Leaders for Change-Virtual Exchange Program | S DR860 20 NOFO 005

Opportunity Information: Apply for S DR860 20 NOFO 005

Leaders for Change - Virtual Exchange Program is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity offered through the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo. The program funds a single virtual exchange project that links one U.S. higher education institution with one Dominican higher education institution to run a structured online engagement for young people in both countries. The central aim is to strengthen U.S.-Dominican ties and deepen interest in higher education by having students collaborate across borders on practical projects and innovation, especially in periods of disruption or crisis. All proposals are expected to include clear U.S. content and a plan for meaningful, sustained interaction rather than one-off virtual events.

The project is designed for students ages 15 to 21 from the Dominican Republic and the United States, specifically those who are already motivated to create positive community impact, often through the use of technology. The exchange is meant to build more than cultural familiarity; it targets real skill development and mutual understanding. Program content should emphasize workforce development, social entrepreneurship, leadership, decision-making, and planning, with an overall focus on cultivating a mindset oriented toward positive change. Applicants are also expected to incorporate interactive learning modules on leadership, community issues, and digital citizenship, with the broader goal of helping participants gain 21st century global competency skills and learn to communicate effectively across cultures.

In terms of how the exchange should operate, the Embassy encourages a mix of live and non-live engagement. Proposals should include at least three synchronous sessions using common tools like Skype, Google Hangouts, Facebook Live, YouTube, or similar platforms, and these live touchpoints should be supported by ongoing asynchronous communication in between (for example, via WhatsApp, Snapchat, email, or text-based chats). The guidance makes it clear that high bandwidth is not required, and that a strong exchange can be built using accessible, low-tech options if needed. Dialogue formats should vary (small group, large group, and one-on-one when appropriate), with skilled facilitators present to guide conversations and ensure participants stay engaged. The Embassy also emphasizes that relationship-building should move past superficial cultural sharing and should focus on substantive discussion and collaboration.

A key expectation is that participants jointly design a project together and then carry it out in their local contexts, effectively creating parallel implementation with shared goals. Proposals should also include incentives or milestones that encourage participants to keep interacting beyond their project tasks, and they should culminate in a final event such as a guest speaker session, awards ceremony, performance, or another capstone moment that highlights what participants learned and produced. Evaluation is not optional; applicants are asked to integrate multiple assessment tools and use a logic model framework that clearly links inputs (resources), activities (what will be done), outputs (immediate deliverables), short-term outcomes (intermediate changes in knowledge/skills/behavior), and long-term outcomes (enduring impact attributable to the program).

Funding supports the practical costs of running an online exchange, including e-learning expenses, online platforms, virtual trainer or speaker fees, and reasonable equipment and materials. The proposal must also include a meeting with U.S. Embassy staff before the program begins. At the same time, the grant is not intended for certain categories of spending or work. It will not fund grants to individuals, academic or scientific research, completion of activities already funded elsewhere, political or partisan programming, ongoing salaries and routine overhead, major durable equipment purchases or construction, alcohol or excessive hospitality, direct charitable or social service delivery, religious activities, or fundraising campaigns.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant (CFDA 19.040) with an award ceiling of $25,000 and an expectation of one award. Eligible applicants include public/state-controlled and private institutions of higher education, with additional eligibility details referenced in the full notice. The opportunity was issued by the Department of State, U.S. Mission to the Dominican Republic, with applications submitted by email to SantoDomingoGrants@state.gov by the listed deadline (Tuesday, July 7, 2020, 11:59 p.m.).

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to the Dominican Republic in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Leaders for Change-Virtual Exchange Program" 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 Jun 05, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 07, 2020. (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 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for S DR860 20 NOFO 005

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