable activities, trade activities, construction, fundraising campaigns, or commercial projects. Entertainment costs were explicitly unallowable (including alcohol and social events framed as amusement), while refreshments could be included only if they were necessary to the program and kept minimal. Grantees would be required to provide both financial and program reports.
The notice provided a structured approach to budget justification. Applicants were expected to explain personnel and fringe costs (who is paid, at what level, and what percentage of time is charged to the project), travel and per diem (including justification for international travel if included), equipment (items costing USD 5,000 or more per unit and lasting more than a year), supplies (with the same USD 5,000 threshold separating supplies from equipment), contractual costs (vendor services and any sub-awards to non-profit partners), other direct costs (itemized, with “miscellaneous” entries explained), and indirect costs (overhead not directly tied to activities). The guidance also explained “cost sharing” as contributions from the applicant or other sources, including in-kind support like volunteer time or donated venues. A notable restriction is that equipment and supplies purchased under the grant could not be given away as gifts, prizes, or sub-grants.
Applications had to be written in English and include a specific package of required documents: the SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) and SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs) with their instructions, an application form not exceeding four pages, CVs for project leaders and any U.S. guests (if applicable), letters of support from partners or hosts, confirmation of successful SAM.gov registration, and an NGO registration letter confirming the organization’s NGO status. Aside from the required PDF forms, the Embassy asked applicants to submit materials in Microsoft Word and Excel formats when possible.
A major administrative requirement was SAM.gov registration, which the Embassy emphasized can take weeks. To apply and receive an award, organizations needed a unique entity identifier via a DUNS number (from Dun and Bradstreet) and also needed an NCAGE code, after which they could complete SAM.gov registration. The notice stressed that simply creating a SAM username and password is not the same as completing registration, and it reminded applicants that SAM registration must be renewed annually and is free. It also stated the Embassy could not provide support for SAM.gov registration issues.
Proposals were due by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on May 14, 2021, and had to be submitted by email to zagrebpdgrants@state.gov with the subject line “EV NOFO FY21.” Late submissions would not be considered. Applicants were told to expect an automated receipt reply and to follow up if they did not receive confirmation within one day. Funding decisions were to be communicated by June 4, 2021. Projects were expected to start after July 1, 2021 and be completed no later than July 1, 2022, and the Embassy made clear it would not reimburse any costs incurred before the grant agreement was signed.
Applications were reviewed competitively using stated criteria focused on quality and feasibility (clear design, practical implementation details, and a reasonable timeline), organizational capacity and past performance (ability to manage grant funds and deliver results), program planning and likelihood of achieving objectives (well-defined goals with strong expected impact), budget realism and detail (costs aligned with activities and outcomes), monitoring and evaluation (clear indicators, milestones, and a plan to measure success), and sustainability (evidence the benefits will continue after the grant ends). Questions were accepted only by email to zagrebpdgrants@state.gov, with no inquiries handled by phone, social media, or other channels.Apply for HRV2021NOFO002
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Croatia in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Pas Zagreb Emerging Voices NOFO 2021" 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 Mar 26, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 14, 2021. (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 $25,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 15 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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FAQs - PAS Zagreb Emerging Voices NOFO 2021 (HRV2021NOFO002)
What is PAS Zagreb Emerging Voices NOFO 2021?
PAS Zagreb Emerging Voices NOFO 2021 (Funding Opportunity Number HRV2021NOFO002) is a discretionary grant competition run by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission to Croatia, through the U.S. Embassy Zagreb Public Affairs Section. It funds projects in Croatia with clearly defined goals, practical activities, and measurable outcomes, with the broader intent of strengthening ties between the United States and Croatia while supporting civic, educational, and cultural priorities.
Who is running this grant competition?
The competition is administered by the U.S. Embassy Zagreb Public Affairs Section (U.S. Mission to Croatia), under the U.S. Department of State.
How many awards were expected to be made?
The Embassy anticipated making around 15 awards.
How much funding is available per award?
