Strengthening the U.S.-Iraq Relationship through Higher Education Partnerships | DOS BAGHDAD PD 2019 015

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS BAGHDAD PD 2019 015

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Mission to Iraq (U.S. Embassy Baghdad), is offering a discretionary grant opportunity titled "Strengthening the U.S.-Iraq Relationship through Higher Education Partnerships" (Funding Opportunity Number: DOS BAGHDAD PD 2019 015). The program is designed to strengthen ties between the United States and Iraq by supporting practical, institution-to-institution collaboration in higher education. At its core, the opportunity seeks a single organization to create and run a one-year small grants program that will help build partnerships between U.S. institutions of higher education (including universities, colleges, and community colleges) and Iraqi public or private universities. The intent is not just to fund isolated activities, but to establish structured cooperation that transfers expertise, builds capacity, and produces tangible outcomes for participating Iraqi institutions and students.

Funding is expected to support one award, with an award ceiling of up to $1,000,000. The activity falls under the education category and is associated with CFDA 19.021. The Embassy is looking for an implementer that can operate a competitive small grants mechanism over the one-year period, meaning the recipient would likely design the application process for sub-awards, select partner projects, oversee implementation, and ensure proper reporting and accountability. Because the work involves multiple institutions and coordination across two countries, the implementer is expected to manage complex logistics, compliance requirements, and program monitoring in a challenging environment.

Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education themselves as direct applicants. In practice, this means a nonprofit would apply to administer the program while facilitating partnerships between U.S. and Iraqi universities, rather than a university applying as the prime recipient. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong track record working with both Iraqi and American higher education institutions, along with proven capacity to implement complicated programs in post-conflict settings. This emphasis signals that the Embassy is prioritizing operational experience, risk management, and the ability to deliver results despite security, political, or infrastructure constraints that can affect programming in Iraq.

Substantively, priority consideration is given to proposals that clearly show how American academic expertise will be introduced to the Iraqi partner universities. This can be interpreted as a preference for programs that go beyond symbolic exchanges and instead deliver concrete academic or institutional value, such as curriculum support, faculty development, joint research or teaching initiatives, quality assurance practices, student services improvements, lab or classroom pedagogy upgrades, and other forms of targeted technical assistance. The call also places special weight on employability outcomes for Iraqi students, specifically efforts that prepare students to enter the marketplace through internships and practical skills development. Competitive proposals would therefore be expected to incorporate work-based learning, industry-linked training, professional readiness components, or partnership structures that connect academic programs to real labor market needs.

The opportunity was posted on June 21, 2019, with an original closing date of August 16, 2019. Overall, the grant reflects a public diplomacy and development-oriented approach: using higher education partnerships as a durable platform for strengthening bilateral relationships while producing practical benefits inside Iraq, especially improved student job readiness and stronger institutional capacity through exposure to U.S. academic methods and expertise.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Iraq in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Strengthening the U.S.-Iraq Relationship through Higher Education Partnerships" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.021.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 21, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 16, 2019. (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 $1,000,000.00 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 DOS BAGHDAD PD 2019 015

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