Individual grant amounts were expected to range from USD 10,000 to USD 25,000. The award ceiling is USD 25,000.
Can the Embassy offer partial funding if our request is higher than the ceiling?
Yes. The notice indicated that partial funding could be offered even if a proposal requests more than the available amount.
Where must funded activities take place?
All funded activities must take place in Croatia.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility was limited to Croatian non-profit organizations and institutions, including educational institutions.
Can an organization submit more than one proposal?
No. Each organization could submit only one proposal.
Can organizations with an active Embassy grant apply?
No. Organizations with active Embassy grants were not eligible to apply.
What themes or program areas does this opportunity support?
The notice organized eligible projects around five themes: Economic Prosperity, Holocaust Education, Culture, English-Language Education, and American Studies.
What kinds of projects are supported under Economic Prosperity?
Under Economic Prosperity, the Embassy sought innovative projects that (1) build STEM/STEAM skills for elementary and high school students in ways that make these fields more accessible and appealing to Croatian youth; (2) address corruption, promote transparency in government and business, and help improve Croatia's investment climate; and (3) expand inclusive opportunity by nurturing business development skills and creating pathways for women, minority communities, and rural residents across Croatia.
What kinds of projects are supported under Holocaust Education?
Holocaust Education projects could be designed for teachers and/or students and were expected to strengthen Holocaust education using new resources, modern and creative teaching methods, and hands-on activities such as workshops. Eligible educators include teachers of grade seven and above through university professors. Proposals could also address antisemitism, law and justice, and genocide prevention. The Embassy signaled a preference for projects that include U.S. experts for joint programming.
What is required for Culture projects?
Culture projects were meant to deepen the U.S.-Croatian partnership and highlight shared values. A central requirement is a strong American cultural element, such as involvement by an American performing artist, author, innovator, fine artist, inventor, director, or similar figure. The intent is an active exchange that engages Croatian audiences and showcases the diversity of American experiences and achievements, including narratives of overcoming adversity.
What is emphasized under English-Language Education?
The notice emphasized improving English through higher-order skills rather than basic instruction alone. Highlighted skills include critical thinking (such as analyzing complex problems, comparing interpretations, and recognizing cultural differences), communication (concise writing, drafting practical documents like college applications and CVs, critical reading, summarizing, presenting, and public speaking), and research skills (defining problems, collecting and interpreting information and data, and evaluating results).
What is supported under the American Studies theme?
American Studies projects were intended to strengthen American Studies content and curricula in Croatian high schools and universities, expand access to accurate information about the United States (including the U.S. economy, history, literature, society, culture and values, and U.S. democracy), and encourage engagement with U.S. experts. Formats could include virtual or in-person conferences, workshops, research collaborations, art exchanges, performances, lectures, and related initiatives supporting ongoing U.S.-Croatian cultural dialogue.
In what language must the application be written?
Applications had to be written in English.
What currency must the budget use?
Budgets had to be submitted in U.S. dollars (USD). Proposals with budgets in Croatian kuna or other currencies would not be reviewed.
How detailed does the budget need to be?
The notice required clear, detailed line-item budgeting. For example, applicants were expected to list the number of nights and the nightly accommodation rate rather than using a single lump-sum amount.
What costs are not allowed under this grant?
Grant funds could not be used for religious or political activities, humanitarian or charitable activities, trade activities, construction, fundraising campaigns, or commercial projects. Entertainment costs were explicitly unallowable (including alcohol and social events framed as amusement). Refreshments could be included only when necessary to the program and kept minimal.
Are refreshments ever allowed?
Yes, but only if they are necessary to the program and kept minimal.
Can grant funds be used for entertainment or alcohol?
No. Entertainment costs were explicitly unallowable, including alcohol and social events framed as amusement.
What reporting is required for grantees?
Grantees would be required to provide both financial and program reports.
What does the budget justification need to cover?
Applicants were expected to explain: personnel and fringe (who is paid, at what level, and what percentage of time is charged); travel and per diem (including justification for international travel if included); equipment (items costing USD 5,000 or more per unit and lasting more than a year); supplies (with the USD 5,000 threshold separating supplies from equipment); contractual costs (vendor services and any sub-awards to non-profit partners); other direct costs (itemized, with any "miscellaneous" explained); and indirect costs (overhead not directly tied to activities).
How does the notice define equipment versus supplies?
Equipment was defined as items costing USD 5,000 or more per unit and lasting more than a year. Items below that threshold fall under supplies, using the same USD 5,000 threshold distinction described in the guidance.
What is "cost sharing" in this opportunity?
Cost sharing was described as contributions from the applicant or other sources, including in-kind support such as volunteer time or donated venues.
Can equipment or supplies bought with grant funds be given away as prizes or gifts?
No. The notice stated that equipment and supplies purchased under the grant could not be given away as gifts, prizes, or sub-grants.
What application documents are required?
Required documents included: SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) and SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs) with their instructions; an application form not exceeding four pages; CVs for project leaders and any U.S. guests (if applicable); letters of support from partners or hosts; confirmation of successful SAM.gov registration; and an NGO registration letter confirming the organization's NGO status.
Is there a page limit for the application narrative/form?
Yes. The application form could not exceed four pages.
Are letters of support required?
Yes. Letters of support from partners or hosts were listed as part of the required application package.
Do we need to include CVs?
Yes. CVs were required for project leaders and for any U.S. guests, if applicable.
What file formats should applicants use?
Aside from the required PDF forms, applicants were asked to submit materials in Microsoft Word and Excel formats when possible.
What is SAM.gov and is registration required?
SAM.gov registration was a major administrative requirement. To apply and receive an award, organizations needed a unique entity identifier via a DUNS number (from Dun and Bradstreet) and also needed an NCAGE code, after which they could complete SAM.gov registration.
How long can SAM.gov registration take?
The Embassy emphasized that SAM.gov registration can take weeks.
Is creating a SAM username and password enough?
No. The notice stressed that simply creating a SAM username and password is not the same as completing SAM registration.
Does SAM.gov registration need to be renewed?
Yes. SAM registration must be renewed annually.
Is SAM.gov registration free?
Yes. The notice stated that SAM registration is free.
Will the Embassy help with SAM.gov registration problems?
No. The notice stated the Embassy could not provide support for SAM.gov registration issues.
When was the application deadline?
Proposals were due by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on May 14, 2021. Late submissions would not be considered.
How do applicants submit their proposal?
Applications had to be submitted by email to zagrebpdgrants@state.gov with the subject line "EV NOFO FY21."
What happens if an application is submitted late?
Late submissions would not be considered.
Will applicants receive confirmation after submitting by email?
Applicants were told to expect an automated receipt reply and to follow up if they did not receive confirmation within one day.
When were funding decisions expected?
Funding decisions were to be communicated by June 4, 2021.
When could projects start and when must they end?
Projects were expected to start after July 1, 2021 and be completed no later than July 1, 2022.
Can the grant reimburse costs incurred before the agreement is signed?
No. The Embassy made clear it would not reimburse any costs incurred before the grant agreement was signed.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications were reviewed competitively using criteria that included: quality and feasibility (clear design, practical implementation, reasonable timeline); organizational capacity and past performance (ability to manage grant funds and deliver results); program planning and likelihood of achieving objectives (well-defined goals and expected impact); budget realism and detail (alignment of costs to activities and outcomes); monitoring and evaluation (indicators, milestones, and measurement plan); and sustainability (evidence benefits continue after the grant ends).
What monitoring and evaluation information is expected?
The review criteria called for clear indicators, milestones, and a plan to measure success.
What does sustainability mean in the review process?
Sustainability referred to evidence that the project's benefits will continue after the grant ends.
How can we ask questions about the opportunity?
Questions were accepted only by email to zagrebpdgrants@state.gov.
Can we ask questions by phone or social media?
No. The notice stated that no inquiries would be handled by phone, social media, or other channels.
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